Customer Reviews

Schwinn 213 Recumbent Exercise Bike [Discontinued]

5 star:		(101)
4 star:		(64)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(20)

 

 

The bike itself is fabulous. I took a lead from a recent Consumer Report story, and checked out this and several similar models.

We settled on the Schwinn because it was the best of its price range, and we didn't want to spend three times as much on our first exercise equipment purchase; if we stick with it, and wear this one down over time, we might go for something more gym-worthy in a few years.

We went with the recumbent because we figured that it would entice us to use the thing more than an upright, which is a bit less comfortable without adding to the lower-body workout, and possibly more stressful on the back.

We went with the 213 because it was the leading Schwinn recumbent, highly rated by CR, in stock, and on sale.

The bike itself is great: more comfortable than any other I tried in the store, with plenty of routine options, sufficient resistance, and well-placed handles (two sets, one with palm-read pulse sensors). The book/magazine rack leaves a bit to be desired, but works okay; the bin under it, which one might use for keys or change in a gym, works nice for an MP3 player.

Something that I didn't notice in the store, in reviews, or in online descriptions is that there are two water bottle slots under the seat. I'm not sure why you'd want two for an in-home stationary bike, but perhaps other users sit on this thing for much longer than I do.

The small parts (screws, bolts, and washers, plus three nifty included tools, the only ones you'll need) come on two pieces of cardboard, separated into marked boxes which are numbered according to the steps in the instructions, then shrink-wrapped to hold things in place. Popping the pieces out of the back of the cardboard, one step at a time or one screw at a time, was a big relief over many assemble-from-a-box kits I've done (desks, beds, shelves, etc.), with no time needed to sort out the various sizes, compare them to charts, etc.

The instructions themselves, however, were a bit of a quandry. Part 30 is labelled and discussed as part 3. Part 16 is referred to as Part 13. Additionally, in "stage 2" (the 13 steps are divided into 8 stages), the instructions say to bolt the seat support slide (an H-shaped piece) to the seat support bar, when they should say to bolt the support slide to the seat front; they also don't not that you'll need to place the joined support slide and seat front onto the support bar before attaching the seat back. Also, the instructions for attaching the front floor support bar don't make clear that the wheels should point forward.

Further, some screws are already assembled and have to be removed. The instructions note that this is true for the four screws in the back of the "main unit", but not that it also applies to the four bolts that attach the main unit support bar to the main crank housing.

The assembly thus took an hour or so. But then I was up and riding (a 15-min, low intensity "ride in the park" to start) instantly. The programming is pretty straightforward, and the menu system is easily navigable. And, finally but perhaps most importantly, the bike is soooooo quiet that, if i could kill the "beeps" that happen while surfing the menu, I could otherwise ride while my wife sleeps.

I initially purchased the upright model but had to send it back since it was missing parts. I went to Sears to see if they had it and tried it out but found it to be uncomfortable. They also had this model so I tried it, liked it, and ordered it from Amazon. It arrived quickly with all of the parts in the box. I put it together with no problem and have been quite happy with it.

The bike offers a variety of program options, and the profile programs that are stored are really nice. The only thing I don't like about the programming is that you can increase the resistance level as you are working out but not the time. It would be nice if you could increase the time just in case you want to keep going and want to track your progress within the same workout. If you run out of time, you have to start the program all over again. Not a big deal but it would be a nice feature. The bike has a fan on it but it sits up kinda high and doesn't really benefit me, even with the adjustable louver, since I'm not that tall.

I have found the bike to be really comfortable and have no problem just sitting there riding and watching TV or reading. The adjustable seat is padded and really comfortable, unlike the bikes of the past where you had to put a folded towel on the seat for more cushioning! If you are comfortable, you probably won't dread using the bike and will easily incorporate it into your daily routine. If you are looking for a way to exercise at home, I recommend this bike. I looked at the 212 model but ordered this one since it was in stock at the time. I can't tell the difference between this one and the 212 other than the price and this one, according to the product description is a few pounds lighter.

Wow, it's not often a person gets excited about exercise equipment, but my Schwinn 213 Recumbent bike arrived today. I have read several reviews about the condition of the box when it arrives. My bike arrived in a timely manner. The box had taken a minimal amount of abuse and was mostly intact. Nothing inside was broken, scratched or bent. The instructions were crystal clear. It only took me about 30 minutes to have it up and running. The hardware comes vacuum sealed onto a piece of cardboard and clearly labeled. The hardware for step 1 is labeled step 1, etc. I have never assembled anything with the ease in which this went together. It is a solidly built piece of equipment. I only tried it out for a few minutes, but it is quiet, pedals smoothly, and has a ton of features.

Ok, now for the things I don't like, the list is small but worth noting. The fan and digital display is not angled enough for you to get any benefit from the fan, nor can you read the display. Only if you are very short and have to sit close to the screen can you read it with ease. I am 5'10" and the fan does not adjust to blow on me. I can just barely read the display from where I have to sit. A book holder would have been nice. That is it. The things I like far outweigh the things I don't. It comes with 10 pre-programmed routines, manual mode, timed trials, etc. You can even input how many calories you want to burn and it will count down the calories instead of minutes. I haven't used all the features, but so far I am thrilled to death with my purchase and despite some of the negative things about it, I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable way to exercise.
10-15-06
Ok, I've had this for a week now and I want to shout from the rooftops how comfortable and great it is. I solved my problem of not being able to read the screen very well but taking a crow-bar and GENTLY prying up on the top edge of the metal plate that the read-out screen is attached to. Take the electronic screen off before doing this. The plate bent up just enough that now I can read the screen just fine. I still don't get much benefit from the fan, but the fan doesn't really blow hard enough anyway. I have tried out the easiest program and it is amazing. I can't begin to say enough about this bike. If you truly hate exercising, this is the bike for you. Schwinn has taken an activity some of us dread and has transformed it into something I don't mind doing. I am using this bike along with the Weider Crossbow, another piece of equipment I can't rave enough about, as my total body workout. I hope to be slimmer, trimmer and stronger 6-8 weeks from now. Also, I want to mention again how quiet this bike is while operating. When I used a treadmill, I had to either blast the television if I wanted to hear it, or use headphones, which were uncomfortable once I started sweating. This bike is so quiet you can have the television or stereo at a normal volume. If you are interested in an exercise bike that is comfortable and versatile, this is the bike for you.

I've had this bike for about a month and one half now. The bike is solid and the action is smooth and quiet. (It is so quiet, that I can workout without turning up the sound on the TV.) You feel very secure and can concentrate on your workout (or the music on your iPod or whatever's on TV) without the sensation that the bike might tip over (or fly apart) at any second.

The resistance levels and the built in programs give enough variety that almost anyone should be able to create a work out that is appropriate. For comparison purposes, my "normal" workout on the tread mill covers about 5.3 miles and takes 50 minutes (including warm up and cool down). The "equivalent" workout on the bike is the "pyramid" program at level 10, for 50 minutes. With 16 levels of resistance, there are 6 steps up from there for me. The heart rate program allows you to workout for your desired time while the machine automatically varies the resistance level to maintain your heart rate within your targeted range.

The seat is comfortable; it has enough adjustment that someone much taller than I (I'm 6 foot) or much shorter than my wife (she's 5'8") can fit. My only comfort related complaint is that, over a 50 minute workout, my feet have a tendency to go numb -- the wide, comfortable pedals and straps, keep my feet in the same relative position. Again, not a big deal, but not a problem I have on a "real" bike.

Assembly was not as difficult as some of the prior reviews made me think that it might be. Assembly, without anyone to help, took me about an hour.

My complaints are very minor: 1) The fan is pointless. It just does not move enough air to be felt. 2) The display is easily washed out by bright light. This would not be a problem but for the fact we have our bike located directly under our ceiling fan/light. By dimming the light I can see the display well enough to read it, but can't see the labels on the buttons well enough to read them. Very minor quibble. 3) The machine's computer does not track workouts. Neither does our treadmill, but at least the treadmill maintains the readout from the last workout until it is turned off or reset. This gives you plenty of time to record your workout (miles/time/calories, etc.) in a personal log. With the bike, the display automatically zeros out a minute or so after your workout. Better keep your log right next to the bike!

I've only had this item for two weeks. The shipping was a nightmare. The first bike, ups didn't even deliver it because it in such bad shape. Amazon sent a second by DHL overnight, but it got lost somewhere in their system. I ordered another and ups delivered this one if fairly good shape. Meanwhile, Amazon shipped another when they found out the DHL package had been lost. That one arrived, but was refused... anyway, we shouldn't use these reviews to rate shipping services, only the products.

And, I'm happy to say this was worth the wait! Assembly instructions are very clear and easy to follow. In fact, for each step of assembly, they have the screws and nuts shrink wrapped in individualy groups. This really helps. Instead of taking inventory of hardware, it is grouped according to assembly step, and easily accounted for. We opened each group as we reached each step. I've never seen this done before, and it was welcome, making assembly a breeze.

There were a couple of problems, though. The back support is supposed to have five points of attachment with presunk bolt threads, but ours had only three. A call to schwinn customer support (which is nautalis, bowflex, ironman all together) and a replacement was sent overnight. There were also a couple of steps in the instructions that didn't match the hardware, but that is probably due to updates. At any rate, it was easy to figure out .. form follows function.

Also, the case surrounding the pedals and resistance mechanism don't fit well at all. They just don't fit together, so there is a gap where the two sides should fit snuggly. For these reasons, I've taken off one star.

The performance however is excellent. It is quiet and smooth when peddalling. The computer programs are varied and offer an excellent workout while keeping constant track of the users heartrate.

Our family members are big, we're all 6' and taller mostly over 200lbs. We're all using this bike regularly and have only praise for its performance. It is a solid build with no apparent weak spots, very well engineered.

If you shop around, you'll find most durable well made workout machines are much more expensive. This is a great value. Highly recommended.

I've had this exercise bike for about a month now and I couldn't be more pleased. Here's a list of the pluses:

+ Arrived in perfect working condition, even though the box itself was pretty scuffed up. Understandable though, after transcontinental shipping to the sunny state of Alaska. Free super saver shipping was the deal maker for me, saving me a couple hundred bucks. If you're in Alaska, and you need a good exercise bike, order this one from Amazon.

+ Easy to assemble, did it in less than one hour on my lunch break. As mentioned in other reviews, some of the parts were mislabled in the instructions. Remember part 30 is actually part 3.

+ Bright, easy to read display with actual useful information like calories, watts, time remaining for workout and interval, HR, rpm, etc. Well, the spinning bike wheels aren't very useful, but look cool nonetheless. I did need to slightly bend the display frame forward with a crowbar to present the display at a more reader friendly angle. Make sure you remove the display before you bend the frame ;)

+ Excellent variety of programs, from HR control to standard hill climb profiles, calorie countdown, fitness test and a few others. I believe this variety is the main difference between this 213 model and the 212. Personally, I think these additional programs are worth the extra $50, as I can see myself getting bored with a more limited selection.

+ Near flawless performance. I've been using the bike 4 or 5 times a week, 90 minute sessions and have had no problems. The frame feels sturdy, and there's very little shaking or anything during the workout. The drivetrain is also very quiet. The only time I hear it is when the electric brake is making an adjustment, and I have to listen closely for that.

+ Comfort is definitely a requirement for 90 minute workouts, and I usually don't feel any "discomfort" until the last 10 minutes or so. The seat and back support are very good. The pedals are comfortable as well, though I wouldn't pedal barefoot for any extended period of time. The manual says "always wear shoes" but a pair of socks works just fine.

I can't really think of any negatives right now. The only issues being the faulty instructions and display angle, which are easily rectified. And if the bike continues to perform as it has been, I'll keep using it indefinitely. I can now kill two birds with one stone as it were, play XBox 360 and burn calories simultaneously. Ain't technology grand ???

The Schwinn 213 is very sturdy and well constructed. The pedal action is smooth and quiet even during changes in resistance levels. Seat, seat back and console are easily adjusted for a comfortable ride and easy viewing.

I am a senior citizen with moderate arthritis of the knees. With this bike I can easily accelerate my heart rate to a sustained level of 100 bpm or more without any discomfort to my knee joints. I've even noticed reduced discomfort in descending stairs since acquiring and using the bike daily.

The computer console is outstanding. The variety of riding scenarios seems unlimited. I love the calorie and time interval countdown options. The user's manual will give you the basics, but the only way to really learn the computer's capability is try out different combinations. The handle grip heart rate monitor works well in spite of warnings I have read about. The readouts and controls are thorough and easily understandable.

Assembly is relatively straightforward although the instructions were sometimes a bit confusing and, in a few places, flat out wrong, but any reasonably adapt person should be able to spot errors and figure things out on their own.

I wish to thank other reviewers for reminding me. Yes, the cardboard box broke open while the UPS guy was trying to take it off his truck. The packaging is inadequate.

All in all, one of the best buys I have ever made.

I've had this bike for a couple of weeks and like it alot. It's very quiet now, though when I first assembled it the right pedal would make an annoying whacking sound once per revolution. SchwinnFitness emailed me an easy fix, which actually worked: "The issue you are describing is actually a common one. The good news is that it is simple to remedy. On many of the bikes we have, the threads in the crank metal are sometimes not fully seated. The result is that the pedals are not always tight like they need to be. The fix is simple though. Completely remove the pedals (both right and left) and reinstall them. By doing this, you will be digging into the crank metal, and thus reseating the threads. This is a common issue on most of our bikes when they come new out of the box."

We purchased this locally a few weeks ago. My husband did the actual assembly, and except for one part where it took my fresh eyes to figure out a minor thing he had missed, it went pretty well. Bike started immediately. It's pretty comfortable to ride, quiet, programs are easy to understand (I'm pretty low end at this point, but will build up in time.) Normally I like to walk, but in the cold and wet of Seattle winters, I need something else. And I am short (5'3") and don't want to stress my back or knees more than necessary. This bike is 1/3 the price of any half-way decent treadmill or elliptical, takes up less space, and is adjustable to fit either me or my husband (he's 6'3"!) It takes a bit to get used to, if you are not a bike rider (I'm not!) but all-in-all I think you are getting an excellent machine for the money, and it IS a Consumer Reports Best Buy, one of the reasons we chose to purchase this. I like the selection of programs and that you can also just get on it and go, or even set your own program. It is pretty quiet, a plus because I like to watch tv while using the bike, less guilt by doing something useful while in front of the idiot box! if you are looking for something that will work, give you some variety, and don't want to spend the much larger amounts for a treadmill or elliptical, this is a very good product to invest your money and time in.

My box arrived somewhat banged up, but apart from a cosmetic scuff on one handlebar, it was OK. BUT, after 2 days I started hearing a noise, seemed to come from the interior of the pedals/gearbox, sounded like a loose object bouncing around. I was afraid I would have to ship it back. I called Schwinn, and the woman asked me to take the pedals off and see if I could reproduce the sound. I assured her, it was not the pedals. She said, "yes sir, now please take the pedals off". I did, and, it was the left pedal! Sounded just like the interior. Anyway, they will send me new pedals, so problem solved. Sounds like they have encountered this problem before.

Also, I was frustrated by the inability to see the blue display screen, so I bought 2 doorstops, removed the standard mounting screws, and used "GOOP" adhesive to make the screen lean forward. Now I can read it! Someone at Scwinn did not do the Q.C. on that screen issue.

Anyway, great bike, now I'm happy.