Schwinn’s IC2, IC3, and IC4 are great indoor cycling bikes. On Amazon, they sell tens of thousands and have more than 1,000 top five-star ratings.
Do you want one for your home gym, but aren’t sure how to choose between the IC2, IC3, or IC4?
Well, you’re in the right place. We’ve carefully studied the differences between the three models and wrote this article for you.
You’ll find details of the differences in these spin bikes below.
Main differences
| Flywheel | The IC2 is an entry-level spin bicycle. It has the lightest flywheel, weighing in at just 31 pounds. The IC3 and IC4 are 40 pounds, which can provide a more stable riding experience. |
| Console | The technology ranges from a simple LCD screen that displays speed, RPM, distance, time, and calories on the IC2, all the way to the full color backlit LCD console that monitors heart rate, speed, time, distance, calories, and RPMs on the IC4 model. |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Both the IC3 and IC4 have heart rate monitors. Unfortunately, IC2 doesn’t have this design. |
| Bluetooth | The IC2 and IC3 have don’t have a Bluetooth connection. But, only the IC4 has Bluetooth capabilities, which makes it easy for you to connect to the app and transfer motion data. |
In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the main differences between these three indoor cycling bikes, and a detailed comparison table of technical parameters for your reference.
Parameters Comparison Table
| Technical Parameters | Schwinn IC2 | Schwinn IC3 | Schwinn IC4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 45” L x 23” W x 49” H | 45” L x 23” W x 49” H | 48.7” L x 21.2” W x 51.8 H |
| Flywheel | 31 lbs | 40 lbs | 40 lbs |
| Resistance System | Belt | Belt | Magnetic |
| Max. Weight | 250 lbs | 300 lbs | 330 lbs |
| Heart Rate | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No | Yes |
Flywheel
The flywheel, which essentially acts like the wheel of the indoor cycling bike, generally comes in two kinds of model: in the front under the handlebar, or rear under the seat.
Bicycle pedals transmit movement energy to the flywheel through belts or chains to simulate the outdoor feeling of cycling.
The flywheel is the core component to ensure the stability and resistance inertia of the bicycle, which plays a very important role in exercise.
Advantages of heavy flywheel:
- Enough inertia to provide a more authentic riding experience.
- The exercise effect is controllable through a resistance dial.
- More stable and safe.
Schwinn’s IC2, IC3, and IC4 all feature flywheel weights that are within the recommended flywheel weight range for indoor bicycles.
Of the three bicycles, the IC3 and IC4 have heavier flywheels, up to 40 pounds. The IC2 flywheel is about 10 pounds lighter at just 31 pounds.
That being said, many riders report that the IC3 and IC4 wheels make them feel safer.
Console
A comprehensive console is a good assistant for your workout. It is convenient for you to monitor and track your workout, and it can also give full feedback on your exercise data.
The IC2 displays only one piece of data at a time because the screen is quite small and simple.
However, the IC3 model allows you to read multiple indicators at once, such as speed, distance, RPM, calories, and time.
The IC4 display is the most luxurious of the three bicycles. It has a backlight display and displays color data, which is convenient for you to distinguish between the different indicators.
What makes the IC4 a cut above the other models is that it can connect to the Peloton digital app, Google Fit, Apple Health, Explore the World, Zwift, and other apps through Bluetooth technology.
Heart Rate Monitoring
One of the key data points of cardio exercise is heart rate output. When the heart rate reaches 70% – 90% of it’s potential and lasts for more than 15 minutes, it’s considered to be an efficient aerobic exercise state.
Therefore, the heart rate test function of an indoor bicycle is necessary for riders to monitor their workout.
The IC2 does not include heart rate monitoring, but both the IC3 and the IC4 have been upgraded with wireless heart rate tracking.
One thing to note, however, is that the IC3 does not contain a strap heart rate monitor, and the IC4 comes with a Bluetooth heart rate arm strap.
Magnetic Resistance and Noise
Next, let’s compare the resistance systems of the IC2, IC3, and IC4 in-depth. There is a traditional friction pad on the top of the flywheel of IC2 and IC3. The pad creates resistance by rubbing against the flywheel.
This design has two disadvantages:
- Long term friction will wear the friction pad, so it needs to be replaced regularly.
- If the resistance pad is not lubricated enough, it may make some noise.
If you want to avoid these two problems, the IC4 features a magnetic system that solves those issues.
Magnetoresistance uses the magnetic field energy between a magnet block and the iron flywheel as the movement resistance. This is the latest technology and widely used in fitness equipment such as indoor cycling bikes, ellipticals, rowing machines, and so on.
The IC4 will not generate noise and wear over time. This way you can enjoy a quiet ride and save on future replacement costs.
Which one suits me best?
IC2
If you just want an entry-level indoor cycling bike, then the IC2 can meet your needs. It’s the cheapest Schwinn option and has all the basics for a beginner rider.
If you’re looking for a no-frills, lightweight, and simple indoor cycling bike, then the high-quality IC2 is the perfect place to start.
IC3
Are you an intermediate spin rider? Do you love to bike outside, but have been forced to work out at home due to bad weather or road conditions?
Then we recommend the IC3. It has a 40-pound large flywheel and a comprehensive console, which can give you a more comfortable riding experience and all the data you need to keep track of your workout.
What’s even better is that it uses magnetic resistance, so you can exercise quietly without disturbing your family.
IC4
The IC4 has a larger LCD backlight display than the IC2 and IC3, and can also connect to popular sports apps such as Peloton and RideSocial. These high-end features will bring you an unprecedented and exciting indoor riding experience.
The price-performance ratio of the IC4 is also very high. Its price is much lower than that of Peloton, Keiser, and other bicycles with similar functions.
Although the price of IC4 is higher than the IC2 and IC3, we think it’s a worthy investment and a great alternative to higher-end options on the market.
So what are you waiting for? Jump on the IC4, immerse yourself in a beautiful mountain track or upbeat group class, and enjoy the ride.
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