The Schwinn Airdyne bike is one of the most well known pieces of exercise equipment in the world. As a physical therapist, I’ve used and reviewed too many exercise bikes to count. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on why the Schwinn Airdyne is considered the gold standard for fitness athletes and physical therapy clinics across the country.
Schwinn Bike: The Gold Standard of Upright Bikes?
The history of Schwinn bicycles goes back more than 125 years just as the bike industry was in full force. Adolf Arnold and Ignacio Schwinn joined forces and started what is now the Schwinn Bicycle Company.
From the start, Schwinn set itself apart as a leader in the bicycle industry, naming claim to more bicycle racing championship victories than any other company.
The Schwinn bicycle company continued to shape the industry by introducing the Deluxe Exerciser bike 1965.
Riding an upright bike at home was a new concept and Schwinn led the way with it’s popular exercise bike. The earliest Schwinn exercise bikes resembled handles of a standard bicycle with stationary arms. It wasn’t until 1979 that Schwinn would raise the standards again for indoor exercise bikes by introducing the Schwinn Airdyne.
Schwinn Airdyne Bike
Using air resistance and movable handles a complete upper body and lower body workout, the Schwinn Airdyne of 1979 became known as the gold standard of indoor exercise and rehab bikes.
Schwinn Airdyne Review
Overall thoughts: I’ve owned multiple Schwinn Airdyne bikes from a 20 year old classic style Airdyne to the newest Schwinn Airdyne Pro.
The Schwinn Airdyne not only provides an unmatched cardiovascular workout, it’s an essential tool for knee and hip rehabilitation both at home and in the clinic.
As a physical therapist, I’ve seen the difference a good bike and exercise program can make for someone recovering from knee surgery or a joint replacement. I personally own an Airdyne within my home gym and use it within my clinic as a part of my knee rehabilitation programs.
Whether you decide on the top level Airdyne Pro/AD7 or choose the budget friendly Airdyne AD2, I think you’ll be happy with the build quality and overall workout of these Schwinn bikes.
Schwinn Upright Bike vs Schwinn Airdyne
The key difference between an upright bike and an Airdyne is the upper body workout component of the Airdyne using air resistance technology . Schwinn currently makes two upright bikes: the Schwinn 170 and 130.
The Schwinn 170 and 130 use an inertia perimeter weighted flywheel with varying levels of magnetic resistance.
You can compare the details between these upright bikes below.
- Your purchase includes One Schwinn Upright Series Bike – 130 model
- A high resolution, backlit DualTrack LCD screen with 29 exercise programs so you can track your progress and an adjustable 3-speed fan to keep you...
- Easily adjust the contoured seat with forearms rests and includes ergonomic handlebars feature integrated heart rate grip sensors. Includes an...
- Your purchase includes One Schwinn Upright Series Bike – 170 model
- Exercise Bike dimensions: 41.3” L x 21.4” W x 55.6” H. | Product Weight: 58.4 lbs. | Weight capacity: 300 lb. | User height range: 4’6” to...
- A high resolution, backlit DualTrack LCD screen with 29 exercise programs so you can track your progress and an adjustable 3-speed fan to keep you...
- Your purchase includes One Schwinn Airdyne AD7 Bike, 100625 model
- Exercise Bike dimensions: 53” L x 26.5” W x 53” H. | Product Weight: 113 lbs. | Weight capacity: 350 lbs. | Power – 2 D batteries, AC adapter...
- Progressive wind resistance for infinite levels of challenge. Efficient single stage belt drive that keeps it running quietly
How to Decide: Schwinn 170/130 Upright Bike or Schwinn Airdyne
Both of these bikes will provide an excellent workout, but it really depends on your goals. If you’re looking for a full body workout that includes the shoulders and arms, the Airdyne is a great option.
If you want more of a standard upright bike for home exercise and rehabilitation after a knee surgery, the 170 or 130 are two of the best upright bikes on the market. The number series within each bike model offers various features that may be attractive (such as app integration, higher resistance, and sound or power charging station.
The best bike is the one that you’ll use! Whether or not you decide on a bike with higher features or standard features, you’ll get the most benefit of the one that you actually use! 🙂
Best Bike for Hip or Knee Replacement
Both an Airdyne and the upright bike will allow someone to progress through recovery after knee surgery or a joint replacement. Personally I enjoy riding the Airdyne, so it would be my bike of choice if I needed to rehab my knee or hip after surgery. But if you prefer not to have the upper body component or prefer a quieter magnetic resistance bike instead of an air resistance bike, the 170 or 130 would be the better option for you.
The Airdyne bikes and upright 170/130 bikes have the ability to raise the seat high enough for most people to make half revolutions early on after surgery and progress into full revolutions as their range of motion improves.
Another consideration is the overall size and weight of each machine. The Airdyne has a larger footprint at 46” to 53” depending on the model you choose while the upright 170/130 comes in at 41” long and nearly half the weight.
For larger riders, the upright 170/130 bike has a max user weight of 300 lbs. The Airdyne AD2 max weight is 250 but the AD6 supports 300 lbs. The AD7/Pro supports up to 350 pounds as the largest and sturdiest Airdyne available.
Schwinn Airdyne Pro vs Airdyne AD7
The Airdyne Pro and Airdyne AD7 are the exact same exercise bike (minus the words “Pro” printed on the side).
Schwinn markets the Pro model to commercial gyms and clinics and markets the AD7 directly to consumers.
The AD7/Pro is the top of the line bike in the Schwinn lineup.
Why I Love My Schwinn Airdyne AD7
Quiet – This bike is a lot quieter than the old style Airdyne I’ve owned in the past. I can ride it without bothering someone in the other room (unlike my old Air dyne)
Pre-Programmed Workouts – It’s very easy to start a quick workout with two clicks. The high intensity interval training programs are a great way to get the heart rate up initially or between strengthening exercises.
Solid Build – The Schwinn AD7/pro is built to last. Heck, you can easily find a 20 year old Airdyne that will still give you a good workout. But if you want a quiet, solid bike that feels sturdy and supportive, the AD7 will give that to you.
Comfortable – The wide seat on these bikes is definitely more comfortable than a standard bike seat. However, the newest AirDyne seats are very comfortable and can be adjusted in four directions quickly and easily.
Multiple Handle Positions – I’ve been using the AD7/pro since 2019 and really enjoy the different handle grip options. I think people who suffer from various wrist pain or tennis and golfer’s elbow will appreciate the ability to change grips, which was a nice addition to the AD7/pro.
- Your purchase includes One Schwinn Airdyne AD7 Bike, 100625 model
- Exercise Bike dimensions: 53” L x 26.5” W x 53” H. | Product Weight: 113 lbs. | Weight capacity: 350 lbs. | Power – 2 D batteries, AC adapter...
- Progressive wind resistance for infinite levels of challenge. Efficient single stage belt drive that keeps it running quietly
Overall Thoughts
Whether you decide on the top level Airdyne Pro/AD7 or choose the budget friendly Airdyne AD2, I think you’ll be happy with the build quality and overall workout of these Schwinn bikes.
I plan to continue using the Airdyne at home and within the clinic because it’s simply an awesome bike.
Good luck as you find the perfect bike for your knee replacement, rehab, or general fitness!
