Author: Maurice Savaryego, M.Sc.Eng. (Learn More)
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This article will compare the features of
Schwinn 230 and Schwinn 270 stationary recumbent exercise bikes.
These two bikes were the most popular and best rated on Amazon in the stationary recumbent exercise bikes category at the time this article was written.
They had both received an average Amazon customer rating of 4.5 star (out of 5 stars)!
If you're in a hurry and prefer to see right-away exact price information on these bikes, please click below:
Selected Schwinn stationary recumbent exercise bikes on Amazon
Otherwise, please read on below for a detailed comparison of the two selected recumbent exercise bikes.
Comparing the Selected Schwinn Stationary Recumbent Exercise Bikes
The following table compares the selected Schwinn stationary recumbent exercise bikes.
The (Note #) notation used in the table refers to the clarification notes provided following the table (please read these notes carefully in order to understand better the features that come with each bike:
Tables Notes 1 - 15 Explained:
The dimensions of both Schwinn recumbent bikes are shown below:
Thanks to magnetic resistance the operation of both these bikes is smooth and quiet as no parts come into contact to create the desired level of resistance. Also, the traditional friction resistance bikes do not offer predetermined resistance levels: you need to estimate your preferred resistance level by turning back and forth the knob. On magnetic resistance bikes, levels of resistance come predetermined by the manufacturer and the desired level of resistance can be easily selected through the buttons on the console.
Note that Schwinn 230 comes with 20 selectable resistance levels, and Schwinn 270 comes with 25 selectable resistance levels.
Another advantage of magnetic resistance is that there is much less need for maintenance: the traditional friction resistance bikes may need regular lubrication and even replacing of pads due to wear and tear. On magnetic resistance bikes, as no parts come into contact to create the desired level of resistance the wear and tear is minimal.
Note 3:
These programs automate different resistance and workout levels and they are organized into categories (Fun Rides, Mountains, and Challenges). Once a user views all the categories, they will be expanded to display the programs within each of the categories. Note that the console features touch control buttons to navigate you through the exercise programs.
With Schwinn 230, the workout programs offered within each category are the following:
- Fun Rides Category:
- Rolling Hills
- Ride in the Park
- Easy Tour
- Stream Crossing - Mountains Category:
- Pike's Peak
- Mount Hood
- Pyramids
- Summit Pass - Challenges Category:
- Uphill Finish
- Cross-Training
- Interval
- Stairs
- Fun Rides Category:
- Rolling Hills
- Ride in the Park
- Easy Tour - Mountains Category:
- Pike's Peak
- Mount Hood
- Pyramids - Challenges Category:
- Uphill Finish
- Cross-Training
- Interval
Finally, note that both bikes also have a manual workout program, the Quick Start Program, that lets you start a workout without entering any information.
Note 4:
Monitoring your heart rate is one of the best procedures to control the intensity of your exercise. Contact Heart Rate (CHR) sensors are installed on both of these two bikes to send your heart rate signals to the console. The heart rate display on the console shows the beats per minute (BPM) from the heart rate monitor. The CHR sensors are the stainless steel parts of the handlebars. To use them, you just need to put your hands comfortably around the sensors.
Note 5:
The console provides important information about your workout and lets you control the resistance levels while you exercise.
The console of both bikes features the Schwinn Dual Track™ display with touch control buttons to navigate you through the exercise programs.
The Schwinn Dual Track™ display features an upper display and lower display (see the pictures that follow).
The upper display presents the following data fields:
- Program Display: Shows the details and progress of the selected workout program.
- Intensity Display: Shows the level of work at that moment based on the current resistance level.
- Heart Rate Zone Display: Shows which zone the current heart rate value falls into for the current user. These Heart Rate Zones can be used as a workout guide for a certain target zone (anaerobic, aerobic, or fat burn).
- Goal Display: Shows the currently selected type of goal (Distance, Time or Calories), the current value to achieve the goal, and the percent completed toward the goal.
- User Display: Shows which user profile is currently selected.
- Achievement Display: It is activated when a workout goal is reached or a workout milestone is surpassed from past workouts. The Console display will congratulate and inform the user of their achievement, along with a celebratory sound.
- Speed: Shows the machine speed in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h).
- Time: Shows the total time count of the workout, the average time for the user profile, or the total operational time of the machine.
- Distance: Shows the distance count (miles or km) in the workout.
- Level: Shows the current resistance level in the workout.
- RPM: Shows the pedal revolutions per minute (RPM).
- Heart Rate (Pulse): Shows the beats per minute (BPM) from the heart rate monitor. When a heart rate signal is received by the Console, the icon will flash.
- Calories: Shows the estimated calories that you have burned during the exercise
- Resistance Increase button: Increases the workout resistance level.
- Resistance Decrease button: Decreases the workout resistance level.
- Quick Start button: Begins a Quick Start workout.
- Programs button: Selects a category and workout program.
- PAUSE / END button: Pauses an active workout, ends a paused workout, or goes back to the previous screen.
- Goal Track button: Displays the workout totals and achievements for the selected user profile.
- Increase button: Increases a value (age, time, distance, or calories) or moves through options.
- Left (<) button: Displays different workout values during a workout and moves through options.
- OK button: Starts a Program workout, confirms information, or resumes a paused workout.
- Right (>) button: Displays different workout values during a workout and moves through options.
- Decrease button: Decreases a value (age, time, distance, or calories) or moves through options.
- FAN button: Controls the 3-speed fan.
- Resistance Level Quick Buttons: Shifts the resistance levels to the setting quickly during a workout.
- Achievement Indicator Lights: When an achievement level is reached or a result is reviewed, the achievement indicator light will activate.
Note 6:
With enhanced Bluetooth connectivity on the Schwinn 270 bike, the console can wirelessly sync with the Schwinn Trainer fitness app on supported devices. This software app syncs with your fitness machine to track total calories burned, times, distance and more. It records and stores every workout for quick reference. Plus, it automatically syncs your workout data with with popular app-based tracking tools like Explore the World, MyFitnessPal, and more. You can track your results and share them with friends and family.
Note 7:
Both Schwinn bikes considered here do not require any batteries. They are both powered by plugging to a 110V-120V 60Hz AC power source.
They come with a long power cord and an AC adapter.
Note 8:
- Schwinn 230 has a vented contoured seat bottom with large vented back.
- Schwinn 270 has a thick padded contoured seat bottom and large vented back
Note 9:
- Schwinn 230 has standard pedals and toe straps.
- Schwinn 270 has oversized pedals and toe straps.
Note 10:
Both bikes are equipped with wheels on the front. To move around one of these bikes, you just need to lift it up with the handle on the back and wheel it around without difficulty.
Note 11:
With both bikes, the console lets you select the workout program and type of Goal for your workout (either Distance, Time or Calories), and set the Goal value.
The goal display on the console will show the currently selected type of goal (either Distance, Time or Calories), the current value to achieve the goal, and the percent completed toward the goal.
The achievement display on the console activates when a workout goal is reached or a workout milestone is surpassed from past workouts. The console display will congratulate and inform the user of their achievement, along with a celebratory sound.
Note 12:
Schwinn 230 allows up to 2 user profiles, while Schwinn 270 allows up to 4 user profiles.
Note 13:
Both bikes are equipped with in-console speakers with MP3 input port. The speakers are built with a sealed acoustic chamber for big sound.
Note 14:
Both bikes are equipped with a USB charging port that can be used to charge your smartphone, tablet, etc.
The USB Port can also be used to export your workout results to a USB flash drive. You can then connect the USB flash drive to a computer and upload the workout results file to your Schwinn Connect™ website account. The Schwinn Connect™ website allows you to see your progress over time and review your workouts and results away from the machine when convenient for you. Note that before using the Schwinn Connect™ website, you will need to go to the www.SchwinnConnect.com to create an online profile.
Note 15:
The warranty on these bikes is 10 years on the frame, 2 years on mechanical parts, 1 year on electronic parts and 90 days on labor.
For exact price information or to purchase on Amazon the Schwinn recement bikes compared here please click:
Schwinn Stationary Recumbent Bikes on Amazon
In Conclusion
The two Schwinn stationary recumbent exercise bikes compared above were the most popular and best rated on Amazon at the time this article was written. They had both received an average Amazon customer rating of 4.5 star (out of 5 stars)! Therefore, you will probably be quite satisfied with either of these bikes. However, there are a few improtant differences, you should keep in mind before deciding which to get:
- Schwinn 270 supports Bluetooth connectivity. Therefore, you can connect it to your smart device to upload your workout results. In particular, you can wirelessly sync the bike's console with the Schwinn Trainer fitness app on your smartphone or tablet to track total calories burned, times, distances and more. The app records and stores every workout for quick reference. Plus, it automatically syncs your workout data with with popular app-based tracking tools like Explore the World, MyFitnessPal, and more, so you can track your results and share them with friends and family.
Schwinn 230 does not support Bluetooth connectivity.
- Schwinn 270 supports 25 magnetic intensity levels as opposed to Schwinn 230 that supports 20 levels. Therefore, with Schwinn 270 you can develop a richer workout program with more ways to train yourself.
- Schwinn 270 allows up to 4 user profiles explicitely recorded and displayed by the bike on the console.
With Schwinn 230 you are allowed up to 2 user profiles.
Other than the above mentioned three differences, these two recumbent bikes have quite similar features as shown in the above comparison table. Therefore, if these three differences are of no improtance to you, you will be very happy with either of these two bikes.
For exact price information or to purchase on Amazon the Schwinn recumbent bikes compared above, please see the following section.
Compared Stationary Recumbent Bikes on Amazon
Please click the Amazon US link image below for the bike of your choice to see exact price information or to purchase.
Please Note: For non-US customers, when you click the links below, you will be provided with the Amazon links for your country (such as Canada or UK), if the product is available in your country.
Schwinn 230 |
Schwinn 270 |