Spin bikes offer a convenient way to burn calories and get in shape without leaving the comfort of your home. They also help to improve your heart health, and because they are low impact, there’s little to no risk of injury.
With so many products in the market, there are certain considerations you need to make when choosing the best spin bike. These include the weight of the flywheel, presence of console or screen, type of resistance and pedal, and so on. For budget buyers, things are usually more serious.
Today, we look at two budget-friendly alternatives to Peloton and other expensive spin bikes – the Diamond 510ic vs Schwinn IC4.
Diamond 510ic Overview
The Diamond 510ic has got to be the most compact alternative indoor cycling bike to the Peloton. Some of its best features include magnetic resistance, a high weight limit (300 pounds), an adjustable seat and handlebar, and compatibility with the Peloton app and iFit. It is also one of the more affordable models, especially when compared to the Peloton.
The bike comes with some onboard workout programs to enable you to get started as soon as possible. You also get a 32 pounds flywheel which provides a smoother ride. It is chain-driven, so you may expect a little noise.
Besides being adjustable, the saddle is quite comfortable. The bike has a basic console but you can add your own gadget and connect it with your favorite fitness apps such as Peloton or iFit. The overall weight is about 104 pounds.
Schwinn IC4 Overview
The Schwinn IC4 has got to be the cheapest alternative to the Peloton bike. But despite its budget-friendly price, it still offers a number of premium features.
The best ones include a weight capacity of 330 pounds, which is 30 pounds greater than that of the Diamond 510ic. It also boasts of a heavy flywheel with up to 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels, as opposed to 16 resistance levels on the Diamond 510ic.
The bike also features adjustable multi-grip handlebars and a comfortable seat. The pedals are dual link with toe cages. So they can be used with both SPD clips and standard toe cages.
Like the Diamond 510ic, the Schwinn IC4 doesn’t have a touchscreen. Instead, it features a simple LCD display that shows key workout metrics. It has a device holder where you can place your own device and connect to various fitness apps such as Peloton, Zwift, and Rouvy.
Conclusion
Overall, both the Schwinn IC4 and Diamond 510i are solid options for anyone who want a functional exercise bike but don’t want to break the bank. They are durable, easy to use, and will accommodate a wide range of users. They have similar pricing, so you won’t go wrong with either of them.
That said, on a general note, we think the Schwinn IC4 is the better bike. It has a heavier flywheel, higher resistance levels, dual-link pedals, and higher weight capacity. This makes it the more functional model, especially when you consider its price.
Both bikes do not have an advanced console or touchscreen, so you have to bring your own device. They can be synced with most fitness apps including Peloton.
