Exercise bikes, especially upright models like the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike, are fantastic for cardiovascular workouts, building endurance, stamina, and strength. The Schwinn 170 stands out with its impressive features for its price point, offering Bluetooth connectivity, a robust build, and adjustable seating for comfortable rides. While it’s not aiming to compete with high-end bikes like a Peloton, it provides excellent value for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.
Before you decide, delve into this comprehensive Schwinn 170 Upright Bike review to understand its strengths and minor weaknesses. We at Garage Gym Reviews have experience with various Schwinn exercise bikes, including the Schwinn 230 recumbent bike and the premium Schwinn IC3, catering to different budgets and needs.
A Comprehensive Look at the Schwinn 170 Upright Exercise Bike
Schwinn has been a trusted name in bikes since 1895, consistently adapting to technological advancements and fitness industry trends. They offer a wide range of home gym equipment, including cycling bikes, recumbent bikes, upright bikes, Airdyne bikes, and ellipticals. The Schwinn 170 exercise bike is the superior of their two upright models, offering significantly more features than the Schwinn 130 for a modest price increase.
While more basic than premium competitors, the Schwinn 170 boasts Bluetooth capabilities, connecting to popular fitness apps such as MyFitnessPal, GoogleFit, and Apple Health for workout data tracking. It comes pre-loaded with 29 programs, including fitness tests and customizable options, allowing you to tailor your fitness journey. The bike also features a highly adjustable seat for enhanced comfort and ergonomics.
Schwinn 170 Upright Exercise Bike – Product Image
Product Highlights:
- Upright bike design
- Bluetooth enabled for app connectivity
- 25 levels of magnetic resistance
- 29 built-in workout programs
- Dual LCD screens for data display
- 300-lb user weight capacity
Pros:
- Extensive selection of 29 preset exercise programs
- Wide range of 25 magnetic resistance levels
- Accommodating 300-lb user weight capacity
Cons:
- Lighter 13-pound flywheel
- Seat comfort may be a concern for some users
Bottom Line:
The Schwinn 170 is a well-regarded, Bluetooth-enabled upright bike with overwhelmingly positive user feedback, offering a solid set of features for its price range.
Diving Deeper: Key Features and Benefits of the Schwinn 170
Adjustability and Ergonomics for a Comfortable Ride
One of the standout features of the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike is its exceptional adjustability. Recognizing that discomfort can deter beginners from sticking with exercise bikes, Schwinn designed the 170 with a universal stem. This compatibility allows you to easily swap out the included seat with any standard bike seat, enabling personalized comfort. Furthermore, the seat adjusts both vertically (up and down) and horizontally (forward and backward), accommodating users ranging from 4’6″ to 6’4″ in height.
The handlebar angle is also adjustable, contributing to a more comfortable and customized riding posture, reducing strain and maximizing workout efficiency.
Workout Programs and Resistance: Variety and Challenge
The Schwinn 170 offers an impressive 29 built-in workout programs. These programs cater to various fitness goals and preferences, providing structured workouts to guide your training. Alongside these programs, the bike features 25 levels of digital magnetic resistance. This wide resistance range allows users of all fitness levels to find appropriate intensity, from gentle recovery rides to challenging high-intensity workouts, ensuring progressive overload and continuous improvement.
Technology and Connectivity: Staying Connected and Entertained
In terms of technology, the Schwinn 170 excels for its price range. Bluetooth connectivity is a key feature, enabling wireless pairing with devices for data syncing and app integration. The bike is compatible with popular fitness tracking apps like MyFitnessPal and Apple Health, allowing you to seamlessly upload workout stats to monitor progress and track fitness metrics. While some users report occasional challenges in connecting with certain apps, the core functionality is robust.
The dual LCD screens provide clear and comprehensive workout feedback, displaying essential metrics such as resistance level, time, distance, and program progress. The bike also includes built-in acoustic chamber speakers, offering surprisingly good sound quality for onboard audio entertainment. A convenient USB charging port allows you to keep your devices powered during longer workouts. While the media shelf is a useful addition, it’s worth noting that it can partially obstruct the upper LCD screen when holding a device.
Close-up of the Schwinn 170 Upright Exercise Bike Display Screen
Footprint and Portability: Ideal for Home Gyms with Limited Space
For home gym setups, space is often a premium. The Schwinn 170 is designed with a relatively compact footprint, measuring 41.3 inches in length, 21.4 inches in width, and 55.6 inches in height. This makes it suitable for smaller workout areas or apartments. Schwinn recommends a 2-foot clearance around the bike for safe operation.
To enhance portability, the 170 is equipped with two built-in transport wheels. While not designed for frequent relocation, these wheels allow for easier movement within a room, enabling you to reposition the bike as needed or store it out of the way when not in use. Weighing under 60 pounds, it is manageable to move by one person.
Durability and Construction: Balancing Price and Longevity
Considering its price point, the Schwinn 170 demonstrates impressive overall construction. The frame is built from solid metal, providing a stable and sturdy base. PVC covers protect the flywheel, and the control panel is made of durable plastic. The frame is robust enough to comfortably support the maximum user weight capacity of 300 pounds.
However, some components, such as the lightweight, high inertia flywheel and pedals, may be areas of potential weakness in terms of long-term durability. While these parts are expected to last through the 2-year parts warranty period, they may not endure for a decade of heavy use. With regular maintenance and careful use, the Schwinn 170 is likely to provide reliable performance for four to five years or more, making it a solid investment for its category. The warranty includes 10 years on the frame, 2 years on parts, 1 year on electronics, and 90 days on labor.
Schwinn 170 vs. Schwinn 130: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The Schwinn 130 Upright Bike is the more budget-friendly sibling to the 170. While both models share similarities, the Schwinn 170 justifies its slightly higher price tag (approximately $50 more) with significant upgrades, making it the better value, especially for households with multiple users or those seeking a more feature-rich experience.
Both bikes offer Bluetooth connectivity and similar LCD display readouts, although the 170 features dual screens. However, the Schwinn 170 significantly expands on workout variety with 29 programs compared to the 130’s 13. The 170 also allows for four user profiles, each with custom workout settings, whereas the 130 lacks this multi-user personalization.
Key feature differences further distinguish the models. The Schwinn 170 includes horizontal seat adjustability, enhancing comfort and fit for a wider range of users, a feature absent in the 130. Additionally, the 170 incorporates a cooling fan, built-in speakers, and a USB charging port – conveniences not found on the 130.
| 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-yr frame, 2-yr parts, 1-yr electronics, 90-day labor | 10-yr frame, 2-yr parts, 1-yr electronics, 90-day labor |
| Resistance Levels | 25 | 16 |
| Workout Programs | 29 | 13 |
| Weight | 58.4 lbs | 58.4 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| User Profiles | 4 | 1 |
| Seat Adjustment (Horiz.) | Yes | No |
| Fan | Yes | No |
| Speakers | Yes | No |
| USB Charging Port | Yes | No |
Schwinn 130 Upright Bike
Schwinn 130 Upright Exercise Bike – Product Image
Product Highlights:
- 16 levels of resistance
- Bluetooth heart rate enabled
- Compatible with Explore the World and Zwift apps (subscription may be required)
- 13 onboard workout programs
- 10-year frame warranty
Pros:
- Compatibility with popular cycling apps like Explore the World and Zwift
- Tracks key workout metrics: speed, RPM, heart rate, calories, distance, time
- Bluetooth connectivity for heart rate monitoring
- Option for at-home assembly service for an additional fee
Cons:
- 300-lb weight limit
- Higher price compared to some other exercise bike options in the market
- Seat comfort has been reported as uncomfortable by some users
Bottom Line:
The Schwinn 130 upright bike provides a quiet workout experience and is built for durability, backed by Schwinn’s 10-year frame warranty.
Customer Experience, Assembly, and Reviews
Warranty and Customer Support
Schwinn, operating under the Nautilus umbrella, provides a warranty covering 10 years for the frame, 2 years for parts, 1 year for electronics, and 90 days for labor. Warranty claims require bike registration or proof of purchase. Extended protection plans for 3 or 5 years are available for purchase.
Customer service experiences with Schwinn are reported as inconsistent. While some customers receive prompt and helpful support, others encounter delays or difficulties in reaching customer service representatives. A recurring customer issue involves Bluetooth connectivity, with Schwinn often recommending users first connect to their Explore the World app before attempting connections with other fitness apps.
Ordering and Assembly
Schwinn typically ships orders within a week of purchase. A $99 shipping fee applies, although promotional periods may offer waived shipping costs. Shipping is not available to Alaska or Hawaii.
Assembly is generally considered straightforward, even with primarily pictographic instructions. While some users manage solo assembly, assistance from a partner can simplify the process. Schwinn offers in-home assembly for an additional $129 for those who prefer professional setup, which may require separate delivery arrangements. Financing options are available through a Schwinn credit card, potentially offering no interest for 18 months upon approval.
Assembled Schwinn 170 Upright Exercise Bike in a Home Gym Setting
User Reviews and Ratings
Customer reviews for the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike are overwhelmingly positive. On Schwinn’s website, it holds a 4.5-star rating out of 5 with around 170 reviews. Amazon reflects a similar 4.5-star rating with nearly 5,000 reviews, indicating consistent customer satisfaction across platforms.
Positive feedback frequently highlights the bike’s quiet operation, ease of assembly, and the added convenience of Bluetooth connectivity. Common criticisms include seat discomfort and occasional difficulties in contacting customer service.
Final Verdict: Is the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike Right for You?
This Schwinn 170 Upright Bike review concludes that it offers significant value as a budget-friendly exercise bike. Its adjustable seat and handlebars promote comfortable and ergonomic riding positions, further enhanced by the option to replace the seat with a standard bicycle seat for personalized comfort.
The dual LCD screens provide clear workout data, and while Bluetooth connectivity is a valuable feature, its app compatibility could be more seamless. As a budget-conscious bike, long-term durability may not match higher-priced models.
Pros:
- Excellent adjustability features for enhanced comfort across user heights.
- Potential Bluetooth connectivity for workout data tracking with fitness apps.
- Solid warranty coverage, particularly the 10-year frame warranty, for its price range.
- Diverse range of workout programs and resistance levels suitable for beginners and intermediate users.
Cons:
- Limited 90-day labor warranty.
- Bluetooth connectivity can be finicky with certain apps.
- Durability may not meet the demands of advanced or very frequent users over many years.
Who is it for?
- Families or individuals seeking a reliable and versatile home exercise bike.
- Users with limited workout space who need a compact machine.
- Beginners and casual exercisers looking for a feature-rich bike without a premium price.
The Schwinn 170 Upright Bike is a strong contender in the budget upright bike category, balancing features, performance, and affordability.
Schwinn 170 Upright Bike Rating
Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
The Schwinn 170 upright bike is a feature-rich bike at an affordable price.
Product Brand: Schwinn
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 549
Product In-Stock: InStock
Editor’s Rating:3.9
Schwinn 170
Footprint and Portability – 5 Delivery and Setup – 4 Durability – 3 Adjustability and Ergonomics – 4 Customizations – 4 Customer Reviews – 4.5 Tech Capabilities – 3.5 Customer Service – 3.5
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Schwinn 170 Upright Bike Review FAQs
Is the Schwinn 170 a good exercise bike?
Yes, for the right user. The Schwinn 170 Upright Exercise Bike is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who want a feature-rich bike for home use. It’s particularly well-suited for beginners and casual exercisers due to its user-friendly features and variety of programs.
Can you stand up on a Schwinn 170 upright bike?
Yes, the Schwinn 170 is generally sturdy enough to stand up while pedaling. However, users close to the 300-pound weight limit may experience some wobble or sway when standing.
Does the Schwinn 170 need to be plugged in?
Yes, the Schwinn 170 requires being plugged into a power outlet for the console and resistance system to function.
What is the difference between Schwinn 130 and 170?
The Schwinn 170 offers several upgrades over the 130, including more workout programs (29 vs. 13), more resistance levels (25 vs. 16), seat horizontal adjustability, built-in speakers and fan, USB charging port, and multi-user profiles (4 vs. 1).
Stacey L. Nash, CPT
Stacey L. Nash is a NASM-certified personal trainer and nutrition coach from the Pacific Northwest. Her work has been featured on Greatist, Popular Science, and Psych Central. She’s a former college athlete whose competitive career ended with an injury, but she continues to use her love of physical activity to motivate and educate others about proper nutrition and healthy movement patterns. She’s also a (slow) runner, classically-trained soprano, and a mom to four fantastic kids.
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