To begin with, I think the Schwinn 290 is a really attractive home recumbent bike. It is the newest model in the company’s inventory.
The 290 is quite stylish, although appearance shouldn’t matter much when selecting workout gear. Especially considering the price of this bike.
More importantly, the Schwinn 290 has many amazing features and specs that will probably make this model quite popular.
The flywheel is unexpectedly light, which is the only drawback. However, considering all the other features, this isn’t necessarily a deal breaker.
Table of Contents
Highlights of Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike
Warranty: Frame: 10 Years, Parts: 2 Years, Electronics: 1 Year, Labor: 90 Days
Highlight
- Product Dimension: 66.5″D x 26.3″W x 46.8″H
- Maximum Weight Recommendation: 330 Pounds
- Maximum Height: 119.4 Inches
- Number of Resistance Levels: 25
- Item Weight: 110 Pounds
Overview
Schwinn 290 recumbents have close to 9,837 ratings, averaging 4.4 stars out of 5.
For people who wish to be as comfortable as possible when exercising, the
Schwinn recumbent bike 290 is perfect, especially for those with lower back problems. With a two-month trial to JRNY, where you can watch a variety of on-demand cardio and strength courses, this affordable recumbent bike is priced at $800.
The 7.5-inch LCD screen tracks your distance traveled, time, speed, heart rate, and calories burnt, but it does not support streaming. Additionally, you may stream from your own devices using the built-in tablet holder, and this bike is compatible with the Zwift app via Bluetooth. You may work out in different ways with the 25 magnetic resistance levels, enjoy music while riding with the Bluetooth speakers, and keep your electronics “charged up” like Drizzy Drake with the built-in USB connector.
Key Features
Display
Despite being simple, the 7.5-inch LCD allows you to follow your workout statistics. The Schwinn 290 recumbent exercise bike has 13 pre-programmed workouts, and you can try out JRNY’s immersive on-demand sessions for two months.
You can listen to music or anything you’re streaming on the Bluetooth speakers, and the integrated tablet holder is ideal for people who prefer to keep their gadgets on deck at all times. Even though the handlebars lack pulse sensors, you can still track your heart rate variability (HRV) while exercising by pairing it with an existing heart rate monitor.
Apps and Subscription
This bike is compatible with Zwift and JRNY. Zwift is only for cycling workouts, but JRNY has a variety of off-bike workouts, including weight training. You can always stay informed about your performance using the app you think is most appropriate to sync with the bike.
You can renew your membership at JRNY for $100 a year or $12 a month after your two-month trial expires. If you choose to use Zwift, you should budget roughly $15 monthly.
Comfort
You’ll be “chillin’ out, maxin’, and relaxin’ all cool, as the Fresh price would say, as the Schwinn 290 is a recumbent bike. Some believe the flywheel weight’s lack of disclosure is the only possible problem. We think it’s safe to assume it weighs about 20 pounds because flywheels on recumbent bikes are often less than those on upright bikes. As a result, your ride may not be as smooth as it would be on a motorcycle with a 40-lb flywheel, but the magnetic resistance may somewhat offset that.
Resistance
Magnetic resistance is available in 25 settings on the Schwinn 290. This is standard cardio equipment since it’s the quietest version on the market and the magnets resist the flywheel’s polarity. The fast choice buttons and the console’s up and down arrows are your two options for adjusting the resistance.
Pedals
This bike has very basic pedals with a strap that crosses your foot. However, because the pedals are weighted, you shouldn’t worry about them tipping over on you. The Schwinn Fitness 290 is supposed to be reasonably quiet for your rides because it uses magnetic resistance.
Seat
This bike has two sets of handlebars. While the other sets straddle the padded seat, one is fixed to the console. Your body should be able to breathe easier because the seat is vented and can be adjusted to suit your needs.
The Schwinn Fitness 290 will take up more room than an upright bike, just like any other recumbent bike. It is approximately 47 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 66 inches long. Although the precise weight is never stated, a recumbent bike typically weighs about 80 pounds.
Pros
- The integrated tablet holder is ideal for individuals who wish to stream while cycling.
- The $800 price tag is perfect for those on a tight budget.
- You’ll sit more comfortably on this recumbent bike than on an upright one.
Cons
- This bike’s length might not be the best option for people with limited room.
User Experience
Here are a few Schwinn 290 recumbent bike reviews.
Cee from the United States states: I used a Schwinn 220 for the past decade, it was an excellent recumbent bike, and I was bummed when it finally gave out and I had to replace it. But ten years, I mean, nice.
I spent much time comparing models and brands for a new bike. I bought one at half the cost of the 290, then almost twice the cost, but I kept getting caught up on bad reviews that suggested pattern problems of either the bike or the manufacturer. After about a week of obsessive comparison shopping and spreadsheet building the 290 stood out. I don’t even care about the fitness app. I only read books while I ride.
I largely went for the 290 because of my experience with the company, the bike’s apparent design based on photos and videos, tons of strong reviews, and honestly because it had a padded seat (a lot of the bikes today seem to have plastic seats including the Schwinn 230 but disk problems in the lower back makes a padded seat a must).
Schwinn 290 recumbent bike assembly is quite easy. I paid the $20 for Amazon’s room delivery fee which was well worth it, and have been riding for just a few days now. This thing is remarkable. The Schwinn 290 recumbent bike manual is quite detailed, too.
It has rock-solid construction, every little bit of it shows smart design, it’s comfortable, the pedaling is smooth and nearly dead silent, and somehow it doesn’t even make a sound when switching between resistance; my old 220 had a little whirring motor you’d hear each time it went up or down in resistance, but the 290 is just completely silent. It’s one of these rare purchases where I already feel I 100% made the right choice.
Conclusion
The Schwinn Fitness 290 Recumbent Bike retails for $800 and is a good option for anyone on a low budget. Although the flywheel weight is unknown, the 330-lb weight capacity ensures that most athletes will use it well, and the 25 magnetic resistance levels offer plenty of diversity for your aerobic exercises. The heavy pedals will always remain facing the correct way up, and the adjustable, padded seat is ventilated to allow your skin to breathe.
Although the 7.5-inch LCD allows you to follow your workout numbers, this isn’t the most technologically advanced bike available. However, the integrated tablet holder can be vital for those who can’t go even ten minutes without their smartphones. With your purchase, you’ll get a free two-month trial at JRNY, although using this bike to work out doesn’t require a subscription.
Additionally, you can use the 13 pre-programmed workouts on the console. Given its affordable pricing, large weight capacity, and variety of exercise alternatives, we believe the Schwinn 290 would be a great addition to any home gym.
FAQs
What is the price of the Schwinn Fitness 290 Recumbent Bike?
The approximate cost of this bike is $800. For those on a tight budget, this is a great option at a fair price.
Can the Schwinn Fitness 290 Recumbent Bike stream videos?
The integrated tablet holder lets you stream media from your devices whenever possible.
How much resistance is in the Schwinn Fitness 290 Recumbent Bike?
This bike has 25 magnetic resistance settings. Since this is the quietest type of resistance available, you should be able to work out in silence.
