Peloton Alternative: Schwinn IC4 Review
If you are looking for a Peloton bike alternative, the Schwinn IC4 is a perfect pick. Affiliate links used in this post. April 26 Target Deal: Buy the Schwinn IC4 for 50% off! This is a STEAL. Click here to order.
This post contains affiliate links.
In summer 2020, I began heavily researching bike options. I was inspired by so many friends who had seen success at home riding on bikes, especially the Peloton. But the price tag for the bike + monthly membership was not appealing to me. I thoroughly researched many options before landing on the Schwinn IC4. This post outlines what I considered, why I selected a Schwinn IC4 vs. a Peloton and why I like the bike.
Alternative bikes to the Peloton
I considered the following bikes in my research
Peloton
Echelon Fit
MYX Fitness
NordicTrack S22i
Sunny
Schwinn IC4
I quickly decided that I did NOT need a Peloton. The unique selling points of a Peloton are the screen, accessing classes live and engaging with the community (via the leaderboard) who is riding at the same time as you. Frankly, I didn’t care about these features. You can still see who is live in the app and I am not someone that the coaches are ever going to shout out to.
I also read hundreds of reviews and comments in Facebook groups that the experience was just fine using another screen that wasn’t the mounted Peloton screen. I also read some suggestions that buying a bike with a screen attached is riskier because it is a big piece of technology that could fail at some point — and likely ahead of the bike itself. (This Peloton digital app users Facebook group has been incredibly helpful — both in researching bikes and afterward.)
Cost is also a huge factor. If you buy a Peloton, the monthly fee to access the classes is $49 (unlimited users). If you just use the app, it is $12.99 per user (that’s nearly $600 a year vs $156 a year for one user). This is a costly difference that, again, I just don’t feel is worth it – especially since right now only two people in my house use the bike.
The MYX Fitness and Echelon both have screens and their own classes. Like the Peloton, these are more costly, and I decided it was not what I wanted in my bike.
I narrowly focused in on the Echelon EX-3 (no screen, $1,039), Sunny ($300-$500) and Schwinn IC4 ($899).
All three bikes had solid reviews. The Sunny required a lot of add ons to be competitive with the Peloton and that overwhelmed me, so I decided to eliminate that from my list. (You can find plenty of articles about the Sunny and how to customize it.)
Ultimately, it was the height minimums that were the deciding factor for me. I’m a petite 5’0” and the Schwinn IC4 is made for people 4’6” and taller, so that sealed it for me. I liked that my middle schooler could also ride the bike. (The Echelon recommends 4’11” and the Sunny recommends 5’2”.)
Check out this helpful article comparing Peloton and the Schwinn IC4 for more on specs and similarities/differences between the two bikes.
How to do cycling classes on the Schwinn IC4
The Schwinn IC4 includes a mount for a screen, like an phone or tablet. I have mostly used my iphone to watch classes, which has been totally sufficient. I just got an iPad, so am sure I will enjoy the larger screen as soon as I set it up.
My bike is located in a place where a tv screen is not feasible, though I have read that many people enjoy riding with a tv.
You do need to convert resistance (how heavy the wheel is). I didn’t know this at first and it is soooo important. I recommend buying this handy chart, though you could easily make something yourself. Also be sure that your bike is set to miles instead of km. You do this by holding the up and down arrows for 3 seconds, changing to miles, then pushing any other key to lock it.
What metrics are available on the Schwinn IC4?
The bike includes a display that shows heart rate, speed, time, distance, resistance, calories and RPM. The bike’s bluetooth syncs with the Peloton app and shows cadence. You can also use the Kinetic app along with the Peloton app for more comprehensive data. My understanding is that the Peloton app works best with ISO devices, though I have no experience with an android device.
Do you need bike shoes for a Schwinn IC4?
You can ride with sneakers or bike shoes. After several months, I just decided to invest in bike shoes, which are supposed to give you better stability and a smoother ride. The Schwinn IC4 comes with attachments for your bike shoes to lock into the wheel. I really like my bike shoes, which are Shimano. I recommend getting fitted at a bike store to make sure you get the right ones for your feet.
Is there a long wait for the Schwinn IC4?
Bikes are super popular right now. I had to wait about six weeks to get mine in the fall of 2020. I have had readers report getting theirs within two weeks. I recommend buying directly from Schwinn because if something went wrong, I think the customer service would be better/easier. Shipping is also free when you buy direct.
We found the bike easy to assemble and I did not pay the extra to have someone assemble the bike for us. I think it took about an hour to put together. I did get this mat to put beneath the bike, and added this cushioned seat pad to the seat. Right now Schwinn is offering a free mat with purchase.
Is financing available?
Yes, when you buy through Schwinn, you can get 18-months interest-free financing.
Click here for details and their super fast financing application
I couldn’t be happier with my Schwinn IC4 and think it is an excellent alternative to buying a Peloton.
Let me know if you have questions and I will do my best to answer them in the comments.
What mat are you using underneath the bike to protect the floor? Thanks!
I got it on Amazon. I just added the link to the post. 🙂
Where did you buy it for $899? I only can find $999 and up.
Your Instagram posts made me take the plunge on my own peloton alternative, and I love it. I didn’t go with the Schwinn because it was on major back order, but I went with an echelon sport connect from Walmart. HIGHLY recommend. It was less than the schwinn but the only thing it seems to miss is its own digital readout—I have to use my phone to show cadence and resistance. (But it was also $500 so the price was right.) It has been amazing to me how motivating the peloton instructors are and how much they push me forward—definitely worth $12.99 a month!
I’m so glad you have had a great experience too!
Can I ask why the mat is helpful? Does it just make it more stable or is it to protect your floors or both?
Were you a man indoor bike rider before? I haven’t ever been but I’m intrigued by the challenge. However I don’t want a piece of equipment I don’t use. Lol
Thanks for this post. I can’t imagine spending the money on a Peloton so I like hearing about more reasonable alternatives.
The mat is just to protect the floor. I had never ridden prior to buying the bike. These bikes are in such high demand that I figured I could sell on Facebook marketplace if I didn’t like it.
This is so helpful! Thank you! On your instagram post I noticed that the seat looked more comfortable than the average spin bike seat. Is that the seat it came with and do you find it decently comfortable? Thanks!
Not Jessica (clearly) but she included a link to the seat she bought to replace the original one.
I bought a gel pad seat to add on top of the Schwinn one. It is linked in the post above.
Do you have to use the peloton app with this bike? Is there a free alternative app? Or youtube videos instead? If you don’t use the peloton app what would you be missing out on? Thanks!!
I have only used the Peloton app, so am not really educated on other options. I know that there are options on YouTube. I really like the huge diversity of classes on the Peloton app (lots more than cycling).
I dont use Peloton with my Schwinn. I use Les Mills on Demand. They have 3 really good Spin classes so you never get bored and are all regularly updated. They have RPM, The Trip & Sprint classes. Also Studio Sweat is another great online app for spin classes but you can find those on You tube aswell.
How does the video/app and the bike work together? Do you adjust the resistance as you ride? Also, I have always loved riding bikes, but have never taken a spin class. Had you tried spin before purchasing the bike?
I had never taken a spin class. Just went with my gut because so many trusted friends loved their bikes and had great physical results. Yes, you adjust the resistance as you ride. For the most part, the video component is separate from the bike, though the cadence is shown in the app.
Do you pay to use the peloton app monthly?
Hey! New Schwinn cycler here! I’ve been round and round with Schwinn trying to understand the clips that got sent with the bike, the shoes, 2 bolt vs 3 bolt spd cleats….can you please link or share what type of shoes you purchased?! I just want good shoes!!
Thank you so much for this detailed post and sharing your progress on IG stories! I bought the the IC4 a week before you did for exactly the same reasons and your posts have been so inspiring—especially on the days that I don’t feel like riding. I always hear your words in my mind, “20 minutes CAN change your life!” and I can take the time to put on my shoes and ride for 20 minutes and I always truly feel better (mentally and physically) afterwards!
Here are two additional tips:
– Schwinn has simple instructions how to connect the IC4 heart rate monitor and bike to the Peloton app so you can view your heart rate (and with range) and cadence in the app of your Apple device (I also use my iPhone): https://www.schwinnfitness.com/ic4-bike-peloton-connect.html
– Amazon Fire: I purchased the Amazon Fire tablet for my IC4 instead of buying an iPad. Peloton has an app for the Fire, but it is important to note that “Fitness accessories cannot be synced for the Peloton App to the Fire TV” (this means that you cannot view your heart rate or cadence within the app on the Fire, as you can within an iOS device). It’s okay, since you can see this information on the Schwinn display, it is just a little easier and there is a bit more information if you connect it to an iOS device. Here’s a link for support within the Peloton App for Fire, Android, iOS, and Roku: https://support.onepeloton.com/hc/en-us/articles/360035695712-Peloton-App-on-Fire-TV-and-Fire-Tablet-FAQs
Thank you for ALL you do, Jess!
Thanks for the detailed post! Is the media tray pretty stable? It makes me a little nervous my iPad would fall out?
My ipad works great on it, though I have to take it out of the case.
Hi thanks for your great review! I’ve had my IC4 for about 2 weeks now and so I watched your review while I was waiting for mine to arrive. I appreciate all the technical aspects of your review.. I use it with the Peloton app and it’s working out wonderfully. I do have a question, I noticed that when I’m around 100 rpm or higher, I can hear the wheel rub? against something ..then when I slow down, the noise disappears…has that ever happened to you when you had your bike? Just curious what might be causing it, if the wheel needs to be re-aligned?? Thanks again for your review!
Oh my goodness I had no idea the resistance is different. I was on an easy ride and couldn’t believe how hard it felt Thank you!!!
great work here