Home Exercise Equipment Adviser

Recumbent exercise bikes are a great way to get a low impact cardio workout whilst having hands free to do other exercises. Seating is often more comfortable than upright exercise bikes and these two factors make recumbent bikes the popular choice for those choosing an exercise bike. The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is the best selling recumbent exercise bike of 2010, it is packed with features to improve your workout and progressively improve your fitness no matter what level you are at. Whilst on price the Schwinn 230 is not the cheapest exercise bike on the market, for build quality, features and reputation it has built a strong presence in the market as the best value recumbent exercise cycle available, so lets take a look at some of these features that have contributed to its position as market leader:

Features

Resistance System – The Schwinn 230 has a magnetic eddy current brake system. This is noted for ultra quiet and smooth running, so much so, that watching TV or reading a book whilst exercising is easy without noisy disturbance from the machine.

Resistance Levels And Programs – The Schwinn 230 exercise cycle comes with 16 different resistance levels and 12 programs. Workout programs include one manual program, six profile, calorie goal, BMI measurement, recovery test, results mode, and quick start. The variation of resistance level and programs means that whether you are a beginner or fit individual you should be able to get years of use out of the Schwinn 230.

Seating – The Schwinn 230 utilizes Bio-Fit technology, that is to say the handlebars and seating are constructed for maximum comfort, efficiency and ergonomics meaning you get the best out of the exercise period no matter what your seating position might be. The seating features dual position lumbar support for added comfort and support as well as adjustable fore and aft seat slider mechanism to perfectly position the seat no matter what your height. This high spec seating guarantees comfort and superb support especially for those of us who may have suspect or weak backs.

LCD – Progress can be monitored via the inboard LCD adjustable position (3 positions) panel that displays information on exercise time, interval time, RPM, watts, distance traveled, pulse, calories burnt, and resistance levels allowing you to monitor progress and maintain motivation with ease throughout your exercise period or during your long term fitness plan.

Sizes And Weight Capacities – The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike has a weight bearing capacity of 300 pounds, this along with multi adjustable seating makes the 230 great no matter what your height or weight. Weighing in at 103 pounds the bike can be easily relocated using the built in travel wheels by simply tilting the wheels. The floor plan of the bike is 63 x 25 inches and the cycle stands at 46 inches tall. Stability is guaranteed by integratedrear frame sstabilizersthat can be adjustably leveled to suit floor conditions.

Extra Features – the Schwinn 230 recumbent cycle has a number of additional, well thought out features to improve usability. This models come complete with extra wide comfort pedals, the frame has been altered from previous models to include an easy to walk-through design and a reading rack and water bottle holder have been incorporated for those long duration non stop workouts. A tool kit is provided for assembly (can take up to one hour duration) and an AC adapter is provided as standard for operating electrical components.

Warranty – The frame comes with a 10 year warranty, mechanical and electrical components are covered by a 1 year warranty, wear items such as seats, peddles and hand grips are covered by a 6 month warranty, and labor has a 90 day warranty. In comparison to other home recumbent exercise cycles this is top level coverage.

Why This Bike Is Great

This model from schwinn is a great buy principally because the level of features, build quality and warranties can’t be matched by other models in the price range. This bike has enough resistance levels to suit users from beginner levels through to higher levels so you should get years of use out of the bike as your fitness develops.

Comparable Models

The Nautilus R514 recumbent comes in at a similar price and has many features that match this schwinn model. The nautilus model does have more programs than the schwinn and features and higher spec heart monitor that uses a chest band for greater accuracy but, the R514 has a larger footprint than the schwinn. If you can get the Nautilus model for the same or less than the schwinn then you should probably opt fot the Nautilus.

Where To Buy This Recumbent Exercise Cycle

You can buy the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike from a number of online retailers. Compare prices for the best deals at : Amazon.com and Sears