Customer Reviews

Schwinn 220 Recumbent Exercise Bike (model year 2009)

5 star:		(99)
4 star:		(37)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

UPDATE ON 01/17/2012. A little over 2 years now, and no problems. I keep a daily log of my exercises, and now have well over 3,000 miles (according to the machine's odometer). I understand that this particular model (220) has been discontinued, but the replacement unit appears to be quite similar.

UPDATE ON 12/27/2010. After one year of steady use, I am very pleased with the machine. In my original review (below) I reported a clicking noise, but I finally figured out that it was because the locking knob on the seat adjuster was not tightened down; once corrected the bike has been silent. It has been ridden an average of 2 1/2 hours per week. There have been absolutely no problems with the bike. My only complaints (and they're not show-stoppers) are 1) the useless book ledge, 2) the handlebars aren't usable unless you lean forward, and 3) the need for plugging the unit into an electrical outlet (rather than having a battery). Please note that I unplug my bike when it's not in use, as I expect the transformer unit would burn out much sooner if left plugged in all the time. SUMMARY: A great machine, and I highly recommend it.

The remainder of this review was written in December, 2009:

Please note that this review is written based on only ONE WEEK (Comments added 1/7/10) of use, so it can't possibly address performance over the long term. If I remember to, I'll come back in a few months and give a more complete review.

First, the machine was shipped promptly and arrived on time. The package was somewhat damaged, but all the bike parts arrived in good condition. It appears to me that the Chinese manufacturer packaged the bike for containerized shipment, and not for individual transport. Nevertheless, all was okay.

Assembly is straight-forward. I was interrupted (neighbor's horses got out), but total assembly time was probably about one hour, working alone. Note that I'm an experienced assembler, having put together many wagons, carts, bikes, trikes, etc. in the wee hours of Christmas morning. Also note that Step 5 (page 11) calls for REMOVING the seat rail bracket; the bracket on my bike WAS NOT already installed, and, not reading the instruction, I installed the bracket, as that's what the diagram suggested. No big deal, but you'll have to remove it later. Other than that glitch, all went smoothly. By the way, all the tools that you will need are included in the package - nice touch.

With only one week's use, the machine has been absolutely silent in operation; I certainly hope that continues. (ADDED 1/7/10: After a month's use, it has developed a clicking sound as I pedal.) By default, the bike starts at intensity level 3. Stepping up to level 4 is detectable but not severe. Further steps seem to increase resistance at a higher level.

I cannot grasp the front handle bars while sitting with my back against the backrest; in fact I can barely touch them with my finger tips. To grasp the handles I must lean forward. Not a biggie, but I would prefer them to be located in front of the electronic display, rather than behind it.

As to the electronic panel, it appears to me that the MPH shown is high; at 80 RPMs it registers 16 miles per hour, while my old bike showed 13 MPH. The display registers about 25 calories per mile at resistance level 4. The heart rate monitor shows about 5 beats per minute higher than my Polar unit, but I can't say for sure which one is closer.

I do not like the way the "time" feature changes between "elapsed time" and a one-minute countdown display at 6-second intervals - I would prefer it to stay on the elapsed time screen. If there is a way to reset this feature I haven't been able to find it. (ADDED 1/7/10: Press the LOCK button to keep on elapsed time and MPH.)

Also, my old bike stopped the elapsed-time clock whenever I quit pedaling, but this one continues to run - a stop to answer the doorbell reflected 5 minutes of exercise time while I was away. (ADDED 1/7/10: Press the STOP once (only once) to pause the display, and the top left button (I forget its label) to resume.)

I have not used any of the programmed workout programs, because I exercise at 78-82 RPMs for 30 minutes, varying pedal resistance during the workout (I'm a 70-year-old male, and I'm not trying to build endurance.)

The "magazine rack" is merely a small ledge. It will hold a magazine, I suppose, but I place my very small MP3 player on it. I don't believe that some of the larger players would stay on the ledge.

I knew this before I ordered the bike, so I can't really complain, but I would much prefer the display unit to be powered by a battery, as my old bike was. The Schwinn 220 must be plugged into an AC outlet - without electricity you don't get any readouts, and can't vary resistance.

The Schwinn 220 seems to be pretty stout, and my overall impression, at this point, is favorable. If it continues to function like it does now, I'll be pleased with my purchase. Time will tell. (ADDED 1/7/10: So far, so good.)

I've been searching for some time for a decent, affordable recumbent exercise bike to replace a rowing machine I'd quite using because of knee problems. It seemed the really solid ones were well over the thousand dollar mark, and the less expensive ones were... well, junk. I tried a Schwinn 240 at a local sporting goods discounter, but (1) I couldn't adjust it to fit me and (2) it wobbled and creaked as I tried to pedal it. I had about given up hope of finding an affordable unit when I tried a 220 at another discount store. It was poorly assembled, but it did fit, and pedaling it was comfortable. They could order me one and have it "just a few weeks", they assured me. I said I'd think about it.

Back home I read the Amazon reviews for the 220. Even better than the 240, said some, and it has the same 300lb rating, which means it should be just as strong. Hmm. I thought about it overnight, and decided to bite the bullet. Two days later I came home from my morning bike ride to the coffee shop to find a large cardboard box sitting on the back porch. I got out my pocket knife, opened the box, and - this is important- removed the assembly manual before doing anything else.

I studied the manual for a while- it's one of those modern multi-country ones with no text, just a lot of diagrams. Think Ikea. It was clear enough. I removed the pieces from the box and carted them upstairs one by one. Assembly was clear and straightforward, making allowances for those little production tolerances you inevitably come across in anything made in a semi-automated factory. I didn't have any of the problems some reviewers mentiopned, probably because I read the assembly manual fully and made sure I'd identified all the parts before starting. A few tips:

1. The bolts come in two types: Flat head, for attaching the feet (parts A), and round head for everything else. The round headed bolts are labeled in order of increasing length- B, D, E, F. Simple. Don't unwrap them all at once- just peel back the plastic to expose the bolts you need for the task you're working on.

2. The curved washers are for attaching screws to curved surfaces, That includes joining the front and rear assemblies together- here, the bolts are already inserted in the assemblies when you unpack- and attaching the column that holds the computer.

3. There are a number of interconnecting cables running through some of the assemblies. Most are simple mini-headphone type connectors (1/8" mini plug), but there are also a couple of flat, multi-wire connectors at the top and bottom of the column holding the computer. If you take care to align these when assembling, they'll slip together easily with little or no force.

4. Some of the cables are held in place with twist ties and rubber bands. Don't remove these ties and bands until you've connected the cables, or you're likely to lose a cable inside the machine.

5. Follow the instructions religiously. Coming up with shortcuts and "improved" methods will get you into a lot of trouble.

6. Don't tighten any bolts until you get all the bolts in for a given assembly. This is especially important when installing the seat assembly. There, tighten the bolts at the front support before tightening the bolts at the rear support.

7. The funny shaped metal piece sealed in with the bolts and washers is a screwdriver and pedal wrench. And remember: The left hand pedal has a reverse thread.

8. You'll notice that there are *two* sets of mounting holes for the seat back. Being 6'2" and having a long torso to boot, I used the lower holes in order to mount the seat back higher. You may have to experiment with this to find the best setting for you, but I'll suggest that if you're over 5'10" you start with the higher seat back position. (If more than one person will be using the machine, you may have to compromise on one position or the other.)

Once I'd studied the assembly manual and had all the pieces laid out, actual assembly took perhaps 30 minutes. I plugged in the power supply (a 9-volt wall wart), punched "Quick Start", and started pedaling. Easy. Pushing the "+" and +-+ buttons increased and decreased resistance smoothly- I found that I liked spinning at 4. I haven't tried all the programs and other settings because, frankly, I don't care about programs and automation and such. All I wanted was a knob that says harder <-> easier. But I do like some of the features, like the built in pulse monitor and the timer. Very useful. Some reviewers have complained that the front "handlebars" are too far away to reach. Those aren't handlebars; those are handles to make it easier to get up, for those users who might have some difficulties in doing so.

Short summary: This is a well made (for the money), easy to use, comfortable machine that will probably get a lot of use once the weather cools down and I can't bike every day. Until then, it'll be for rainy days. I'll update this in a few months after I get more miles in.

UPDATE:

I've been using this bike daily for a month and a half, and I'm still very pleased with it. My favorite feature? It's silent, which means I can watch TV while spinning without turning up the volume. I'll pop in a DVD from the library- usually a documentary series- and before I know it, I've done 30 minutes of solid exercise.

UPDATE II:

I've now been using the 220 daily for just over 4 months, and I'm still very pleased with it. Everything still works, none of the parts have deformed or loosened, and the foam in the seat is still stiff and supportive. My knees have strengthened to the point that my arthritis is far less of a problem than it was. I'm pleased.

UPODATE II: It's been 8 months now, and I still use it every day I can't go bicycling. One tip learned: If yours goes "clunk" on every revolution as you pedal it, the chances are extremely good that you have a loose pedal. The pedals may not appear loose, but if you snug both up with a wrench, the noise will probably go away.

Ok. I've done research upon research on recumbent bikes. My biggest concern was that 95% of all the reviews out there were from senior citizens or those using it for physical therapy. I need a bike for exercise and weight loss. I purchased this bike and am very pleased. The resistance is top notch and the computer read out is very informative. I'm 6'5 and 275lbs and it is still a perfect fit. So for all those people out there who are tall and or big this bike will work great for you.! Great weight loss help a long!

I checked out ProForm, Weslo, and Sears models before buying the 220, and preferred the Schwinn over the others. I considered the Schwinn 240 but it was 6 or 7 inches longer and I have limited space. However, I'm not disappointed with the 220. It is a high quality bike at a reasonable price. It's digital computer readout allows you to set and view resistance, calories, miles, time, pulse rate, speed, etc. (and some I've forgotten). Custom programs can be entered but I haven't learned how yet. Also, there is a "Quick Start" button that allows you to program your resistance and go. It's not hard to assemble but it's not easy either. A helper would be nice, if only to hold the heavier pieces upright while you connect the wiring (I didn't have one). My only complaint is the manual. It's not very helpful in assembly or learning to program workouts on the digital computer. But the 220 provides a good, quiet workout and is a very nice exercise bike.

Update: November 2010
It's about 8 months since I wrote the review below and the bike is doing great. No obvious signs of wear and the bike is still incredibly quiet. Still recommended.

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I was skeptical whether I could get a good quality bike for under $500 -- something that works well and feels solid -- but I'm pleased with this bike. A few things you may want to know before you buy:

1. It took me a total of 2 hours to unpack it and put it together. It wasn't difficult, but it was a little more time consuming than I was expecting. The directions are good enough, but the diagrams that walk you through the assembly process are unexplainably small on the pages.
2. The bike is much quieter than I expected. I watch TV while working out and with our other exercise machines in the house (i.e., a stepper and a rower) we need to turn the TV way up to hear it over the equipment. Not so with this bike. Whisper quiet is not an exaggeration.
3. The display is not backlit. Our bike is in the basement, which is not well lit making the display a little harder to read than I think it should be. Not a major issue, though.
4. The bike is solid, but it doesn't feel quite as steady as the $1,000 bikes I've used at the gym. I guess that is to be expected.
5. The bike has built in wheels that make it very easy to move around. I wheel it back and forth between exercises very easily.
6. You plug in the power cord into the front of the bike, which seems odd to me. In my view, it would have been better to plug into the rear of the bike so that the cord could be out of the way. Again, not a major issue but a little unexpected.

Overall, a good bike - worth buying.

Generally meets expectations. No problems with assembly. Was hoping for a smoother movement at low speed such as I had gotten at the fitness center on similar equipment. At low speed and low resistance, fly wheel does not seem smooth, causing a jerky motion. This goes away at higher speed/resistance, but as I am a cardio patient, I need to keep the exercise light. Otherwise, everything seems to be satisfactory.

We just rec'd the exercise bike today. My 2 son's put it together in about 1 hour.
We are enjoying the product so far. It is very quiet! I'm 4ft 11 inches and I can reach the pedals. I have knee problems and so far have been able to exercise without any aches or pains. It seems to be less stressful on my knees then walking.

I purchased this bike in order to have an indoor activity I could do that would get my heart rate up but not make too much noise. Previously I have tried various DVD or video game based workout programs and because I live in an upstairs apartment I am always very conscious of having to jump up and down or run in place and potentially disturbing my neighbors. This bike was the perfect solution to my problem.

I have had the bike for almost 2 months and I use it 5-6 times a week about 30-45 min at a time and so far there have been no issues. I have it set up in my front room so I can easily watch TV or play video games while riding which makes the workouts fly by. I have been surprised how quiet the bike is. If I place the resistance setting about 7 or above and have my apartment completely silent I can hear an incredibly faint noise coming from the bike but as I always have something audio on while I ride it is a complete non-issue to me.

Originally I was very hesitant about buying an exercise bike online because when I would try them out in stores sometimes I wouldn't fit because I am 6'5". But with this bike I don't even have the seat all the way back and I fit great! However, my girlfriend is just under 5' tall and the seat doesn't go close enough for her so if you are right around that height keep that in mind.

Like other reviewers mentioned the bike took me about 1.5 hours to put together alone. I took my time in order to not smash any of the wiring and to make sure I only had to do it once. I imagine with 2 people it would be faster.

Overall I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend it to anybody looking for a mid-priced recumbent bike; the bike is sturdy and feels like it will last a long time. And most importantly I fit!

WHY DID I CHOOSE THIS BIKE?: I previously owned the Schwinn Model 230 Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike which is still sold here at Amazon but for some reason isn't shown on Schwinn's site - I knew how fantastic that recumbent bike was....ten months ago I gave it to a good friend who needed it more than I did. I chose the Model 220 over the newest model A20 Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike because of length of warranty, AC power on the 220 vs. battery power on the A20, and general overall beefiness of the 220. I chose Schwinn in general because I'd checked out the cheap recumbent bikes sold at Wal-Mart, such as the Stamina and Gold's Gym brands; those are junk and cost about the same as the Schwinn.

ASSEMBLY: In short, this was painless and simple. There is a small booklet which explains everything step-by-step with diagrams - I see that some assembly manuals had just pictures, mine had pictures plus directions in English and French. All the tools, nuts, bolts and screws are included in a blister pack - don't remove the parts before you need them as they are all labeled. Some of the cables are fastened by rubber band or plastic wire ties - do not remove the rubber bands or ties until you have the parts connected, otherwise you will have to fish the cable from the tubing and it's not easy. Assembly took me less than 60 minutes, partly because the assembly of my other Schwinn was still somewhat fresh in my memory. Here's an assembly tip: If you attach the computer/console to the mast before attaching it to the frame, it will be easier.

BUILD QUALITY: Strong, stable, well designed, and everything fits together the way it should. The AC cord is approximately 55" long, but that is completely taut, which you don't want the power cord to be pulled completely straight, it's one of those thin cords. I have mine connected to a surge suppressor, which helps make it easier to reach the electric outlet, because even though it's 55" long, it looks MUCH shorter. There is a magazine "ledge" but it isn't good for anything....even if it would hold a magazine, then you couldn't see the console display.... and it really isn't good for holding an MP3 player also. Below the console on the mast, there is a water bottle holder, which I don't use for a bottle, I use it for holding my TV remote control and I can also clip my Sansa MP3 player onto it.

CONSOLE: My old Schwinn 230 definitely had an easier-to-understand console. This console will take some time, and I usually don't have a problem learning something new, but this is quirky. Schwinn needs to re-do the user manual for the Model 220. I find it easier just to remain a Guest User, and it seems to be easier to get to the Programs this way (my favorite being Pursuit 2). I do think it's a pain to have to enter age, height & weight each time though. Some other reviewers complain about the console taking AC power instead of batteries. AC power is a much better choice, because the power is not only needed for the console, but also to change the magnetic resistance of the flywheel, and if you were using batteries, you'd be replacing them too often.

WORKOUT: This bike is completely silent, the only noise is the little whine (from the magnetics on the flywheel) that it makes when it changes intensity. You could ride this bike with someone asleep in the same room and they will not be disturbed (except for the beeps from the console when you first start out). I'm fairly short at 5'3", and the seat adjusts fine for me, and it also works for someone over 6 feet tall. Of course, some will say this is just a lower body workout--I tend to disagree, it is working your most important muscle - your heart - but it doesn't hurt to also do some upper body exercise to have a well-rounded fitness program. I sometimes wear 2 lb. weights that fasten onto my hands and I do simple tricep and bicep exercises while pedaling. In fact, a few reviews here complained about the handlebars being too far from the seat, those bars by the console are NOT the handlebars - if you ever seen an outdoors recumbent bike, not an exercise bike, the ONLY handlebars are the ones by the seat. So I completely ignore those grips by the computer, the only handlebars I am concerned with holding occasionally are the ones down by the seat cushion, so I can also check my pulse.

AM I HAPPY WITH THIS BIKE?: You betcha! I look forward to getting on it every day and working out in the privacy of my own home. No driving to the local gym, and this is cheaper in the long run. After I've had this for 6 months, I will update my review.

HI, I also researched about which recumbent bike to use. I never saw the issue I am having and I want to warn others. The seat to me is very un-comfortable! There is a ridge on the seat, probably there for a good reason. However, the main reason I got this bike was so that I can sit and exercise and I cannot. Today, after much playing around with towels, pillows and anything that can fill up the ridge area, some comfort with a pad I found in my closet. Even then, I cannot sit on the bike for too long, hurts.

The bike is solid, however, once we got past level 6 there is a grnding noise, I cannot seem to get through the support line. Also, like someone said, the bike keeps counting even when you have stopped excercising. I have other machines in the house, when you stop so does the timer. We cannot figure out yet how to program this bike, the directions are not very good at all. Once again, I am trying to reach the support line provided and I cannot.

So, yes, the bike has real quality and hopefully except for the seat, we will figure out the rest and keep the bike. However, like I said the seat for us, real issue of comfort, not there.