Exercise bikes are a fantastic way to get your cardio in, and the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike is designed to deliver just that. It’s built to boost your endurance, stamina, and overall strength, all from the comfort of your home. For its price point, this Schwinn bike packs a punch with impressive features, including robust construction, Bluetooth connectivity, and a highly adjustable seat for a comfortable workout experience. While it’s not trying to compete with premium bikes like Peloton, it offers a compelling package for those seeking a quality upright bike without breaking the bank.
Before you make a purchase, dive into this comprehensive Schwinn 170 Upright Bike review. We’ll explore its strengths and a few areas where it might fall short, giving you a clear picture of whether this affordable fitness equipment is the right fit for you. We’ve also put other Schwinn exercise bikes to the test, such as the Schwinn 230 recumbent bike and the more advanced Schwinn IC3 for those with a larger budget, providing a range of options to consider.
We’ve Been Around the Block (and the Bike)
At Garage Gym Reviews, we’ve spent countless hours pedaling on various exercise bikes. While we didn’t personally test the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike model, our team has extensive experience with similar upright bikes and other Schwinn models, including the Schwinn IC4, a more premium indoor cycling bike comparable to Peloton, placing us in a strong position to provide an informed review.
Our team comprises former college athletes, certified personal trainers (like myself), qualified nutrition coaches (also me), and other health experts. Accuracy is paramount in our reviews, and our mission is to guide you towards making well-informed decisions about your health and fitness. This includes helping you find home fitness equipment that meets your needs and fits your budget.
Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
Schwinn 170 upright bike product image Check Price
Product Highlights
- Upright exercise bike design
- Bluetooth enabled for fitness tracking
- Features 25 levels of resistance
- Includes 29 built-in workout programs
- Dual LCD screens for clear metrics
- Robust 300-lb user weight capacity
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 29 diverse preset exercise programs for varied workouts
- 25 levels of magnetic resistance for customized intensity
- High 300-lb user weight capacity accommodates many users
Cons
- Lighter 13-pound flywheel may not suit advanced cyclists
- Some user reviews mention seat discomfort for extended rides
Bottom Line
The Schwinn 170 is a Bluetooth-enabled upright bike that receives generally positive feedback from users, offering a solid set of features for its price range.
A Closer Look at the Schwinn 170 Upright Exercise Bike
If you’ve ever browsed fitness equipment, you’ve likely encountered the Schwinn name. With a history dating back to 1895, Schwinn has been a prominent bike manufacturer for over a century. They’ve successfully adapted to technological advancements and evolving fitness trends, maintaining their relevance in the industry.
Schwinn’s current home fitness lineup includes a variety of exercise bikes: cycling bikes, recumbent bikes, upright bikes, Airdyne bikes, and even elliptical machines. The Schwinn 170 exercise bike stands out as the superior of their two upright models. For a modest $50 increase over the Schwinn 130, the 170 significantly upgrades your experience with enhanced features.
While positioned as a more basic model compared to pricier competitors, the Schwinn 170’s Bluetooth capabilities allow seamless connection with popular fitness apps like MyFitnessPal, GoogleFit, and Apple Health for easy workout data tracking. It comes pre-loaded with 29 programs, including fitness tests and customizable options, allowing you to tailor your fitness regimen to your specific goals. The bike also boasts a highly adjustable seat, ensuring a more comfortable and ergonomic ride for a range of users.
My Expert Tips
- Take advantage of the 170’s universal stem, which allows you to easily replace the included seat with any standard bike seat for personalized comfort.
- Enhance your workout experience by connecting to the built-in acoustic chamber speakers for surprisingly good sound quality.
- Before assembly, carefully inspect all parts. While infrequent, some users have reported receiving bikes with damaged components.
Advantages of the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike:
Drawbacks of the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike:
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Seat adjustability and universal stem for personalized comfort
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29 exercise programs and 25 resistance levels for workout variety
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Bluetooth compatibility for fitness tracking integration
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Compact footprint, measuring just 41” x 21”, ideal for smaller spaces
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Affordable price point around $550
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Durability may be a concern for long-term heavy use
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Lighter flywheel may not provide the smooth feel of heavier flywheels
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Media shelf potentially obstructs the console screen when in use
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Limited 90-day warranty on labor
Is the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike a Smart Investment?
The Schwinn 170 Upright Bike isn’t designed to be a high-end, premium cycling bike. Instead, it positions itself as a feature-rich, budget-friendly option, particularly appealing to beginners. The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity is a standout feature rarely found in bikes at this price point, enabling seamless integration with fitness tracking apps to monitor your progress.
The seat’s adjustability, both vertically and horizontally, ensures a more customized fit, and its compact size makes it suitable for homes with limited space. Essentially, the Schwinn 170 delivers considerable value for its cost. However, it may not be the ideal bike for everyone.
Ideal For:
- Families of up to four seeking a reliable home exercise bike for general fitness
- Individuals with limited workout space in apartments or smaller homes
- Beginners looking for an exercise bike with fitness app connectivity to track workout metrics
Not Recommended For:
- Advanced or competitive cyclists seeking high-performance features
- Users who prefer an integrated screen for immersive workout experiences
- Those wanting a bike designed for very long-term use (beyond approximately 4-5 years of heavy use)
Schwinn 170 Upright Bike: Detailed Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Footprint | 41.3” L x 21.4” W x 55.6” H |
| Weight | 58.4 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Price | Around $550 |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year electronics, 90-day labor |
| Programs | 29 |
| Resistance | 25 levels |
| User Profiles | 4 |
| Display | LCD screen |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
Using the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike: Key Features
One of the standout features of the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike is its seat adjustability and overall versatility. Discomfort is a common reason why beginners abandon exercise bike routines. This bike addresses this with a universal stem, compatible with any standard clamp and rail bicycle seat, allowing for seat customization. The seat also adjusts both forward and backward, accommodating users ranging from 4 feet, 6 inches to 6 feet, 4 inches in height.
The handlebar angle is also adjustable, further enhancing user comfort and ergonomics. Handlebar-integrated heart rate sensors provide a basic measure of workout intensity. However, for more precise heart rate monitoring, the Schwinn 170 can connect to various fitness tracking apps like MyFitnessPal and Apple Health, allowing you to upload your workout data. Note that connecting to some apps may require some troubleshooting.
Schwinn 170 upright bike display and console
The extra-wide pedals offer ample foot space and include straps to secure your feet, enabling efficient power transfer throughout the pedal stroke and improved muscle engagement. The clear, backlit dual LCD screen displays essential workout metrics such as resistance level, distance, time, and program progress. A minor design drawback is that a media device placed on the media shelf can obstruct part of the screen.
RELATED: Top Exercise Bikes with Screens
You can quickly begin workouts using the Quickstart option or choose from 28 pre-programmed workouts, adjusting through 25 levels of digital magnetic resistance. A built-in 3-speed fan provides cooling during intense sessions. The integrated chamber speakers allow you to connect your device for enhanced audio. A convenient USB port is also included for device charging during workouts. While the bike doesn’t have an integrated screen for streaming workouts, you can use your own device for entertainment, manually adjusting resistance as needed.
Footprint, Portability, Build Quality, and Construction
Compared to many exercise bikes, the Schwinn 170 is relatively compact, measuring 41.3 inches in length, 21.4 inches in width, and 55.6 inches in height. It’s recommended to allow approximately 2 feet of clearance around the bike for safe operation.
Two integrated transport wheels enhance the 170’s portability within a room. While not truly portable, the bike’s weight of under 60 pounds allows for easier movement and repositioning as needed.
Durability is a key consideration for the Schwinn 170. The frame itself is solidly built. However, the lighter flywheel and plastic pedals are potential weak points. While unlikely to fail within the two-year parts warranty, they may not match the longevity of higher-end components. With regular maintenance and proper use on a level surface, you can likely expect a lifespan of four to five years or more.
The overall construction is impressive for a bike in this price range. The frame is constructed from robust metal, with PVC covers over the flywheel and a plastic control panel. The frame readily supports the advertised 300-pound maximum user weight.
Ergonomic Design for Comfort
The Schwinn 170 excels in ergonomics, primarily due to its highly adjustable seat. The vertical and horizontal seat adjustments are a significant advantage, promoting comfortable riding positions and encouraging consistent use. The option to swap out the seat for a different style is another welcome feature. Adjustable handlebar angle further contributes to a customizable and comfortable riding posture.
Technology and Convenience Features
The Schwinn 170 features dual, clear LCD displays with straightforward push-button controls, making it easy to navigate and monitor workout data. Bluetooth connectivity is a standout technology feature at this price, enabling wireless connection to devices for workout data syncing. The built-in USB port allows for device charging, and integrated speakers enhance the workout experience with audio playback.
The Schwinn 170 is compatible with popular fitness apps such as Explore the World, UA, GoogleFit, Apple Health, and MapMyRide. However, user experiences indicate that connecting to apps other than Explore the World can be less intuitive and may require some troubleshooting due to unclear pairing instructions.
Schwinn 170 vs. Schwinn 130 Upright Bike: Key Differences
The Schwinn 130 Upright Bike is the more budget-friendly sibling to the 170. While only around $50 separates them in price, the upgrades offered by the Schwinn 170 make it a worthwhile investment, particularly for households with multiple users.
Both models offer Bluetooth connectivity and similar display readouts, although the 170 features dual screens. The 170 significantly expands workout options with 29 programs compared to the 130’s 16, and it allows for four user profiles with custom workout settings, a feature absent in the 130. The Schwinn 170 also adds horizontal seat adjustability, a cooling fan, integrated speakers, and a USB charging port – features not included in the 130 model.
| Feature | Schwinn 170 Upright Bike | Schwinn 130 Upright Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Around $550 | Around $500 |
| Dimensions | 41.3” L x 21.4” W x 55.6” H | 41.3” L x 21.4” W x 54.5” H |
| Warranty | 10/2/1/90 | 10/2/1/90 |
| Resistance Levels | 25 | 16 |
| Workout Programs | 29 | 13 |
| Weight | 58.4 lbs | 58.4 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
Schwinn 130 Upright Bike
Schwinn 130 Upright Bike
Schwinn 130 upright bike product image Check Price
Product Highlights
- 16 levels of resistance for varied workouts
- Bluetooth heart rate enabled for monitoring
- Compatible with Explore the World and Zwift apps
- 13 onboard workout programs for guided sessions
- 10-year frame warranty, demonstrating build quality
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compatible with popular cycling apps like Explore the World and Zwift for virtual training
- Tracks key metrics including speed, RPM, heart rate, calories, distance, and time
- Bluetooth connectivity for heart rate monitoring
- Optional at-home assembly service for added convenience
Cons
- 300-lb weight limit, standard for this category
- Higher price compared to some basic exercise bike options
- Seat comfort has been criticized by some users
Bottom Line
The Schwinn 130 upright bike provides a quiet and smooth ride, and Schwinn’s 10-year frame warranty indicates a commitment to durability.
Customer Experience with Schwinn
Schwinn, operating under the Nautilus brand, provides a 10-year warranty on the frame, 2 years on parts, 1 year on electronics, and a limited 90-day labor warranty. Warranty claims require bike registration or proof of purchase. Extended protection plans for 3 or 5 years are available for purchase.
A $99 shipping fee applies, although this is sometimes waived during promotional periods. The Schwinn 170 typically ships within one week of order placement but does not ship to Alaska or Hawaii.
Customer service experiences with Schwinn are mixed. Response times and helpfulness vary, and Bluetooth connectivity issues are a recurring customer concern. Schwinn often recommends starting by connecting to their Explore the World app before attempting connections with other fitness apps.
Ordering and Assembly of the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
Schwinn generally ships orders within a week of order confirmation. While assembly instructions rely primarily on diagrams, most users find the bike relatively easy to assemble. Some manage solo assembly, while others prefer assistance.
Schwinn 170 upright bike being assembled
For those preferring professional setup, Schwinn offers in-home assembly for an additional $129. Choosing in-home assembly may require additional delivery scheduling. Financing options, including 18-month no-interest plans for qualified Schwinn credit card holders, are also available.
What Customers Are Saying: Reviews of the Schwinn 170
On Schwinn’s website, the 170 upright bike holds a 4.5-star average rating from approximately 170 reviews. Amazon reviews echo this sentiment, with a 4.5-star rating from nearly 5,000 reviews.
Positive customer feedback frequently highlights the bike’s quiet operation, ease of assembly, and valuable Bluetooth connectivity. Negative reviews commonly mention seat discomfort and occasional difficulties reaching customer service.
Final Verdict: Schwinn 170 Upright Bike Review
This Schwinn 170 Upright Bike review concludes that this bike offers significant value at a budget-friendly price. The adjustable seat and handlebars enhance comfort and promote proper riding posture, and the seat is replaceable for further customization.
The dual LCD screens provide clear workout metrics. While Bluetooth connectivity is a plus, its limited app compatibility and sometimes complex setup are drawbacks. As a budget-friendly exercise bike, its long-term durability may not match higher-priced models. Consider these key takeaways:
- The Schwinn 170 provides excellent adjustability, accommodating a wide range of user sizes.
- Bluetooth connectivity allows for workout data tracking, although app pairing can be challenging.
- The labor warranty is very short, while the frame warranty is reasonable for the price.
- The variety of programs and resistance levels is well-suited for beginners and recreational exercisers.
Schwinn 170 Upright Bike: Rating
Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
The Schwinn 170 upright bike offers a rich feature set at an accessible price point.
Product Brand: Schwinn
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 549
Product In-Stock: InStock
Editor’s Rating: 3.9
Schwinn 170 Ratings Breakdown
Footprint and Portability – 5 Delivery and Setup – 4 Durability – 3 Adjustability and Ergonomics – 4 Customization – 4 Customer Reviews – 4.5 Tech Capabilities – 3.5 Customer Service – 3.5
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Schwinn 170 Upright Bike Review: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Schwinn 170 a quality exercise bike?
For the right user, the Schwinn 170 Upright Exercise Bike is a solid choice. It is budget-friendly, accommodates multiple users, and offers a good range of workout programs and resistance levels. Its build and durability make it more suitable for beginners and casual users than for advanced or competitive cyclists.
Can you stand while pedaling on the Schwinn 170 upright bike?
The Schwinn 170 is sufficiently stable for most users to stand while pedaling. However, users close to the 300-pound weight limit may experience some wobble or sway.
Does the Schwinn 170 need to be plugged into an electrical outlet?
Yes, the Schwinn 170’s control panel requires it to be plugged into a power outlet to function.
What are the key differences between the Schwinn 130 and 170 models?
The Schwinn 170 offers more workout programs and resistance levels, includes built-in speakers and a cooling fan, and allows for the setup of four user profiles, distinguishing it from the Schwinn 130.
Stacey L. Nash, CPT
Stacey L. Nash is a NASM-certified personal trainer and nutrition coach based in the Pacific Northwest. Her work has appeared in publications like Greatist, Popular Science, and Psych Central. A former college athlete whose competitive career was cut short by injury, she channels her passion for physical activity into motivating and educating others on nutrition and healthy movement. She is also a runner, classically trained soprano, and mother of four.
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