Even the bars, bottle holders and cradle for tablet or smartphone are hefty and are hewn for solid blocks of metal, rather than merely flimsy plastic add-ons. Set aside around 30 minutes to get the job done.įirst impressions are good and the textured metals used for the body and legs feel reassuringly heavy and solid. Thankfully, it’s basic and only requires a few bolts to be screwed into place with the provided tools. The Schwinn IC8 is delivered in a surprisingly compact box, which is great for the UPS man but not so good for the time-strapped, as it does require some assembly. (Image credit: Schwinn) Schwinn IC8 review: design and build quality
This Bluetooth connectivity also allows for external heart rate monitors to be connected for a better overall picture of effort during workouts. This is down to the built-in cadence sensors in the cranks, as well as digital power output that’s hooked up to the resistance, which is added or subtracted via the traditional rotary dial found on most analogue spin bikes. The Schwinn IC8 joins the likes of Echelon’s Smart Connect EX3, the JTX Cycle Studio Bike and even something like the Wattbike Trainer in its quest to play nicely with Zwift, Sufferfest, Peloton and much of the world’s favourite perspiration-provoking pieces of pocket software. And seeing as space is often the major consideration, more and more buyers are shunning the massive frames of traditional, gym-based exercise bikes and gravitating towards slender, race-bike replicas that offer a more natural cycling feel, take up less space and generally emit fewer EastEnders-ruining decibels.
There has been a surge in demand for the best exercise bikes, as more folk look to transform dusty corners or their home or garage into micro-gyms.