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Schwinn Classic Cruiser Review

Quick Summary

Ride down memory lane, but with modern fun! The Schwinn Classic Cruiser exercise bike is a retro-looking ride with Bluetooth to connect workout apps. A favorite option is the Schwinn Classic Cruiser app, which has a workout video game. Steer with skill through a 1950s town to beat your high score! The Cruiser can also connect with RideSocial and similar apps that show virtual reality bike routes. Read on for details about the programming and parts for this new classic.

Specifications

Model Schwinn Classic Cruiser
Rating

Our custom rating considers all of the bike's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!

82.50%
List Price

Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.

$799
Best Price

Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the current best price. Note: MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.

$649
Resistance

The flywheel in an exercise bike is what creates resistance. You can choose the level of resistance to increase your workout intensity.

7
Resistance Type

The type of resistance shows what kind of flywheel is being used (if any), and its weight if the manufacturer provides it.

Eddy Current Brake
Type

Type refers to the style of the ride: Recumbent bikes allow you to lay back, while Upright bikes are more like road bikes (lean forward).

Stationary
Drive System

The bike's drive system is how your pedaling interacts with the rest of the bike (flywheel) to give you a good workout.

N/A
Frame

It's important to choose an exercise bike that will last, and the material of the frame determines how durable the bike is.

Standard
Seat

The most important part for comfortability during your workout, the seat should be adjustable and have ample cushioning.

Padded
Pedals

Pedals are the driving force for an exercise bike, and should be comfortable, adjustable, and easy to control without slipping.

Standard
Programs

Bike Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.

4+
Heart Rate

Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.

no
Display

Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.

Retro Speedometer & Odometer
Max. Weight

Max. User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that the bike can safely support, which can represent durability.

300 lbs
Dimensions

Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this treadmill will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).

47.5"x 22.5”x 48"
Accessory Tray

Some bikes include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.

Speakers

Cooling Fans

Portable?

Some exercise bikes can fold up and/or have wheels that make it easy to roll them around for convenience and to save space.

Warranty

The warranty is a very important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs by the manufacturer.

Frame: 5 years
Mechanical: 1 year
Electronics: 1 year
Labor: 90 days

Rating: 82.50%

Our Rating

Rating: 82.50/100. Styled for fun exercise, the Schwinn Classic Cruiser mixes nostalgic charm with modern workout programming. For $799 it can be a very rewarding investment in at-home fitness. While the Cruiser isn’t the most forceful bike on the block, it’s wonderfully effective at motivating people to keep active.

The Classic Cruiser exercise bike has the look of a mid-1900s beach cruiser. Most eye-catching are its shiny red paint, curvaceous frame and retro Schwinn logo. Next we notice details like the exercise timer, which looks like a bike bell from afar, and traditional hand brake hardware. The Schwinn Cruiser is so thoughtfully designed that it actually enhances home decor; it’s not like other fitness machines that look industrial and are often stashed away between workouts.

Modern stationary bike features start with the resistance system, which is magnetic for quiet operation. With seven tension levels you can choose from light, medium and stronger strength-training to complement your cardio workouts. Shifting is handlebar-based or controlled by workout programs.

Bluetooth is also aboard for tracking data and training with mobile apps. A favorite is a 1950s-inspired video game, part of the free Schwinn Classic Cruiser mobile app. Schwinn’s game lets you simulate bike rides through an old-fashioned town, doing your best to dodge the paperboy’s newspapers, lawn flamingos and other obstacles! Game controls are built into the exercise bike handlebars for an interactive feel.

The Schwinn app can also show your data for exercise in manual mode, a timed goal mode, and an interval workout program.

Bluetooth also lets you enjoy the Classic Cruiser exercise bike with partner apps like RideSocial and Zwift. These apps use HD video of scenic destinations to simulate outdoor training.

Overall this ride seems like a good match for most households. To fit a wide variety of body sizes, it has adjustable handlebars and a lever for adjusting the saddle position. For safety the manual advises that the Classic Cruiser is only for riders ages 14 and up. The user weight capacity is 300 pounds.

The Classic Cruiser weighs 73 pounds, which is respectable for a home exercise bike. It takes just under 4 feet x 2 feet of floor space and has a power cord. Transport wheels are built into the cute-as-heck frame.

Pros:

  • Great-looking
  • Compact
  • Smooth electromagnetic resistance
  • Adjustable handlebars and seat position
  • Cushioned saddle
  • Old-fashioned timer counts down 20 minutes
  • Speedometer and odometer
  • Media holder for a mobile device or magazine
  • Bluetooth for connecting with the Schwinn Classic Cruiser app, RideSocial and other mobile apps
  • Levelers and transport wheels

Cons:

  • Only seven resistance levels
  • Does not track heart rate
  • Light maintenance required regularly (lubricating the machine and tightening bolts)
  • Short warranty on labor (90 days)

Introduction

The Schwinn Classic Cruiser exercise bike mixes a vintage look with modern features for smooth performance and training support. Here we describe the workout programs, machine parts, warranty and guarantee.

Workout Programs

Workout programming for the Schwinn Classic Cruiser is potentially unlimited. The bike has Bluetooth for connecting with Apple/Android exercise apps from Schwinn and other providers.

First, the Schwinn Classic Cruiser app is a free option for workout guidance and tracking your results. It supports manual mode, a 14-minute interval workout, a timed workout, and an exercise video game. The video game simulates a ride through a 1950s town. Using controls on the Cruiser’s handlebars, you can earn points by dodging dogs, newspapers and other obstacles.

Second, the Classic Cruiser is compatible with other fitness apps. For example, built into the Schwinn Classic Cruiser app is a preview of RideSocial, an app that lets you ride a selection of real-life routes as depicted in HD video. With RideSocial you see yourself and other riders mixed into the scenery. You can even meet up with friends! The Cruiser also works with Zwift and other apps for social exercise with virtual destinations.  

Schwinn Classic Cruiser Features

The Schwinn Classic Cruiser mobile app tracks the following data about bike workouts: user, date and time, distance, duration, average speed, highest speed, RPM and calories. Additionally a vintage-looking speedometer with odometer is built into the console. It displays miles and kilometers.

This bike uses magnetic resistance, so shifting is smooth and quiet. With seven tension levels you can choose easy pedaling or more strenuous exercise. A resistance shifter is attached to a handlebar.

To fit a wide range of body types, the Cruiser has adjustable handlebars and adjustable seat position. Adjusting the handlebars takes a few minutes; you’ll need a tool. Adjusting the seat takes just a few seconds with a pull-out pin.

When assembling the bike you can attach a media rack. It’s sized to support a magazine or mobile device.

A workout timer attaches to the left handlebar. Turning the dial all the way, you’ll get a 20-minute countdown.

Transport wheels and levelers are attached.

Warranty & Guarantee

Schwinn’s factory-direct warranty for the Classic Cruiser provides the following coverage:

– Frame: 5 years

– Mechanical: 1 year

– Electronics: 1 year

– Labor: 90 days

Additionally the Cruiser exercise bike has a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Conclusion

The Schwinn Classic Cruiser exercise bike helps make fitness fun. Its cuteness is unrivaled, plus this bike has a mind for modern tech. It’s a bit simple for the most serious athletes, but for the typical household the Classic Cruiser is a top contender under $1,000.

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