Schwinn 230 Vs 270

On first glance, you may think you’re looking at the same recumbent exercise bike, and to be honest, there aren’t many major differences between the Schwinn 230 and the Schwinn 270.

They’re both quality bikes made by one of the most well-respected brands in the business, but there are a few key points to consider when deciding which one would be better for your workout.

Apart from the price, overall you will see slight differences in mainly the seats and the functionality. With its lower price, the Schwinn 230 may be the right fit for you, but it’s not the right fit for everyone.

So take a close look at all of the features the Schwinn 270 has to offer before deciding which bike will best help you reach your fitness goals.

We’ll be comparing the two models head-to-head, but first, let’s ride through an overview of the two models and their features.

Difference between Schwinn 230 and 270

Schwinn 230 Video Review

Schwinn 270 Video Review

Schwinn 230 Overview

Like with any recumbent exercise bike, we’re looking for a model that’s easy on the knees and doesn’t strain your back. The Schwinn 230 delivers lumbar support to help keep you relaxed during even the most challenging workouts.

Pedaling is a smooth experience thanks to the bike’s quiet flywheel. Even at the highest resistance level, the bike was quiet and allowed for a natural cycling experience.

With 22 workout programs and 20 levels of resistance, there’s plenty of variety to choose from to find the right level of challenge.

The 230 can also store data for up to two users, and the USB port enables you to connect your mobile device for charging or playing music through the built in speakers. Also convenient is the media shelf, giving you the ability to keep your tablet and your training metrics in view during your workout.

Other features include a three-speed fan, contact heart rate monitoring in the handle bars, and a water bottle holder.

Schwinn 270 Overview

When it comes to comfort, the Schwinn 270 brings an oversized, padded seat that’s fully adjustable, as well as having ventilated, contoured back support.

You can ride in total comfort while powering through low impact exercises. The ventilation helps to keep you cool, and the back support ensures that you have the most ideal positioning.

Expect a quiet ride at any level of resistance, of which there are an impressive 25 levels. You can smoothly transition to any fitness level, and choose from 29 different workout programs.

You also have the ability to store data for up to four users, and the all new Schwinn Connect technology means that you can get a closer look at your training performance by syncing your workout to the Schwinn Connect website.

On the 270, you can also listen to your music through the acoustic chamber speakers (or use the included headphone jack). The 270 also features the three-speed fan, heart rate sensors, and water bottle holder.

What Makes them Different?

Comfort

The Schwinn 230 has an acceptably comfortable seat and provides the best heat ventilation of the two models. However, the 270 traded the seat ventilation for additional padding, making it the most comfortable of the two.

If you plan on using your new recumbent exercise bike in low light conditions, you should be aware that the LCD screens that display thirteen different metric stats at a time on both bikes do not have backlighting on the Schwinn 230. It can be rather difficult to view those stats in low light conditions; However, the brightness of Schwinn 270’s two backlit LCD screens cannot be adjusted.

Both models feature hand held pulse monitors in the handlebars, which is not always the most comfortable position while trying to get an estimated read of your heart rate.

The Schwinn 270 however has the ability to add a chest heart rate sensor, while the 230 does not have this capability. The chest heart rate sensor is sold separately.

Performance

The Schwinn 230 comes with 22 programs and 20 levels of resistance. This wide variety of programs also includes eight heart rate control programs, two custom user-defined programs, and a quick start.

The Schwinn 270 takes the workout programs to the next level with 29 different programs and 25 levels of resistance.

These programs include nine heart rate control programs, quick start, a recovery program for testing how quick you recover after a workout, and four custom user-defined programs. The two additional user profiles also give it a leg up if more than two people plan on using the bike.

While the Schwinn 270 does have five additional levels of resistance over the Schwinn 230, it should be noted that this does not mean the overall resistance level is higher. You get the same amount of resistance, but it is broken down into small levels for an easier and smoother transition.

Price

While the Schwinn 270 does have some advantages in regards to comfort and performance over the Schwinn 230, it also comes with the larger price tag.

Is it worth shelling out extra for those features? That depends on what you’re looking for in a recumbent exercise bike and how important the level of comfort and accessible workout features are to you.

>>Check Schwinn 270 Vs Nautilus R616 Review

 

Conclusion – Schwinn 230 Vs 270

Both the Schwinn 230 and the Schwinn 270 are great recumbent exercise bikes for low impact training. The main differences are the amount of workout programs and the comfort levels of the seat, back support, and monitor clarity.

For a beginner or intermediate user, the Schwinn 230 provides plenty of variety with its 22 workout programs and 20 levels of resistance. The majority of users will find that it meets all of their needs and is the best value for the price.

However, if you’re looking for a bike that can be used by more than two people and want the ability to track those workouts, the Schwinn 270 is the way to go, and you’ll get the added bonus of a more comfortable seat and additional workouts.