Exercise bikes are one of the best ways that keep you in shape. The two representatives among many workout bikes brands I want to mention today are Schwinn and Echelon. If you haven’t made your decision on which one to choose yet, then Schwinn IC4 vs Echelon EX3 comparison will give you the answer. Let’s kick right in!
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: Schwinn IC4 Vs Echelon EX3?
Which is the best overall?
It is difficult for beginners and people who don’t know much about these brands to pick up a good workout bike between Echelon EX3 vs Schwinn IC4. Both items are high-quality exercise bikes. However, the Echelon one is more flexible and better than its peer-Schwinn. If you are looking for a brand of workout bike that provides features with its compatible app, choose EX3.
Instead of focusing on connected movement, Schwinn seems to give its all effort into selling a home workout bike. This is the reason why they don’t design their product with a fitness app. If users want to connect this bike with an app, they will surely need to opt for Peloton.
On the contrary, its counterpart series focuses on user experience with its suitable apps and 17 everyday live classes for yoga, spinning, and other workout activities.
Comparison Chart
The table below will tell you the difference between these two exercise bikes brands:
| Schwinn IC4 | Echelon EX3 | |
| Type | Indoor cycle | Indoor cycle |
| Dimensions | 47,8’’L x 21,2”W x 51,8”H | 59’’L x 23’’W x 53H |
| Weight | 106 Pounds | 105 Pounds |
| Maximum Height | 6 feet 6 inches | 6 feet 4 inches |
| Minimum Height | 4 feet 6 inches | 4 feet 6 inches |
| Material | High quality | High quality |
| Flywheel Weight | 40 Lbs | 33 Lbs kg |
| Max User Capacity | 330 Lbs | 300 Lbs |
| Resistance Type | 100 micro-adjustable levels | 32 levels of magnetic resistance |
| Programs | Peloton and Zwift App | Echelon Fit App |
| Seatpost | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Drive System | Belt-driven mechanism | Belt-driven mechanism |
| Display | LCD | HD screen |
| Fit well | All types of users | Customized with fit app |
Differences Between Schwinn IC4 Vs Echelon EX3
Both products are favored by many people for their modern look and designs. However, they are remarkably different from each other:
Frame construction
To be honest, I like their strong frame with accessory placement and gadget tray, which helps to hold phones and stuff conveniently.
The IC4 is made from high-quality stainless steel that helps create an indestructible frame for the bike. Besides, its frame connects with parallel pedals strongly with toe cages – your feet are protected while exercising.
The EX3 bike, on the other hand, impresses users with its strong steel structure. Its compact size requires only a little space; therefore it is a perfect option for an indoor exercise bike.
In this first round, there is no winner!
Seat and handlebars
With Schwinn IC4, customers might be impressed by the seat design; it follows the race-style fashion that brings comfortability to the rider. Furthermore, it is adjustable. You can lean your body towards the handlebars while riding comfortably, as this part is changeable in both up and down directions. The multi-grip handlebars feature helps the users to train with their different groups of muscles.
On the other hand, the other product provides adjustable seats and handlebars. From my point of view, it is great to adjust these parts so the bike can accommodate riders at all heights. You can even move the competition-style seat forward, backward, up, and down as you want. The large seat will comfort you during the long rides.
The winner in this round will be the IC4, as the machine offers a more smart feature – the multi-grip handlebars.
Resistance system
Schwinn IC4 bike offers 100 levels of resistance. It means riders can experience a wide range of riding levels easily. Also, the workout is structured to satisfy either experts or beginners with various needs.
Different from its rival, the Echelon only offers 32 levels of magnetic resistance. Although having less level resistance, it can still help you to easily differentiate the intensity of your riding.
Apparently, the item from the Schwinn family still plays the lead in this battle!
Drive system
IC4 works based on a belt-driven mechanism, which also explains why users can pedal the bike quietly. Subsequently, the bike requires less maintenance and runs quietly as well. If you take a closer look, there is a flywheel guard and a belt cover on the front.
The EX3, like its peer, also works with a belt-driven mechanism.
Its pedal is created from aluminum, and it is sturdy for intensity training. You can either use regular shoes or clip-in cycling shoes while exercising.
Thus, there is no winner here – both of them can satisfy all your demands regarding the drive system.
Console
You can use a backlit LCD monitor on IC4 to check all of your training indicators conveniently, such as RPM, speed, time, distance, calories, pulse.
To connect the bike with several fitness apps, you will have to use the Bluetooth feature. These apps will give you access to get your training lessons following customized programs.
With Echelon bikes, there is no better way to connect your smartphone or tablet with the monitor except using Bluetooth. The feature I like most about this workout bike is it comes up with a compatible training program called the Echelon fitness app. All of them will be monitored by a beautiful 21,5-inch HD screen. Therefore, you will have the feeling that this bike and its exercises are specially designed just for your workout.
I prefer the EX3 in this console comparison, all due to its great training program.
Assembly and Maintenance
The best way to assemble these exercise bikes is to follow the instruction manual given by the manufacturer. If you still feel it is not clear enough, you can connect to its customer service to get more instructions from the staff.
Compared to chain-driven workout bikes, Schwinn needs less maintenance due to the belt transmission feature. With this item, you don’t have to do the cleaning, oiling, and adjustment.
Echelon also doesn’t require much maintenance like chain-bikes. However, proper cleaning will prolong the life of the bike. In case you hear some noise from the handlebars, use lubricant spray on the neck of this part, and don’t forget to tighten the knob adjustment.
Without the need for regular maintenance, the IC4 easily knocks down its counterpart!
Quick Review Of Schwinn IC4
Pros:
- Provide magnetic flywheel of 40 pounds
- Provide dumbbells for upper body exercises
- Has Bluetooth connection
- Offer 100 resistance levels
- Modern LCD monitor
- Customized pedals
Cons:
- Doesn’t have pre-programmed workouts
- No fan for cooling
Quick Review Of Echelon EX3
Pros
- High-quality steel frame
- Bluetooth connection
- Compact size
- Has compatible Echelon fit app
- Can adjust the seat vertically and horizontally
- Has gadget holders
- Provide adjustable console
Cons
- Work with the Echelon fit app only
- Warranty with limited part
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