Schwinn 230 vs 270

Biking is undeniably great. Besides being a relatively lightweight vehicle that can take you from point A to point B, a bike gives you a full-body workout and a powerful endorphin boost.

Unfortunately, you can’t bike in any weather and if you live in a large busy city, that can be a problem too. That’s when stationary exercise bikes can come in handy. They don’t take much space, they are comfortable and you can use them any time you want. Besides, they are great for you even if you’ve never learned how to ride a bike.

Stationary bikes come in various sizes, shapes, and design types. Depending on your personal needs and preferences, you can purchase an upright, a recumbent stationary model, or a portable device.

Upright exercise bikes simulate the real-life biking experience. Their design includes a smaller seat for a vertical sitting position with pedals positioned underneath. Recumbent models have larger, more comfortable seats that sometimes remind of office chairs with pedals in front.

Benefits Of Recumbent Exercise Bikes

  1. They are much more comfortable to use, which means they are easier on your joints and spinal muscles. This means they are especially good for older people and those who are recovering after surgery and trauma. While upright bikes provide a harsher exercising experience, recumbent models offer a gentler approach.
  2. This type of stationary bike offers more safety. You can’t stand on the pedals so the chance of any injuries due to contact with them is much lower.
  3. Recumbent exercise bikes are great for beginners and those who want to increase the level of exercise intensity slowly and gradually.

Schwinn 230 Vs 270 Comparison Chart

Schwinn 230 100337 Recumbent Exercise Bike Review

If you are looking for a great workout machine that has it all for the low-intensity exercise routines, this might be a great choice for you. This bike won’t force you to break the bank but will still offer a generous number of various features for your convenience, enjoyment and the best overall exercising experience.

The first thing worth mentioning is the two LCDs system. It allows watching videos or reading e-books, or listening to music while monitoring your performance and heart rate trackers.

This means there is no need to stop exercising to change programs or modes, or just check information on your progress. Everything’s right there before your eyes.

22 preset exercise programs will make an exercise experience as varied and un-boring as it gets.

Speaking of which, it would be wrong to think that if this recumbent bike is designed for more low-intensity workouts, it’s unable to make exercising more challenging.

20 resistance levels take care of that: Schwinn 230 makes it possible to increase your training load as your fitness level grows.

Everything in this machine seems to be specifically designed for its user’s maximum comfort.

A comfortable wide vented seat that can be easily adjusted for any user, a fan with 3-speed options, a water bottle holder, acoustic chamber speakers for the best sound quality.

What’s more, there are heart sensors built into handles and you can easily sync your workout results and data with the manufacturer’s website and a My Fitness Pal mobile app. This way you’ll create a personal comprehensive healthy lifestyle program.

Pros:

  • Thanks to a low-positioned adjustable seat, it’s easy to access.
  • Lightweight, stable, durable, and quiet.
  • Wide choice of preset workout programs.
  • Two user profiles to share the bike with your loved ones.
  • Powerful media system
  • Max weight capacity is 300 lbs.

FAQ:

1. I’ve noticed that the vented plastic seat isn’t padded. Is it comfortable enough to use this bike for longer periods?

The seat feels hard but it’s comfortable enough. Unless you have a lower back spinal or muscle issues, you’ll have no problem using the machine for as long as you like.

2. Is this bike heavy and hard to move from place to place?

It’s made of lightweight aluminum frame and weighs a little less than 100 pounds but it’s quite easy to move, not too bulky.

3. How hard is it to assemble? Can I do it myself?

It’s very easy to assemble and you will be able to do that without anyone’s help and using the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Is this bike made entirely of plastic? And if it is, how long does it last?

Schwinn 230 is a combination of heavy-duty plastic and metal. The frame is stainless steel, most of the other parts are plastic. This is not different from other similar products on the market. Besides, the plastic parts are quite sturdy and very durable, even if your weight approaches the weight capacity limit and you use the bike every single day.

5. Does this bike need electricity to work?

Yes, some features are powered by electricity.


Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike (My17) Review

All in all, this model isn’t much different from the Schwinn 230 bike. This is not surprising because Schwinn 270’s designers used the older model as a base point. And still, it has a few substantial improvements worth mentioning.

While these bikes don’t look much different, there are a couple of things you notice when looking at them. First, unlike Schwinn 230, which has a vented plastic seat, the seat you see on the Schwinn 270 model is cushioned.

Second, Schwinn 270 is more expensive than its predecessor. The difference in price isn’t too dramatic, though. Both models seem to get similarly positive reviews from customers.

As for other differences, it’s worth noting that this bike has 29 preset workout programs, which is 7 more than Schwinn 230 offers. There are also 25 resistance levels as opposed to 20 provided by the previous model.

This bike offers both contact (grips sensors) and telemetric heart rate trackers (heart rate straps). You can use 4 user profiles on this one instead of 2, which makes it quite a great family option.

Another notable feature is a 3-crank system on this stationary bike. It means that this fitness machine has more resilience when you use it at the highest resistance levels for longer periods.

Pros:

  • Easy assembly
  • Cushioned seat for a more comfortable experience
  • 4 user profiles
  • 29 preset workout programs and 25 resistance levels
  • telemetric heart rate tracker

FAQ:

1. The padded seat is good but I’ve noticed that seats on some models are too slippery, which makes them uncomfortable to sit on. Does this bike have the same issue?

If you adjust the seat back properly, you can avoid this issue. In case your bike seat gets slippery with sweat, I recommend putting a towel on it to prevent sliding off it.

2. I’m 6’1”. Can I use this bike normally without experiencing any discomfort?

Yes, you can. It’s pretty easy to adjust the seat by sliding it back and once you do, you’ll feel perfectly comfortable.

3. How heavy is this exercise bike?

According to the manufacturer, the Schwinn 270 recumbent exercise bike weighs 88 pounds.

4. Do the pedals on this bike require using special sports shoes or will I be able to use them barefoot?

No one will stop you if you decide to spin the pedals barefoot but I have to say it won’t be the most comfortable feeling as the pedals are made of hard plastic. On the other hand, regular sports shoes might not fit under the straps attached to the pedals. I suggest that you use socks or smaller shoes.

5. Can I listen to music from my iPad or iPhone while using this bike?

Schwinn 270 features an MP3 input port, so you will have no problem listening to your music. There is also a rack where you can put your iPhone or iPad to listen to music, watch videos or movies without distracting from your workouts.


Schwinn 230 & 270: FAQ

1. Where can I get Schwinn 230 recumbent bike parts? Does it come with any replacement parts when you order it?

The package does not include any replacement parts. You will have to contact the manufacturer and make sure that you choose correct replacement parts for the model you own.

You can also buy pretty much any replacement parts you need for this bike online. It’s best to take special care when you buy this bike parts from anyone who is not the manufacturer. They have to be original quality items.

2. What is Schwinn 230 heart rate monitor like?

Schwinn 230 features a contact heart rate tracking system. It includes sensors built into the hand-grip that’s connected with the LCD. This allows monitoring your heart rates during exercises without distracting from the process.

This feature is extremely valuable to those who prefer to adjust the intensity and length of their workouts based on their heart rate data. When you don’t want to go overboard and strain yourself too much, it will be immensely helpful.

3. Does Schwinn 230 recumbent bike manual come with the product?

Yes, all Schwinn products come with a detailed manual. There are 2013 model and 2016 model manuals available for the Schwinn 230 recumbent bike.

You can find all the information you need there, from specifications and assembly instructions to recommendations as to how to use the bike for maximum benefit. There is also a troubleshooting section that will answer many questions about some issues you might have with the product.

In case you’ve lost your user manual or don’t have it for any other reason, you can always download one from the manufacturer’s website.

4. How does Schwinn 270 recumbent bike resistance work?

Schwinn 270 recumbent exercise bike has a 25-level magnetic resistance system. Firstly, it allows you moving almost soundlessly, no matter what level of resistance you are at.

Secondly, thanks to this system you can gradually and smoothly increase your training load from very low-impact to extremely challenging. To change a resistance level, you only need to press one of the 10 buttons.

This means that users can always adjust the training load according to their growing fitness level, age or special needs if there are any.

5. What are the Schwinn 270 resistance problems?

Normally, customers rarely experience any major problems with any of this bike’s features. However, one of the most frequent issues that occur is an issue with resistance adjustment.

There might be several factors that contribute to this issue: malfunctioning console, damaged wiring that causes connection issues between the console and the motor or motor problems.

Many of these issues are easy to solve if you contact the manufacturer’s customer service and describe the problems you are experiencing in detail. However, if the issue is all about the motor, it might be the best idea to return the product to the manufacturer for a refund.

Conclusion

Overall, these two bikes are quite similar. There are no great differences in size, weight, looks or performance. They both are products from the same manufacturer, so it’s not surprising.

Schwinn 270 would be a great choice for those who value comfort and want a more reliable and robust exercising machine that can do a little bit more a little bit longer.

But in case you don’t want to buy an extra hundred for a larger number of features and a padded seat, you might as well go with the Schwinn 230 model and still have quite a satisfying exercising experience.

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About the author

Aude Lawless

Aude Lawless

Blogger, DIY & Home Decor writer. I love to plan parties, lovely DIYs, and attend tea parties with her two daughters.

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