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The Schwinn 230 and 270 are two recumbent bikes from the same brand. Find out their differences and whether the price is worth it.
The main differences between the Schwinn 230 and the Schwinn 270 are that the Schwinn 270 has more resistance levels, a brighter screen, clearer controls, potentially a heavier flywheel, more built-in workout programs, more memory for different users, speakers, and fans.
On the other hand, the Schwinn 230 is somewhat more budget-friendly but not that much in the bigger picture.
Most people want to invest just a bit more in the better features of the Schwinn 270. Especially if you consider how many hours you will spend on the recumbent bike, the better features will be valuable over time.
Even so, the Schwinn 230 is also still a solid recumbent bike with many happy customers. If you are on a tighter budget, not that fit (yet), and don’t care too much about the screen looks and controls, you can consider this option too.
This article will also explain why, for who, and to what extent some of these feature differences matter. You can also find a quick overview of some of the common features to confirm you are making the right choice.
Most important differences Schwinn 230 vs 270
The Schwinn 230 and 270 are both recumbent bikes from the same brand but they vary in a good amount of areas.
These feature differences are not always equally important. In the first table below you will find the ones that are most likely to influence your decision.
An important thing to note is that this comparison article looks at the 2020 version of the Schwinn 230. Some stores offer some of the older models which are different in certain areas.
| Feature | Schwinn 230 | Schwinn 270 |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Levels | 16 Levels | 25 Levels |
| Screen | 5.5” LCD | 2 DualTrack Blue Backlit LCDs |
| Workout Programs | 13 Programs | 29 Programs |
| Flywheel Weight | 13 Pounds (5.9 Kg) | 13.1 Pounds (5.9 kg) |
| Number Of Screen Users | 1 User | 4 Users |
| Price* | $$ | $$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price difference at the time of writing
Other features Schwinn 230 vs 270
You may also want to know the smaller differences and common features between the Schwinn 230 and the Schwinn 270. You can find these in this second table.
| Feature | Schwinn 230 | Schwinn 270 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight limit | 300 pounds (136 kg) | 300 pounds (136 kg) |
| Dimensions | 64″ L x 27.7″ W x 49.9″ H | 64″ L x 27.7″ W x 49.9″ H |
| Weight | 80 lbs (36.3 kg) | 86.6 lbs (39.3 kg) |
| Adjustable Seat | Yes | Yes |
| User Height Range | 54 to 78 Inches (137.2 cm to 198 cm) | 54 to 78 Inches (137.2 cm to 198 cm) |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Seat Handles | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated & Contoured Seat | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | No | Yes |
| Cooling Fans | No | Yes |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Contact & Telemetry Enabled | Contact & Telemetry Enabled |
| Warranties* | 10 Years Frame, 2 Years Mechanical Parts, 1 Year Electronics, 90 Days Labor | 10 Years Frame, 2 Years Mechanical Parts, 1 Year Electronics, 90 Days Labor |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences between Schwinn 230 and 270 explained more in depth
If you are familiar with recumbent bike features, know what you want, and take a quick look at the prices the comparison of the most important differences could be enough to make a decision.
On the other hand, you may also be unsure about what certain of these features mean, why they are important, for who they are important, and to what extent they matter.
Learning these things from the sections below can help you make a better decision.
Resistance levels
One of the main principles of exercise is challenging your body enough. This starts a variety of internal processes that can make you stronger and fitter in the long term.
At the same time, you also don’t want to overdo it. This can lead to injuries.
Exactly how much resistance is needed to stay inside of this range varies from fitness level to fitness level. It will likely not be the same for an active 20-year-old person and an inactive 60-year-old person.
That is why fitness equipment options like recumbent bikes tend to have different resistance levels to choose from. The same goes for the Schwinn 230 and the Schwinn 270.
More specifically, the Schwinn 230 has 16 resistance levels, the Schwinn 270 has 25 resistance levels. It is not entirely clear if the Schwinn 270 has more challenge potential or just more precise adjustment options.
In any case, having more resistance options allows you to customize your workouts more.
Besides challenging yourself to the right extent, this can also help make your recumbent bike workouts more fun. In turn, it may be easier to stay consistent with your workout routine.
Winner: Schwinn 270
Screen quality and controls
Another typical component of recumbent bikes is some type of monitor to track workout performance measurements. Both the Schwinn 230 and 270 have a screen but they differ to a decent extent.
The Schwinn 230 has a 5.5” LCD screen which can be described as old-fashioned.
The 2 DualTrack Blue Backlit LCDs of the Schwinn 270 are not the most technologically advanced either but you do notice a positive difference.
These screens are backlit which means they have better visibility. Even if the lighting in your workout room is suboptimal.
Additionally, the controls and the number of measurements displayed are just a bit better on the Schwinn 270. Both machines can be connected through Bluetooth with the Explore the World and other apps.
How important these things are varies from person to person. Most people can get in a good recumbent workout without taking one look at the screen.
At the same time, adapting your workouts to your heart rate, distance traveled, speed, etc. can be helpful. Some people also find the measurements motivating to keep pushing themselves enough.
These things will be slightly easier to do with the clearer and more extensive screens of the Schwinn 270.
Winner: Schwinn 270
Workout programs
More high-end cardio machines like the Schwinn 230 and 270 often come with built-in workout programs. These are basically sequences of different time and intensity intervals.
Depending on the programs and your personal preferences, these workout programs can offer more health benefits and more fun than simply pedaling at one pace for an extended period of time.
The Schwinn 230 has 13 built-in workout programs, the 270 has 29 built-in programs. This is a relatively big difference. If you like a wide variety of workout programs, the Schwinn 270 has the upper hand.
Even so, the 13 built-in programs of the Schwinn 230 also already offer a nice amount of variety.
Additionally, both recumbent bikes can be connected through Bluetooth to workout apps like the Explore The World App from Bowflex, the owner of Schwinn Fitness. This has a few free routes but is a subscription for the full version.
The Explore The World allows you to follow cycling routes all over the world through your tablet or smartphone. The speed of the video adjusts itself to the speed you are pedaling and the app tracks a variety of measurements.
Winner: Schwinn 270
Flywheel weight
A flywheel is the rotating disk inside the recumbent bike to which the pedals are attached to. This flywheel can vary between machines in a few different areas, including its weight.
The Schwinn 230 has a flywheel weight of 13 pounds (5.9 kg). A customer support rep told me the Schwinn 270 has a flywheel weight of 13.1 pounds (5.9 kg) but some sources mention the flywheel weighs 22 pounds (10 kg).
This is a relatively big difference and does change the experience of the recumbent bike.
In general, most people prefer a heavier flywheel. This builds up more momentum and gives your recumbent bike workouts a smoother feel. When you stop pedaling, the momentum does not stop as fast as a lighter flywheel.
For recumbent bikes, the flywheel weight does not matter as much as something like an elliptical machine. At the same time, you will likely notice the difference in flywheel weights.
In this comparison, the flywheel weights are not entirely clear. If the Schwinn 270 does have a heavier flywheel most people would prefer this option. If not, these recumbent bikes are similar in this area.
Winner: Schwinn 270 (if it actually has a heavier flywheel, if not, the bikes are similar in this area)
Number of trackable users
The Schwinn 230 and 270 are also different in that the 230 only offers 1 user profile while the Schwinn 270 can track up to 4 different users.
User profiles are not the most important part of your recumbent bike sessions but they do allow you to keep track of a few personal workout details and achievements.
For example, if your partner or anyone else using the bike has a completely different resting heart rate and fitness capacity, some of the built-in workout programs and achievement goals can be suboptimal for some users.
The 4 users of the Schwinn 270 are clearly better than the 1 user of the Schwinn 230. How important this is to you depends on how much you and your partner plan to use the related functions.
Winner: Schwinn 270
Other features
Two smaller differences between the Schwinn 230 and the Schwinn 270 are the speakers and cooling fans included in the 270 model.
These allow you to listen to music from a device connected to Bluetooth and cool you down at least to some extent during sweaty workouts.
Something to note is that these speakers are likely not the most impressive. Especially with how good and budget-friendly speakers are these days.
The cooling fans can be pleasant but again you can get decent alternatives separately.
In short, the speakers and cooling fans of the Schwinn 270 are nice additions but you should likely see them as a nice bonus instead of things that really influence your decision.
Winner: Schwinn 270
Total weight
Next, in some cases, the total weight of cardio machines can be an important difference. In the case of the Schwinn 230 vs the Schwinn 270, the difference is relatively small.
More specifically, the Schwinn 230 has a total weight of 80 lbs (36.3 kg), the Schwinn 270 has a total weight of 86.6 lbs (39.3 kg). The two main reasons why total weight could be important include transport and floor capacity.
Both recumbent bikes have transport wheels. If you plan to move your machine to a corner after your workout, a lighter weight makes this process easier.
Additionally, some floors have a limited carry capacity. If this is the case for you, keep in mind that you will add your own body weight too.
That being said, if you look at the total weights of the Schwinn recumbent bikes in this article, it becomes clear that the 6.6-pound (3 kg) difference likely does not play any important role.
Winner: Schwinn 230 (relatively small difference)
Price
Up until now, the Schwinn 270 is clearly better in terms of features. One important thing to keep in mind is that the price of a good exercise bike is important too.
Something to note is that the exact price differences will vary over time and depend on where you get your recumbent bikes.
That being said, at the time of writing, the Schwinn 270 is somewhat pricier than the Schwinn 230 but not that much in the bigger picture.
Even if you don’t plan to use the screen, the extra resistance levels and the smoothness of the heavier flywheel weight of the Schwinn 270 are likely worth the slightly bigger investment.
Especially if you consider how often you will use the machine.
Nonetheless, if you are on a tight budget and you are not the fittest person (yet), the Schwinn 230 could also meet your needs. In that case, you can save some money by choosing this model.
Winner: Schwinn 230
User reviews
When comparing two similar pieces of fitness equipment from the same company, the feature differences typically offer the most objective comparison.
At the same time, sometimes customer reviews uncover unintended downsides of one or other machine. In the case of the Schwinn 230 vs 270, customers are just a bit more positive about the Schwinn 270.
This is partly due to the earlier design of the Schwinn 230 seat. Some people found this uncomfortable but the 2020 model has a similar seat as the Schwinn 270 which receives a lot fewer complaints.
Besides that, similar to other recumbent bikes, the Schwinn 230 and Schwinn 270 take some effort to assemble.
There are also a few exceptional quality control issues here and there. Schwinn customer support tends to act rather slowly in these situations.
That being said, customers still tend to be happy with both Schwinn recumbent bikes overall. They especially like the relatively silent workouts and many resistance levels and seat adjustment positions.
Is the Schwinn 230 or 270 right for you?
In short, the Schwinn 270 has more resistance levels, a brighter screen, potentially a heavier flywheel, more built-in workout programs, clearer controls, more memory for different users, speakers, and cooling fans.
On the flip side, the Schwinn 230 is a bit more budget-friendly.
Because the price difference is not that big in the bigger picture but the features can make your workouts more fun and effective, most people want to go for the Schwinn 270.
Especially if you consider how many hours you will use the machine, the better features can definitely play enough of a role over time.
That being said, if you are on a tighter budget, are not the fittest person (yet), and don’t care too much about screen functionality, you can consider the Schwinn 230. This is still a solid recumbent bike with many happy customers.
