Schwinn AC Sport Indoor Cycling Bike Review

Schwinn A.C. Sport indoor cycle trainer is the mid-range bike from the Schwinn AC Series. Featuring silent magnetic resistance and a 37 pounds top of the line perimeter weighted flywheel, the Schwinn AC Sport indoor cycling bike offers a smooth and intense spinning workout.

Ergonomically designed four-way adjustable handlebars and top of the line racing-style narrow seat provide a perfect bike fit for all user heights.

Another way to look at this Schwinn AC Sport is that it comes with everything, including a 6.5″ narrow q-factor to keep your feet aligned, conveniently located dual water bottle holders, and the SPD pedals.

This indoor exercise bike by Schwinn is covered by a generous warranty that will protect you for years to come. The A.C. Sport Schwinn indoor cycle offers a year frame warranty, a 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty.

From top to bottom, this indoor cycling bike is designed to provide a smooth and natural ride similar to the bike ride outside. The console on the Schwinn AC Sports spin bike tracks important feedback such as Watts, RPM, distance, HR, and time. Unfortunately, you need to buy the monitor separately. There is more info about the monitor options below.

Note: There are two Schwinn indoor bikes that have almost the same name but with different features and prices. This Schwinn indoor cycle is called Schwinn AC Sport with chain while the other model which is the newer model is called Schwinn AC Sport with Carbon Blue belt.

The only difference between these two Schwinn indoor bikes are in the drive system. The Schwinn AC Sport with Carbon Blue features a belt drive system while this Schwinn AC Sport indoor cycling bike has a chain-drive system.

Depending on the offers and where you buy the Schwinn AC sport, the price varies from $1500 to $1600. And the price for the Schwinn AC Sport with Carbon Blue is $1900. However, the second-hand version of these bikes cost much less. If you are interested, find out more about the second-hand spin bikes here.

Schwinn Indoor Cycle Comparison

If you’re in the market for a new bike, but don’t want to break the bank, Schwinn Fitness offers some great alternatives to their more expensive AC Sport. For example, the Schwinn Fitness IC4 stationary bike is a great option for those looking for a comfortable spinning workout at home. At only $799, it’s a cost-effective alternative to the AC Sport.

It has a silent belt-driven transmission (not the chain transmission like the AC Sport) and a good Bluetooth computer that tracks all your spinning exercise stats. In fact, the Schwinn IC4 is one of our most recommended magnetic spin bikes for 2022.

Currently, there are 7 Schwinn indoor cycles and to be honest, aside from the Schwinn IC4 model, the rest of them don’t have enough features to make up for the high price tag. Here is a comparison tablet I created to help you better understand the differences between each Schwinn indoor bikes.

Schwinn AC Sport Alternatives

This is where I often come to update and compared the Schwinn AC sport indoor cycling bike with other similarly priced spin bikes to let you know if it’s still a good value bike to buy. Unfortunately, in 2022, I don’t believe this Schwinn spin bike offers enough to justify its high price tag.

I wouldn’t have hesitated to recommend this indoor bike if it came with the “Schwinn Smart Release System” that allows casting but it doesn’t. The AC Sport comes with a “Fixed” flywheel and there is no monitor included with the bike.

Thankfully, there are several great alternatives to Schwinn AC Sport indoor cycle. In this section of the article, we’ll take a look at five of the best. So if you’re not sure whether or not the AC Sport is right for you, read on!

Schwinn AC Sport is a great indoor bike, but it isn’t the only option out there. There are five other bikes that offer better value for the money.

These indoor cycling bikes have features such as touchscreen monitors, incline and decline adjustment, and better driven systems.

Peloton Original, Nordictrack S15i and S22i, Proform Studio bike and Bowflex C7 bike with a 7-inch screen are all great Schwinn AC Sport alternatives. Each of these indoor bikes has its own unique features that make it worth considering.

Schwinn AC Sport Review & Specs:

AC Sport Dimensions:

• Smart release system: No
• Drive System: Chain
• Q-factor: 6.5″
• Console: Doesn’t have
• Pedals: SPD and toe cage
• Dimensions: 43″L x 48″H x 20″W
• Resistance: Magnetic
• Weight capacity: 300 Pounds
• User height: 5′-6’7″
• Bike weight: 126 Pounds
• Flywheel: 37 Pounds Perimeter Weighted

AC Sport Monitor:

This bike doesn’t come with a console but it’s compatible with “Echelon 4iii” “Mpower Echelon2” and “Cadence Pro”.

Cadence Pro
This console costs around $180. Here is what Cadence Pro console offers: Time, Distance, RPM, Heart rate and also calories (when used with compatible heart rate monitor). It doesn’t save data but it connects to ANT wireless devices.

Mpower™ Echelon2
It costs around $250 due to the USB Memory Stick and ANT+ Wireless Devices connectivity. Here is a list of information you can track if you decide to purchase this console: Time, Distance, Watts, RPM, Time and calories (if you wear ANT+ wireless chest strap). Note: With Mpower™ Echelon2 you can connect your phone or tablet to the bike and track data on a bigger screen.

AC Sport Transmission:

• Sport front drive design.
• Fixed flywheel (no smart release).
• Chain drive system.

Schwinn AC Sport Indoor Cycling bike has the front drive design which puts the magnets and the flywheel right in the sweat zone. However, there are two plastic covers/guards on both sides of the magnetic resistance and flywheel to keep them dry.

While doing cardio or even strength training on a spin bike you will sweat and in the long run, it can affect the parts under direct contact. It’s an issue that on high-end spin bikes such as Matrix IC7 or Keiser M3i bikes don’t exist.

The Schwinn AC Sport Indoor Cycling bike features chain. It’s something I didn’t expect to see in this price range. Compared to belt drive bikes, the AC Sports Schwinn bike is louder and requires more maintenance (oiling and adjusting).

AC Sport Handlebars:

• Schwinn AC Sport handlebars are four-way adjustable.
• Handlebar pads are soft and comfortable.
• They are ergonomic with multiple grips.
• There are two easy to reach bottle holder.

Schwinn AC Sport indoor cycling bike has 4-way adjustable handlebars. They offer multiple hand-grips for spinning workout. The ergonomic shape of the bars allows you to cycle in all positions comfortably. They are covered with durable soft stretch pads for maximum comfort during long periods of exercise. 

Fore/aft up&down adjustability of handlebars and seat on Schwinn AC Sport allow riders with different heights and arm lengths to get in the right positions. Users from 5.2 feet to 6.7″ height shouldn’t have any problem riding this indoor cycling bike.

Most spin bikes have bottler holder on the fork arm which is difficult to reach. But AC Sport Schwinn indoor cycling bike has two big water bottle holders on the handlebars. They are super easy and convenient to use.

Schwinn AC Sport Seat:

• High-end racing style comfortable seat.
• The seat is four-way adjustable and breathable.
• Schwinn AC Sport indoor bike has spring Knob system.

The AC Sports by Schwinn features a soft cycling seat that provides a comfortable ride. It’s 4-way adjustable, with several adjustment positions, just like the handlebars.

You can easily do the adjustments by loosening the knob but what’s really unique about seat and handlebar adjustment of Schwinn cycles is the spring knob and locking system. No matter how tense is the exercise, the seat and handlebars stay in the place.

The Schwinn AC Sport’s excellent. It’s cushioned, ergonomic and breathable. The cutout design lets you stay fresh during the longest spinning workouts.

AC Sport Resistance:

• Silent and maintance free magnetic resistance.
• Knob adjustment.
• Emergency brake.

Schwinn AC Sport indoor cycling bike comes with magnetic resistance. Also known as the Eddy current system, the bike uses magnets to bring tension. There are multiple magnets on two sides and they bring tension by covering the edge of the flywheel.

Note that the magnetic resistance is silent and has less maintenance compared to friction resistance bikes. You don’t have to change pads or worry about the noise bothering your partner while she/he is resting.

The number of resistance levels is not marked on the knob which makes it a bit difficult to figure out your resistance level. Especially because you are not going to be able to see the levels displayed on the console.

Flywheel Weight:

• Schwinn AC Sport flywheel weighs 37 pounds.
• It’s a perimeter weighted flywheel with high inertia.
• The flywheel has a sweat protection guard.

The Schwinn AC Sports features a 37 pounds perimeter weighted flywheel. For magnetic spin bikes, 37 pounds is considered excellent weight.

But what I really like about the AC Sport’s flywheel is not necessarily its weight. It’s the perimeter weight design that provides high-inertia.

Unlike regular flywheels found on most cheap spin bikes, the perimeter-weighted flywheel provides a smoother sensation, better balanced pedaling and a 360-degree pedal stroke.

Pedals and Q Factor:

• Shimano SPD compatible side for spinning shoes.
• And the toe cage side for the regular gym shoes.
• Schwinn AC Sport indoor cycle Q-factor is 6.5 inches wide.

Schwinn AC Sport indoor cycling bike has dual-sided pedals. One side with adjustable SPD cleats for cycling shoes and the other side is toe cage for regular shoes. Like the rest of the bike, the pedals are durable and comfortable. to use with both cycling shoes and regular shoes.

The Q factor or the horizontal distance between the pedals on the Schwinn AC Sport cycling bike is 6.5 inches. It’s an acceptable width and comfortable for all riders.

Note that the wide Q-factors tend to keep your feet wider than your hip and knees which causes injuries on ankles in the long term.

Warranty and Price:

• 10 Years frame (5 Years Corrosion)
• 2 Years mechanical parts
• 1 Year labor
• 6 Months wear items
• New Schwinn AC Sport spin bike price is $1500+.
• On Amazon, the second-hand Schwinn AC Sport is less than $1000.

Schwinn AC Sport exercising bike features a unique warranty. It’s a common feature found in all Schwinn spin bikes. And it proves the quality of the bikes.

So, you can buy the bike with confidence knowing there is a reputable company standing behind its product. Schwinn wouldn’t give 2 years of parts and 1-year labor warranty if they weren’t sure of AC Sorts spin bike’s quality.

Shipping and Assembly:

• Schwinn AC Sport assembly tools are included.
• Shipping is free for Schwinn AC Sport stationary bike.
• Schwinn AC indoor cycle instruction is included.
• A.C. Sport indoor bike is easy to assemble.

Schwinn Sport indoor cycle requires assembly. However, it’s not a difficult job and you wouldn’t necessarily need a third party to help you. You will need to attach the handlebars, seat, pedals, and feet levelers. It shouldn’t take more than 50 minutes, considering Schwinn AC indoor comes with easy to follow proper English instructions.

Needed assembly tools are included with the Schwinn AC Sport cycle, although, it’s always better to have your tools available as well.

You don’t need to spend extra when buying the Schwinn AC Sport indoor bike. Unless you are buying the second-hand version of the bike. Then you might need to spend an extra $100 for the shipping.

Schwinn AC Sport Indoor Cycle Cons:

No media tray
For the price tag, I was hoping the AC Sport indoor bike by Schwinn comes with a table holder. But it doesn’t, so you will have to buy a table or phone holder seperatly. It cost $10-$30.

Chain drive
Again, for this price range, chain drive system is a surprise. It’s nosier and requires more maintenance compared to belt drive bikes. Many indoor bikes in with this price tag feature belt drive system.

No computer
This is a huge one! The Schwinn A.C. Sports is compatible with two Schwinn computers. But you have to buy them separately. It’s just not fair when you are already spending $1500.

Fixed flywheel
The main selling factor of Schwinn spin bikes is the patented Smart Release mechanism. However, the Schwinn AC Sport doesn’t have this feature. Smart release allow the flywheel to keep turning even when you stop pedaling. It’s safer compared to fixed flywheel because you can jump off the bike at anytime. With the fixed flywheel system, the flywheel and the pedals stop and start turning together. So, you can’t jump off the bike until the flywheel and pedals stop turning.

Schwinn AC Sport Indoor Cycle Pros:

Standard Q-Factor
One of the best features of this indoor exercise bike by Schwinn is the standard q-factor. It’s 6.5″ which is not bad at all. The spin bike q-factor is the distance between the pedals. The less distance tends to bring less stress on your lower body joints. Because it keeps your feet close to each other and allows your ankles remain straight and aligned with your knees and hips rather than keeping your feet too far apart.

Heavy perimeter weighted flywheel
All indoor cycling bikes have flywheel but very few of them feature perimeter weighted flywheel. Putting the weight around the desk allows for high inertia and a nature pedal stroke.

Strong magnetic resistance
Magnetic spin bikes often don’t provide sufficient resistance for challenging workout. But the Schwinn AC Sport has 8 large magnets that provide more resistance than an entry level or intermediate level cyclist can handle.

Ergonomic construction
There are hundreds of more and less recognized indoor cycling bike brands. Confident to say two-third of them aren’t ergonomically designed. But Schwinn has spent millions and decades utilizing the German engineering to makes these spin bikes. Therefore, everyone can set up the bike correctly for their heights to minimize the impact and enjoy the comfort.

Assuring warranty
It’s no secret that a good warranty ensure the bike you are buying is good quality and don’t contain manufacturing defects. Thanks to the long Schwinn AC indoor cycling bike warranty, your investment is protected. Unlike less recognized brands, the Schwinn Fitness also offers a great customer support which is always a plus.

Comfortable seat
I understand all the bikes come with a seat. But it’s safe to say 90% of spin bikes don’t come with high-quality racing style cushioned and breathable seats. The Schwinn AC spin bike features an awesome seat which is nothing to similar to stuck that you get with cheap bikes.

Aluminium frame and bottle holders
The Schwinn AC indoor cycle features a heavy duty solid and sturdy aluminium frame. It has a multi-coated paint for protection against corrosion. There are two great easy to use water bottle holder on the handlebars. You can use one to place your phone, keys etc while keeping your water bottle in the other one.

The Final Verdict

Schwinn Sport indoor cycle is a compact durable cycle with a chain-driven transmission. We believe it could have been cheaper because an important part such as the bike monitor is not included. It’s also chain and a bit loud compared to belt drive and of course, it needs monthly lubrication and from time to time maintenance.

Despite the features missing on this indoor cycle I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to cyclists who don’t care about the elements lacking in the AC Sport cycle. Because it’s simple and strong and also durable. It will last longer compared to many cheaply made cycles on the market.

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.

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