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The Schwinn IC3 and Peloton are very different indoor cycling bikes. Find out exactly how they vary and how to choose between them.
Some of the main differences between the Schwinn IC3 and Peloton are that the Schwinn IC3 has friction resistance, a device holder, a lighter weight, more compact dimensions, and a price that is a lot more budget-friendly.
On the other hand, the Peloton Bike has a big built-in touchscreen, precise resistance levels, and connectivity to the Peloton app.
If you don’t care about Bluetooth connectivity features (besides a heart rate monitor) or precise resistance level numbers and just want a good indoor cycling bike, the Schwinn IC3 is likely the better choice.
Choosing the Schwinn IC3 can save a good amount of money. You can also still follow workouts with your own smart device (although your workout measurements won’t automatically be saved somewhere).
That being said, if you like the idea of the indoor cycling workouts, scenic rides, workout classes of other exercise types, and tracking in the Peloton app and you have the budget for these things, the Peloton Bike can be the right choice for you.
Important differences Schwinn IC3 vs Peloton Bike
There are many differences between the Schwinn IC3 and Peloton Bike. This influences what indoor cycling bike the best choice is for what situations and individuals.
At the same time, not all differences are equally important. In the first table below, you can find the ones that are most likely to influence your choice.
| Feature | Schwinn IC3 | Peloton Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | LCD Display With Speed, Time, Distance, Calories, And RPMs | 21.5” HD Touchscreen |
| Resistance Type | Friction | Magnetic |
| Resistance Levels | Continuous Turning Knob | 100 Levels |
| Device Holder | Yes | No |
| Workout Programs | Not Included | 30-Day Trial For New App Trials |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Not Included | Screen Connects To Peloton App |
| Weight | 100 lbs (45.4 kg) | 135 lbs (61.2 kg) |
| Price Category* | $$ | $$$$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price category at the time of writing
Other features Schwinn IC3 and Peloton Bike
Before making your choice, you may also want to know about the smaller differences and common features of the Schwinn IC3 and Peloton Bike. These can be relevant in certain situations too.
| Feature | Schwinn IC3 | Peloton Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 300 Pounds (136 kg) | 297 Pounds (134.7 kg) |
| Flywheel Weight | 40 Pounds (18.1 kg) | Not Mentioned |
| Position Flywheel | Front | Front |
| Handlebar Style | Elevated Bullhorn | Elevated Bullhorn |
| Handlebar Adjustment | Height & Fore/Aft | Height |
| Seat/Saddle Style | Vented Competition | Competition |
| Adjustable Seat | Height & Fore/Aft | Height & Fore/Aft |
| User Height Range | 54 to 78 Inches (137.2 cm to 198 cm) | 59 to 76 Inches (149.9 cm to 193 cm) |
| Pedals | Dual-Sided with Toe Cage & SPD-Compatible Clips | Delta-Compatible |
| Screen Mobility | Static | Tilts |
| Dimensions | 45″ L x 23″ W x 49″ H | 59″ L x 23″ W x 53″ H |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor, Bought Separately | Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor, Bought Separately |
| Bottle Holder | 1 Big | 2 Medium |
| Warranties* | 5 Years Frame Warranty, 2 Years Mechanical And Electrical Warranty, 1 Year Labor Warranty | 5 Years Frame Warranty, 12 Months Most Original Components And Labor Limited Warranty |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
Differences Schwinn IC3 vs Peloton Bike explained in-depth
If you are somewhat familiar with indoor cycling bikes and you know what you want in them, the price and feature differences are likely enough to choose between the Schwinn IC3 and Peloton.
That being said, you may also be unsure about what certain features mean and to what extent they should influence your choice.
In that case, some of the more in-depth explanations below about some of the most confusing features can help you make a better decision.
Screen
Cardio machines like indoor cycling bikes typically come with some type of screen to display workout measurements. These can help you adapt your workouts and keep you motivated.
Some exercise bike brands also use the screen as an opportunity to improve the overall experience of the machine.
The Schwinn IC3 keeps things very basic in this area. It has an LCD Display that shows things like speed, time, distance, calories, and RPMs.
You can also connect a Bluetooth heart rate monitor to the display but it has no other Bluetooth functionality besides this.
On the other hand, the 21.5” HD touchscreen of the Peloton Bike is a big part of its overall experience. This display is made to only work with the Peloton App.
Through there, you can see workout measurements and follow indoor cycling classes, scenic rides, and workout classes for other types of exercise.
One thing to note is that while you can use the Peloton Bike and see workout measurements without the premium version of the app, this premium version is still generally recommended to get the most out of your exercise bike.
Winner: Peloton Bike
Resistance type
The main reason why exercise bikes can be good for your health is that it makes certain movements more challenging to your body.
By doing this to safe extents, you start a variety of internal processes that can make you healthier and happier in the long term.
Indoor cycling bikes often come with magnetic resistance so it can be easy to forget that there are other resistance types too.
However, the Schwinn IC3 does work with friction resistance. There are basically friction pads rubbing against the flywheel to make it harder to turn.
A benefit of friction resistance is that it tends to be more budget-friendly than magnetic resistance. A downside to keep in mind is that you may have to replace the friction pads after a few months.
The Peloton Bike works with the more standard magnetic resistance. As the name implies, this type uses magnetic to make turning the flywheel harder.
A benefit of magnetic resistance is that it tends to be just a bit more silent, does (or at least should) not require maintenance, and offers precise resistance level numbers.
When choosing between friction and magnetic resistance, there is some extent of personal preference involved. That being said, people generally prefer having magnetic resistance which makes the Peloton better in this area.
Winner: Peloton Bike
Resistance levels
One consequence of the different resistance types that deserved a bit more explanation is the number of resistance levels. It is not always immediately clear why this matters or what is preferred.
The Schwinn IC3 basically has “infinite” resistance levels. How much you turn the knob decides exactly how much resistance you will feel.
On the flip side, the Peloton still also has a turning knob to adjust the resistance. However, you get a more precise number on your screen that shows you which of the 100 resistance levels you are on.
Having precise resistance level numbers is generally preferred. This makes following workouts and interval workouts a lot more convenient.
With a friction resistance adjustment knob, you really have to feel and adjust until you reach the desired challenge level.
Additionally, it is easier to see your progress with precise resistance levels. Last month, you may have found level 40 on your Peloton too challenging to move but today you could be able to use it without (too much of) an issue.
This can be fun and motivating to see which in turn, can improve exercise consistency.
Winner: Peloton Bike
Price
There are advantages and disadvantages to both the Schwinn IC3 and Peloton. Something that could make choosing the best exercise bike for you easier is any big price differences.
Exactly how much each machine costs depends on where you get them and can change over time. That being said, at the time of writing, the Schwinn IC3 is a lot more budget-friendly than the Peloton Bike.
Additionally, you have to keep in mind that the premium Peloton App adds extra subscription costs over time.
You can use the Peloton without the premium app but this subscription is generally recommended to get the most out of this stationary bike.
Winner: Schwinn IC3
User reviews
When comparing two indoor cycling bikes like the Schwinn IC3 and Peloton, the price and feature differences often offer a good idea about what option the best is for your situation.
At the same time, customer reviews sometimes uncover downsides that are not in the product description or trends in quality issues.
Overall, customers are definitely happy with the Schwinn IC3 but the Peloton does just a bit better in this area.
In the case of the Schwinn IC3, there are a few exceptional cases of faulty parts or mentions of design features like the position of the water bottle holder.
The Peloton also has a few cases of faulty parts but these are slightly less common. Additionally, some people don’t like the subscription cost of the Peloton app.
Customers are generally very positive about the Schwinn IC3 but even more so about the Peloton.
Is the Schwinn IC3 or Peloton Bike better for you?
In short, the Schwinn IC3 has friction resistance, a device holder, a lighter weight, more compact dimensions, and a price that is a lot more budget-friendly.
On the other side, the Peloton Bike has a big built-in touchscreen, precise resistance levels, and connectivity to the Peloton app.
People who want a good indoor cycling bike and don’t care about Bluetooth connectivity features (besides the heart rate monitor) or precise resistance levels will likely find the Schwinn IC3 good enough.
This option can save them a good amount of money. Additionally, you can still follow workouts through a smart device (although your workout measurements won’t automatically be saved somewhere).
At the same time, some people really like the idea of the indoor cycling workouts, scenic rides, workout classes of other exercise types, and tracking in the Peloton app.
If you are willing to invest extra into these things, the Peloton can be the right choice for you.
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