The Schwinn Airdyne Bike has been in Schwinn's product line for over 30 years and you may have seen one, even if you've never used one. The appearance is unlike other exercise bikes. The most obvious difference in looks is the huge fan out front.
That fan is what makes these machines different. The fan provides the resistance to pedaling. Pedal away and you turn the big fan. The faster you pedal the harder it becomes to pedal. Slow back on the pedaling and the resistance is lighter. The other odd feature is suggested by the two tall handles protruding from the front of the machines, almost like some sort of horns. The handles are attached to the pedal crank so you can hold the handles and use your arms to turn the fan too. You can then exercise both your arms and legs at the same time.
Now I've owned an Airdyne for almost 20 years and the following are my observations on the positives and negatives of the Schwinn Exercise Bike.
1. Simple and rugged.
This bike is built like a tank. Every part is heavy and built to last. Even the seat is hard to damage. Nearly 20 years on mine and I have a worn pedal which still works and the fan lock is hard to use. Everything else works like new. No motors or magnetic drives to fail.
2. Low impact.
Many rehab centers have used these machines partly because the motions of exercise and the action of the machines is considered low impact. There is low risk of injury and almost anyone can use one, unlike say a tread mill.
3. Easy to use.
Just get on the thing and start pedaling. No training required. No learning curve.
4. Save money.
Like any exercise bike, you can save gym fees by having this professional quality machine at home ready to use at any time. Plus this thing is so rugged, you likely will never need a replacement. You also don't need to keep looking for the next fad machine. Fad machines come and go, but these bikes work and keep on working.
5. Light on electronics.
These bikes lack the computer power of comparably priced mid-price machine. The Airdyne has the most basic of feedbacks and no program workouts. At this time there isn't even a built-in heart rate monitor. If you really want the full range of computer power, you will be disappointed.
6. Noise.
The resistance fan is loud. You get a lot of fan noise plus some mechanical racket from the pedals. Any music you listen too while pedaling must be quite loud. You won't enjoy watching TV while riding and you won't be reading any books as you pedal either.
7. Hard to move.
This machine is heavy and though it does have wheels it's difficult to move. Plan to leave it in one place or at least don't move it very far.
I've certainly enjoyed my bike and think it's a real classic machine useful for anyone who wants to get in shape right at home.
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