Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike

www.thebestrecumbentbike.com

The Schwinn runs smoothly and quietly with eight resistance levels to keep your toes. In several different workout programs, the battery-powered bike also supports. So you can modify your exercise and keep things fresh. You can easily monitor your workout progress with readouts for time, distance, RPM, pulse, speed, calories, resistance level, and course profile in  Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike.

OVERVIEW

FEATURE Drive system is perimeter

weighted flywheel. Its display type is LCD window

5.0” x 3.0”. Crank or pedals are one piece

pedal cranks standard pedals and toe straps.

It has sound system. Other features are transport wheels or levelers.

Battery power is not included AC Adapter and water bottle holder.

RESISTANCE The resistance is controlled

through the console, so you do need power to the console to set the level you want to pedal against.

This works a band of magnets that are inside the shroud to move closer to the flywheel to increase resistance and further away to decrease it.

There are 8 levels of resistance, the level of resistance is displayed on the console.

You can adjust it manually or it can be changed automatically when using one of the preset workout.

Adjustability The seat can be adjusted backwards/forwards. It does go on an

angle upwards as you move the back seat which can help with a more comfortable position..

Unfortunately when it comes to whether the bike will fit a certain heights the company is not that helpful with them saying it fits most sizes. They advise you try it out locally and if you can do that, it is a good idea.

However, there is some guidance from the customer reviews. From these I estimate that you should be adjust the bike to fit if you are between 4ft 11 ins and 6 ft 3 ins.

It takes less than 30 seconds to make the adjustment so it can easily be used by multiple people to work on their fitness.

You do have to be off the bike to do it. There is a knob under the seat that you loosen and pull to release the holding pin then slide the seat to the correct position, release the knob. You do need to make sure the pin engages in a pre-set hole and then tighten up.

When you tighten up the seat properly after adjustment you should have a steady seat without any wobble.

DRIVE TYPE Inside the shroud is a perimeter weighted flywheel and

belt that provide a fluid and quiet cycling action. It should also prove to be low maintenance.

The shrouding protects them from damage also prevents pets, kids and exercisers from injuring themselves on the moving parts.

At the lower levels of resistance the weighted flywheel helps to pull the pedals through to ensure the pedaling is smooth.

At the higher levels of resistance it also helps but you may notice a bit of pulsing as it slows down as the resistance starts to work as a brake when you aren’t pulling/pushing on the pedals as happens at the top/bottom of the stroke.

PEDALS The single crank and oversized pedals provide a

strong platform for your pedaling without any flexing. The pedals are textured and have rubber/plastic straps to keep your feet in place as you pedal.

Adjusting the straps can be a little difficult at first. They have holes along the strap that are put over a tab to size them for your foot. When they are new it can be hard to put the tab through the hole but they do soften up after a few uses.

Also, you don’t have to adjust them each time you can just slide your feet into them once they’re adjusted to your shoe size unless someone has changed them since you used it.

COMFORT Seat. The seat and backrest

have some cushioning on them but aren’t contoured. The seat is 16 inches wide and 10 inches deep (approx) giving a reasonable sized area for sitting in comfortably.

Handlebars. These are at either side of the seat and are angled upwards which provides a comfortable grip for support or leverage when pushing against the resistance. 

COMFORT Cleaning. It doesn’t need too

much in the way of cleaning. The bike itself won’t generate much dirt or dust. It is likely to be sweat from users that cause the biggest cleaning concern. It can drip on the floor and the bike. It does need to be cleaned off the bike because it is corrosive and can cause it to jam up and corrode overtime if not wiped up on a regular basis. If you are concerned about your floor then a rubber exercise mat is advised as this will prevent the sweat dropping on the floor.

Noise. The bike is very quiet, It can be used day and night without disturbing others. You can also watch the TV without having to turn it up to hear it.

ASSEMBLY The bike is delivered part assembled. It can be put together easily

within one to two hours. It does come with the tools needed to complete it but you may find it

goes quicker and easier if you use your own tools (but they’re not necessary). They do advise you have a utility knife or scissors to get the parts out of the packaging.

All the hardware is attached to a card and labeled making it easy to identify and have it to hand for each of the steps.

There are 12 steps (including batteries and giving it the final check) clearly shown in the manual with simple instructions and clear diagrams. This includes attaching to the main unit the stabilizer bars, front post, seat assembly, back support, handlebars, pedals and console. This is a simple process.

The most difficult part for the customer is normally getting the pieces out of the box so it is easier than putting together kitset furniture.

One person can do this on their own but a second pair of hands can help by holding the pieces in place while they are attached.

CONSOLE The console has 6 pre-set programs and a manual (quick

start) option. It also measures time, RPM, distance, speed, calories,

resistance level and heart rate when using the hand pulse sensors.

At the end of your workout it displays your results which are totals and averages of the measures.

The console can be powered by 4 D size batteries (not included) or you can pay separately for an AC power adaptor.

The power adaptor is available from Schwinn and has a short lead. It won’t recharge the batteries.

There are other power adaptor alternatives available online that say they are compatible with the A20.

WORKOUT PROGRAMS The 6 profile programs provide

you with a variety of workout programs with a variety of resistance levels like working out on different terrains outside – there a 2 fun rides, 2 mountains and 2 challenges.

The default time is 15 minutes but you can change that up or down.

To start the bike you can push any button or start pedaling. You can then either choose the quick start option or one of the 6 profile programs.

The quick start option allows you to just start pedaling and adjust the resistance as you go.

It starts at the lowest level of resistance – Level 1 each time.

WORKOUT PROGRAMS The Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike is a great entry level bike. It’s

great for beginners, those looking to stay active or lose weight . It has a comfortable seat with an angled backrest which provides

good support for the back and the pedaling motion is smooth and gentle on the joints which can be good for those who are recovering from injury or surgery too (as advised by their doctor).

There are some concerns about quality control and customer service at times. Also the resistance isn’t for those wanting very demanding workouts.

Those aside many get a good solid bike with 6 pre-set workouts that you can set goals which are great in helping you get a good workout without having to think about. It can help with getting a good low impact cardio workout where you can get your heart pumping and get a sweat on if you want or something more moderate if you prefer