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The Echelon EX3 and Schwinn IC4 are two stationary bike options. Find out their differences and which one is the right choice for your personal situation.
Some of the main differences between the Echelon EX3 and Schwinn IC4 are that the Schwinn IC4 has a slightly higher weight capacity, more resistance levels, a longer workout app free trial, a heavier flywheel, a forward-backward handlebar adjustment, an LCD screen, and longer warranties.
The main advantages of the Echelon EX3 are that it is a nice amount more budget-friendly and that it is still a solid indoor cycling bike.
If you are on a tight budget, you can consider choosing the Echelon EX3 to save some money in the short term.
That being said, you likely want to invest just a bit more into the helpful features of the Schwinn IC4, its longer workout app free trial, and longer warranties. Especially if you consider how many hours you will use the bike.
This article will also give you an overview of the most important differences, other differences, and common features. Some of these are also looked at in more detail to explain how important they are and why.
Most important differences Echelon EX3 vs Schwinn IC4
On top of being from a different brand, the Echelon EX3 and Schwinn IC4 vary in many other areas too. These differences influence your decision one way or the other.
At the same time, not all of these differences are equally important. In the first table below, you can find the ones that are most likely to influence your decision.
| Feature | Echelon EX3 | Schwinn IC4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight limit | 300 Pounds (136 kg) | 330 Pounds (149 kg) |
| Resistance Levels | 32 Levels | 100 Levels |
| Workout Programs | Free 30-Day Echelon Premier Membership Trial | 1-Year JRNY Membership Included |
| Flywheel Weight | 28.7 Pounds (13 kg) | 40 Pounds (18.1 kg) |
| Handlebar Adjustment | Height Only | Height & Fore/Aft |
| Screen | Not Included | LCD Display With Speed, Time, Distance, Calories and RPMs |
| Warranties* | 12-Month Limited Parts And Labor Warranty | 10 Years Frame Warranty, 3 Years Parts Warranty, 1 Year Electrical Warranty, 90 Days Labor Warranty |
| Price Category** | $$ | $$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
**Price category at the time of writing
Other features Echelon EX3 vs Schwinn IC4
You may also be interested in some of the smaller differences and common features of the Echelon EX3 and Schwinn IC4.
These can help people who are still hesitating and/or make sure you are choosing the right exercise bike for you.
| Feature | Echelon EX3 | Schwinn IC4 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 54″ L x 20″ W x 55″ H | 48.7″ L x 21.2″ W x 51.8″ H |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Handlebar Style | Elevated Bullhorn With Comfort Features | Elevated Bullhorn With Comfort Features |
| Adjustable Seat | Height & Fore/Aft | Height & Fore/Aft |
| User Height Range | 59 to 76 Inches (150 cm to 193 cm) | 54 to 78 Inches (137.2 cm to 198 cm) |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Display On App With Your Own Bluetooth Measuring Device | Bluetooth Heart Rate Armband Included |
| Device Holder | Yes | Yes |
| Device Holder Size Capacity | 5.5″ – 12.9″ | Not Specifically Mentioned |
| Adjustable Device Holder | Flips 180 Degrees | No |
| Weight | 104 lbs (47 kg) | 106 lbs (48 kg) |
| Pedals | Dual-Sided with Toe Cage & SPD-Compatible Clips | Dual-Sided with Toe Cage & SPD-Compatible Clips |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Seat/Saddle Style | Vented Competition | Vented Competition |
| Dumbbells | Not Included | Two 3-Pound (1.4 kg) Dumbbells Included |
| Color Options | Black, Red, And White | One Color Combination |
| Bottle Holder | 2 Small | 2 Large |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
Differences Echelon EX3 and Schwinn IC4 explained in depth
Many people will be able to make a decision between the Echelon EX3 and the Schwinn IC4 by taking a quick look at the feature differences and price.
At the same time, it may still be unclear what certain features exactly mean, why they matter, and in what situations they should influence your choice the most.
To help you make the right decision for you personally, you can find some of the most important differences explained more in depth below.
Weight limit
Weight limit is a relatively straightforward and important feature of a stationary bike but not only for the reasons you may first think of.
First of all, you generally don’t want to go over the weight limit of an exercise bike simply to prevent it from breaking down. This is the same for the Echelon EX3 and Schwinn IC4.
Other downsides of going over the weight limits are faster wear and tear and warranty void.
The Echelon EX3 has a weight limit of 300 pounds (136 kg). The Schwinn IC4 is somewhat sturdier at 330 pounds (149 kg).
Even if you are nowhere near these limits, they do show to some extent how sturdy the materials and the construction of each bike are. The Schwinn IC4 is just a bit better in the bigger picture.
Winner: Schwinn IC4
Resistance levels
One of the main principles of working out is challenging your body enough. This starts a variety of internal processes that can make you healthier and happier.
At the same time, you also don’t want to challenge yourself too much. This can lead to overtraining and injuries.
Exercise bikes like the Echelon EX3 and Schwinn IC4 help you find the right challenge level by including a turn knob that allows you to adjust the resistance. The resistance influences how hard you have to push to complete a rotation.
That being said, the Echelon EX3 and Schwinn IC4 still vary in this area. The Echelon has 32 resistance levels whereas the Schwinn has 100 resistance levels.
This can mean that the Schwinn can go more or less challenging, that the Schwinn is more precisely adjustable, or both.
The Echelon EX3 can still offer great workouts at a variety of resistance levels but most people will prefer the Schwinn IC4 in this area.
Winner: Schwinn IC4
Flywheel weight
Indoor cycling bikes like the Echelon EX3 and Schwinn IC4 typically have a flywheel. This is the rotating disk you move by turning the pedals.
One of the key areas where flywheels can vary is their weight. The Echelon EX3 has a flywheel weight of 28.7 Pounds (13 kg). The Schwinn IC4 has a flywheel weight of 40 pounds (18.1 kg).
Most people prefer heavier flywheels for two main reasons. The most important one is that heavier flywheels tend to build up more momentum.
This offers a smoother workout since the flywheel doesn’t lose speed as fast when you stop pedaling with perfect consistency.
Additionally, heavier flywheels tend to offer workouts that are just a bit more challenging.
However, this mostly applies to getting up to speed and is only to a small extent because of the help from the extra momentum you build up.
Winner: Schwinn IC4
Handlebar adjustment
The handlebars are a key feature of exercise bikes. Especially indoor cycling bikes like the Echelon EX3 and Schwinn IC4 where you lean more forward.
These handlebars can vary in many areas. One of the most important differences between the two exercise bikes in this article is that the Echelon EX3 handlebar can only be adjusted up and down.
The Schwinn IC4 offers this option too but also the ability to move the handlebar forward and backward.
It is obviously nice to have more customizability in this area. Especially if you plan to use the exercise bikes in a way where you lean on the handlebars with your forearms.
Winner: Schwinn IC4
Workout programs
Most people know that using a stationary bike can be good for their health. However, there are a few different ways to approach this. You can do different workout programs with different time intervals, speeds, and resistances.
These workout programs can help you get more health benefits out of your exercise sessions or simply help you enjoy them more. In turn, this can improve how consistent you are with your workout plan.
There is a difference in how good the Echelon EX3 and Schwinn IC4 are in this area.
First of all, both exercise bikes have their own premium apps. The Echelon EX3 includes a 30-day free trial to theirs and the Schwinn IC4 includes a 1-year free trial to their premium app.
These apps offer workout classes and scenic rides. Keep in mind that you need your own tablet, phone, or smart TV to connect to. Both exercise bikes do not include screens for this.
When it comes to connecting to other apps, the Echelon bike is rather limited. You can work around this somewhat by putting one device with the Echelon app next to a device to connect to other workout apps but this is not ideal.
On the other hand, the Schwinn IC4 also allows you to connect to popular apps like Zwift, Peloton, and Around The World.
Both exercise bikes can also be used without these apps. However, the long free trial and option to connect to other apps of the Schwinn IC4 are definitely a benefit.
Winner: Schwinn IC4
Screen and monitor
Cardio machines like exercise bikes typically have one way or another to show certain workout tracking measurements. Usually through some form of screen.
One of the relatively unique things about the Echelon EX3 is that it leaves this part out but allows you to connect to your own device. Since many people already have a phone and/or tablet, this can save them some money.
The Schwinn IC4 implements this same concept for the bigger screen but also implements a smaller monitor. This LCD screen shows speed, time, distance, and estimation of calories burned, and RPMs.
One thing customers do note is that the measurements on this LCD screen are not always the most accurate.
In any case, these measurements can help you adapt your workouts, motivate you to keep going, and improve consistency.
If you already have a good device to connect to the Echelon EX3, the difference in this feature will not matter too much. At the same time, most people will like the extra LCD screen of the Schwinn IC4.
Winner: Schwinn IC4
Price
The Schwinn IC4 tends to take the upper hand in the features that matter. Something to keep in mind is that what makes a good stationary bike is not only its features, the price matters too.
How much this is exactly will depend on where you buy your exercise bikes and changes over time.
However, at the time of writing, the Echelon EX3 is a nice amount more budget-friendly than the Schwinn IC4 in terms of the initial investment.
You don’t need the premium Echelon app to be able to use the bike but if you do plan to use it, this app is relatively pricey after the 30-day free trial.
On the other hand, the Schwinn IC4 currently comes with a 1-Year JRNY App Membership Included.
After this, you can use the bike without a subscription but this subscription would also cost extra after that (but less than the Echelon app).
If you are on a really tight budget, the Echelon EX3 could be good enough. Even so, most people want to invest a bit more into the helpful features of the Schwinn IC4.
Winner: Echelon EX3
User reviews
Looking at the features can help you get a first impression of what exercise bike would be the right one for you. Even so, sometimes customer reviews can uncover unexpected downsides or quality control issues.
Customers of both indoor cycling bikes tend to be happy with their investments but people tend to be just a bit happier about the Schwinn IC4.
The Bluetooth connection of the Echelon EX3 is not always optimal. There are some cases where it disconnects for no good reason.
Similar to other big cardio machines, both exercise models have some exceptional quality issues here and there.
Overall, people are happy about both the Echelon EX3 and Schwinn IC4. The Schwinn IC4 does currently perform just a bit better in this area.
Is the Echelon EX3 or Schwinn IC4 right for you?
In short, the Schwinn IC4 has a higher weight limit, more resistance levels, a longer workout app free trial, a heavier flywheel, forward-backward handlebar adjustment, an LCD screen, and longer warranties.
The main benefit of the Echelon EX3 is that it is a nice amount more budget-friendly.
For individuals on a tight budget, the Echelon EX3 can still offer many great workouts. However, most people will prefer investing a bit more into the Schwinn IC4 due to its amazing features and longer warranties.
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