Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Review

In our opinion, this is the best mid-range recumbent bike on the market today. The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike comes with a whole lot of durability, it is very functional and versatile, and it is quite comfortable too. Anyone looking for a great recumbent bike for an affordable price should definitely check out this model.

Find the best price for the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

Overview

If you would like to find out a little bit more about the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike, you can check out the presentation video below.

Main Features

The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike has a great many features that you might just like, so let’s mention all of them really quick.

Dimensions & Weight

The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is a fairly big and heavy recumbent bike, but it still comes in smaller and lighter than many high end models. In terms of mid-range recumbent bikes, the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is about average. It is surprising that it is not bigger and heavier considering all of the features that it comes with, but that being said, a space saver it is definitely not.

Warranty

The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike comes with a pretty good warranty. It comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame, a 2-year warranty on mechanical parts, a 1-year warranty on electronic components, and a 90-day warranty on labor.

Assembly

The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is not all that hard to assemble. It is not all that big or heavy, so one person can do it on their own, but having a helping hand does make things easier. All tools and parts come included in the packaging, plus the instructions are pretty easy to follow. Two people working together should take no more than one hour to complete assembly. You can always choose to get expert in-home assembly for an additional fee. Here is the assembly manual to help get you started.

What We Like About The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

There are quite a few features of the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike that we really like, so let’s talk about those a little more in depth.

We like how the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike comes with 22 different programs. Free riding is not always the most productive, which is why we really like these programs. The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike has 9 profile programs, 8 heart rate controlled programs, 2 custom user defined programs, 2 fitness tests, and a quick start program too. These programs will help you achieve your fitness goals much more easily.

Another thing that we really like about the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is that it comes with 20 levels of resistance. The resistance is of the magnetic type, which means that it is very smooth, constant, and quiet for an enjoyable ride every time. We like how the magnetic resistance can be digitally adjusted with the computer display. We also like magnetic resistance because it does not suffer from nearly as much wear and tear as other types of resistance. There are also 10 quick resistance keys so you can very quickly go from hard to easy and back again.

Yet another thing that we really like about the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is that it has a great frame. The frame is a single piece model with a walk through design, which makes mounting and dismounting it about as easy as it gets. Moreover, the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike frame has 2 levelers and a large mid-frame support. This results in an extremely strong and stable recumbent bike that is stable, does not wobble, and can hold up to 300 pounds of user weight.

Something else that we like about the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is that it has an awesome dual track LCD display. The displays are large and backlit, making them easy to read even in dark areas. The displays keep track of up to 13 factors including RPM, speed, distance, time, calories burned, and more. The side of the seat has handlebars with heart rate monitors, the data of which is then displayed on screen. The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike also features a USB port so you can export your data to the Schwinn Connect fitness app. This is great for tracking your daily progress and for engaging in fun competition with other Connect users.

Yet another thing that we like about the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is that it has an adjustable seat. The seat can be adjusted for height to fit users of all sizes. Moreover, both the seat bottom and backrest are ergonomically designed to fit the shape of your back and butt. There is also the fact that both the backrest and seat bottom are very well vented to keep you cool and comfortable while exercising.

We also like how this model comes with speakers so you can listen to your favorite music while biking. It also comes with a water bottle for convenience, plus a 3-speed fan to keep your cool.

What We Don’t Like About The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

There are a couple of minor issues that we have with the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike, so let’s just mention those quickly.

We don’t like how the seat bottom and backrest have no padding. While they are ergonomically shaped and vented for coolness, they are fairly hard and stiff.

Another thing that we don’t like, according to many others, is that the heart rate monitoring function could be a little more accurate.

Alternatives To The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

Let’s talk about some of the other mid-range recumbent bike options besides the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike, so you have a reference point when purchasing.

Universal R20 Recumbent Bike

This is a great alternative to consider getting. It is much less expensive than the Schwinn model discussed above, but it also has fewer features. This model does come with an LCD display for fitness tracking, but you cannot engage in data export. The Universal R20 has 8 levels of resistance and 7 workout programs, whereas the Schwinn has 20 levels of resistance and 22 workout programs. Both machines have about the same quality frame, with the Schwinn being a little better reinforced. The Universal R20 is slightly lighter and smaller, making it more maneuverable and space friendly.

Exerpeutic 900XL Extended Capacity Recumbent Bike

This makes for another good alternative to the Schwinn model reviewed above. This model has 8 levels of magnetic resistance, no user programs, a 300-pound weight limit, and not too many other features to be honest. The Exerpeutic 900XL does have a fairly good seat that is adjustable, plus it has nice pedals, and even heart rate sensors too. However, it seems that it has drastically fewer features than the Schwinn 230, all for a minor difference in price.

Final Thoughts On The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

All in all, the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is ideal for pretty much everybody and anybody. It is a very durable and stable recumbent bike that comes with all of the bells and whistles you need for an enjoyable ride. A high weight limit, lots of programs, great magnetic resistance, an adjustable seat, and many other features all make the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike a prime choice.