 |
Schwinn 220 Recumbent Exercise Bike (model year 2009)
Equipment DetailsManufacturer: Schwinn Brand: Schwinn Model: 100168 Product features: - Recumbent exercise bike for the home with 16 resistance levels and 13.2-Pound flywheel
- 12 Workout programs, including 6 course profiles, fitness test, and custom workout
- Integrated grip heart rate system for easy fitness monitoring
- Ergonomic pedal design for efficient and comfortable pedaling, adjustable console and seat
- 300-Pound maximum user weight, 5-year warranty on frame, 1 year on parts and electronics
Accessories:
Sports reviews of Schwinn 220 Recumbent Exercise Bike (model year 2009)Customer Review: First Look at Schwinn 220 Recumbent Bike Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
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.)
Description of Schwinn 220 Recumbent Exercise Bike (model year 2009)Get in shape at home with the comfortable Schwinn 220 recumbent exercise bike, offering a compact design and the feel of a more traditional outdoor bike while relying on core, stabilizing muscles to balance your body weight. Features include a 13.2-pound flywheel, 16 resistance levels, 10 programs, adjustable seat, magazine rack, and contact heart rate monitoring built into the handlebars. It also includes the following exclusive Schwinn features: 
The Schwinn 220 recumbent exercise bike for the home. | BioFit Comfort: - Ergonomic pedal design for efficient and comfortable pedaling
- Adjustable console and seat
- Convenient step-through design
BioDyne Performance: - Perimeter weighted flywheel for a true road feel, and smooth, consistent workouts
- Oversized stabilizers and levelers that are built-in for a solid workout platform
BioConnect Feedback: - 10 workout programs, including 6 course profiles, fitness test, and custom workout
- Integrated grip heart rate system for easy fitness monitoring
Features & Specifications: - 16 resistance levels
- 13.2-pound flywheel
- Eddy Current Brake (ECB) resistance system
- Fore and aft seat adjustment
- Magazine rack
- Transport wheels
- Switchable from miles to kilometers (KM)
- Maximum user weight: 275 pounds

The Schwinn 220's exercise console (see larger image). | 
An adjustable seat allows multiple users to exercise on the 220 comfortably. | Manufacturer's Warranty 5 years on the frame, 1 year on parts and electronics, 3 months on wear parts, 3 months on labor
| Compare These Recumbent Exercise Bikes |
| Schwinn A20 | Schwinn 220 (2009) | Schwinn 240 | Schwinn 250 | Nautilus R514 | | Number of Programs | 7 | 10 | 17 | 17 | 16 | | Workout Programs | 1 Manual, 6 Profile | 6 Profile, 1 Custom, Quick Start, Fitness Test, Results Mode | 8 Profile, 2 Custom, Quick Start, Fitness Test, 3 Heart Rate Controlled, Distance Goal, Results Mode | 8 Profiles, Quick Start, Distance Goal, 2 Custom, 3 Heart Rate Controlled, Fitness Test, Results Mode | 6 Profile, Quick Start, 2 Custom, 3 Heart Rate Controlled, Fitness Test, Distance Goal, Calorie Goal, Results Mode | | Performance Tracking | No | No | Schwinn Advantage? | Schwinn Advantage? | No | | Polar® Heart Rate System | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | | Heart Rate | contact | contact | telemetry enabled & contact | telemetry enabled & contact | telemetry enabled (with chest strap) & contact | | Display Type | LCD | extra large LCD | extra large black backlit LCD with multi-colored brickyard | extra large black backlit LCD with multi-colored brickyard | extra large blue backlit LCD | | Resistance Levels | 8 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | | Other Features | magnetic eddy current brake, extra large console, fan, reading rack, water bottle holder, two position lumbar support, powered by battery or AC adaptor (sold separately) compatible, transport wheels, rear stabilizer frame levelers, switchable from miles to kilometers | magnetic eddy current brake, thickly padded seat with side bolsters and lumbar support, reading rack, rear stabilizer frame levelers, transport wheels, switchable from miles to kilometers, AC adaptor included | magnetic eddy current brake, console angle adjustability, thickly padded seat with side bolsters and lumbar support, storage basket, reading rack, water bottle holder, rear stabilizer frame levelers, transport wheels, switchable from miles to kilometers, oversized deluxe pedals | eddy current brake, console angle adjustability, thickly padded seat with side bolsters and lumbar support, blower fan, speakers, storage basket, reading rack, water bottle holder, rear stabilizer frame levelers, transport wheels, adjustable handlebars, switchable from miles to kilometers, oversized deluxe pedals | magnetic eddy current brake, console angle adjustability, thickly padded seat with side bolsters and lumbar support, blower fan, reading rack, water bottle holder, storage basket, rear stabilizer frame levelers, transport wheels, switchable from miles to kilometers, oversized deluxe pedals | | Dimensions (L x W x H) | 61 x 17 x 41 inches
| 56 x 25 x 38 inches
| 63 x 25 x 46 inches
| 67 x 25 x 26 inches
| 67 x 25 x 52 inches
| | Product Weight | 60 pounds | 97 pounds | 117 pounds
| 117 pounds
| 119 pounds | | Warranty | Frame: 2 years, Mechanical & Electric: 6 months, Wear Parts: 30 days | Frame: 5 years, Mechanical & Electric: 1 year, Wear Parts: 90 days | Frame: 5 years, Mechanical & Electric: 1 year, Wear Parts: 90 days | Frame: 5 years, Mechanical & Electric: 1 year, Wear Parts: 90 days | Frame: 10 years, Mechanical: 2 years, Electric: 1 year, Wear Parts: 6 months | | Max. User Weight | 275 pounds
| 275 pounds | 275 pounds | 275 pounds | 300 pounds | |
|
 |