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The Keiser M3i and Schwinn IC4 are two quality indoor cycling bikes. Find out if the Keiser M3i is worth the extra investment over the Schwinn IC4.
Some of the main differences between the Keiser M3i and the Schwinn IC4 are that the Keiser M3i has a higher weight limit, is more suited for very tall individuals, has a back-positioned flywheel, and comes with more accessories.
Additionally, customers tend to be just a bit happier with the Keiser M3i.
On the flip side, the Schwinn IC4 is a good amount more budget-friendly, has more resistance adjustment levels, comes with a free 1-year workout app membership, and is more suited for short individuals.
If you want/need the extra sturdiness, weight capacity, and/or size capacity, you can consider investing more into the Keiser M3i.
Even so, you will likely find the Schwinn IC4 a great exercise bike with many valuable features. Choosing this option can save you a good amount of money while likely still fulfilling your workout needs.
You could also consider the regular Keiser M3 if you don’t care about Bluetooth and front-back handlebar adjustment. However, even this model is still relatively pricey.
Most important differences Keiser M3i vs Schwinn IC4
On top of being from different brands, the Keiser M3i and Schwinn IC4 vary in other areas too. This influences which indoor cycling bike is the best choice for you.
At the same time, some differences are more important than others. In the first table below, you can find the ones that are most likely to play a role in your decision.
| Feature | Keiser M3i | Schwinn IC4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 350 Pounds (158 kg) | 330 Pounds (149 kg) |
| Resistance Levels | 24 Levels | 100 Levels |
| Workout Programs | Free Keiser M Series App & Connectability To Other Apps | 1-Year JRNY Membership Included |
| User Height Range | 58 to 84 Inches (147.3 cm to 213 cm) | 54 to 78 Inches (137.2 cm to 198 cm) |
| Location Flywheel | Back | Front |
| Flywheel Weight | 8 Pounds (12.7 kg) (But Different Drive Mechanism) | 40 Pounds (18.1 kg) |
| Price Category* | $$$$$ | $$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price category at the time of writing
Other features Keiser M3i vs Schwinn IC4
Before going for either the Keiser M3i or the Schwinn IC4, you may also want to know about the smaller differences and common features. You can find the most important ones in this second table.
| Feature | Keiser M3i | Schwinn IC4 |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Dimensions | 51″ L x 26″ W x 49″ H | 48.7″ L x 21.2″ W x 51.8″ H |
| Handlebar Style | Elevated Butterfly | Elevated Bullhorn |
| Handlebar Adjustment | Height & Fore/Aft | Height & Fore/Aft |
| Adjustable Seat | Height & Fore/Aft | Height & Fore/Aft |
| Screen | LCD Display With Cadence, Time, Distance, And Calories | LCD Display With Speed, Time, Distance, Calories, And RPMs |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor Included | Bluetooth Heart Rate Armband Included |
| Device Holder | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 92 lbs (42 kg) Box Weight | 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 | Competition | Vented Competition |
| Dumbbells | Not Included | Two 3-Pound (1.4 kg) Dumbbells Included |
| Bottle Holder | 1 Medium | 2 Large |
| Floor Mat | Included | Not Included |
| Assembly & Maintenance Kit | Included | Not Included |
| Made In The USA | Yes | Not Mentioned |
| Warranties* | 10 Years Frame Warranty, 3 Year Parts Warranty, 90 Days Wearable Parts | 10 Years Frame Warranty, 3 Years Parts Warranty, 1 Year Electrical Warranty, 90 Days Labor Warranty |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences Keiser M3i and Schwinn IC4 explained in detail
If you are more experienced with indoor cycling bikes and know what you want from them, the overview of the differences and a quick look at the prices could be enough to choose between the Keiser M3i and the Schwinn IC4.
On the other hand, you may be not entirely sure about what certain features mean, how important the differences are, and to what extent they matter for your personal situation.
Weight limit
The weight limit of an exercise bike is an important feature in many ways.
Before going into the details, the Keiser M3i has a weight limit of 350 pounds (158 kg). The Schwinn IC4 is somewhat less sturdy at 330 pounds (149 kg).
The most important reason why you want to stay below these limits is simply that the exercise bikes can break down otherwise.
Even if they don’t immediately break down, the wear and tear will be faster. You will also void the warranty.
Additionally, the weight limits are an indication of how strong the materials and construction of the stationary bikes are. As you can see, the Keiser M3i is just a bit better than the Schwinn IC4 in these areas.
Winner: Keiser M3i
Resistance levels
The main reason why exercise bikes can be a useful fitness tool is that they allow you to pedal against resistance. With this, you can challenge your body.
In turn, you start a variety of processes that can make you healthier and happier in the long term.
You also don’t want the cycling to be too challenging. This can reduce the quality of your workouts in the best case and lead to injuries in the worst case.
The Keiser M3i has 24 magnetic resistance levels. The Schwinn IC4 has 100 magnetic resistance levels.
This difference can mean that the Schwinn IC4 offers more challenging workouts, lighter workouts, and/or more precise adjustments.
The lack of customer mentions about this implies that the Schwinn IC4 is just more precise in the adjustments than the Keiser M3i. This can be helpful for finding the optimal resistance for different parts of your workouts.
Winner: Schwinn IC4
User height range
Together with the weight limit, user height range is definitely one of the most important features of an exercise bike.
The reason why this is mentioned relatively late is that the difference between the Keiser M3i and Schwinn IC4 is not that big.
More precisely, the Keiser M3i is made for individuals between 58 and 84 inches (147.3 cm to 213 cm). The Schwinn IC4 is made for people between 54 and 78 inches (137.2 cm to 198 cm).
So, if you are a very tall individual, you may need to go for the Keiser M3i. If you or other users are relatively short, the Schwinn IC4 will be more likely to suit your needs.
Winner: Keiser M3i for tall individuals
Winner: Schwinn IC4 for shorter individuals
Price
The Keiser M3i and Schwinn IC4 each have their advantages and disadvantages. Something that could make your decision easier is the price of each exercise bike.
How much these prices vary depends on where you buy your models and can vary over time. Even so, at the time of writing, the Schwinn IC4 is a good amount more budget-friendly than the Keiser M3i.
Do keep in mind that the JRNY Membership from the Schwinn IC4 is paid after the one-year trial. That being said, this is also the case if you want to get any workout apps for your Keiser M3i.
Both exercise bikes can also be used without paid workout apps.
The Keiser M3i does have some must-have workout advantages for certain individuals (like the tall user capacity and weight limit).
However, if you are not one of these individuals, it can be hard to justify the extra investment over the solid Schwinn IC4.
Winner: Schwinn IC4
User reviews
Looking at the differences in features and prices helps you get an idea about whether the Keiser M3i or Schwinn IC4 is the best choice for you.
That being said, sometimes customer reviews can uncover unexpected downsides or trends in quality control issues. In this case, customers tend to be just a bit happier about the Keiser M3i.
The main reason for the differences in customer reviews seems to be that quality control issues like early wear and tear in certain parts tend to be just a bit more common with the Schwinn IC4.
That being said, while the Keiser M3i does do a bit better than the Schwinn IC4 in this area, customers are still generally happy with both exercise bikes.
Is the Keiser M3i or Schwinn IC4 better for you?
In short, the Keiser M3i is slightly sturdier, is more suited for very tall individuals, has a flywheel positioned in the back, comes with a few more accessories, and has slightly happier customers.
On the other side, the Schwinn IC4 is a good amount more budget-friendly, has more resistance adjustment levels, comes with a free 1-year workout app membership, and is more suited for short individuals.
Individuals who want/need the extra sturdiness, weight capacity, and/or size capacity of the Keiser M3i, can consider investing a bit more into this option.
That being said, most people will find the Schwinn IC4 an excellent indoor cycling bike that can save a good amount of money while offering valuable features.
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