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Schwinn 270 Vs. Schwinn 230

exercise bike

Last update: Apr 1, 2020

Finding the right recumbent bike can be a difficult task. There are a lot of models which all have their pros and cons. Luckily, it gets a bit easier when you only have two models to compare.

Today I’ll compare two recumbent bikes from Schwinn: the Schwinn 230 Vs Schwinn 270. While similar to each other, the 230 and the 270 are designed for different users. I will compare the two models so that you can make an informed decision on which model is best for your needs.

Quick comparison: Schwinn 230 Vs. 270

Schwinn 230

PROS

  • Vented seat and backrest for extra comfort.
  • The 22 workout programs provide enough variety.
  • Relatively easy assembly.

CONS

  • Only two user profiles. If you want to use the machine with more than two people, this might be unhandy.
  • Not compatible with a wireless chest strap.
  • Lack of backlight display can make it hard to read the screen in low light conditions.

PROS

  • Integrated console with 29 programmed workouts.
  • Four user profiles so that family members can save their data and automatically save workout results.
  • Compatible with uncoded Polar heart rate straps for a relatively accurate reading of your heart rate.

CONS

  • Screen brightness can't be adjusted. That's why it can sometimes be too bright in certain lighting conditions.
  • Just like the 230 it requires connecting via USB to upload workout data.

Which one is better?

Build quality

The Schwinn 230 comes with a ten-year warranty on the frame, two years on mechanical failures, one year on electrical, and ninety days on labor.

Additionally, the foot pedals have adjustable straps that can provide a snug fit for your feet during a workout. The pedals for the 230 are connected to a one-piece crank.

Lengthwise the bike extends to 64″, 27.7″ for the width, and 49.9″ for the height. Once assembled, the bike weighs 81.6 pounds. Its single-piece frame has a heavy duty design with two integrated levelers.

Furthermore, the frame has large mid-frame support for extra stability. That’s probably the reason for the relatively high maximum user weight limit of 300 pounds.

The Schwinn 270 builds on the design of the Schwinn 230. Dimension wise the 270 is the same size as the 230, although at 101 pounds the bike is a bit heavier. The oversized foot pedals of the 270 connect to a three-piece crank. Also, the heavy duty metal frame for the 270 has a max weight of 300 pounds as well.

Both bikes have a walk-through frame that allows you to get on and off of the bike with ease. Just like the 230, the 270 has a single piece frame that has two levelers built into the frame and is supported by a large mid-frame. Overall this provides a solid construction for your daily workout.

Build quality advantage

While the build quality of both the Schwinn 230 and the 270 are similar, in my opinion, the 270 has the advantage. The three-piece crank of the 270 can be more durable than a one-piece crank.

Also, when you’re pedaling a tougher workout, the three-piece crank allows a greater variety of resistance. However, the one-piece crank of the 230 can still be a good alternative if you don’t need as much variety in resistance.

Comfort

One of the advantages of having a recumbent bike is the added comfort that you can get opposed to an upright bike, this is especially useful for seniors.

Both the 230 and 270 have a water bottle holder located on the left side of the seat to stay hydrated during your workout. This keeps it within arms reach so that you can grab your water bottle without stopping your workout. Both bikes also have a three-speed fan integrated into the display to help you stay cool during the workout.

Furthermore, the bikes have transport wheels located at the front to transport it from room to room. The sealed acoustic chamber speakers are located on the console. You can hook up your phone or MP3-player and listen to music while working out. Additionally, the USB-port can charge your device and is also used to transfer data to the Schwinn Connect website or myfitnesspal.com.

The main differences regarding comfort

Let’s look at some of the differences between the two. The 230 has two LCD windows that show up to thirteen different stats at a time. The LCD screen doesn’t have a backlight, so it can be harder to view in low light conditions.

The vented seat and back of the 230 helps to keep your body cool and comfortable during your exercise. The 230’s seat is made of plastic. If you need some additional comfort, you may wish to use a towel or cushion on the chair. The 230 has a slider seat rail system that can be used to adjust the seat from front to back using a simple lever.

The handlebars on the 230 are designed to be ergonomic. With most exercises on the bike, you won’t have to use the handlebars unless you’re trying to use the heart rate program to get an estimate of your heart rate.

The Schwinn 270’s DualTrack system has two blue backlit LCD screens that allow you to view up to thirteen statistics. This can help when viewing information in low light areas, but the brightness can’t be adjusted on the console. Up to four users can set up a profile, making it a better option if you have multiple users in the household.

Comfort advantage

The 270’s seat trades the heat vents from the 230 for added padding on the seat. The 270’s seatback does have vents that help to keep you cool during a workout. The 270 upgrades the 230’s seat rail system with an aluminum slider construction and has an easy to use lever to adjust your position.

Because of the maximum of two user profiles, the Schwinn 230 is a good option for people looking to exercise by themselves or with one other person. If you simply don’t care about the user profiles, then it obviously doesn’t matter how many people use the machine.

Furthermore, the seat on the 230 provides the most heat ventilation of the two bikes. The 270 sacrifices some of the heat ventilation in exchange for added comfort.

The LCD backlight of the 270 makes workouts easier in low light conditions. In my opinion, out of the two recumbent bikes, the 270 is the most comfortable one.

Although, both models have features that probably meet the needs of different users.

They’re both relatively comfortable, which is the main reason why I’ve rated them number 1 and number 2 on my personal list of the best exercise bike for seniors. So both models are especially a good choice if you’re looking for comfort (as an elderly person).

Performance

There are twenty-two programs that come with the 230. The nine profile programs automate the resistance and workout levels based on the profile. You can choose from a variety of programs. Also, there are eight heart rate control programs, two custom programs, two fitness tests, and a quick start option.

On the other hand, the 270 has a total of twenty-nine programs. These programs include twelve profile programs, nine heart rate control programs, four custom, two fitness tests, a recovery program, and a quick start option. So the 270 provides more programs than the 230.

Furthermore, the 230 provides twenty levels of resistance coupled with a high-speed flywheel that offers a quiet and comfortable workout. If you need to change up your workout, there are ten resistance quick keys that allow you to switch between light and hard resistance with ease.

Both the 270 and the 230 utilize hand pulse sensors built into the handlebars of the bikes. This allows you to get an estimate of your overall heart rate during your exercise. If you need a more accurate reading of your heart rate, then the 270 allows you to connect an uncoded heart rate strap.

Additionally, the Schwinn Connect website allows you to upload your workout stats through the USB port on both the 230 and 270. The dashboard on the website helps to keep track of your workout progress. You can also share it with your friends and family.

Performance advantage

Overall the 270 provides additional features that might be useful if you want more control over your workout. For most people, the extra features probably aren’t necessary but are nice to have when cycling on your recumbent bike.

And the winner is…

The Schwinn 230 is a great recumbent bike for beginners and for people that exercise alone or with one other person (assuming you want to use the user profiles).

Others that may want to go for the 230 are those that prefer having added heat ventilation instead of some added comfort. Many of the programs that come with the bike are similar to the 270; beginners probably won’t even notice much of a difference between the 230 and 270.

The 270 might be a better option for people that prefer the added comfort of the chair. Plus, the additional programs can add more variety to your daily exercise so that you don’t get bored with the routine. The additional profiles can also be useful if you’re sharing the bike with more than one family member so that each person can track their stats over time.

One thing that stands out is the fact that you can use a wireless heart rate strap on the 270. This might be a reason for someone to choose the 270 over the 230.

However, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, both the 230 and 270 can be a good choice for a recumbent bike. Which one is best for you depends on your own needs!

7 thoughts on “Schwinn 270 Vs. Schwinn 230”

    • Hi T. Alvarez,

      Thank you for your compliment. I haven’t reviewed the 250 yet, but when I do I’ll let you know.

      Kind regards,

      Koen

  1. Very comprehensive review. Objective approach. Thanks!

    My only question now is where would be the best place to purchase it. The complaints I read in reviews from purchasers often have to do with customer service when the bike arrives in poor condition or parts need to be replaced. Also how difficult is it really to put together? Is the professional assembly a wise option?

    • Hi Glenda,

      Thank you for the nice compliment!

      Personally, I would buy it at Amazon, because they’re known for their customer service. If anything is broken, you can contact Amazon, and they’re usually able to sort it out pretty quickly, but this totally up to you!

      It’s tough to give you advice about the professional assembly. The assembly is pretty easy because the ‘core of the machine’ is already pre-assembled. You ‘just’ have to attach the parts to it.

      If I were you, I would read the assembly manual to see if you’ll be able to assemble it yourself.

      I hope this helps.

      Kind regards,

      Koen

  2. I had a 230 for 3 years and just upgraded to a 270. I am not all that concerned with extras, except speed, distance, averages, etc.
    BUT, I find that the pedaling is really bad; not smooth at all. My left leg “sticks” at the top, is the best way I can describe it. Very uneven.
    I have owned several recumbents and never had this problem–the 230 was fine.
    I am 6’2″ and have tried various seat positions, additional padding, feet loose in the pedals and jammed in,
    Have you heard of this to be a problem?
    Thanks

    • Hi Steve,

      Unfortunately, I haven’t heard of your issue yet, but it sounds really annoying!

      If I were you, I would contact the retailer or Schwinn Fitness directly.

      Kind regards,

      Koen

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