Schwinn 203 Recumbent Exercise Bike

by Schwinn

Product Features

• Recumbent exercise bike with 16 levels of computer controlled, magnetic eddy current resistance
• 17 programs (12 preset, 4 heart rate control and 1 user-defined) provide a wide range of workouts
• Handlebars are adjustable to suit your riding position
• Contact grip heart rate sensors enable you to monitor your fitness level
• 56 by 25-inch footprint; 300-pound weight capacity

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Save money on monthly gym fees and get yourself in shape with the compact, affordable Schwinn 203 stationary recumbent exercise bike. It features 16 levels of magnetic eddy current resistance and a reliable belt drive transmission that ensures quiet operation. It also features 17 pre-programmed workouts (12 preset as well as four heart-rate control and one user-defined programs), graphical display of your course profile, and contact heart rate sensors (integrated into the handlebars to the side of the seat). The comfortable and anatomically designed recumbent seat offers lower back support and the padded seat adjusts in the for/aft positions to accommodate a variety positions for multiple users.

Feature Detail:

• Fully-shrouded high inertia flywheel
• Easy-to-read LCD monitor graphically displays complete workout statistics, including time, distance, speed, calories burned, and heart rate
• Extra-wide and extra-padded seat for maximum comfort
• Fast and easy seat adjustment accommodates riders of all body sizes and leg lengths
• Height adjustable handle bars for proper positioning and comfort
• Integrated leveling feet offer enhanced stability
• Transport wheels for easy movement and positioning of the bike across any flat surface.
• Standard dimension pedals with foot strap
• Water bottle holder
• Includes AC power adapter
• Dimensions: 56 by 25 inches (L x W)
• Weight: 93.5 pounds
• Maximum weight capacity: 300 pounds

Manufacturer's Warranty
Residential Environment: ten years on frame. Parts and electronics are covered for one year. Labor is covered for six months from date of original purchase.

About Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Despite the competition from trendy new fitness inventions, exercise bikes continue to be popular options for home exercise. They offer the same aerobic benefits of riding a bicycle at any time, in any weather, without leaving the comfort and safety of home. Exercise bikes don't take up much space, require little or no balance or coordination, and can provide an effective workout for all levels of users, from beginners to serious competitors. While the same could be said for a number of other types of home fitness equipment, the exercise bike is one of the few that allows you to watch television or read a magazine while you work out.

The term recumbent literally means "lying down." Exercising in a recumbent or reclining position allows the user to have full ergonomic back support, without causing strain on the arms, neck and shoulders, all of which can be common effects of using an upright bicycle. For many people, having convenient access to quality exercise equipment is critical to sticking with a long-term exercise program.

Product Description

Product Description Product Description Save money on monthly gym fees and get yourself in shape with the compact, affordable Schwinn 203 stationary recumbent exercise bike. It features 16 levels of magnetic eddy current resistance and a reliable belt drive transmission that ensures quiet operation. It also features 17 pre-programmed workouts (12 preset as well as four heart-rate control and one user-defined programs), graphical display of your course profile, and contact heart rate sensors (integrated into the handlebars to the side of the seat). The comfortable and anatomically designed recumbent seat offers lower back support and the padded seat adjusts in the for/aft positions to accommodate a variety positions for multiple users. Feature Detail: Fully-shrouded high inertia flywheel Easy-to-read LCD monitor graphically displays complete workout statistics, including time, distance, speed, calories burned, and heart rate Extra-wide and extra-padded seat for maximum comfort Fast and easy seat adjustment accommodates riders of all body sizes and leg lengths Height adjustable handle bars for proper positioning and comfort Integrated leveling feet offer enhanced stability Transport wheels for easy movement and positioning of the bike across any flat surface. Standard dimension pedals with foot strap Water bottle holder Includes AC power adapter Dimensions: 56 by 25 inches (L x W) Weight: 93.5 pounds Maximum weight capacity: 300 pounds

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 56 x 38 x 25 inches ; 93.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 108.8 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• ASIN: B000E130FW
• Item model number: 203 recumbent
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (92 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #130,113 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

125 of 126 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Recumbent exercycle great for maintaining fitness and controlling weight., September 22, 2006

By 

D. Chou "davetheadventurer" (So. Cal, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Schwinn 203 Recumbent Exercise Bike (Sports)

My Schwinn 203 exercycle (same as 201 but with larger display, more resistance levels, and more pre-programmed workouts)was purchased in Jan. 2005 to supplement my road and mtn. bike rides whenever there were time limitations or inclement weather. It has worked well in maintaining my cardio, leg strength, and overall fitness levels.

This exercycle is HEAVY so I'm glad UPS didn't cause any damage. It was relatively simple to assemble by carefully following the instructions. The base is stable and has small wheels in the back cross bars to provide some mobility for storage. Quality is average but that's expected at this price.

Likes: Comfortable reclined sitting position easy on the lower back and perineal regions. Great for maintaining cardio and leg strength. Watch TV, read a book, chat, etc....during workouts. Exercise anytime at home without the chance of cross contaminations from public/health club equipment.

Dislikes: Heart rate monitor gives erroneous readings occasionally and only works with both hands on the sensors. Flimsy wiring. The magnetic resistance unit developed some thumping noises after repeated uses at high cadences. Speed doesn't correspond with power output, e.g., level one (90watts) at 100rpm ~23mph; level six (260watts) at 100rpm ~23mph. Lower power output (watts) should equal slower speeds. Stock platform pedals not smooth and required bearing adjustments.

Overall: Very useful adjunct to regular outdoors training. I find myself using mostly the manual modes because some of the pre-programmed workouts (intervals of level 10+) can be very tough at ~100rpm (450+ watts). NOT a true ergometer but good for simple evaluations of one's cardio and strength fitness levels. Affordable price but questionable long term durability.

Update: Oct. 2006. My Schwinn 203 still going on strong although the slight clunking sound from the resistance unit (at higher rpms) remains. I found that periodic cleaning of pulse sensors with rubbing alcohol restores more accurate readings.

87 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I HIGHLY recommend., September 13, 2004

By 

Robin (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews

This bike is incredible. It is extremely quiet, has many different programs, and the electronics are easy to use. There is a place to prop up a book if you want and the lack of noise makes it easy to watch TV. My legs went back to pre-grad school buffness within a few weeks of use. I really love this bike! My mom has back problems and she says it provides her with a great workout while still supporting her back. Even my husband, who is in great shape, gets a good workout from it.

My only warning is that the bike is not designed for short legs. I am 5'4" and can reach the pedals only if the seat is pushed all the way up. If you are two inches or more shorter than I am, find a bike to test ride first to see if you can reach the pedals. Other than that... awesome bike!

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Bike- Good Workout, October 28, 2004

By 

Starboard Home (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

I've been recovering from a broken foot the last few months. My physical therapist had me working on a recumbent bike at the rehab center. I thought it would be good to get one for home. You can just ride and ride while reading or watching TV and it's very low impact. I looked around the internet for a reasonably priced unit that had all the features the big unit at the center had including heart rate monitor, multiple resistance settings,full adjustability, and full back support. This one seemed to fit the bill. I bought it sight unseen based on information available on Amazon and other places on the web.

Be prepared for more assembly/setup time than you might like, but once put together, you've got a great unit. (I had to open the box in the driveway and bring the unit in piece by piece since the box weighed about 90 lbs.) It's totally quiet, can be used at the lowest level without being plugged in. The resistance setting is completely adjustable from the handlebar control panel, should give any fitness level a good workout, and the unit is sturdy as a rock. It is pretty compact but it is quite heavy. It moves fairly easily by tipping up the rear and taking advantage of the wheels on the front base support. Moving the unit for some might require an additional person to help. The floor levelers in the rear support make it very stable on any surface.

This is a great unit. I really don't know how it could be better.

BV