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Schwinn IC3 Review

Quick Summary

The Schwinn IC3 is a streamlined indoor cycle trainer with smooth-running 40-pound drive. Sale priced $649 with free delivery, it’s a top bargain for high-intensity spinning amid the comforts of home. Riders benefit from a better mix of features than we’d expect for the price: the heavy flywheel, multi-grip handlebars, dual SPD pedals, a wireless pulse receiver, space for your mobile device, and more. We also like the quiet resistance system that allows ultra-precise challenges. Read on for a full review!

Specifications

Model Schwinn IC3
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%
List Price

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

$649
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.

Adjusts with Dial
Infinite Choices
Resistance Type

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

Belt Drive
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).

Indoor Cycle
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.

40-lb. Flywheel
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.

Adjusts Horizontally & Vertically
Pedals

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

Toe Cages
Programs

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

0
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.

Chest Strap Compatible
Display

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

3" x 4" LCD
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).

45”x 23”x 49”
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/Electrical: 2 Years
Labor: 1 Year

Rating: 82%

Our Rating

Rating: 82/100. The Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike is a $649 spin bike with home use warranty. It has a minimalist design, but it’s equipped with good basics to satisfy a serious trainee. One highlight is the drive, which at 40 pounds is heftier than the norm for the price. You also get dual pedal design, multi-grip handlebars and wireless heart rate compatibility… also uncommon features for the price. We also like how the resistance is continuous, not incremental; you adjust it with a dial for customized settings.

When we describe this bike as “minimalist,” we mean that it lacks the non-essential features found on more expensive leaders like the Peloton spin bike and NordicTrack exercise bikes with iFit Coach. Those rides deliver video of spin classes on demand; have music speakers; support social interaction and more.

The streamlined Schwinn IC3 measures 45” long, 23” wide and 49” tall. It weighs 100 pounds but can be repositioned easily thanks to caster wheels.

This trainer is rated safe for cyclists up to 300 pounds.   

Pros:

  • 40-pound drive
  • Dual SPD pedals
  • Padded multi-grip handlebars
  • Vertical/horizontal seat and handlebars adjustment
  • Data monitor
  • Chest strap compatible
  • Water bottle holder
  • Two-year warranty on parts and electronics

Cons:

  • No preset workouts
  • No cooling fan
  • Reviewers note the seat is hard and narrow

Introduction

The IC3 is a low-priced spin bike from Schwinn Fitness. Sized for virtually anyone’s home, it packs an impressive set of features into a compact space. Highlights include a 40-pound drive, dual SPD pedals and a data monitor that’s compatible with wireless heart rate transmitters.

Workout Programs

The IC3 has a data monitor as described below, but no workout programs. Any changes to the resistance are made manually, controlled with a dial.

Schwinn IC3 Features

Resistance comes from a 40-pound flywheel with quiet belt drive. A dial for resistance is set beneath the handlebars.

The handlebars are shaped to support multiple riding poses. They’re padded for comfort.

The IC3 data monitor measures 3” x 4”. It shows one field at a time, rotating your RPM, time, calories, distance and speed. The monitor can also show your pulse; the IC3 is chest strap compatible.

Dual SPD pedals let you choose between toe cages and shoe clips.

The bike seat position is easily adjusted vertically and horizontally.

Room is provided for an oversized water bottle and for holding your MP3 player or other mobile device.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum user height of the Schwinn IC3?

The bike is designed for users between 4’11” and 6’9″ in height.

What does the data console on the Schwinn IC3 display?

In addition to standard metrics such as time, distance, and calories, the console also displays RPMs and heart rate.

Can you change the bike seat on the Schwinn IC3?

Yes, the bike seat can be changed out and replaced.

Does the Schwinn IC3 use magnetic resistance?

Yes, the bike uses silent magnetic resistance.

What is the difference between Schwinn IC3 and IC4?

The IC3 comes telemetry-enabled while the IC4 includes a Bluetooth heart rate armband unit.

Warranty & Guarantee

The Schwinn IC3 warranty includes:

– Frame: 5 years

– Parts:  2 Years

– Electronics: 2 Years

– Wear Parts: 1 Year

Additionally Schwinn Fitness spin bikes have six-week money-back guarantees.

Conclusion

The Schwinn IC3 is a good choice for at-home spinning if you aren’t interested in extra features such as workout programming and exporting your workout data. This discount trainer lacks the bells and whistles of a Peloton or NordicTrack, but it’s a top value if you’re set on a spin bike under $1,000.

7 Comments

  • Tom Jones January 4, 2021 at 9:32 pm from Cincinnati, Ohio
    I had hip surgery at the start of the pandemic. With no PT program because of hospital lock down, the Schwinn IC3 became a perfect non-impact rehab solution. Sturdy and steady (I’m not a small guy) it spins quiet and smooth, the crank and pedal feel is like an Italian road bike set up for consistency and and control. I don’t need programs, just a sturdy solution. This is a good value- priced right, works perfectly.
  • Jaime May 12, 2020 at 11:55 pm from Calif
    Has any found the pedals to have too much float? It seems excessive. Adjusted tension of pedal but that just changed the required step in force
  • valentina gabela April 15, 2020 at 9:31 am from NJ
    I like the bike.. I find there is not enough resistance. I have to put the knob all the way to the left when I am working more intensely. I would like to know if this is adjustable.. Otherewise it is great for the money and getting me through this shut down
    • FitRated April 16, 2020 at 5:05 pm
      Hi Valentina, thanks for leaving your feedback. Unfortunately, there's no way to increase the resistance of the bike above the highest setting. Glad to hear that you are getting good use of the bike through this stay at home period!
  • Jeff February 17, 2019 at 2:57 pm from Chico, CA
    I'm 6'1" and the seat won't raise high enough for a proper fit. Bummer of a deal breaker because otherwise a great bike for $500
    • Brent March 7, 2019 at 10:53 am from MD
      Did yours develop a loud sound due to the tension knob during spinning?
      • Courtney Grafton March 7, 2019 at 12:43 pm
        Hi Brent. Since this is a weighted flywheel without magnetic braking, there will be more of an audible sound when using the bike as the wheel is heavier. If you think the sound may be due to a malfunction, we advise contacting customer support with Schwinn. This can be found at this link https://global.schwinnfitness.com/en/contact-us.html

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