Customer Reviews

Schwinn 131 Upright Exercise Bike

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

After a few weeks of searching and testing various models at Sports Authority, Dicks Sporting Goods and a few other sports equipment stores I came across the Schwinn Upright model bikes. After I tested a few out in the stores, researched features and reading tons of reviews determined that the Schwinn upright bikes are far superior than anything else I had seen.

Originally I was in the market for either an eliptical or a bike, but favored the bike due to its small compact size compared to the bulky and heavy elipticals. Also the uprights seemed to provide a more benefitial workout compared to recumbent bikes.

After discussion with sales people I discovered that many bikes have high return ratios, despite having seemingly great features (Reebok bikes are supposed to have a high return ratio). I was pleased that the Schwinns ussually seem to have high satisfaction compared to other models.

The Schwinn 131 was the ultimate choice I made due to the oversized LCD and power fan. The model was very easy and quick to put together. All of the parts to assemble (screw drivers, wrenches) all came packaged with the bike. The bike has various adjustments which can be made to the seat and handle bars to adjust individually for a better workout. The computer controlled frictionless resistance really helps the bike to achieve a real road feel.

I saw some compliants that the bike was too small, however I think it may not have been properly adjusted for some people. I am 5'10 and I have no problem with the Bike. It seems like it could even be adjusted for a much taller person comfortably.

Ultimately I decided to purchase the bike from Amazon versus all of the other retailers I reviewed due to low price and free shipping. Most stores I went too were charging at least $100 for shipping and I think mail order retailers were close to $75. It is tough to beat Amazons free shipping. Also Amazon was quick to ship, I think i received within a week. My only compliant with the shipping was that the box had some pretty bad wear when it arrived (although everything was received in good condition), but i imagine it is tough with the box weighing in at 80 pounds.

Overall - Great Buy!

I have to admit, reading other reviews about how the item came damaged in shipping had me worried. The last thing I want to do is have to ship it back after opening it! But the box looked undamaged when it got here so I felt good about that. Assembly wasnt too terrible done myself, some parts of putting the handlebars on was somewhat confusing and help getting the computer bolted on would of been nice but it wasnt too tough. Everything works though, at least for now, and Im impressed with the ammount of features. I personally find the bike comfortable, I like the variety of hand positions of the handlebars and after some adjustments of the seat there was no issue with room for the legs like another reviewer had. With all the features and the price (Amazon has $100 off right now), free shipping (with Prime) and no tax I feel like I got a good deal on a quality bike.

All in all, I like this upright bike. It was easy to put together (took less than an hour) and the programs it has are definitely challenging. It's also very quiet.

Did I receive it in perfect condition?...No. Like many other reviewers, mine also arrived with some issues. The main piece that covers the wheel (base cover) arrived partially detatched. Apparently, one of the screws was loose because an inner piece was broken so the screw had nothing to attatch to. Also, the seam for the base cover was broken in two spots which did not allow for a proper fit.

In my opinion, Amazon is not to blame for this. Schwinn Fitness should definitley revist how their equipment is packaged. I spoke with their customer service department and they immediately set up a replacement for those pieces. Hopefully that will be the end of this issue.

I did not find the seat very comfortable. I actually changed mine to Schwinn's "No Pressure Seat" which has made a big difference.

Other than the base being damaged upon arrival, I am very happy with this product and the quick response from Schwinn.

Hello,

I have been looking for an upright bike within the $250 to $700 range for a few weeks when I noticed the 131 being offered. I first checked the bike at a local sporting goods store and was a bit worried since the floor model seemed a bit small, I am 6'2" and previous reviews mentioned the issue with a rider's height. It was actually a pretty good fit and decided to purchase the bike. The local store wanted an extra $86 for delivery, while Amazon was offering free super saver shipping. The choice was obvious for me and I ordered the bike on a late Thursday night with the free shipping option. Amazon sent the bike through Fed Ex and it was delivered at around noon on Tuesday which was a pleasant surprise.

The bike itself is a great value for the price. You definitely have a lot of room to adjust the unit to fit any size up to 6'2", I believe anyone taller may run into difficulties in setting the correct seat height. I have gone through about ten hours on the bike and so far no issues have appeared, the flywheel is pretty smooth. The console is pretty impressive and you would expect to find it on a more expensive unit. My only issue is that the handle bars may be a bit too low with no way to adjust to a better fit.

While the bike is not on the same level as a LifeCycle, the Schwinn is a great value. I strongly recommend this bike and believe it to be more then adequate for the job. You really can't do better for the price.

I enjoy riding the bike; see if you can try it out first. This model comes with wider pedals, bigger seat and a fan.

Pros:
- easy to use program console
- lots of program options to choose from
- quiet, you can watch tv and ride
- friendly support line

Can live with:
- seat is hard at first, but got used to it
- once in a while the resistance shift doesn't match the setting displayed on the console; corrects itself during next interval
- don't put your weight on stand, plastic not strong
- fan doesn't blow much air
- took about hour and a half to set up

Cons
- height and handle bar adjustment limited - I am 5'10" and have to slide the seat all the way back to avoid knee contact with handle bars. You can raise the seat a few more levels, but of limited value as lower settings are required so my knees don't hit the handle bars.
- some parts didn't initially work - exchanged several parts to discover why fan didn't work; faulty part was determined to be console; during the exchange, one fan blew air backwards :)

I purchased the Schwinn 131 from Amazon for my wife. The box arrived very worn, dirty and slightly torn up during delivery. The shipping box damage seamed slight, so I decided to assemble the unit versus returning it.
Assembly was very easy although the cover to the base unit need to be adjusted as it must of shifted during delivery and was not seating flush. (Note: The Styrofoam base packaging was broken in various sections.)
The final step of assembly was to plug the unit into its power adapter. This is where things went downhill. The power plug receptacle was shattered at the wiring coupling thus leaving me no way of plugging in the power cord. There appears to be an internal quick connect for this piece thus I have ordered a new adapter from Schwinn and it hopefully is in route. Note, their customer service was friendly but when I sent my email information to the agent, she never responded to affirm my order. I had to call them back 24 hours later to confirm the order. (Perhaps a training issue)
Secondly, as I was removing the plastic base unit cover again, I noticed that one of the screw sleeves had broken off the cover. I have asked Schwinn for a replacement cover too.
At the point I am slightly concerned about the unit. It seems that this may have been a returned and restocked unit. Once I receive the replacement parts and turn on the bike for the first time, I will update this thread.
Not a good start.

UPDATE Jan 5, 2009 - After a week of waiting for my two replacement parts, they finally arrived today. One frustrating point was that I received "NO CONFIRMATION" from Schwinn that my parts were in route, on order and they never could tell me the official plan to correct. The agent "guessed" on what exactly was in route. After some poking around with their customer service reps, I did find out they shipped a 31 lbs box my way. At this weight I expected an entire lower unit, but instead received what I originally anticipated. I received a lower right side cover for the base unit and a new power coupling.
Interesting that didn't even come close to 31 lbs.
I decided to NOT install the lower cover, as the replacement cover had NO decals or stickers on it. This would not match the left cover that is not broken. Not acceptable, but I can live with one less screw. Secondly, I could not easily remove the pedal brackets, so this made my decision even simpler. NOTE: Schwinn never answered my question on how to remove the pedal brackets.
The power coupling assembly installed with little problem (thank you Schwinn for the quick connect). It was a bit tight due to no ability to remove the covers entirely and I have big hands.
At this point the bike is correctly working and my wife is enjoying it.
NOTE: you need to install the screws to the base cover in order from top to bottom, starting at the seat base and working counterclockwise. Works best.
My wife is amazed how quiet the bike is. The fan is a bit noisy, but that is to be expected considering it's relatively small size. At least the computer and fan worked correctly. I had my concerns from reading other opinions.
I still believe the bike has good potential and I trust Schwinn. The price is average, but I am now starting to the see the Schwinn 130 on sale for $100 less from original price. Not sure if this Schwinn 131 will follow suit.
I don't think I will ever buy an exercise bike via MAIL ORDER again. I need the ability to return it at ease in the event of damage or defective parts. Freight and large transporting has it's inherent risks as well which I believe contributed to my experience.

If you are looking for an easy to assemble, quiet bike, look no further. This bike went together very easy. It only took about 45 minutes to assemble. I use it in front of a large screen TV. During my exercise routine I make more noise then the bike does.

It clearly is not a racing trainer, or spinning bike, but it is very nice for the daily use I put it through. Lots of programs and levels to keep your training routine varied. Very happy with my purchase.

Good Luck!

Arrived in time with box damaged but not broken. Parts of bike were loosened in transit due to crushing the packing material and components shifted. Some screws were missing and cooling fan did not operate. Nautilus is in the process of replacing. they are very prompt and helpful on their website. Bike is very sturdy, stable and quiet. We are happy with the purchase experience. Would recommend this product.

This bike is very, very small. If you're over 6' buy something else. I'm going to have to send it back or sell it as every time I pedal my knees hit the handlebars. At 6'3 this problem shouldn't be so dramatic. the bike is also flimsy generally, from the contruction of the body to the poles that support the seat and the handlebars, the bike feels like its about to come apart at any moment.

I felt like it was a gamble ordering this due to all the reviews that complained of damage. However, mine arrived quickly and there was NO damage. (well, UPS delivered it to the wrong house, but the neighbors brought it over) And in spite of my few complaints, I really am happy with this.

It is silent,& the many built-in programs, give a varied workout without me having to think about it. Yes, it does "beep" after every unit, but I'm usually watching TV, playing a video, or reading and I've learned to block it out. It's weird, but no big deal. (should have option to turn it off)

What has been a bit of a problem is the seat adjustment. I have a torn ACL and getting onto the bike is a problem. I can do it but must be very careful. If the seat went lower(maybe another 2 inches) it would be easier.

The display is clear and easy to read, but a back light would have been nice.

The fan is a sweet option, but it is fairly weak. When you are finished, the display times out and the fan also turns off. Nice.

For those of you who read Consumer Reports....they recommended the Schwinn 130. The 131 is the same but cost more, has more programs, a fan and a few other small details. Amazon had the best price and I like the extra niceties.

I ride it 4 to 6 times a week, about 30+ mins a day and have had it for about a month. No mechanical problems so far. With the heat of summer here, it is nice to get a good workout indoors. Also, since my injury there has been little I can do to get my heart racing. This bike has been a dream. I believe it is helping me recover quicker and get stronger. In spite of it's drawbacks, I would, without a doubt, buy it a again.