Schwinn IC2 vs IC3 vs IC4 – Indoor Cycling Bike Series
If you are eager to know the difference between Schwinn IC2 vs. IC3 vs. IC4, then you are in the right place.
We made a comparative analysis among these stationary bikes to understand the differences between these bikes’ features and buy the best one that best suits you.
Schwinn IC2 vs IC3 vs IC4 – Overview
| Schwinn IC2 | Schwinn IC3 | Schwinn IC4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive System | 31 lb. Flywheel | 40 lb. Flywheel | 40 lb. Flywheel |
| Resistance Levels | Infinite | Infinite | 100 |
| Resistance System | Felt Pad | Felt Pad | Magnetic |
| Display Type | LCD | LCD | Full Color Backlit LCD |
| Display Readouts | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, RPM | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, RPM, Heart Rate | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, RPM, Heart Rate |
| Flywheel System | 31 lb | 40 lb | n/a |
| Media Rack | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | No | No |
| Check On Amazon | Check On Amazon | Check On Amazon |
Schwinn is an American company established in 1895 which is serving the fitness world with its special gym equipment. The stationary or recumbent bikes they produce successfully serve people with their user-friendly console, sturdy construction, and ensure an extra-comfort ride.
They launch various series of these bikes so that you can choose one which best suits you. Today we will compare the Schwinn IC2, IC3, and IC4. These bikes have many features in common, but these features’ capacity is not the same—features of these bikes can compare given below.
- User Weight Limit
- Resistance System
- Display Type
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Heart Rate
- Media Rack and Water Bottle Holder
User Weight Limit
The weight limit is one of the critical features of stationary bikes. Generally, the weight limit varies depending on the usage of the cycle. If you are going to use it for commercial purpose in the gym, then usually the weight limit should be around 350 pounds because of the heavy usage of the bike as there are many different sizes of people are going to use the bike every day.
And for domestic use, the weight limit of around 250 pounds to 300 pounds would be enough as there are only family members who will use it.
Before buying the bike, you have to check the sturdiness and weight capacity of the bike. Knowing the weight capacity can help you understand whether the bike can carry your weight with additional accessories like your shoes, dumbbells, etc. or not. Many people prefer doing dumbbells while cycling.
In these three types of bikes, the weight limit is from 250 pounds to 330 pounds. Schwinn IC2 can carry a maximum user weight of 250 pounds, Schwinn IC3 has a weight limit of 300 pounds, and user weight capacity for IC4 is 330 pounds.
You can buy any of these considering the weight capacity that you need. But the more the user weight limit, the lesser the chance of happening any inconvenience. If the weight capacity is high, you can use the bike freely without doubting mind.
Resistance System
The resistance system is there to adjust the intensity of cycling. It is one of the essential features of the stationary bike, and there are significant differences between outdoor cycling and indoor cycling. ManyMany factors like gravity, pavement incline, etc. work on outdoor cycling, helping you build strength.
But these factors don’t affect indoor cycling as stationary bikes place on the flat surface. So, the resistance system is there to fulfill the need for these factors. Without the resistance system, your indoor cycling would not have much impact on you. Then, cycling would go in vain.
There are some types of resistance systems for stationary bikes. For example, magnetic, leather, felt pad, etc. Felt pad and leather resistance is excellent, but there is some soft noise because of friction as there is contact between flywheel and pad or leather. But nothing serious to be concerned about; on the other hand, the magnetic resistance system doesn’t have any noises or sound as there is no contact and friction. That is why the magnetic resistance system is so quiet and smooth.
There are many levels of resistance in a resistance system. It directly depends on how intense you want your workout to be. The pedaling becomes more challenging if you increase the resistance level. Similarly, pedaling is accessible on the low-resistance level. However, you can warm up at a low-resistance level and gradually increase the resistance level to increase your workout intensity.
Schwinn IC2 and IC3 have felt pad resistance system and infinity resistance level, which is excellent. But Schwinn IC4 has a magnetic resistance system that is much smoother and quieter than the regarded pad system of IC2 and IC3. And there are 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels to adjust the intensity of the workout.
Display Type
An integrated display is a common feature of a stationary bike. While exercising, the display console shows you real-time data like speed, time, calories burned, distance, RPM, heart rate, etc. so that you have a clear idea about your progress.
The console’s design varies from brand to brand, but the basic structure is the same for all brands. Usually, there is only a basic LCD in less-expensive bikes that show the necessary information like distance, time, speed, calories burned, etc. If the motorcycle has heart rate sensors, then you can see the heart rate in the console. Usually, the cheap bike doesn’t have heart rate sensors. Usually, these LCD consoles are easy to read and easy to control so that the user doesn’t face any difficulties while using the bike.
Schwinn bike IC2 and IC3 have generous LCD where IC4 has full-color backlit LCD. These displays are easy to use and can track progress data of yours. But if we compare IC2 vs. IC3 or IC2 vs. IC4, IC2 still lacks heart rate data as it doesn’t have any heart rate sensors.
Besides heart rate, all three can show distance, time, calories burned, speed, and RPM. In IC3 vs. IC4 in terms of display, IC4 has a full-color backlit LCD, where IC3 has a standard LCD. Apart from that, they don’t differ from each other that much.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not a while ago, having Bluetooth connectivity in the gym equipment was considered a premium feature. It is still not available to every gym equipment but like before nowadays it is not considered a part that you can find only inexpensive gym equipment like before. You can find this feature in most of the mid-range moderate-priced gym equipment.
Having Bluetooth connectivity in a bike means you can connect your device, tracker, tab, etc. with the machine through Bluetooth, and it can make you’re exercising more enjoyable and user-friendly. That is why people look for bikes that have
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity can benefit you in many ways. If you connect your fitness tracker with your machine, then you can track your progress in real-time. You can decide the length of workout or intensity of the training based on the performance data showed in the tracker.
Apart from that, connecting your device with the bike can make your workout session more enjoyable as you can watch the video or play audio by using an LCD console. It will boost your motivation to carry out the workout for a more extended period.
With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can run a compatible fitness app to help you with the exercising. It makes your workout session more effective and efficient. Though the subscription of these apps is not free, these apps can give you a great cycling experience.
Schwinn IC2 and IC3 both lack this feature as they don’t support Bluetooth connectivity. But Schwinn IC4 perfectly supports Bluetooth connectivity. That can correctly run 3rd party apps like Zwift and Peloton apps, which allow you to stream thousands of classes directly into the home and compete against other fitness enthusiasts to keep you virtually motivated. So, IC4 is the complete winner in terms of Bluetooth connectivity.
Heart Rate
Cycling is a cardio exercise that burns calories and improves your muscle’s strength. While exercising, the heart rate varies from person to person. All people don’t have the same heart rate, and there is no ideal heart rate while doing the exercise.
If you know your heart rate while exercising, it helps you have a clear idea about your heart condition and help you improve your workout efficiently. Remember, cycling may improve your cardiovascular health, but if the heart rate becomes higher than the target heart rate zone, it will become harmful for your health. That is also the reason integrated heart rate sensors are there to give you the information whether your heart rate crosses the targeted heart rate zone or not.
The user must keep his/her heart within the limit of the targeted heart rate zone; otherwise, that becomes risky. The targeted heart rate zone would be fifty percent to eighty-five percent of maximum heart rate, and finding the maximum heart rate has a formula. You have to deduct your age from 220, and the answer will be your maximum heart rate. If you are 25 years old, your heart rate will be 220-25=195 beats per minute (BPM).
Heart rate can measure in many ways. The measuring technique of heart rate varies from bike to bike. Although many bikes have heart rate sensors, the process differs. Some measure heart rate through enabled telemetry, some use contact in the handlebar, and some measure through Bluetooth heart rate armband.
The bikes which we are discussing here, among them Schwinn IC3 and IC4, have heart sensors. Unfortunately, IC2 doesn’t come with a built-in heart rate sensor. In Schwinn IC3 vs. IC4, the IC3 uses enabled telemetry, and IC4 uses Bluetooth heart rate armband to measure the heart rate. And both of them are good and give a precise reading of your heart, but the comparison of Bluetooth heart rate armband is slightly better.
Media Rack and Water Bottle Holder
Media rack and water bottle holder are features that can add efficiency to your workout session. While exercising, it is natural to be thirsty, and due to heavy exercise, we lose so much sweat that there is a chance that our body becomes dehydrated.
If you have to leave the bike every time you become thirsty, it will hamper the workout session’s continuity. Besides, to satisfy thirst and keep you hydrated throughout the session, water or glucose drink should be at your arm’s length. And for that purpose, bikes usually come with water bottle holders to keep the water or other beverages at your arm’s length.
Generally, the bike has a media rack to make your workout session more efficient and enjoyable. An integrated device holder is there to keep your device in front of you, which will keep you engaged during the workout session. You can place your tab, phone, etc. in the media rack and stream video, watch movies while working out.
You can play motivating song with your device, helping you stay motivated throughout the session. If the media rack isn’t there, it won’t hamper your workout much, but it will undoubtedly add extra value to your workout session.
Although Schwinn IC3 and IC4 have a media rack and water bottle holder, IC2 lacks this feature. If we compare Schwinn IC3 vs. IC4, they both have media rack and water bottle holder, but IC4 is slightly ahead with two integrated water bottle holders.
It will help you to keep an extra water bottle at your arm’s length. If one bottle becomes empty, you can drink from the other bottle so that you don’t have to leave for water and continue your workout session for a longer time.
Bottom Line
If you have read the full article, you have already known that Schwinn IC4 is way better than IC3 and IC2 in every feature. It has better user weight capacity, heart rate sensors, magnetic resistance level.
But that doesn’t mean IC2 and IC3 are bad. The second place goes to IC3 as it has Bluetooth connectivity, heart rate sensors, and better user weight capacity than IC2.
Last Updated on September 19, 2023
