Whether you’re curious about indoor cycling and ready to start your *spin*ternship or you’re just looking for a simple piece of equipment that’ll keep you active while reading or watching TV, you may wanna check out the Schwinn IC3.
It’s a no-frills, moderately priced indoor cycling bike that’s more compact and portable than many others.
And while Fancy ain’t its name, it won’t let you down — reviewers say it solidly delivers on value and performance.
Read on to see if the Schwinn IC3 indoor cycling bike is a gotta-have for your home gym.
Schwinn IC3 pros
- moderately priced
- wireless
- limitless resistance options
- 40-lb. flywheel offers a sturdy ride
- clip-in shoes optional
Schwinn IC3 cons
- more expensive than some similar no-frills bikes
- not Bluetooth-enabled
- no display readout for resistance level
- not suitable for very tall or very short folks
Schwinn IC3 deets
Here’s everything you need to know before adding the Schwinn IC3 to your cart.
Cost and setup
The bike itself is $649 with free shipping (woop woop!), and in-home assembly will cost you an extra $129.
It’s an OK alternative to more expensive indoor cycling bikes (like those from Peloton, Echelon, Myx, Stryde, etc.) — especially if you BYO tablet.
Reviewers also report that setup is super easy as long as you read the instructions — in case you wanna save that $129 setup fee and spend it on cycling shoes, a streaming fitness subscription, a sleek new water bottle, or some Bluetooth earbuds for your new bike adventure.
Product features
So, what sets this bike apart from the numerous other indoor cycling bikes that have popped up over the past several years?
Some of its best features:
- tablet holder
- oversized water bottle holder
- fully adjustable seat and handlebars
- multiple grip positions
- ventilated seat
- pedals that work with regular shoes or clip-ins
- “infinitely variable resistance,” per Schwinn’s website (meaning it’s fully adjustable)
- wireless heart rate tracking
And here are some of the important specs:
- Dimensions: 45 x 23 x 49 inches
- Max user weight: 300 pounds (lbs.)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs. (A++… a heavier flywheel = a sturdier ride!)
- Display: LCD; tracks heart rate, time, distance, calories, and RPM
Unlike higher-end bikes, the Schwinn IC3 doesn’t require a membership to unlock the bike’s full potential. It’s simple but satisfying.
It’s also wireless, so you can set it up anywhere. It just needs two AAs to power the display.
Company policies
Financing is available for the bike through the Schwinn credit card, which offers 0 percent interest for an 18-month payment plan — if you qualify.
Schwinn also offers a generous 6-week return window, but return shipping will be subtracted from your refund total.
The warranty covers the frame for 5 years, mechanical and electrical defects for 2 years, and labor for 1 year.
You can also add a Schwinn Protection Plan to extend parts and labor coverage to 3 years ($59) or 5 years ($89).
What reviewers think
The three main strong points that reviewers mention are the bike’s easy setup, quiet ride, and fairly compact size.
However, several reviewers report that the seat is uncomfortable. If you buy, be ready to buy a seat cushion or a comfier seat so it’s not a literal PITA.
There’s also no way to track the resistance level you’re using, which is a minor annoyance for some reviewers. Heavy users also report that the bike makes some grinding or squeaking noises during more intense workouts.
Finally, taller folks and shorter folks alike seem to have issues with the bike’s height, even with the seat and handlebars adjusted as far as they can be.
What’s there to see about the other IC?
Schwinn also offers the IC4 bike model, which is a souped-up version of the IC3. It’s made for streaming fitness, with Bluetooth connectivity to apps like JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift.
It also has a built-in USB charging port and dumbbells, along with a Bluetooth heart rate armband, dual bottle holders, and a full-color display. You’ll still need to BYO tablet or phone to watch workouts, though.
It costs $999 but ships free. The IC4 also comes with a 6-month free trial of the JRNY app (a $120 value).
So, while the IC3 is less expensive, it’s also made for more casual workouts. The IC4 is the one you’ll wanna go with if you’re looking for app connectivity, progress tracking, and a more Peloton-esque experience.
Should you get the Schwinn IC3?
Is the IC3 the right bike for you? It depends on a few factors.
Your goals
If you want an indoor cycling bike that you can hop on for occasional freestyle rides, or one that you can park in front of the TV, this is a great choice.
If you’re a streaming fitness enthusiast and want all the app connectivity and tracking features, you’ll want to upgrade to the IC4 or a similar bike. For one that also comes equipped with a touch-screen display, look into Echelon, Peloton, MYX, or Stryde.
Your budget
You can spend as much or as little on a bike as you want to these days. The Schwinn IC3 sits right in the middle of the average price, although you can find similar no-frills bikes on Amazon in the $300 to $400 range (not from recognizable or trusted brands, though).
Brands like Schwinn and Stryde don’t require you to buy a membership to their app, so you can use free workouts or an inexpensive streaming workout service or do your own thing.
How connected you want to be
The IC3 keeps it simple — and seems almost primitive compared with bikes (including the IC4) that offer Bluetooth connectivity, progress tracking, individualized feedback and recommendations, and automatic resistance adjustments.
If you want a tech-enhanced experience, then keep shopping (and be prepared to drop a little more dough).
The bottom line
Looking for a real basic B(ike)? The Schwinn IC3 is it — in a good way.
It’s no-frills, compact, wireless, and moderately priced, so it’s perfect for the casual indoor cyclist or as a healthier alternative to the couch when you’re watching TV.
BRB, going for a Schwinn.
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