Schwinn Bicycles

Riding the same Schwinn Airdyne exercise bike for twenty years leaves some lasting impressions. There are some clear advantages to these bikes as well as some real quirks too. They possess some real positives as compared to both recumbent bikes and other upright bikes. Here’s what you need to know.

1. These are noisy… very noisy.

Music is hard to hear over these. There’s just a lot of noise. That’s because you turn a big fan as you pedal. Pedal faster, to generate more load, and the fan makes more and more noise. A newer model, the Schwinn Airdyne Evolution Comp exercise bike, is an attempt to improve upon the older model and address the noise issue with a smaller fan and a belt drive instead of the standard and somewhat noisy chain drive for the fan resistance.

2. Sans computers…

Most bikes now use silent magnetic resistance designs. With electronic drives you also get computer controls. That makes it possible to build in workout routines for a more interesting ride. Not much in the way of electronics is built into the Airdyne. Just a simple, rugged machine proven over decades in homes, gyms and fitness centers. I devised a simple workout plan that doesn’t need a computer. It’s certainly true that lack of electronics makes it necessary to improvise to make rides more interesting.

3. Balmy breezes…

May be gale force winds better describes what gets kicked up. If you don’t like cooling breezes, you may be annoyed by the wind… The cool factor may be a plus in hot weather but not so much in other times. As mentioned, the Schwinn Evo Comp uses a smaller fan to generate resistance and that means less wind on the rider for a balmy breeze effect rather than a gale force storm warning sort of environment.

4. You won’t need a newer model.

There won’t be the thrill of replacing the bike with a newer model. You’ll never wear out the first one you get. Certainly Schwinn must get few repeat sales of Air-Dynes. They may partly explain the high price. Schwinn only gets money from you once with an Airdyne.

5. Arms too.

The dual action bikes like this work you shoulders and arms as well as legs. You can work upper muscles and lower together or separately. You can just work arms and shoulders. It’s work, work, work… It’s a more balanced all over workout. It does still let you work hard with your larger muscles which is a fast way to better results. Results of hard work can be a change in your metabolism that really is the key to burning fat efficiently and making maintaining an ideal weight a real possibility for you.

6. No lying around…

No reclining with these… It’s upright pedaling on the big, wide, durable seat. Lots of padding, but there’s no lying down here. It’s pure, comfortable fitness work. Pedaling position is mostly a matter of preference. Some folks like upright better.

For a bike that’s made to use and made to last the Airdyne is worth consideration. This is a simple, rugged machine that will help you burn fat and get fit. It also has the advantage of working most of the muscle groups and providing the chance for a more balanced workout.