Schwinn AC Power Indoor Cycling Bike Review
Long an innovator in the cycling world, Schwinn continues to top the charts in terms of indoor bikes with their latest innovation, the Schwinn AC Power. The AC Power boasts all the best-in-class features of Schwinn bikes, providing an authentic cycling and riding experience from the comfort of your own home. Ideal for any level of cyclist from beginner to elite, the Schwinn AC Power combines intuitive and easy to use spin technology with a powerful and reliable cycle build that will stand up to years of intense use and training from everyone in your home.
The Schwinn AC Power is a sleekly designed indoor bike that’s made to stand out in any fitness or personal space. With relatively compact dimensions (the only bulky thing here is the handlebars) and a light overall weight, the AC Power is simple and straightforward to use. Every part of this bike is customizable from its outer design to the way it rides and feels as you spin.
The Schwinn AC Power presents the best that indoor spin bikes have to offer, and for those who are looking for a great workout from home, having your very own boutique exercise bike within your home is simply luxurious. The Schwinn AC Power provides accessible, customizable, and high quality exercise for every rider. The price tag of $2,999 might feel steep at first, but once you realize just how many features are built into this impressive Schwinn spin bike, you’ll realize it’s more than worth the hefty price tag.
Not only does the Schwinn brand offer its standard, industry-leading build and design components, but it also features new design elements that are meant to change the game of spin bike fitness forever. The Schwinn AC Power features a weighted and free flywheel powered by six magnet resistance and a magnetic resistance brake that requires zero maintenance to keep in top condition. The Carbon Blue durable toothed drive train generates an authentic and smooth cycling experience, and a 4iiii crank arm power meter provides accurate and reliable strain gauge power feedback that helps you train harder, smarter, and faster.
Schwinn AC Power Comparison!
This is where I regularly come to update and let you know if this is a good purchase or if there is a better value indoor bike for the same price. This one is a bit complicated because for some people it is a good value spin bike while for others it is not.
If the presence of the “99% accurate direct watt reading”, “multi-application compatibility”, “lightweight aluminum frame”, “smart release system” and “toothed belt” are important to you, then look no further because you can’t get the combination of all these in other bike for under $3000.
But if you are a novice or mid-level rider and none of the features I mentioned even make any sense to you, you may want to invest your money on the NordicTrack S22i. It is $1000 less expensive and comes with a 22-inch HD touchscreen monitor, automatic incline/decline (uphill/downhill), and 1-year free iFit membership.
Schwinn AC Power Indoor Bike Review and Specs:
- Width: 21”
- Length: 41″
- Height: 49”
- Bike Weight: 120 Pounds
- Shipping Weight: 130 Pounds
- Max User Weight: 264 Pounds
- Tablet Holder: Yes
- Bottle Holders: Yes
- Power Source: Self-Powered
- Transportation Wheels
Offering a water bottle holder built into ergonomic handlebars and a horizontally and vertically adjustable saddle and handlebars, the Schwinn AC Power is built to provide the perfect workout based on you and your needs.
The Schwinn AC Power has everything you could ever need or want in an indoor spin bike, and this luxurious and reliable bike provides accurate, powerful, and consistent exercise every time you use it.
Echelon 2G Digital Monitor with Self-Generator:
- The monitor that comes with the AC Power spin bike by Schwinn is referred to as 4iiii an 2G.
- Currently (in 2021), it is the best monitor that Schwinn has to offer for its spin bikes.
- It is backlit and powers through rider’s effort on the bike so you don’t need to plug in the bike.
- There is no preset workouts on the monitor but it has Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity and it is compatible with most indoor cycling applications.
- The bike tracks the current, total and average of watt/power, RPM/cadence, speed, time, calories, HR (if connect with a wireless chest strap), and distance.
- The riding data synchs wirelessly from the 4iii cranks to the monitor so it is accurate and there is no cable for additional maintenance.
- You can also use a USB drive to download your workouts and upload it to your device.
Schwinn’s indoor spin bikes usually do not come with digital monitors, instead requiring you to purchase a digital monitor separately and attach it to the bike. The Schwinn AC Power marks a departure from this tradition with a top-tier digital monitor built into the bike. The Echelon 2G Digital Monitor is self-generating, meaning it powers on as soon as you pedal your bike. The Schwinn AC Power Echelon 2G offers detailed and accurate metrics, including power, RPM, heart rate, pulse, calories burned, and synchronizing with the included 4iiii power meter to track the energy and effort you exude with every pedal.
The 4iiii power meter partners with the technology of the Echelon for a powerful and instant spin ride that helps you accurately measure your crank-based power more closely than any other device on the market. This type of technology is used in international, professional, and Olympian cycling teams, so you can trust that your bike will be working at the highest level of power and feedback.
This bike offers both Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity, so tracking and saving cycle data to apps like Zwift, Peloton, or any other leaderboard system is incredibly easy. You can track heart rate through the console and connected pulse sensors built into the handlebar, another helpful tool when it comes to monitoring your performance throughout the ride. The thick handlebars mean you could mount phones or tablets for easy entertainment while riding, so you can turn on an episode of your favorite show or movie or follow along to a spin class for maximum power and convenience during your rides. Thanks to the included console and power meter, this bike is tech savvy and totally connected, so you can ride with any cycling app on the market and get immediate results.
Morse Taper Pedals and Q-Factor:
- Aluminum alloy non-slip pedals have toe cages and buckles for additional security
- On one side of the pedals there are elements to clip-in your SPD/MTB shoes
- The Schwinn AC Power Q-factor is 168mm
The pedals included on the Schwinn AC Power bike are professional grade, Double Link pedals with SPD and toe-clip compatibility, meaning your pedals can accommodate both cycling cleats and regular athletic shoes. The double-sided component means you can clip into either side of the pedal, which makes starting from a stationary position a lot easier. Since the flywheel is free and allows for casting, it’s also easy to lock in and lock out when you need to take a pedalling break. SPD compatibility is extremely handy for people using indoor spin bikes to train for outdoor riding, but it also helps anyone doing a more intense spin workout stay securely fastened to the bike as you lift up or back down to the cycle.
The Schwinn AC Power is also compatible with Schwin’s Triple Link pedals. These separately sold pedals accommodate Look, Delta, and SPD style cleats, all simulating an outdoor riding experience from the comfort of your own individual bike. They also convert to traditional athletic shoe compatible for maximum comfort and ease of use no matter what level of cyclist you are. These pedals do need to be bought separately, which can be an added expense, but if you’re looking to upgrade your spin bike it’s nice that these are automatically compatible with the machine.
The Q-factor on the Schwinn AC Power spin bike is measured at 168mm, the perfect q factor for comfortable and ergonomic riding. For many spin bike riders, this type of narrower stance is preferred because it creates a smoothly and ergonomically driven line down between the feet and knees. This reduces strain on your muscles and joints and allows you to transfer power more easily with each of your pedal strokes, creating an authentic yet gentle cycling experience.
Schwinn AC Power Spin Bike Flywheel:
- 44 Pounds inertia-weighted free flywheel with high-quality sealed bearings
- Schwinn Smart Release System (when you stop peddling the flywheel keeps turning)
- Magnetic resistance works with belt transmission to provide smooth and quiet riding experience
The Schwinn AC Power features a revolutionary Schwinn Smart Release System that’s designed with a freewheeling, inertia-weighted flywheel that allows your flywheel to turn independent of your pedalling. This magnetic-powered flywheel boasts six individual magnets that work together to create resistance that slows down the turn of the bike wheel and forces you to exert more energy as you pedal.
The Schwinn AC Power also offers magnetic contactless braking, which will prevent wear and tear to your flywheel caused by friction over the years. The location of the Schwinn AC Power’s flywheel is also beneficial as it promotes forward driving exercise, making it easy to stand or sit while you pedal, a good feature for rides who prefer spin workouts or classes as opposed to simple cycle riding.
The Schwinn AC Power also uses the top-tier Carbon Blue belt drivetrain, a cogged and toothed poly-v belt which is top of the line for the spin industry and features a standard smooth drive. Combining this smooth belt drive with a magnetic flywheel means the Schwinn AC Power offers a smooth, quiet, and ergonomic riding experience for the user. The flywheel is protected with a red bumper and powder coated aluminum finish, making it safe and protective to be used.
Schwinn AC Power Indoor Bike Resistance:
- The Schwinn AC Power indoor spin bike features a strong variable magnetic resistance system.
- The resistance knob adjusts on the fly before or during rides, allowing riders to train with their desired resistance levels at all times.
- This bike’s resistance adjust manually (not electronically) which means applications can’t adjust the resistance.
The Schwinn AC Power spin bike uses high-quality, six-magnet magnetic technology for the AC Power flywheel, allowing users to adjust infinitely depending on your resistance and desires.
The resistance knob is centrally located on the AC Power’s frame, meaning it’s accessible and available immediately during a ride. The AC Power’s magnetic flywheel means that switching between resistance levels during your ride is a simple and smooth process that doesn’t interrupt your regular workout.
Four Way Adjustable Handlebars and Seat:
- Four way adjustable, multi-positional handlebars
- Four way adjustable padded saddle for perfect bike setup
- Lightweight aluminium seat and handlebars post for quick and easy adjustment
The Schwinn AC Power’s handlebars feature comfortable and padded ergonomic design and are able to be adjusted thanks to lever and knob adjustments that slide both vertically and laterally. This functionality means that different riders can choose various handlebar positions depending on their needs and unique size.
The main console sits right in the middle of the handlebar, making it extremely accessible as you ride. The handlebars are thick and sturdy, so you can prop up a tablet or phone to follow along with a workout or as an entertainment source. The handlebars offer multi position use, pulse tracking, and easy access to entertainment and digital monitor functions, and the wide range of adjustment makes them useful for people of many different types.
The Schwinn AC Power’s saddle features identical adjustability to the handlebars, letting users adjust both the vertical and horizontal positioning so riders of many different heights and body types can use it comfortably. The saddle is similar to ones you would find on a typical road cycle which will make it a comfortable and padded fit for most riders.
Carbon Blue Belt Drivetrain:
- This indoor cycle comes with toothed belt and toothed crank and flywheel pulley system.
- It is the best type of transmission for indoor cycling bikes because it deliver more power and has less maintenance.
- In terms of noise, it makes a little more noise than flat poly-v belts because it has teeth but it is much quieter than the chains.
Just like many other popular Schwinn bikes, the Schwinn AC Power incorporates the classic Carbon Blue Belt Drivetrain. This transmission system is high-performing and low maintenance, providing an ideal ride for every user. Belt systems in general require significantly less effort to maintain than chain drives, but the Carbon Blue belt drive takes this a step further by eliminating constant lubrication, tightening, and rust-prevention. These belts stay in top shape for a long time without needing a lot of work. The toothed timing belt drive provides a superior drive experience, including the tight fit to the gears and the smooth overall ride. There’s no stretching, jerking, or slipping with a Carbon Blue belt drive, making it a premium transmission option available on the marketplace.
Pedaling this bike is both quiet and powerful experience that creates a strong drive and tough resistance that will challenge you during any workout. The low-noise component of these belt drives is the best thing about the innovative toothed Carbon Blue belt: when combined with the AC Power’s magnetic resistance system this bike rides softly and silently, meaning you can ride this bike anywhere, anytime without worrying about creating a racket or waking up your household. The gear ratio also contributes to your smooth and quiet ride: the ease of adjustment with the knob-based resistance system contributes to the overall silence of your ride and eliminates the loud cranking and creaking that some older spin bikes or outdoor chain bike models are known for.
Schwinn AC Power Spin Bike Price and Warranty:
- The Schwinn AC Power spin bike is currently priced at $2,999
- The Schwinn AC Power spin warranty depends on the manufacturer you purchase it from but you can expect most issues to be covered within 2 years after purchase
- Generally, the brand offers 10-years for the frame, 2 years for the parts, and 1-year labor for its commercial quality spin bikes.
- For warranty questions or parts replacement, you can contact the Schwinn manufacturers through their website
Though at first the price of the Schwinn AC Power feels far too high, after factoring in the major positives of this bike, such as powerful SPD pedals and the innovative free flywheel and belt drive, the Schwinn AC Power quickly becomes more and more of a bargain, making it quite a worthwhile price for the high-end features that it offers.
The AC power is absolutely a well-crafted piece of machinery with many good components that will satisfy every need you could have with an indoor spin bike.
Schwinn AC Power Assembly and Shipping:
- Shipped in a single box that weighs about 130 lbs, with partial assembly required
- Takes about ten days to arrive depending on your location
- Includes all tools needed for assembly for Schwinn AC Power
The assembly required for the Schwinn AC Power spin bike is not particularly demanding, and if you follow the instructions included in the package you can have your Schwinn AC Power put together in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. Most of the parts, such as the flywheel and the transmission, come pre-assembled and separately packed.
The only parts that you need assemble are; the bike front and rear feet, seat, handlebars, pedals, and the monitor. Putting these larger parts together will make up most of the construction process of the Schwinn AC Power.
Schwinn AC Power Spin Bike Pros:
Ergonomic and Intuitive:
The Schwinn AC Power indoor bike is a highly attractive combination of both a very sleek build and one that is well-constructed and able to stand up to the needs of any spin cyclist. The Schwinn AC Power is flexible and adaptive to your needs, a high-end spin bike which can be customized to your individual needs with every use. Combine this with the Schwinn AC Power’s snug and compact design and relative ease of use and the Schwinn AC Power fits perfectly into any home and any workout schedule.
Efficient Carbon Drivetrain:
The combination of the innovative Carbon Blue drivetrain and the Smart Release magnetic resistance flywheel means that the Schwinn AC Power offers a nearly silent and utterly smooth riding experience. Smooth no-contact braking and the belt drive instead of a chain makes for an fluid ride every time. The magnetic flywheel also offers infinitely adjustable and uniquely different levels of resistance, another popular example of how the Schwinn AC Power allows its rider to customize their workout so that it can better fit their needs.
SPD Pedals and Perfect Q Factor:
The Schwinn AC Power is a testament to solid design, with sturdy Morse Taper pedals that are built to last the test of time. SPD is a huge component of spin and cycling, so having pedals that are compatible with cleats or other elements of the SPD pedaling system is a huge win. You can easily replace the pedals with the Schwinn upgrades if you’re really looking to elevate your spin game, but either way these pedals, plus the perfectly ergonomic Q-factor, are great examples of top caliber design.
Schwinn AC Power Spin Bike Cons:
Expensive Price Tag:
The price tag is the biggest and only issue on this top-tier bike. Unfortunately, a boutique level and commercial quality bike comes with a commercial level price tag. $2,999 is no cheap price, but we think that even with the high price tag you’ll find the benefits you gain to be so worth it that the price will feel worthwhile in no time at all.
Final Thoughts
The Schwinn AC Power is a new favorite in the spin world that would fit well in any gym, studio, or workout space. The versatile design, adjustable frame, and durable build mean this bike will last a lifetime, and can withstand all types of workouts by all types of riders. The Schwinn AC Power offers incredible performance capabilities, especially when it comes to its drive, pedals, flywheel, digital monitor, power meter, and more.
The Schwinn AC Power indoor spin bike is the best and brightest of spin bike technology that is a reliable investment into a future of dedicated spinning and indoor cycling. Its strong and durable resistance system ensures repeatedly intense workouts that are constantly working to better you and will likely last you many years. The initial price tag is large and will require a substantial commitment to your craft, but the overall value will prove itself in no time. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, this bike is worth your time in terms of features and overall performance.
Sayed Hosseiny
Hi there, I'm Sayed Hamed Hosseiny, the founder and one of the authors at yourexercisebike.com (YEB). I am a former indoor cycling instructor and personal trainer with nearly 20 years of experience. With a passion for indoor cycling, I have spent years designing cycling parts, repairing, and importing exercise bikes. All the articles, tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on YourExerciseBike.com (YEB) reflect my personal opinion and expertise in the field. I'm excited to share my knowledge with fellow exercise bike enthusiasts and help people find reliable indoor cycling information and the best exercise bike for their needs.
