Schwinn 230 (MY20) Recumbent Bike Review

The Schwinn 230 (MY20) Recumbent Bike with model number 100932 was released in 2020. Thus, it is the newer version of the old models (Schwinn 230 & MY16 230). However, the console lacks some of the features the previous models have, and it possesses only 13 workout programs as opposed to 22.  

For example, it doesn’t have a cooling fan, a sound system, a USB charging port, and a secondary display. 

However, the console is telemetric and Bluetooth-enabled; meaning it is compatible with Zwift, and Explore the World apps (subscription required), and can be connected to a wireless HR chest strap (not included). These are the capabilities the older versions lack.  

Click right here to have a peek at the best price of the Schwinn 230 (MY20) Recumbent Bike.  

The Frame & Construction 

The Schwinn 230 (MY20) Recumbent Bike features a semi-commercial grade steel frame that is fortified with anti-corrosion paint, while the protective and cosmetic coverings are made of durable plastic.  

Hence, it supports up to 300 lbs./136 kg maximum user weight capacity.  

The bike’s stability is well established due to the base framework that features front and rear stabilizers with adjoining solid chassis. On top of that, adjustable levelers are integrated to enable users to adjust the bike when necessary for optimum stability.  

Having said that, you might want to use a rubberized protective mat to further smooth things out.  

This bike is pretty much the same size as the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike. Its overall assembled dimensions are 64’’ long by 27’’ wide by 44.5’’ high. So, a workout area with measurements of 5’33’’ (162.6 cm) length by 2’25’’ (68.6 cm) width is required.  

In addition to that, it is a general recommendation to leave a 2’ clearance on each side of the bike for safety and easy access purposes.  

The relocation process of the unit won’t be a problem even though it weighs 80 lbs./36.74 kg. This is because there are transport wheels at the front base and a lifting handle at the rear.   

Moreover, getting on and off the bike will be a walk-in-the-park for everyone regardless of their physical state, due to its step-thru design.  

The Seat of the Schwinn 230 (MY20) Recumbent Bike 

The seat is large and contoured for maximum comfort, and its vented backrest is ergonomically designed to provide the same level of comfort to the lower back and to promote air permeability.  

The seat is attached to an inclined rail slider beam, and it has an adjustment lever that allows users to quickly and easily make adjustments for a perfect fit. Interestingly, due to its multiple adjustment positions, individuals between the heights of 4’6’’-6’6’’ tall can be accommodated.  

Moreover, even though it is only possible to horizontally adjust the seat, its height becomes higher or lower depending on which direction it is being adjusted to.  

Finally, the backrest cannot independently be adjusted. 

The Handlebars 

The Schwinn 230 (MY20) Recumbent Bike has 2 sets of handlebars as opposed to the one set on the Schwinn A20 Recumbent bike. A set is located at the seat, while the other is at the console area. These offer 2 different workout postures that allow you to comfortably exercise while seated up or back.  

They are both non-adjustable but are coated with anti-slip rubber foam that promotes firm and comfortable grips.

However, only the seat’s handlebars have the HR contact sensors integrated into them for reading and transmitting the heart rate data to the monitor.  

The Pedals 

The pedals have a metallic core with external parts that are made of durable plastic. They are textured with adjustable safety straps. Hence, users can be sure that their feet are secured and comfortable at all times regardless of how intense or aggressive their workout gets.  

Also, the self-leveling pedals enable users to easily slip in their feet without struggle.  

The Q-Factor will probably be around 8-10’’ since it is not disclosed by the manufacturer.  

The Drive  

This is a belt-driven recumbent bike; in other words, it has a belt drive system that comprises an anti-stretch belt, a pulley, crank-arms, and a crankset that are built together. These transmission elements are designed to support the stipulated maximum user weight capacity and to provide smooth and quiet operation. 

Thus, members of the family will be able to take a turn utilizing the bike while not bothering anyone around with their activities. They can also decide to watch a TV show, movie, or listen to music without having to amplify the volume beyond what it used to or what it should be.  

The drive is bidirectional; therefore, you can pedal in reverse if you wish to diversify your workout and tone more muscle groups.  

Finally, as opposed to a chain drive system, this does not require any sort of maintenance whatsoever. 

The Resistance 

The Schwinn 230 (MY20) Recumbent Bike is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system that offers 16 adjustable levels.  

What this means is that the resistance system consists of elements such as a small servo motor, a magnetic brake, and a 13 lbs./5.89 kg high inertia flywheel. These create different resistance levels without friction. 

Hence, the operation of the bike remains smooth and quiet even when a resistance level is deployed.

The 16 resistance levels offer a wide range of workout challenges that could prompt weight loss, improvement of strength and endurance, and muscle group toning.  

In order for the resistance system to work, the bike needs to be plugged into a standard 110-120 V power outlet. Although, it requires a 50-60Hz AC power adapter (included) for the plug-in.  

The Console 

As aforementioned, the integrated console on the Schwinn 230 (MY20) Recumbent Bike does not have built-in speakers, a Dual Track LCD monitor, a USB port, and a cooling fan.  

However, it does have some interesting features that include the 5.5’’ LCD monitor, 13 workout programs, start button, Pause/Stop button, Display button, Program buttons (manual, interval, challenge), Resistance buttons (Up/Down)), and the Bluetooth button.  

The console is Bluetooth-enabled and telemetric; meaning it can connect to several workout apps such as Zwift and Explore the World (each requires subscription), and it could be synced with an HR chest strap device (not included).

The app connectivity enables you to work out while on a virtual trail, track your workout progress online, compete with friends, access various workout programs, and more. 

Although, without the app(s) you can still track your workout progress via the LCD monitor that displays data such as Time, Distance, Speed, RPM, Calories, and Heart Rate with good visibility. However, the readability might be compromised if viewed in a room that is poorly lit because the monitor is not backlit.  

The Speed and Distance measurement unit can be toggled between km/h and mph, and km and miles, respectively.  

This is the breakdown of the 13 workout programs; there are 3 program buttons on the console, as aforementioned. The Manual button consists of only the Manual program that enables you to start a workout just as with every normal recumbent bike. Here, you will be able to select the resistance level you wish to use for your workout, and the console/monitor tracks your workout progress.  

The second button which is the Interval also consists of only an Interval program that provides high-intensity interval training (HIIT). In other words, when selected, you will be engaged in a high-intensity workout (sprint) for 30 seconds, and then gets a 90-second rest; this will go on for 12 minutes which is the default setting and the minimum duration. 

However, you can increase the duration by 12 minutes if you want, and not beyond 96 minutes, which is the maximum duration time.  

The last program button on the console, which is the Challenge consists of a Heart Rate Control program & 10 preset workout programs that include Rolling Hills, Ride in the Park, Easy Tour, Pike’s Peak, Pyramids, Summit Pass, Steam Crossing, Cross Training, Uphill Finish, and Mount Hood.  

The preset programs automatically assign a resistance level, and will subsequently increase or decrease it as the case may be.  

The HRC program works with the wireless HR chest strap or the contact grips. If selected, the resistance level will also be applied automatically depending on your heart rate beat per minute.  

In other words, the HRC program increases or decreases resistance based on the heart rate beat per minute (BPM); and the default setting of the BPM is 125. Thus, if your heart rate BPM is less than 125, the program increases the resistance but reduces it when it is higher (your HR BPM).  

Finally, how to navigate through these functions on the console is explained in text and graphic detail in the owner’s manual.  

Accessory 

The Schwinn 230 (MY20) Recumbent Bike is endowed with a media shelf for the placement of a device or magazine, a water bottle holder for hydration purposes.  

The water bottle holder is attached to the side of the seat for easy access, while the media shelf is located on the console, below the LCD monitor, for the best viewing angle.  

However, the monitor’s screen may get blocked if a device or a magazine is placed on the media shelf.  

Storage 

The storage process of the Schwinn 230 (MY20) Recumbent Bike is not cumbersome because there are transport wheels at the front base and a lifting handle at the rear base. So, even though it weighs 80 lbs./36.28 kg, an individual can easily move it around the room.  

It needs a storage area with measurements of 5’33’’ length by 2’25’’ width.  

Pros/Features Overview 

• Sturdy, stable, and durable; 
• Supports a maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs./136 kg; 
• Its operation is smooth & quiet; 
• Provides low-impact yet effective cardiovascular workouts; 
• It has a magnetic resistance system with 16 adjustable levels that offers workout challenge options; 
• There are 13 workout programs (Manual, Interval, HRC, Rolling Hills, Ride in the Park, Easy Tour, Pike’s Peak, Pyramids, Summit Pass, Steam Crossing, Cross Training, Uphill Finish, and Mount Hood) that are designed to help users achieve their fitness goals; 
• LCD monitor tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance, Speed, RPM, Calories, and Heart rate; 
• The console is telemetric and Bluetooth-enabled; it is compatible with Zwift and Explore the World workout apps; 
• The seat is large, vented, and adjustable to comfortably accommodate users between the heights of 4’6’’-6’6’’ tall; 
• There are 2 sets of handlebars that enable users to workout in different postures; 
• The textured pedals with adjustable safety straps fit different foot sizes; 
• Easy to maintain 
• Assembly is not complicated 
• Tablet holder included 
• Water bottle holder included 
• Transport wheels and a lifting handle integrated for easy relocation process 

Cons 

• The monitor is not backlit 
• The workout apps require subscriptions 
• Wireless heart rate device needs to be purchased separately 
• The LCD monitor’s screen gets blocked when a device is placed on the media shelf 

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Warranty 

• 10 Years on the Frame 
• 2 Years on Mechanical Parts 
• 1 Year on Electronic Parts 
• 90 Days for Labor 

Product Dimensions & Specifications 

• Length: 64’’ 
• Width: 27’’ 
• Height: 44.5’’ 
• Shipping dimensions: 66.75’’ L x 12.5’’ W x 27.5’’ H  
• Net weight: 80 lbs./36.28 kg 
• Gross weight: 96 lbs./43.54 kg 
• Maximum user weight capacity: 300 lbs./136 kg 
• Frame: Steel 
• Flywheel: 13 lbs./5.89 kg 
• Drive: Belt 
• Resistance: Eddy current magnetic, 16 adjustable levels 
• Seat: Large, contoured, vented, and 2-ways adjustable 
• Handlebar: 2 sets (a set at the seat & another at the console area) 
• Pedals: Textured with adjustable safety straps; and they are self-leveling 
• Heart rate monitoring function: Telemetry & contact grips 
• Bluetooth connectivity: Yes 
• Zwift & Explore the World app compatible 
• Display: 5.5’’ LCD monitor 
• Programs: 13 
• Transport wheels and lifting handle: Yes 
• Water bottle holder: Yes 
• Media shelf: Yes 

Shipping 

The Schwinn 230 (MY20) Recumbent Bike is nicely packaged in a box that weighs 96 lbs./43.54 kg with dimensions of 66.75’’ long by 12.5’’ wide by 27.5’’ high.  

It takes a couple of days upon placing an order to have it delivered. Major vendors such as Amazon often provide free shipping.  

Assembly 

The assembling process is not rocket science because any averagely skilled person can put it together. This is because the major components such as the drive/resistance system and most parts of the frame have been pre-installed.  

Hence, you are only required to assemble these other parts that include the front and rear stabilizers, the seat, the handlebars, the pedals, the mast, and the console. This might take an hour or more to complete.  

For easy installation, tools and an instruction manual are included in the package.  

However, if you don’t want to go through with the assembly you can hire someone to do it on your behalf in your home.  

Maintenance 

Being a belt and magnetic resistance machine means there is not a whole lot to be done in terms of maintenance.  

Just make sure it is kept clean after every workout session. Inspect it before using it to ensure that every part is in good condition.  

Do store it in a clean, dry, and cool environment.  

Conclusion 

The Schwinn 230 (MY20) Recumbent Bike is a typical home exercise equipment designed to be used by members of the family.  

The console may have been without built-in speakers, a cooling fan, and a USB port; but it is telemetric and Bluetooth-enabled and compatible with workout apps such as Zwift and Explore the World.  

It supports a maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs./136 kg, and has 13 workout programs.