The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is a high-quality recumbent exercise bike packed with features discerning buyers seek in a stationary bicycle.
A step down in price from the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike (review here) and lacking some of its features, the 230 has proven to be very popular with buyers who don’t have the budget to go with Schwinn’s top-end model and those who don’t require all of its features.
With its sturdy frame and quiet, smooth operation provided by a high-speed perimeter weighted flywheel, the Schwinn 230 has various built-in workout programs and a high number of resistance level options.
This Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike review will look at the latest model, widely known as the Schwinn Fitness 230 Recumbent Bike model year 2020.
We will discuss its specs, key features, pros, and cons.
We will also break down the Schwinn 230 Vs 270 Recumbent bike features so you can consider what you will be giving up by stepping down the product line to the second tier.
Table of Contents
Whom will it best suit?
The Schwinn Fitness 230 Recumbent Bike best suits individuals between 5′ and 6′ tall, weighing no more than 300 lbs. 
It will appeal to people of any fitness level looking for a stationary bike beyond basic that doesn’t cost the earth.
The option of saving workout preferences and stats of two users makes Schwinn 230 an excellent choice for couples or two people who want to share the bike.
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Specs
Dimensions – The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike measures 64″ x 27 3/4″ x 50″
Seat dimensions – its seat measures 17 3/4″ (W) x 12 1/2″ (L)
Clearance – A free space of 1′ to the front and back and 2′ on either side will allow for unrestricted workouts
Weight – The bike weighs 81 1/2lbs
Flywheel weight – The flywheel weighs 13.2 lbs
User weight – It has a maximum user weight limit of 300 pounds
User height – The manufacturer recommends this model for people from 5′ to 6′ tall, though some shorter and taller individuals have left positive feedback
Color – The bike is black with silver and red highlights
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Overview
Drive –
The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike has a Poly-V belt drive system, a durable crankset with steel arms, and a perimeter-weighted internal flywheel.
Finish –
The bike’s durable, robust frame comprises powder-coated steel tubing that resists chips, scratches, and corrosion.
Stability, Smoothness, and Noise Level –
A solid frame with oversized crossbar tubing provides a highly stable workout platform with minimal movement even during fast and strenuous workouts.
Increasing the stability further are front and rear stabilizer bars, both of which have two levelers. The levelers adjust, enabling use on a slightly uneven floor.
The bike’s magnetic resistance system provides smooth, whisper-quiet sessions that will not disturb your housemates.
Resistance –
16 levels of Eddy Current Brake magnetic resistance are available. The lowest level is very light, with each increasing. The highest levels are challenging enough for experienced cyclists.
Console –
The 5 1/2″ backlit LCD touchscreen of the Schwinn Fitness 230 Recumbent Bike model year 2020 displays valuable workout stats.
These include Time, Profile Preferences, Distance Covered, RPMs, Speed, Pulse Rate, Calories Burned, Resistance Level, Heart Rate, % Complete, and User Indicator, Workout Intensity, Goals.
Programs –
This model comes with two user profiles.
There are 13 built-in programs, including 8 heart rate control options. Four of these are for beginners, and four are for advanced-level exercisers.
There are also 2 customizable programs, 2 fitness tests (one for beginners and one for the advanced level cyclist), and 1 quick start program.
Heart Rate Monitoring –
A telemetry-enabled contact heart rate monitor is set into the seat’s sides. It enables you to track your heart rate and train in your target zone.
Seat –
The bike’s thermoplastic seat and adjustable backrest with lumbar support contain vents that increase airflow to keep you cooler during workouts.
The saddle’s height adjusts up and down to suit the user’s height. A slider seat rail system provides quick fore and aft seat position adjustment at the push of a lever.
Some buyers who posted feedback stated that the seat is comfortable, while others said it is not. This discrepancy is not unusual, as what one person finds comfortable, another may not.
New cyclists, in particular, can have a hard time adjusting to the feel of a bicycle saddle. Most get used to it after a few sessions.
For more comfortable sessions, lay a folded towel across the saddle, wear gel bicycle shorts during workouts, or use a gel seat cover.
Pedals –
Oversized, textured slip-resistant pedals with safety straps provide a secure footing. You can reverse cycle to target different muscles.
Handlebars –
The bike’s compact, padded ergonomic slip-resistant handlebars are fixed.
There’s also a handle on either side of the saddle that you can grip if you need extra support.
Transportation Wheels –
Transport wheels set into the front of the bike enable it to be easily moved if required.
Accessories –
Accessories include a 3-speed fan that will help to keep you cool as you pedal. A water bottle holder provides easy access to water or an energy drink during workouts.
There’s also a media tray, handy for storing an iPad, Kindle, or other electronic media device.
A USB port enables you to charge your electronic devices. It also allows you to transfer workout data to SchwinnConnect, 
or popular apps such as MyFitnessPal, UA, GoogleFit, Apple Health, Endomondo, or MapMyRun/Ride so that you can track your progress online.
The updated Schwinn Fitness 230 Recumbent Bike model year 2020 is Bluetooth enabled, and it is compatible with the Explore the World app that lets you virtually visit more than 40 trails and courses.
It is also Zwift-compatible, so you can train, interact with and race against others who have the app.
Acoustic chambered speakers provide access to audio during workouts.
NB: Explore the World and Zwift require a paid subscription.
Assembly –
Assembling the Schwinn Fitness 230 Recumbent Bike is a straightforward process that is not too time-consuming. Most reviewers have estimated it to take between 45 minutes and an hour. The tools needed for this are included.
Warranty –
The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike warranty covers 10 years for the frame, 2 years for the mechanics, 2 years for electronics, and 90 days for labor and wear.
Next, in this Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike review, we will look at its pros, followed by its cons.
Schwinn 230 Pros
- The Schwinn 230 is an entry-level Schwinn bike that comes with the quality and features the brand is known for
- It is solid and durable, and it has a generous user weight limit
- The bike offers quiet, smooth, and stable workouts
- Its resistance adapts to suit people of just about any fitness level and allows you to challenge yourself as your fitness grows
- Its programs offer enough variety to keep workouts interesting
- Heart rate monitoring enables you to exercise in your optimum training zone
- The bike’s step-through design makes climbing onto and off the bike easy, even for those with mobility problems
- Side handles provide extra support if needed
- It has a broad range of useful accessories
- The current model Schwinn 230 is Bluetooth enabled
- The Schwinn 230 is compatible with many popular fitness apps
- Transportation wheels facilitate moving the bike if required
- The bike is quick and easy to assemble
- It comes with a solid warranty
Schwinn 230 Cons
- While most purchasers of the newest model regard it as being comfortable, some have stated that it is uncomfortable, especially during long workouts
- If you want to view your workout metrics and work with tension engaged, the bike will need to plugged into a power outlet
- The bike doesn’t fold to store
- Sensor heart rate monitoring is not as accurate as a chest strap system
- The labor and wear warranty is short
- A paid subscription is needed to use Explore the World and Zwift
Schwinn 230 Infomercial
Schwinn 230 Purchaser Opinions – Good and Bad
Feedback for the Schwinn 230 Recumbent is very positive overall.
Numerous reviewers have commented on the bike’s stability and smooth pedaling action. Many people have left positive feedback regarding the ease of changing between programs and resistance levels, with the process said to be fluid and gradual, with no jarring.
Many purchasers have commented on the user-friendly monitor, which makes entering workout data a simple process. This feature also enables the user to tailor workouts to their personal goals.
Detailed instructions make it easy to assemble the bike.
On a less positive note, several purchasers stated that the plastic seat of the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is hard and uncomfortable. A bicycle seat cover will help counteract this. Alternatively, a towel or cushion placed on the seat can help enhance comfort.
Next, we will look at the Schwinn 230 Vs 270 Recumbent bike to help you decide which, if either, will be right for you.
Schwinn 230 Vs 270 Comparison & Conclusion
The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is an excellent option for people who don’t want to pay the premium required to move up to the Schwinn 
270. The features removed are logical for the price reduction.
Along with accommodating fewer users’ data, the main differences are fewer programming options and resistance levels.
The construction of the Schwinn 230 is the same solid quality as the higher-end model. You still get the 300-pound user weight limit and the same extended warranty. While the seat lacks the padding of the Schwinn 270, its back has lumbar support.
The Schwinn 230 features the same flywheel system as the Schwinn 270 for smooth, quiet operation. However, the resistance level options are cut from 25 to 16, and the pre-programmed workouts are reduced from 29 to 13.
The 230 has two user profile settings, while the 270 has 4.
For those who can afford the premium and wish to take advantage of its extras, I recommend the 270 for its more comfortable seat, which can increase the time you spend using it.
Its additional user profile capacity and extra programs and resistance levels also add to the 270’s overall usefulness.
If, however, it’s not within your budget, the Schwinn 230 is a great deal for the discount you get considering the few features lost.
Click here to read a review of the Schwinn 270
I hope you found this Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike review helpful. Still, deciding which model to buy? Click this link to read reviews of other recumbent bikes
