Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike overview

Schwinn 230 is a mid-priced recumbent bike that has a variety of workout options. It is very comfortable with whistles and a number of bells which help more effective low impact cardio workout in your home. Its large console including pre-set program helps you to monitor workout. Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is adjustable for the level of intensity using magnetic resistance and also adjustable with your size to get a more comfortable workout.

At the price you seem to look for a lot of extras but it’s important they work with your need.
So, you have to be sure among few things that the bike is the right one for you.

As the result of in-depth research of the bike, all things are covered in this review.

Sturdiness

The single piece frame and oversize tubing prevent wobbling of shaking at any intensity. It supports with sturdiness from starting to more vigorous exercising.

For the uneven floor, it has three levelers to level up the bike. Two are on the back stabilizer bar to keep the bike stable and one in the middle of the frame rail prevents the frame to flex.

Longevity

Customers that have used for a year of more found that it is excellent for constant use without any problem. It is still solid like brand new and they expect to use many more years. Most of the users say, it is one of the best recumbent bikes.

Adjustability

The horizontal seat position is adjustable at different heights. Customers say it comfortably fits from 4 ft 11 inches to 6 ft 3 inches.

People below 4 ft 11 inches can also use the bike comfortably but it depends on their leg length.

While off the bike, press down the lever at the side of the seat to adjust the seat. Then move the seat backward or forward to your comfortable position. To adjust the bike, you need to get off from it. Lift the lever up after adjustment to lock it.

This recumbent bike is able to be used by multiple users because; its simplest and quickest adjustment method takes seconds to adjust.

Resistance

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike has 13lbs perimeter weighted flywheel which helps smooth pedaling through all resistance levels without pulling you. At higher resistance levels, you may still get a little uneven.

It builds up a momentum that is very helpful to pull the pedals through the pedal stroke.

Pedals

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike has one piece crank that holds up well pedaling at all resistance and intensity levels.

Though it is not as strong as three piece cranks which are available on Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike but customers are satisfied with the pedals and crank arms of the bike.

The horizontal distance between the pedals is 8.75 inches so user’s leg will be wider than using an outdoor bike.

The pedals are standard in size and provide enough surfaces for most users to get the grip and leverage for comfortable pedaling.

The plastic straps are with holes. To hold the plastic knob in place, you have to insert them on the pedal. They should fit shoe sizes to 13. Be a little careful to avoid strap ripping during undoing them.

It is not compulsory to use the straps if you find your feet stay on pedals anyway.

Comfort

Seat

It is made with molded plastic with holes to prevent heat and ensures a little air flow to your body. It looks like a chair which is very comfortable for long time workout.

Because of the plastic seat, you may face slipping forward as you pedal and dips downward slightly.

That means you have to adjust your comfortable seating position time to time.
Some people find the seat comfortable even though it is not padded but others dislike the shape of the backrest.

The seat is at a comfortable height and very easy to get off or get on the bike for all kind of people.

Handlebars

There are two sets of handlebars. The main pair is the side of the seat as expected on a recumbent bike including the pulse sensors connected with the grip, you can monitor your heart rate during exercise. These are level with the seat and very easy reach for stability and gripping for heart rate monitoring.

Another pair of the handlebar is at the front of the console without heart rate sensors. But it is also very useful for different riding position or for a change of position during continuous pedaling.

Both handlebars are helpful and easy to grip even your hands get wet. They also help to get on or off the bike.

Dust & Dirt

As an indoor workout bike and it does not generate any dust itself but sweat can be corrosive. Putting it on a rubber mat prevents sweat dropping and does not damage the floor.

Noise

Schwinn 230 bike is made for home use so obviously, it is noiseless. The loudest noise during the workout you will hear is your heavy breathing. You can exercise while others sleep in the home without disturbing them.

Storage

This bike has 64/24 inches footprint and it does not fold for storing. So it is better that you find a good place to set it where you feel comfortable to exercise.

For example, if you want to watch TV during the workout then you can place it in front of the TV in your home.

It weighs 81.6lbs including small transport wheels in front of the bike. They hold most of the weight so, to move the bike to another place, you just need to navigate it. If you try moving across a wood floor, you will find the wheels do not scratch.

Assembly

Schwinn 230 comes with part-completed. It mostly takes one or two hours to assemble for most people. It is very easy to follow the instructions, the manual is usually written in English, French, and Spanish

Though it includes the assembly tools but you may need a scissor or a knife to cut the package away.

The frame and drive come together. You just need to add the parts below-

Stabilizer bars
Pedals
Handlebar
Seat
Backrest
Water bottle holder
Console post
Console

A piece of cardboard where the hardware is attached labels each part which is helpful to find the instructions except for the console.

The lineup pieces do not need any force to get the parts together.

Two people can easily assemble the bike. An extra pair of hands is helpful to hold heavy parts while it is screwed.

Console

The console of this bike helps to set the program you need to follow or you also can use the quick start setting, store workout results, check your programs and upload to Schwinn connect and myfitnesspal.

The console is large with dual display. It has a ledge at below the upper display to put a tablet or phone or iPod.

USB port and MP3 port also placed at the top of the console. The USB port is useful to charge your MP3 or tablet or phone and you can also insert a USB drive into it to download your workout results from your fitness account.

The MP3 port is useful for plugging in the media cable to use speakers.
The large upper display shows information below-

User information
Course profile
Workout level (1-10)
Current heart rate
A goal display (Distance, Time, Calories)
Below the large display, there is another small display divided into three columns shows three different information below-
Speed (MPH/KPH)
Distance (Miles/KMS)
Calories and heart rate

At the side of the display, there is up/down buttons to change the resistance level.
There are five quick resistance level buttons just below to jump to a level of resistance.

Between these buttons, there is the quick start button, pause button, program button, goal button and arrow buttons to operate console for setting up.

In this section, there is also a button for controlling fan speed.

Dimensions

The dimensions of Schwinn 230 described below-
Height- 50 inches
Width- 28 inches
Length- 64 inches
Bike weight- 81.6lbs
Maximum user weight- 300lbs

Accessories

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike accessories come with the bike for improving the comfort level of your exercising.

At the side of the seat, a large water bottle holder is mounted close at hand.

It has a shelf as a part of the console where you can place an iPod or a phone or a book but it is not enough to fit a laptop.

The console contains a three-speed fan to cool you down when you become too hot. It is very easy to control from the console.

You can play music using 2 speakers just below the console. You can attach your iPod or tablet to the speaker using the media cable.

Pros

Heart rate sensors are for using the heart rate programs and monitoring heart rate.

Has transport wheels help to move the bike.

Schwinn connect is to upload regular workout for future analysis.

Levelers at the back stabilizer help to balance the bike on a little uneven.

2 different user settings are for monitoring and tracking.

10 years of warranty on the frame.

It is a quiet and noiseless bike.

It is Easy to assemble within one or two hours.

It’s Durable and steady at any level of intensity.

The workout is easy on the joints.

Anybody can use it

Cons

Heart rate straps using without hand pulse sensors are not accurate.

It does not track and monitor more than two people with its user profile.

If you have a power outage, you can’t use the bike. You have to be careful about the power cord, it usually damages by users.

Using the console is not easy because of too many buttons to push and tough to remember on further operating which one to push.

Some people are uncomfortable with plastic seat and backrest.

It does not come with a full user manual.

Price

Schwinn 230 recumbent bike is available at different prices with a little less or more. But we researched for the best price.

See the best price on amazon

The Verdict

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is one of the best recumbent bikes for both beginners and advanced users with 22 different programs.

This bike provides you many options to exercise. You can upload your workout progress on Schwinn connect for future analysis. You can use 2 different user profiles individually.

There are some accessories come with the bike to provide you more comfortable exercise.

Some problems are,

The console should be easier to operate and the seat can be more comfortable. It has only 2 user profiles and would be better if it was compatible with heart rate straps.

This bike is good for the reasonable price. It is excellent for low impact cardio exercise and can set at the level you need. It is comfortable enough for your daily exercise.