The Schwinn Airdyne bike has been in the Schwinn product line for over 30 years and you may have seen one, even if you’ve never ridden it. The appearance is different from other exercise bikes. The most obvious difference in appearance is the large fan in the front.
That fan is what makes these machines different. The fan provides the resistance to pedaling. Pedal away and turn on the big fan. The faster you pedal, the harder it becomes to pedal. Slow down your pedaling and the resistance is lighter. The other strange feature is suggested by the two tall handles protruding from the front of the machines, almost like some kind of horns. The handles are attached to the pedal crank so you can hold the handles and use your arms to turn the fan as well. You can then exercise your arms and legs at the same time.
I have now owned an Airdyne for almost 20 years and the following are my observations on the positives and negatives of the Schwinn exercise bike.
1. Simple and strong.
This bike is built like a tank. Every part is heavy and built to last. Even the seat is hard to damage. Almost 20 years on mine and I have a worn pedal that still works and the fan lock is hard to use. Everything else works like new. There are no motors or magnetic drives to fail.
2. Low impact.
Many rehab centers have used these machines in part because the exercise movements and action of the machines are considered low-impact. There is a low risk of injury and almost anyone can use one, unlike, say, a treadmill.
3. Easy to use.
Just get on the thing and start pedaling. No training required. No learning curve.
4. Save money.
Like any exercise bike, you can save on gym fees by having this professional-quality machine at home ready to go at a moment’s notice. Plus, this thing is so sturdy, it’ll likely never need a replacement. You also don’t need to keep looking for the next hot machine. Fashion machines come and go, but these bikes work and keep working.
5. Light on electronics.
These bikes lack the computing power of a comparably priced mid-priced machine. The Airdyne has the most basic feedback and no training programs. Right now there isn’t even a built-in heart rate monitor. If you really want the full range of computing power, you’ll be disappointed.
6. Noise.
The resistance fan is noisy. You get a lot of fan noise plus some mechanical racket from the pedals. Any music you listen to while pedaling should be pretty loud. You won’t enjoy watching TV while driving and you won’t read any books while pedaling either.
7. Difficult to move.
This machine is heavy and, although it has wheels, it is difficult to move. Plan to leave it in one place or at least not move it very far.
I certainly enjoyed my bike and think it’s a real useful classic machine for anyone looking to get fit at home.