Schwinn IC Pro Indoor Cycling Bike Review

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(More customer reviews)I have to say that it is unnatural for me to write a review for something that I've bought on-line but for some reason this experience was significant enough that I feel compelled to share it.
Here are the highlights.
1) I wanted to surprise my wife with a Spinning bike as she is an exercise enthusiast and just didn't have the time to get to the gym. We have three kids.
2) I started searching on line, reading reviews, looking at websites, and decided to purchase a Schwinn IC Pro. I found a an offer on AMZ, through Warehouse Deals and paid about $100 dollars off of what others were selling the same bike for. This bike was new, but the box was damaged, hence the price reduction. The notes said it was factory sealed, so I figured GREAT...a new bike and I get to save a bit of $.
In a number of reviews, I read that folks were upset that the bike didn't come with the brake lube and the bolt grease. I didn't sweat it too much initially.
3) I ordered the bike, it shipped quickly, was delivered on time.
4) The day I received the bike, I unpacked it. Since I didn't have the lubes, I used white lithium grease on the bolts. That let me proceed a bit. What I was stuck on, however, was the inability to finish the job b/c I didn't have the break pad spray. HUGE BUMMER.
5) The bigger issue, however, was that the caliper breaks were misaligned (could even say that one was torqued a bit). This had me really concerned. The other problem was that there was a noise coming from the front sprocket - sounded as if the chain wasn't properly aligned. By this time, I was really starting to regret my purchase.
6) I called Schwinn and they could't help. Said that Warehouse Deals wasn't on the approved list and I'd have to go back to them for assistance. Emailed Warehouse Deals and they said they couldn't help but I could return the bike. The one positive thing I did get from Schwinn is that the brake grease they sell was ~ $15 plus shipping. The person I spoke with said I could go to any automotive parts store and pick up a similar product. I did and it cost $3.00. VERY HAPPY about that.
7) Anyway, I sprayed the brakes as instructed, let it sit overnight, tried to fix the alignment myself, but b/c the metal was torqued, I couldn't just adjust the problem away. By now I was getting really really frustrated. I decided to return the bike. That process when fine.
8) Once I decided to return the bike, I started doing some more on-line research and stumbled onto StarTrac. I REALLY like what I was finding. In fact, it sounds as if most of the commercial bikes that you find in gyms are StarTrac. This made me feel real good.
9) The one big turn off from the Schwin was the braking system. I really didn't like the calipers (brake pads push from the side. There were just too many alignment issues). The other big problem was that you really had to make lots of turns on the brake knob to get resistance. This was honestly going to be one of the biggest factors in my next purchase (which I made within a day of deciding to return the Schwin).
10) I had a hard time finding out if the StarTrac had calipers or a brake that pushed down on top of the wheel. I finally found a parts catalog on-line that showed the braking system and it was exactly what I was hoping for. The design is very simple..and I liked that.
11) I called StarTrack, spoke to the sales person. The price for these was a bit more than I wanted to pay but they were running a special. Probably due to the economy. Anyway, they were giving $100 - $200 off new bikes. I settled on the StarTrack Spinning Pro for two reasons. A) this model had waterbottle holders on the handlebars. I've actually really come to like this. It is very convenient. The pedals have one side with straps and the other side with clips. This is great as I would have had to buy these aftermarket. My wife uses the clips and since I don't have bike shoes, I use the straps.
12) I also got 4 free DVDs. Some are good, some are so-so.
13) The bike same, the box was badly damaged...ARGH!..The box was also upside down. I have to say though that the foam packing on this bike was much better than the Schwinn. As a result, the there was no damage to the bike.
14) I set it up in half the time. I since bought some bolt thread grease so I was prepared for that. This is actually better than the white lithium spray. I also didn't have to spay anything on the brake. I set the bike up in half the time was what it took to put the Schwinn together.
14) The box also came with a replacement brake pad and some replacement pedal straps. FEELING REAL GOOD NOW.
15) Anyway...we've used this about 8 times now and love it. I bought some other DVDs and the variety is very nice. I wasn't ready for how hard the first couple work-outs were but I'm getting better.
16) The only complaint thus far is that there is still a slight noise from the chain on the right sprocket. I called StarTrac and they said that it needs to loosen up a bit and will occur after about 10 hours of use. They say the chain has to stretch. If you turn the music up enough you don't really hear it, so it isn't a huge deal but if is doesn't go away over time, I'm going to call them back. Hopefully only a minor adjustment is needed.
Anyway...I've got to get back to work now...hope you find this helpful. I'm really pleased with the StarTrac..and would suggest that you strongly consider it if you are considering the Schwinn.


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Designed to withstand countless hours of intense Exercycle program use, the Schwinn IC Elite cycling bike lets you experience the feeling of being on a road bike in your own home. It features a customized fit, sleek racing bike geometry, and true cycling components. The high inertia drive system composed of a 38 pound flywheel and direct drive gearing. It offers easy-to-use handlebar and seat adjustments to help you quickly determine preferred comfort setting and corrosion-preventing stainless pins that can be quickly threaded tight for a secure hold on the sliding tube.
Its large-diameter leveling feet provide floor protection and stability, and reinforced axles offer increased service life for standard toe clip/strap pedals. Texturized pads provide a non-slip surface for stretching and transport wheels make storage and relocation easy while protecting floors.
Feature Detail:
Infinitely variable resistance levels with linear increase throughout resistance range
Bicycle components including Shimano sealed cartridge bottom bracket and cold forged crank arms that accept clip less pedals
22-inch wide stabilizers for better rider support and stability
Includes with toe clips
Two composite water bottle cages hold bottles up to one-liter in size
Fully adjustable seat position (fore and aft, up and down) with easy to use stainless steel locking pop pins
Compatible user size: 4'11" to 6'8"
Footprint: 50 by 22.5 inches (L x W)
Weight: 130 pounds
Maximum user weight: 300 pounds

Manufacturer's Warranty Fifteen-year warranty on frame, two-year warranty on parts, one-year warranty on labor, six-month warranty on wear items

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