Which Should You Choose? Schwinn IC4 vs. Peloton
Alex McRae- 6 Min To Read
- 30 Oct, 2023
Peloton and Schwinn Ic4 are indoor stationary bikes. So why would anyone choose one over the other? This is the place for you if you’re stuck between the two exercise bikes.
While the bikes may have many differences, we must admit that there are some similarities. Let’s compare the Schwinn and Peloton bikes, and lets us discover the strengths and weaknesses. Only then can you make your final decision about which bike to choose. Are you ready for the exercise bike battle?
Schwinn IC4 Vs Peloton?
Below is a comparison table between Schwinn IC4 bikes and Peloton bikes.
| Feature | Peloton Bike | Schwinn IC4 |
|---|---|---|
| Models | Peloton bike, Peloton bike plus | Schwinn IC4 |
| Size | Peloton Bike: 59 in x 22 in (150 cm x 56 cm) Peloton: 59 in x 23 in (150 cm x 58 cm) | 48.7 inches L x 21.2 inches W x 51.8 inches H (122cm L x 53.8cm W x 131.6cm H) |
| Display | Peloton bike: 21.5-inch touchscreen Peloton bike +: 32 inches touchscreen | LED metrics display |
| Peloton Workouts | Peloton unlimited, Peloton digital app | Peloton, Echelon, Zwift, iFit Coach, TrainerRoad |
| In-built workouts | Present | Absent |
| Live Classes | Present | Absent |
| On-demand classes | Present | Absent |
| Monthly membership cost | $39 per month | Depends on the workout app |
| Pedal type | Look Delta | Dual (Clip-in SPD and Toe cages) |
| Shoes | Look Delta, SPD-SL | SPD style shoes, casual shoes |
| Casual sneakers on the brand pedals | No | Yes |
| Type of resistance | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Resistance levels | 100 | 100 micro-adjustable levels |
| Maximum user weight | 305lbs | 330lbs |
| Heart rate monitor inclusion | No | Yes |
| Dumbbells inclusion | No | Yes |
| Military discount | Present | Absent |
| Warranty | 12-month guarantee on parts, labor, and accessories 5-year on frame | 10-years guarantee on the frame, three years on all mechanical parts, and one year on labor |
We have compiled a list comparing the features of the two bikes, which will help you understand what the bikes can do. Let’s compare the details of the two stationary bikes.
1. Cost
The Peloton is more expensive than the IC4 bike in terms of cost. A basic
peloton bicycle package costs $1495, Schwinn HTML4 (
Available on Amazon costs only $899).
Peloton costs include both delivery and installation fees. These fees are not included in Schwinn’s bike sales. Peloton will do you a favor if you don’t want to tackle the assembly challenges.
A 22-inch screen is included in the peloton price, while the Schwinn requires you to buy it separately. To be fair, the Schwinn will still cost you a lot less even with the screen included.
The Schwinn IC4 is my favorite budget-friendly exercise bike.
2. Apps
The peloton bike includes its own app, which can be installed on the touchscreen. You can access a wide range of workouts both live and on demand through the app.
Schwinn doesn’t have any apps. It comes with a small LCD screen to display the main workout metrics. It does come with a holder, but you will need to purchase the screen yourself.
The one thing that Schwinn could do better than the Peloton is that you can connect other workout apps to the Schwinn bike. These include
Zwift or Peloton. This means you can still enjoy Peloton without the peloton bike.
3. Workouts Available
The Schwinn bike’s workouts depend on which app is used, but the Peloton offers a guarantee that you will get on-demand workouts at no extra cost.
$12.99 is required to access the Schwinn bike workouts via the peloton app. You will also receive live classes from the Peloton as part of the subscription. You can also choose the classes that best fit your schedule, regardless if it is at night or day. You can also choose the music and favorite
instructor via the Peloton.
The only difference between you and the peloton bike owner will be that your metrics won’t be on the Leaderboard. This means you won’t get the thrill of a peloton race.
Let’s return to the peloton bikes workouts. If you own a Peloton bicycle, you can access the extensive workouts in the peloton archives for free. You will need to pay $39
a monthly subscription to access the live classes, the instructor of your choice, as well as a chance to appear in the Leaderboard.
You will then interact with the peloton community and even high-five your new friends. And, best of all, you can join your friends! classes.
4. Screen Availability
The Schwinn IC4 includes an LCD screen that displays your heart rate, time, distance, calories burnt, and RPMs. You will need a second screen if you plan to exercise. You are lucky that the bike comes with a sturdy screen holder.
Peloton, on the other hand, has a touchscreen that is large enough for all your workouts to be viewed. It also displays your metrics such as heart rate and cadence, resistance, time spent, calories burned, distance and time.
See also:
Best Exercise Bicycle with Screen
5. Gear
Peloton pedals
are in the Look Delta clipless pedal systems, so they only work with
Look Delta or SPD-SL cleats. You can purchase
toe clips
compatible for the Peloton pedals. This allows you to use non-cycling shoes and sneakers on the bike.
The Schwinn IC4 bike has toe clips already attached to the pedals. The pedals have a dual system so that the side without toe clips can be used. The SPD cleats can be used on the pedals to maximize power transfer with Schwinn bikes.
6. Resistance
Peloton has 100 resistance levels. Schwinn IC4 bikes have 100. You can do a variety of workout intensities on both exercise bikes.
7. Users
Schwinn IC4 is capable of carrying a maximum weight of 330 pounds. This is quite impressive. To ride on a peloton bicycle, you must be at least 305 pounds.
8. Dimensions
You want to find out how much space each bike will take up in your home? Well, let’s see!
The Peloton will occupy a space of 4x2 feet. The Schwinn bike is approximately the same size, measuring 4 by 2 feet.
Both stationary bikes are compact equipment, so they will be rated the same.
Conclusion
This is the comparison of Schwinn IC4 and Peloton bikes. Which of the two exercise bikes do you prefer?
One thing is certain: both the Schwinn IC4 model and the Peloton are top-quality bikes. The Peloton is rated higher than the Schwinn model but the Schwinn can still provide quality workouts. You will only need to source your own spinning classes to make it a world-class indoor biking experience.
