The Schwinn 240 Recumbent Exercise Bike is one of the best values when it comes to exercise bikes. With a price of around $400, it cannot compete with a $2000 exercise bike in terms of features and performance but it is far better than what you would expect based on its price. Durability, comfort, performance, and a wide array of features are what makes this recumbent exercise bike a bestseller.
Schwinn 240 Product Features
• Comes with 16 resistance levels
• 17 workout programs, including 8 course profiles, target heart rate, and 2 user profiles
• Integrated grip heart-rate monitoring system
• Padded, ergonomically designed seat with dual-position lumbar support
• 300 pound maximum user capacity
• Warranty: 5 years on frame, 1 year on parts and electronics
Quality and Comfort
On an exercise bike, one of the most important features is comfort. Thanks to the Schwinn 240′s BioFit Comfort feature, it provides a well-padded ergonomic seat with dual position lumbar support. As a recumbent bike, the Schwinn 240 is more comfortable than an upright, especially if you have back problems. The console, handlebars and seat are also adjustable to fit you just right.
The excellent quality of this recumbent exercise bike is evident in its stability. When you are pushing yourself to exercise harder, you don’t want your bike to be rocking around. The Schwinn 240 comes with BioDyne Performance, to keep it stable all the time. Oversized stabilizers and levelers keep it rock solid while a 20-pound perimeter-weighted flywheel provides a true road feel that is smooth and consistent throughout your workout. A natural and consistent performance is very important in an exercise bike because it makes you feel like you’re riding on a real bike. The Schwinn 240 also runs quietly and can accommodate a user weighing up to 300 lbs.
16 Resistance Levels
The Schwinn 240 features 16 resistance levels. When you are working out on a stationary bike, this is very important because it allows you to exercise at just the right level of resistance. You can gradually change the resistance level rather than making big jumps from one level to the next.
Wide Variety of Programs
The BioConnect Feedback provides 17 workout programs. This includes 8 course profiles, target heart rate, and 2 user profiles with custom workouts. If you think this is too much, think again. With regular exercise, your body adapts to the routine and becomes more efficient. When this happens, you will expend less effort and won’t be able to get maximum benefits from your workout. You have to change your routine every week or so to prevent your body from adapting. With 17 workout programs, your body will always be challenged by something new. Your workout will also be more fun and less monotonous.
Workout Tracking
When you’re working out at home, it’s difficult to keep track of your workouts and progress unless you have a personal trainer who does it for you. The Schwinn 240 comes with Schwinn Advantage Workout Tracking which allows you to keep track of your fitness program. This is a feature that you would not find in most 400-dollar exercise bikes. Workout tracking can be a big motivator especially when you see how fast you are improving.
Heart-rate Monitoring
The Schwinn 240 comes with a grip heart rate monitor that is useful for the target heart rate workout program. When using this feature, you have to firmly hold the hand grips to get an accurate reading. You can also use a heart-rate strap around your chest to monitor your heart rate. The Schwinn 240 is telemetry-enabled. This means you can use a compatible chest strap with the exercise bike. The Schwinn 240 does not come with a chest strap.
Other Features
The Schwinn 240 recumbent bike comes with a number of convenient features that add to its value. It comes with a back-lit multi-color console, water bottle holder, reading rack, magazine storage, and large comfortable pedals.
Some Assembly Required
The Schwinn 240 requires some assembly when you take it out of the box. It takes about an hour to put the exercise bike together. All the tools you need are in the box, including instructions.
Pros
• Durable and well-constructed
• Very quiet performance
• Comes with lots of features
• 300-pound user weight capacity
• Easy to assemble
Cons
• Assembly instructions are confusing
• Console is difficult to program
What Customers Say
The Schwinn 240 recumbent exercise bike is considered the best stationary bike in the under-$500 category. It is solidly built, comfortable, performs smoothly and quietly, and comes with more features than you would expect in this class.
Although a few reviewers reported that the console on their exercise bike stopped working, in general there are very few durability complaints. A number of customers, however, complained that the assembly instructions are confusing. Some also found the control panel difficult to program.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Schwinn 240 recumbent bike is the best choice if you are looking for an exercise bike in the $400-$500 price range.
