In Like Schwinn, IC4 Bike: "Peloton Club" Experience & More!

Popular cycling apps make for popular exercise bikes. In the case of the top-selling Schwinn IC4 Bike, success followed a marriage of affordability, quality and ergonomics.

 

Good things come in small packages.

 

Frequently Schwinn IC4 reviews begin with, “I had my eye on a Peloton bike but.” This exception usually includes one of two issues space and, price.

Nautilus launched the IC4 in October 2019 to praise amongst the spin bike community. The manufacturer touted their new home fitness spin bike's “slim and compact footprint.” The price was also less than half of the storied Peloton bikes, with which the IC4 shared many features. The IC4 delivered the feature consumers were looking for with the Peloton App. 

 

The IC4’s built-in Bluetooth® connectivity provides access to those treasures in a few simple, guided steps:

• Download the Peloton app to a smart phone or tablet (the app does not currently pair with the IC4 via Android. Learn more about connectivity for various apps here.)
• The pairing process involves activating your Bluetooth connection, opening the app, and setting up your cadence (Pedaling speed in RPM). Which will appear on your screen, or your preferred smart device.
• You can monitor your heart rate via the strap that comes with your bike or by using your own Apple Watch. There are no overly complex processes for getting either monitoring device to display their readings. (The Apple Watch route involves a couple of extra steps). You can always find your cadence (as RPM), heart rate, time, calories, speed, distance, and resistance level on your IC4 display.

 

An Incremental Difference

 

Resistance levels will require some attention because the Peloton instructors will frequently ask you to change for hill climbs and sprints. The Schwinn IC4 and the Peloton Bike both feature the 100 levels of resistance. The IC4’s lower levels offer more resistance than the Peloton bike. The opposite is true once you get into the higher levels.

Fortunately, there are online conversion charts available. You can print out and display on your bike’s media rack. You can also purchase plastic conversion reminders. Users say, you’ll likely soon develop an instinct for converting in your head.

 

The Apple Fitness+ App

 

Apple Fitness much like the peloton app are subscription services with expanding class libraries, inspiring music, and expert instructors. However, Apple Fitness takes a different approach to trainer-led video classes, offering lower monthly costs but with some trade-offs.

• If you use this Apple App, everything needs to be Apple. Your heart rate can be monitored only by an Apple Watch, which can only sync to an Apple smart device. To watch your class on the big screen you will have watch on Apple TV.

As competition continues between Peloton and Apple Fit, we may see the rivals adding more of each other’s features. Hopefully the price differences eventually level out. Fortunately, both apps offer a free trial period so that you can make your own comparison.

Don’t forget the IC4 is also compatible with non-trainer-led apps, making your road to results a lot smoother.

 

More Apps 1: See the world from the Seat of your IC4.

 

There are several different apps on the market that provide an immersive cycling experience. Fortunately, some of the best are compatible with the IC4:

Zwift®

This app combines training with interactive gaming across ten virtual worlds and 130 routes, offering a shared cycling experience with global users. With 1,000+ workouts and easy IC4 pairing through Bluetooth, you can send heart rate and cadence data to Zwift. Similar to Peloton and Apple Fitness, Zwift offers a subscription with a free trial

Explore the World™ 

Nautilus's virtual training app, taking your home cycling workout to global destinations with real-time scenery. It offers dozens of high-definition destinations, with new ones added monthly. You get three free courses to start, and if you like the experience, a subscription unlocks the full collection

FulGaz

This app offers a unique outdoor cycling experience with a library of 4K video bike tours. It begins with an 'Easy' collection and progresses to more challenging categories. The audio matches the video, adding authenticity with sounds like breezes and tire-on-road noises. Personalization is possible by entering your weight.

 

More Apps 2: Interval Training Apps

 

If you’re looking for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) apps, the IC4 hooks you up with top names. Each app focuses on FTP (Functional Threshold Power). It’s the measure in watts of the highest average power you can sustain over an hour – an excellent indicator of improved endurance that also helps establish your workouts' calibration.

Sufferfest

This app provides comprehensive workouts to boost your strength, speed, and resilience. Offering structured video workouts, including cycling and cyclist-specific strength training, but with a tougher and humorous approach. This app embraces the idea of 'suffering' for results, offering expertly designed training plans, interval workouts, FTP tracking, immersive video rides, and rewards. It keeps you engaged with on-screen instructions, audio cues, and metric graphics while you pedal.

Trainer Road 

This app features science-based planning, training and analysis tools designed to increase your performance. It’s billed as cycling’s most complete & effective training system. It makes its case with structured, power-based interval training, training stress tracking, personal record measurement, detailed insights and full-season plans for road, triathlon and off-road event training. You’ll also be able to create your own custom training plan.

TACX

This indoor training software provides accessibility with smart device apps (iOS and Android) or computers (Windows and Mac) via Bluetooth. It's AirPlay TV-enabled for seamless integration with your apps. You can also use the cloud website to create custom workouts, a feature available in the free version. Additional features include activity analysis, data export to Strava, and structured workouts based on slope, power, or FTP. The Premium and Premium HD versions offer 3D GPS map workouts, custom training plans, competitive challenges, and more.

 

Pedalling Into the Future

Indoor cycling has come a long way from its original 1960s approximation of an outdoor ride. The IC4 experience offers on-demand expert training tailored every rider. Immersive outdoor simulations and training apps that draw the shortest, straightest line between you and your health goals. There has never been a better time to jump on and start your journey to where you want to be.

Flaman Fitness is ready to discuss IC4 apps, features and options with YOU.

 

With so many indoor cycling experiences available, it might be hard to grasp the full scope of the IC4 and what it can do for you. Fortunately, Flaman Fitness offers a team of experts who make it their business to understand all of the possibilities and perceive their role in your personal health journey. Contact your nearest Flaman Fitness location for more details.

Category: Your Fitness Resource
Tags:  bikes  Equipment  filter_Equipment  reviews  Schwinn IC4  spin bikes