If you’re looking for a good spinning bike for home training in the budget of up to PLN 4,000 with Bluetooth and magnetic resistance, the choice is limited, but there are a few machines worth considering. One of them is the IC8 spinning bike from Schwinn – one of the best exercise bikes in this price range. The machine recently changed its name from IC8 to 800IC – so many offers of this bike operate under both names for the convenience of the user.
Schwinn IC8 – parameters
IC8 is one of the better devices in the price range of up to PLN 4,000. It has many useful functions that affect the comfort of exercise and its intensity. The most important parameters of the device are:
- Display: LCD, where you can track time, speed, distance, calories, revolutions per minute
- Resistance adjustment: using the knob located on the frame
- Drive: belt
- Apps: Zwift, Explore the World, Peloton
- Dimensions: 124 x 54 x 132 cm (L x W x H)
- Saddle: vertically and horizontally adjustable
- Pedals: Double-sided - adjustable strap + SPD
- Handlebar grips: contoured with angle adjustment
- Handlebar width: 47 cm
- Handlebar length: 33 cm
- Distance between handlebar and saddle: 70 - 85 cm
- Distance between saddle and pedals: 75 - 95 cm
- Additional equipment: transport wheels, bottle holder, accessory holder, emergency brake
- Equipment weight: 48 kg
- Maximum user weight: 150 kg
- Intended use: home use
IC8 – technical parameters in practice
The parameters say a lot, but not every beginner is able to determine based on them whether a specific device is right for them. That is why we will try to describe the most important advantages of the Schwinn IC8 in a few words, so that you can assess for yourself whether the spinning bike is a machine that will meet your expectations.
The Schwinn IC8 (800IC) exercise bike does not have a freewheel, it is classified as a spinning bike, designed for intensive cycling training. The IC8 has magnetic resistance, thanks to which the machine is extremely quiet. The bike is designed for home use, you can do an intensive workout on it without having to visit the gym.
It is a relatively light piece of equipment that can be safely used by people weighing a maximum of 150 kg. It can be adjusted to a height of 1.55 to 1.95 meters, and the sitting position below 1.70 meters is very sporty. While riding, you can manually reduce or increase the resistance level while riding using the knob on the frame, making the IC8 very good for those who like to change the difficulty of the exercises and introduce variety into their activity.
The bike is equipped with practical handles, thanks to which training is very convenient: two bottle holders, two additional holders for small dumbbells (under the place for the bottle) and a functional tray for accessories, on which you can place, for example, your phone or tablet. If you have specialist SPD shoes, you can use the snaps located on the pedals. You can also turn them and train with the shoe inserted into the stable pockets.
The training computer is easy to use and displays all the most important information during exercise.
Bike with app for exercising at home
The Schwinn IC8 spinning bike can be connected to apps like Explore the World, Peleton, and the Zwift app. What does this mean for you? In short, you have the chance to train more efficiently and diversify.
- Zwift App
With Zwift you can train or race virtually with other users or by yourself. You will traverse the virtual routes of the land called Watopia. Group rides are a great opportunity to train differently than usual. With Zwift, your home training can instantly turn into a peloton, where you will set off into the unknown with cyclists from all over the world.
You can also create your own avatar in the app, which you can gradually improve with each level you complete. When you log in to Zwift, you start at level 1 – you gain each subsequent level as you complete kilometers with the app.
- Explore the World App
Explore the World™ is a chance to explore different corners of the world while training on a bike. While riding on your tablet or phone, you can simultaneously watch the passing landscape of the Scottish Highlands, take part in a marathon or ride through the picturesque Japanese countryside.
While training with the app, you can also track all the most important exercise parameters on the screen: time, distance, speed and estimated calories burned.
- Peloton App
Peloton offers virtual spinning classes with a trainer. An interesting option for those who need support and motivation from an instructor. Additionally, within the app, you can take advantage of options available outside your bike, such as yoga classes or strength training, etc. Peloton classes are led by experienced fitness trainers who provide support and motivation throughout the entire workout – including live classes.
User reviews
Users who have already had the opportunity to ride the IC8 spinning bike speak positively about it. The strengths of the spinning bike in their opinion are easy assembly, quiet operation, good quality of workmanship, USB port, Bluetooth, dual-function pedals, bottle holders and training options using compatible applications. The disadvantage of the product, according to users, is the inaccessible user manual included with the product. (source: here )
Schwinn ic8 – for whom?
The Schwinn IC8 is suitable for people with a stride length of 68 to 89 centimeters. This corresponds to a height of 1.55 to 1.85 meters. The machine is a great alternative for those who like to tire themselves out on the bike and still want to work on their form after the season. You can do classic cycling training on it, as well as less advanced exercises - depending on the needs of the person exercising. Regardless of whether you want to do interval training, do classic cardio training on the bike - the IC8 bike from Schwinn is a proven choice.