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Are you wondering which model Schwinn indoor bike to choose? Is it the Schwinn IC3 or the IC4?
This Schwinn IC3 vs IC4 indoor bike review can help you decide.
As a personal trainer, I’ve used indoor bikes in my own workouts and with my clients. So I have a good idea of how they work and which features are important.
Schwinn bikes are well-known for their quality, and both the IC3 and IC4 are no exception.
In a nutshell: the Schwinn IC3 is a good choice if you want an affordable and compact indoor bike.
But if you want guidance in your biking journey, the Schwinn IC4 can give you access to several coaching apps and programs.
As I said, both indoor bikes are good choices. But depending on your needs, you may prefer one over the other.
So let’s look at how they compare in terms of features and price.
Keep reading below.
Table of Contents
- Features Schwinn IC3 vs IC4
- Schwinn IC3 vs IC4: The Winner
- Which indoor bike is best for YOU?
- FAQs About The Schwinn IC3 vs IC4 Indoor Bikes
- What to do next?
Features Schwinn IC3 vs IC4
| Features | Schwinn IC3 | Schwinn IC4 |
| Dimensions | Length: 45 in (114.3 cm) Width: 23 in (58.42 cm) Height: 49 in (124.46 cm) | Length: 54.6 in (138.68 cm) Width: 30.7 in (77.98 cm) Height: 51.8 in (131.57 cm) |
| Weight | 100 lbs (45.36 kg) | 112 lbs (50.80 kg) |
| Resistance Mechanism | Friction | Magnetic |
| Resistance Levels | Unlimited | 100 Levels |
| Pre-set Training | No | Yes |
| Display Readouts | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, RPM & Watts | Time, Distance, Calories, RPMs & Heart Rate |
| Max User Weight | 300 lbs (136.08 kg) | 330 lbs (149.69 kg) |
| Heart Rate | Telemetry Enabled | Bluetooth Heart Rate Armband Included |
| Flywheel Weight | 40 lbs (18.14 kg) | 40 lbs (18.14 kg) |
| Drive System | Belt | Belt |
| Power Source | 2 AA Batteries (Included) | Corded Electric |
| Warranty Description | 5 Years Frame 2 Years Mechanical & Electrical 1 Year Labor | 10 Years Frame 3 Years Parts 1 Year Electrical 90 Days Labor |
Resistance comparison
The first feature bikers look at is resistance. These two Schwinn bikes have different modes and resistance levels.
The Schwinn IC3 uses friction resistance with unlimited and adjustable resistance levels. The Schwinn IC4, on the other hand, uses magnetic resistance with 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels.
Since the IC3 uses friction pads to generate resistance, it is noisy when used. And you have to replace the friction pads over time.
If you prefer a quiet workout, the magnetic resistance of the IC4 is a better option. Plus, you don’t have to maintain or replace any parts on this bike to get the resistance you need.
Winner Resistance Comparison
The Schwinn IC4 bike is the winner, because the resistance mode doesn’t require replacement or maintenance, and is not noisy when used. Both bikes offer enough resistance levels for home use.
Weight capacity comparison
The Schwinn IC3 can accommodate a user weight of up to 300 pounds. While the IC4 bike can hold up to 330 pounds.
A 30-pound difference may not be that much for some users. But I think it’s worth noting that many heavy people purchase indoor cycling bikes in hopes of losing weight and getting fit.
So a higher weight capacity is definitely a plus.
For the weight of the bikes, the IC3 weighs 100 pounds, while the IC4 weighs 112 pounds. Since the IC4 is heavier, it is more stable. It won’t budge easily when you pedal at high speed.
Both bikes are from a reputable brand and feature high-quality components. So rest assured, they are both durable.
Winner Weight Capacity Comparison
The Schwinn IC4 bike is the winner, because the resistance mode doesn’t require replacement or maintenance, and is not noisy when used. Both bikes offer enough resistance levels for home use.
Functionality comparison
Both bikes come with dual-link SPD foot pedals with toe cages and clips. So you can use the pedals with any type of shoes.
The race-style bike seat of the IC3 and IC4 is adjustable horizontally and vertically. And they come with an ergonomic design for comfort.
Both the Schwinn IC3 and IC4 bikes come with multi-grip handlebars, which allow you to change the position of your hands while you are riding. This is useful if you want to shift your weight around.
These two bikes also come with the same drive system — a 40-pound flywheel and belt-driven.
Winner Functionality Comparison
The functionality comparison is a draw, as both bikes come with similar pedals, seats, handlebars, and drive system.
Console comparison
For the console, the Schwinn IC3 indoor bike includes an LCD monitor that displays your heart rate, speed, time, distance, calories, and RPMs. To power this monitor, it needs two AA batteries.
Schwinn IC4 also comes with an LCD monitor. But the difference is that it uses electricity for power.
For accessories and other console features, here is a table breakdown of the Schwinn IC3 and IC4 similarities and differences.
| Schwinn IC3 | Schwinn IC4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | ❌ | ✔️ |
| JRNY Experience | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Explore the World app | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Coaching Apps (Peloton App, Zwift App, Explore the World App, and more) | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Device holder | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Water Bottle Holder | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Transportation Wheels | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Heart Rate | Telemetry Enabled | Bluetooth Heart Rate Armband Included |
Winner Console Comparison
The Schwinn IC4 bike is the winner, because it has more features, and the access to coaching apps is a plus.
Price and warranty comparison
The Schwinn IC4 is obviously more expensive than the IC3, since it has more features. However, the Schwinn IC4 bike offers a better warranty policy than the IC3.
Schwinn IC3 indoor bike comes with the following warranty policy:
- Frame: 5 Years
- Mechanical & Electrical: 2 Years
- Labor: 1 Year
Schwinn IC4 indoor bike comes with the following warranty policy:
- Frame: 10 Years
- Parts: 3 Years
- Electrical: 1 Year
- Labor: 90 Days
Winner Price and Warranty Comparison
This price and warranty comparison is a draw, because it depends on user preference. The Schwinn IC3 is more affordable, but has a shorter warranty. And the Schwinn IC4 is more expensive, because it comes with more features and a longer warranty.
Nevertheless, both indoor bikes are a good option for home use.
Schwinn IC3 vs IC4: The Winner
After conducting a thorough review of the Schwinn IC3 and IC4 indoor bikes, we determined that the Schwinn IC4 is generally the better option for most situations.
While both indoor bikes offer the same functionality, there are several key differences between the two.
Here are some of the main factors to consider:
- Schwinn IC4’s resistance mode doesn’t require replacement or maintenance, while the Schwinn IC3 does.
- Schwinn IC4 has a quieter operation than the IC3.
- The Schwinn IC4 indoor bike has a higher weight capacity and is more stable than the IC3 version.
- Schwinn IC4 allows users to access coaching apps, while the IC3 doesn’t.
However, it’s important to note that the Schwinn IC3 indoor bike is still a great option for home use. In fact, some people prefer the Schwinn IC3 over the IC3 due to its lower price point and smaller footprint.
Which indoor bike is best for YOU?
Which indoor bike is best for your budget?
If you are on a budget, the Schwinn IC3 is definitely the better option, since it is more affordable. However, if you want more features and less maintenance, the Schwinn IC4 will be a worthy investment.
Keep in mind that you have to replace the friction pads on the Schwinn IC3 from time to time, which is an added cost.
Which indoor bike is best for beginners?
Both the Schwinn IC3 and IC4 indoor bikes are great for beginner bikers. If you need guidance in your workouts, the IC4 may be a better choice, as it gives you access to several coaching apps.
If you don’t have the budget, then the IC3 is a good option.
Which indoor bike is best for your workout space?
If you have limited space, the Schwinn IC3 has a smaller footprint than the IC4. But there’s not much difference.
But if you want to save space as much as possible, then the IC3 is for you. Of course, if you have the space and budget, you can also have both bikes.
FAQs About The Schwinn IC3 vs IC4 Indoor Bikes
Is IC4 better than IC3?
The Schwinn IC4 is better than IC3 in the following situations:
• It requires less maintenance.
• It has a quieter operation.
• It has a higher weight capacity.
• It allows users to access coaching apps while the IC3 doesn’t.
But the IC3 is more affordable and takes less space than the IC3.Is the Schwinn IC3 loud?
Since the Schwinn IC3 uses friction pads, it can be noisy when used.
Is the Schwinn IC3 magnetic resistance?
No, the Schwinn IC3 uses friction for resistance using friction pads. If you are looking for a bike with magnetic resistance, the IC4 version would be a better choice.
What to do next?
In conclusion, when comparing the two indoor bikes, it appears the Schwinn IC4 is the winner. Although the IC3 is more budget-friendly, the IC4 surpasses it in terms of features, particularly for avid bikers.
Both indoor bikes are excellent options for home use, providing all the necessary features to enhance your workout experience.
Therefore, regardless of whether you opt for the Schwinn IC3 or IC4, you can rest assured that you will achieve a satisfying workout within the comforts of your own home.
Before you leave, we would love to hear your feedback. Please share your experience with Schwinn bikes by leaving a comment below.
