Schwinn Airdyne Pro Review – Specs, Pros, Cons, and More!

The Schwinn Airdyne Pro Bike (model 111446-001) is the top-of-the-line model in the popular Airdyne exercise bike range.

A commercial-grade, upright air bike, it offers the quality and reliability associated with the renowned Schwinn Brand.

And, unlike most stationary bikes, you can exercise your upper and lower body simultaneously with this one.  Alternatively, you can work just your upper or lower body.

A cushioned seat with a universal rail, four-direction adjustability, and a higher-than-average user weight limit add to its appeal.

Resistance is created when air pushes against a fan as the user pedals.  The faster you pedal, the greater the resistance will be.  Pedal slowly, and the resistance will be low.

Designed for efficiency and effectiveness, this model has built-in HIIT programs, so you can vary your workouts and reach your fitness goals faster.

Keep reading this Schwinn Airdyne Pro review to find out more.

We will also look at the Schwinn Airdyne Pro Vs the Ad7 to see how they compare.

 

Who does it suit?

People of any fitness level can use an air bike.

If you’re looking for a high-quality commercial-grade bike with a long warranty, you should be happy with this model.

The seat is easy to climb on and off, making it suitable for people with mobility issues.

It is also an excellent option for getting a total body workout without doing separate lower and upper body workouts.

Schwinn Airdyne Pro Vs the AD7

The differences between the Pro model and the Schwinn AD7 Airdyne Bike include its recommended usage, price, and warranty differences.

The Pro model is recommended for commercial use.  It costs more than the AD7, and its warranty is longer.

With the Pro, you get a 10-year frame warranty, 2 years for parts and electronics, and 6 months for labor.

The Airdyne AD7 comes with a 5-year frame warranty, 1 year for parts and electronics, and 3 months for labor.

Schwinn Airdyne Pro Specs

Dimensions – The Schwinn Airdyne Pro Exercise Bike measures 42″ (L) x 20″ (W) x 52″ (H)

Fan wheel diameter – The diameter of the fan wheel is 27″

Seat dimensions – Its seat measures 10.5″ (W)  x 10.5″ (L)

Clearance – For unrestricted workouts, you will need a clear space of approximately 2 feet all around the bike

Weight – The bike weighs 113 lbs

User weight – It has an upper user weight limit of 350 pounds

User height – This model suits users from under 5′ tall to well over 6′ tall

Batteries – 2 x D batteries are needed for the monitor, or you can use the included AC adaptor

Color – It comes in a choice of black or silver

Schwinn Airdyne Pro Overview

Drive –

The Schwinn Airdyne Pro uses a single-belt drive system.  Its steel crank arms are incredibly robust.

Build & Finish –

The Schwinn Airdyne Pro model 111446-001 features a commercial-quality double-coated moisture-repellent steel body that resists scratches, chips, and corrosion.

Its fan wheel and protective covers are made of heavy-duty plastic.

Stability, Smoothness, and Noise Level –

While the unit is more compact than a treadmill or an elliptical trainer, the frame of this model is slightly longer and wider than most other air bikes.  This, along with its considerable heft and robust steel frame, ensures stable and safe workouts, no matter how hard you go.

Four rubber-coated, non-marking levelers in the base add extra stability and enable the bike to be used on slightly uneven floors.

The bike’s fan and belt drive system match the cyclists’ energy output to increase the effectiveness of workouts.

Along with being more efficient, this system ensures that your sessions will be ultra-smooth and incredibly quiet without the jerky movements and noise sometimes evident in bikes with a chain drive.

Resistance –

A 26-blade fan provides infinite user-controlled resistance that adapts to the effort expended.

The more energetically you move your arms and legs, the more challenging your workout will be.

Console –

A large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen features two main panels.  The upper one is a tachometer that lets you see how much effort put into workouts.

The 60-segment tachometer shows Watts, Calories burned per minute – a KJs readout is also available – RPMs, Speed, and Distance in MPH, or KMH.

The console has pressure and temperature sensors that adjust the resistance output to suit the altitude.  You can change the calibration manually.

Additionally, automatic resistance adjustments take into account differences in bearing friction and belt tension.

These features ensure that the Calories reading is pretty accurate, unlike most fitness aids, which provide an average.

The lower display shows Time and round of each Interval, Sprint and Recovery data, Cumulative metrics, and Heart Rate.

This panel also houses the volume control and battery charge information.

Programs –

The Schwinn Airdyne Pro Bike has nine built-in training workout programs that cater to people of different fitness levels.  These allow you to vary your workouts, exercise according to your current fitness level and continue to challenge yourself as your fitness improves.

The programs offered include Manual, 20/10 Interval, 30/90 Interval, and Custom Interval.

Other options include Time Target, Calories Target, Kilojoule Target, Miles Target, and Heart Rate Zone.  (To track your heart rate, you will need to buy a compatible chest strap.)

The Manual workout allows you to mount the bike, press start, and pedal at your chosen pace for as long as you like.

The 20/10 Interval workout comprises eight 20-second sprinting rounds, followed by 10 seconds of recovery.

The 30/90 Interval is eight rounds consisting of 30 seconds of sprinting followed by 90 seconds of recovery.

Choosing the Custom Interval workout lets you select your desired Sprint and Recovery time and the number of rounds you wish to do.

Time Target, Calories Target, Kilojoule Target, and Miles Target are self-explanatory.

Heart Rate Zone lets you choose your pace based on the heart rate you want to work at, with preset options being 65%, 75%, and 85%.

A noteworthy feature of this model is its built-in temperature sensor which provides a more accurate reading of the number of calories you burn.

Heart Rate Monitor –

You will need an un-coded chest strap monitor to track your heart rate.  The bike’s manufacturer recommends the Polar T31.

Seat –

The bike’s large, comfortable, cushioned saddle has a durable vinyl cover.

The seat adjusts up, down, forward, and backward, catering to people of most heights.

A universal rail and clamp system enables the saddle to be replaced with a standard bike seat if preferred.

Most buyers consider the seat to be comfortable.  However, saddle comfort satisfaction varies between individuals, and it can take a few sessions to adapt, particularly if you haven’t cycled before.

If you don’t like the seat’s feel, you can swap it out to another standard model, use a gel seat cover, or wear gel cycling pants.

Placing a folded towel on the seat will also help ease discomfort.

Handlebars –

Multi-position movable handlebars make for comfortable rides that target both the upper and lower body.

You can grip the handles horizontally or vertically to suit your comfort level and the upper body muscles you want to target.

Place your hands on your thighs during workouts to work your lower body only.

Pedals –

The Schwinn Airdyne Pro Bike’s foot platforms are slip-resistant and textured, allowing an excellent grip and a stronger push-off.  They do not have safety straps.

To target different muscles, you can pedal backward.

If you only want to work your arms and upper body, rest your feet on the footpegs behind the pedals.

A stepping platform between the base of the seat bar and the beginning of the flywheel makes for easy mounting and dismounting.

Transportation Wheels –

Rollers in the base facilitate moving the bike if need be.

Accessories –

Useful accessories include a ledge for holding a cell phone and a conveniently positioned water bottle holder.

Assembly –

The bike comes partially assembled.  Completing the job requires attaching the seat, the handlebars, and the pedals.

This takes most people between thirty and sixty minutes.  The tools needed to do the job are supplied.

Warranty –

A solid warranty covers 10 years for the frame, 2 years for parts and electrical components, and 6 months for labor, so you can buy with confidence, knowing that the manufacturer will repair or replace the bike if there is a problem.

An extended warranty is available for an additional cost.

The next part of this Schwinn Airdyne Pro review highlights its pros, followed by its cons.

Schwinn Airdyne Pro video review111446-001 Infomercial

Pros

• Generous user weight limit

With a 350-pound user weight limit, the Schwinn Airdyne Pro caters to most potential users.

• Easy access and exiting

The seat is easy to mount and dismount.

• Robust & resilient

It is one of the most robust air bikes you will find.  Its heavy-duty double-coated steel body repels moisture, so it will resist rust and look like new for years to come.

• Stable 

The bike’s long, wide frame and built-in base stabilizers provide excellent stability.

• Fluid & Quiet

A belt drive ensures smooth workouts.  The only sound you will hear as you pedal is the whooshing of the air generated by the fans.  The harder and faster you go, the louder the noise will be.

• Unlimited resistance

Air bikes are capable of infinite resistance, so you can continue challenging yourself as you become fitter.

• Variety of programs

Nine built-in programs provide diversity and cater to a variety of fitness goals.

• Tachometer

A tachometer makes it easy to track how much effort you are expanding and so better set goals.

• Heart rate monitoring facility

The Schwinn Airdyne Pro offers wireless telemetry using an uncoded chest strap like the Polar T31.

• Monitor

An LCD screen enables you to view your stats and see your progress.

• Comfortable seat

Most reviewers stated that the bike’s seat is comfortable, even during extended sessions.

• Handlebars

Movable, multi-position handlebars allow for a total body workout.  The handles are slip-resistant and well-padded to enhance comfort.

• Foot pedals

Oversized textured foot pedals accommodate all shoe sizes and provide excellent grip.  Toe straps hold feet securely in place.

• Accessories

This model comes with a cell phone tray and a water bottle holder.

• Good warranty

The bike comes with a 10-year warranty for its frame, 2 years for parts, and 6 months for labor.

Cons

• It doesn’t come with a heart rate monitor

If you want to monitor your heart rate, you will need a chest strap.

• There are no speakers or Bluetooth

This model lacks speakers and Bluetooth capability that is standard with many other models in its price range.

• The pedals don’t have safety straps

While the pedals lack safety straps, your workouts will still be safe and comfortable.

• There isn’t a cooling fan

Most users find the fans of most exercise equipment lacking, so you won’t really miss not having one.

Besides, the flywheel creates a cooling breeze as you pedal.  The breeze is very light, but an air diverter can be purchased and attached to shield you if it bothers you.

Schwinn Airdyne Pro Exercise Bike Summary