Aamas 2004 blog

Good stuff. Work perfect, very nice machine. Only and small problem was front wheel cover screws missing or they forgat the install.

One of the best in this price range.. I checked out ProForm, Weslo, and Sears models before buying the 220, and preferred the Schwinn over the others. I considered the Schwinn 240 but Schwinn 220 Recumbent Exercise Bike was 6 or 7 inches longer and I have limited space. However, I’m not disappointed with the 220. It is a high quality bike at a reasonable price. It’s digital computer readout allows you to set and view resistance, calories, miles, time, pulse rate, speed, etc. (and some I’ve forgotten). Custom programs can be entered but I haven’t learned how yet. Also, there is a “Quick Start” button that allows you to program your resistance and go. It’s not hard to assemble but it’s not easy either. A helper would be nice, if only to hold the heavier pieces upright while you connect the wiring (I didn’t have one). My only complaint is the manual. It’s not very helpful in assembly or learning to program workouts on the digital computer. But the 220 provides a good, quiet workout and is a very nice exercise bike.

First Look at Schwinn 220 Recumbent Bike. Please note that this review is written based on only ONE WEEK of use, so it can’t possibly address performance over the long term. If I remember to, I’ll come back in a few months and give a more complete review.

First, the machine was shipped promptly and arrived on time. The package was somewhat damaged, but all the bike parts arrived in good condition. It appears to me that the Chinese manufacturer packaged the bike for containerized shipment, and not for individual transport. Nevertheless, all was okay.

Assembly is straight-forward. I was interrupted (neighbor’s horses got out), but total assembly time was probably about one hour, working alone. Note that I’m an experienced assembler, having put together many wagons, carts, bikes, trikes, etc. in the wee hours of Christmas morning. Also note that Step 5 (page 11) calls for REMOVING the seat rail bracket; the bracket on my bike WAS NOT already installed, and, not reading the instruction, I installed the bracket, as that’s what the diagram suggested. No big deal, but you’ll have to remove it later. Other than that glitch, all went smoothly. By the way, all the tools that you will need are included in the package – nice touch.

With only one week’s use, the machine has been absolutely silent in operation; I certainly hope that continues. By default, the bike starts at intensity level 3. Stepping up to level 4 is detectable but not severe. Further steps seem to increase resistance at a higher level.

I cannot grasp the front handle bars while sitting with my back against the backrest; in fact I can barely touch them with my finger tips. To grasp the handles I must lean forward. Not a biggie, but I would prefer them to be located in front of the electronic display, rather than behind it.

As to the electronic panel, it appears to me that the MPH shown is high; at 80 RPMs it registers 16 miles per hour, while my old bike showed 13 MPH. The display registers about 25 calories per mile at resistance level 4. The heart rate monitor shows about 5 beats per minute higher than my Polar unit, but I can’t say for sure which one is closer.

I do not like the way the “time” feature changes between “elapsed time” and a one-minute countdown display at 6-second intervals – I would prefer it to stay on the elapsed time screen. If there is a way to reset this feature I haven’t been able to find it.

Also, my old bike stopped the elapsed-time clock whenever I quit pedaling, but this one continues to run – a stop to answer the doorbell reflected 5 minutes of exercise time while I was away.

I have not used any of the programmed workout programs, because I exercise at 78-82 RPMs for 30 minutes, varying pedal resistance during the workout (I’m a 70-year-old male, and I’m not trying to build endurance.)

The “magazine rack” is merely a small ledge. It will hold a magazine, I suppose, but I place my very small MP3 player on it. I don’t believe that some of the larger players would stay on the ledge.

I knew this before I ordered the bike, so I can’t really complain, but I would much prefer the display unit to be powered by a battery, as my old bike was. The Schwinn 220 must be plugged into an AC outlet – without electricity you don’t get any readouts, and can’t vary resistance.

The Schwinn 220 seems to be pretty stout, and my overall impression, at this point, is favorable. If it continues to function like it does now, I’ll be pleased with my purchase. Time will tell

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