Schwinn Airdyne Evo Comp Exercise Bike

by Schwinn

Product Features

• Dual action exercise bike with wind resistance, works both legs and upper body
• Extra quiet belt drive system; fan wheel cools during exercise
• Computer provides feedback on time, distance, workload level, calories burned, calories/hour, heart rate, and RPM
• Measures 50 x 22.5 x 48 inches; 300-pound maximum user weight
• Backed by a 30-year warranty on the frame; 3-year warranty on parts and electronics

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Save money on monthly gym fees and get yourself in shape at the same time with the Schwinn Airdyne Evo Comp exercise bike. The Airdyne Evo Comp features a smooth, air-based resistance braking system along with a pair of sturdy exercise arms. The advantage of the unique air resistance system is that it offers as much resistance as you can handle.

The harder you pedal, the greater the resistance.

The integrated exercise arms, meanwhile, make it possible to work out your upper body and your lower body at the same time, unlike most traditional exercise bikes. The friction-free braking system also requires considerably less maintenance than other, more complex systems, so you don't have to spend your hard-earned money on frustrating repairs. And thanks to the sealed cartridge bearings, the Airdyne Evo Comp provides a smooth ride throughout the bike's extra-long life.

The Airdyne Evo Comp includes a comprehensive computer console that provides feedback on time, distance, workload level, calories burned, calories per hour, heart rate, and RPM. As a result, it's easy to keep track of your overall fitness level. Other features include an extra-quiet chain and belt drive system equipped with a spring-loaded chain tensioner; built-in heart rate monitoring; an LCD display; a fan wheel that cools the user during exercise; an anatomically correct seat with extra padding; and a capacity of 300 pounds. The Airdyne Evo Comp measures 50 by 22.5 by 48 inches (L x W x H), weighs 104 pounds, and carries the following warranties: 30 years on the frame, three years on parts and electronics, and one year on labor and wear items.

About Schwinn
Ignaz Schwinn and his partner Adolph Arnold incorporated Arnold, Schwinn & Company on October 22, 1895. Within a few short years of its inception, the company had become an acknowledged technical and quality leader within the bicycle industry. Now, more than 100 years later, Schwinn has become an American icon and built some of the best-known and best-loved bicycles of all time, including the Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate, Homegrown, and more. The company is also a leading purveyor of home and fitness equipment, and has been an indispensable player in revolutionizing biking and fitness around the world.

Compare These Airdyne Exercise Bikes Schwinn AD4 Airdyne Schwinn Airdyne Evolution Comp Schwinn AD2 Airdyne Resistance Levels Infinite Infinite Infinite Resistance System Air Air Air Drive System Dual-stage chain and belt drive Dual-stage chain and belt drive Single stage-belt drive Number of Workout Programs 2 2 Workouts Simultaneous upper / lower body or upper body workout only Simultaneous upper / lower body or upper body workout only Simultaneous upper / lower body or upper body workout only Heart Rate Telemetry enabled Telemetry enabled Display Type LCD LCD LCD Display Readouts Time, Distance, Calories, Calories per Hour, RPM, Workload, and Heart Rate Time, Distance, Calories, Calories per Hour, RPM, Workload, and Heart Rate Time, Distance, Calories, RPM Power Requirements 2 AA Batteries 2 AA Batteries 2 AA Batteries Seat Extra-padded, oversized Extra-padded, oversized Padded Product Dimensions (L x W x H) 50 x 22.5 x 48 inches 50 x 22.5 x 48 inches 58 x 25 x 48 inches Product Weight 96 pounds 104 pounds 96 pounds Warranty Frame: 30 years, Parts: 3 years, Electronics: 3 years, Labor: 1 year, Wear Items: 1 year Frame: 30 years, Parts: 3 years, Electronics: 3 years, Labor: 1 year, Wear Items: 1 year Frame: 5 years, Parts: 1 year, Electronics: 1 year, Labor: 90 days, Wear Items: 90 days Max. User Weight 300 pounds 300 pounds 250 pounds

Product Description

The Schwinn Airdyne Comp's resistance-based braking creates zero friction and considerably less maintenance than other, more complex systems. Sealed cartridge bearings provide a smooth ride, reliability and extra-long life.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 47 x 30.5 x 12 inches ; 106 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 106 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• 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.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000GRDS74
• Item model number: 3530012
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (90 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,647 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #19 in Sports & Outdoors > Exercise & Fitness > Cardio Training > Exercise Bikes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

91 of 92 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great bike, February 10, 2007

By 

cbHoo (Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Schwinn Airdyne Evo Comp Exercise Bike (Sports)

You know all of the advantages of the Schwinn Airdyne bikes and no reason to rehash here. But I believe the Airdyne Evo Comp is worth the few extra bucks over the old standard Airdyne for several reasons. First, the Airdyne Evo Comp is noticably quieter because it uses a belt to drive the fan verses a chain on the Airdyne. Second, the Airdyne Evo Comp has newer technology/higher quality components in the bearings, crankset, etc. so it will last even longer than the old standard (which has a great service history!). Third, the shape of the fans in the Airdyne Evo Comp eliminates the drafting effect on the Airdyne which actually reduces the pedaling resistance at higher speeds a little. Fourth, the fan on the Airdyne Evo Comp does not blow on you like the Airdyne (I actually would prefer a little air on me when working out, but most people don't).

I found the assembly instructions ok. You must pay attention to what you are doing and follow them exactly as written but you can follow them. (This is the same as the Airdyne I understand.) I did not find any of the "China quality problems" described by others. In fact, I find the quality outstanding. As far as the rubber shavings, I had that problem and I noticed the rubber belt was rubbing on the fan cage. Simply loosening the 3 screws that attach the fan cage to the bike frame, rotating the cage an inch or so where the belt does not rub on the cage, and retightening took care of the problem -- a 2 minute fix. Finally, the overall rating on this bike is not as low as the stars show -- you will notice that one of the 2-star ratings is listed 3 times bringing down the average rating down 1-star -- otherwise it would be about the same as the Airdyne. Overall, this is a great bike and I am happy with it.

142 of 151 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Solid Construction with Quality Control Problems, July 26, 2006

By 

P. Scott Pope "Scott Pope" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Schwinn Airdyne Evo Comp Exercise Bike (Sports)

After seeing this bicycle in Paragon Sports in Manhattan, I knew I had to purchase it. The solid construction and compact design demonstrated a leap forward from the original Schwinn Airdyne. At approximately 95lbs, it was solid enough for a health club/rehabilitation center setting but light enough for a consumer. While I have multiple gym memberships, I thought this would be a good item to have at my parents' house both for their use and when I visit. Unfortunately, the purchase turned out to be mistake due to the incredible hassles created by Schwinn Fitness' poor quality control.

Basically, what Schwinn Fitness (i.e Nautilus) has done is improve the time-tested air-resistance concept. The original Airdyne, which is 20+ years old uses a large 30" diameter fan with flat blades. The Airdyne Evolution Comp uses a much smaller fan that is wider and has contoured blades, which increases resistance. This leads to smoother operation with less vibration. Combining traditional bicycle pedaling with an arm swinging movement, it allows for a great cardio workout - with some limitations.

My one gripe with the fundamental design is that it lacks variable resistance and only one gear ratio. In an object moving through air, the resistance increases exponentially with velocity. So, instead of increasing the level of resistance electronically as you would on a multi-thousand dollar Life Fitness exercise bicycle, you merely need to pedal slightly faster to get a big jump in overall energy expenditure. Hence, all of the resistance comes from air movement affected solely from the velocity and not from friction or magnetism. This leads to a tradeoff between simplicity and flexibility.

While the design and construction are very solid, it appears that Schwinn/Nautilus needs to carefully oversee their Chinese fabrication facilities. Basically, the internal mechanisms have not been fully tightened down. This has led problem with the bottom bracket, which requires special bicycle tools unavailable at the local hardware store. In my case, after about three hours of use, the bike became useless as both rings in bottom bracket unscrewed. This is a major aggravation because to correct the problem, two special bicycle tools are needed: 1) crank puller and 2) Shimano bottom bracket tool. These are only available online or at very well stocked bicycle stores.

After several exchanges with both Schwinn Fitness and the distributor, I learned that there were known problems with the bottom bracket. I was told to use Loctite when reassembling it. Perhaps they should explain why this wasn't done in the first place. As a former engineer and bicycle enthusiast, I was reasonably well equipped to deal with such problems. I can't imagine how someone without a large set of tools or any mechanical ability would correct the problem. Moreover, sending a 100 lb package back to the manufacturer would be a hassle in itself. In the end, I fixed the problem. Given the aggravation tracking down the tools, I can say it simply was a bad decision to purchase.

Pros
Solid construction
Innovative design
Low center of gravity

Cons
Major quality control problems
Cheap pedals (need purchase aftermarket pedals with toe clips)
Computer lacks data to properly calculate calories such as weight, age, gender, body type

50 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars HOW TO ASSEMBLE, March 3, 2011

By 

Christopher Godfrey (Milwaukee, Wisconsin United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Schwinn Airdyne Evo Comp Exercise Bike (Sports)

Our new Schwinn Airdine Evo was delivered the other day, and I got around to putting it together last night. I'm experienced, and doing it carefully and thoughtfully, it still took me several hours.

If you've read the other reviews, you'll notice a few 2008-ish complaints about the bottom bracket breaking. I noticed on my brand-new bike that the bottom housing had been taken apart at some point (the sticker was cut along the seam) so I've got my fingers crossed that Schwinn/Nautilus has addressed the issue and replaced the faulty internal hardware at the factory. We'll see soon enough.

The Home Assembly instructions are TERRIBLE. If you're inexperienced with tools, assembling this bike is going to be a bit of a challenge. I do recommend you have this professionally assembled if you're uncomfortable.

That wasn't an option for me, so, in the interest of good cardio karma, I decided to keep notes as I assembled mine. I wrote these instructions imagining I was phone tech support and I was helping a total novice. You may want to print this, and keep it with your receipts and paperwork.

DETAILED ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS FOR SCHWINN/NAUTILUS AIRDYNE EVO COMP.

Tools required-
14mm, 15mm, 17mm Metric Wrenches
1/2" and 7/8" Standard Wrench
Medium sized Phillips screw driver
A small set of Metric Hex/Allen Wrenches (If you don't own any, a set is often nominally more expensive than just a couple)
A rubber mallet, (or a hammer with something like an oven mitt or thick sock over the head)
**Don't even THINK about using "adjustable" wrenches or pliers!! They are sloppy, frustrating, and can cause damage. You just spent $700 for this bike! Go spend $25 more for proper tools!**

Step 1 - Spin the flat, black tabbed wingnuts onto feet, tabs down. Insert feet into front and rear bottom floor stabilizer tubes

Step 2 - Attach Rear Stabilizer tube to the frame with the two black, round head 6mm Hex/Allen bolts, and black lock washer (a lock washer looks like it's been cut and twisted)

Step 3 - Attach Front Stabilizer tube to frame with the long black bolts (17mm) and the black nuts (14mm)

Step 4 - Install computer to top of computer post. Put the batteries in it first. Don't forget the little black rubber cushions that go over the metal nubs. Run computer data cable down through the post. Attach computer to the top of the metal post with TWO (not all four), of the shiny metal Philips screws with no washers. (There are 4 screws and washers in the bag, for use only on the original Airdyne bike, which uses the same computer, but has a different post) The screws are self-tapping, which means they drill themselves into the slots in the plastic when you put pressure on them, which might feel a little weird. Tighten the screws all the way down, but not harder than snug, or you can damage the soft plastic. The strength in your wrists should be enough.

Step 5 - Install computer post onto frame with four small black, round head 5mm Hex/Allen bolts. Careful not to overtighten, as you don't want to damage the threads in the holes on the frame. The data cable for the computer plugs into a socket on the right side of the fan cage. It might be a good time to use a twist tie or a piece of tape to secure the extra length of loose data cable.

Step 6 - Install the handle bars. Leave the plastic wrap on them for now. The axle bolt is already installed through the handle bars at the footrests, all you have to do is screw it into the frame. Be careful- use your fingers at first to make sure it's tightening smoothly, with no crossed threads. Tighten securely with a 7/8" wrench.

Step 7 - Connect the bottom of the handle bars to the pedals. You'll need a few parts for this. From the outside in, it goes:

6mm stainless Hex Bolt | stainless flat washer | grey handlebar end | stainless spacer (looks like a very thick washer) | chrome pedal connecting rod | stainless spacer | stainless flat washer, | 1/2" stainless nut.
Put the ribbed black rubber sleeves over the footrests. You may need to use a rubber mallet or hammer.

Step 8 - Handlebar Grips. You can probably figure out how these go on, but be patient, they do not go on easy. Each grip took me about 20 minutes to wiggle down the handlebar. You might wish to try a hairdryer to gently warm and expand the grips. Once the grips are on all the way, gently tap the plastic plugs into the end of the handlebar with the rubber mallet.

Step 9 - Pedals. BE AWARE THAT THE PEDALS ARE NOT IDENTICAL! The left pedal is intentionally threaded backwards, and is the one with the ridgey texture on the axle inside by the threads. Take care to not cross the threads when screwing in the pedals. Use your fingers as much as you can before you tighten them down with the 15mm wrench. They should go in smoothly, evenly, and perpendicular all the way.

{The basic factory pedals are okay... but I won't talk you out of going to a bike shop and buying better pedals with a foot strap on them.}

Step 10 - Install seat, tighten with 17mm wrench.

Step 11 - Install water bottle holder with small hex/allen screws

Step 12 - Adjust feet and tighten lock washers so bike sits sturdy and level.

Step 13 - If desired, Install locking pin and spring into top of fan. I chose not to do this. I don't leave the bike outside, and I don't anticipate windy conditions in my basement that start the bike operating on it's own.

When you're all done, you should have 2 small hex screws, 2 small phillips screws, and 4 small washers left over. I believe all of these parts are for use on the original Airdyne bike.

I hope these instructions were helpful to you. I know it would have shaved a couple hours of my assembly time. It's a shame if there are people who bought this quality bike, and are not using it because they couldn't assemble it properly. If this was helpful, please mark it as such, so it stays near the top of the page and more people see it.

Good luck, and don't forget to fill out and send in your registration card- take advantage of the 30 year warranty!
- Chris Godfrey March 2011