Schwinn Airdyne Exercise Bike -- Aren't They Really Old?

The Schwinn Airdyne upright bike I ride was used when I got it twenty plus years ago. I had ridden one before, since my dad had an even older one. A newer bike has a certain appeal, especially one with more electronics. But how can you justify that when this thing works so well and just goes on and on? Here's why...
1. Robust design and construction...
Not much can go wrong with an Airdyne. It's mostly just heavy duty mechanical simplicity. With nearly no electronics there are few if any expensive components likely to fail. That does mean computer power is light compared to some newer designs. That means no programmable workouts. That's not all bad though. There are many advantages to this model, like...
2. Seat comfort...
Not a recumbent, the bikes still aren't bad in the comfort area. It's still a very comfortable ride. The big comfortable seat makes it easier to keep going a long time. It's a tough seat as well. Mine still looks almost good as new... Unlike popular recumbents, the Airdyne possesses a riding position much like a road bike.
3.
Riding is interesting with the dual action bikes. That's because you can mix it up. Pump with your arms and legs or just arms or just legs. It's a great way to fight boredom... You get varied motions rather than lots of electronics and computer power.
4. That fan.
The load is created by turning that large fan. That kicks up quite the breeze. The faster you pedal and pump, the faster goes the fan and the higher the load. The fan makes lots of noise but just wind noise. There's no banging and knocking noise.
5. Durable and stable...
This is a solid machine. It's heavy and built to last. Here's the thing... It's so well built that it's a very stable platform. So??? That means it just cries out for hard riding. You can hammer this bike and there's no flexing and swaying. It's rock solid... It's true that lighter bikes often self-destruct simply from the movement and swaying that result from use.
6. How about circuit workouts?
You can loaf along and get a good workout. Real progress can be had with more like a circuit routine. You can vary the pace and tempo of pedaling. It's simple to ride awhile and get off and perform weight lift exercises or whatever. This bike takes the roughest use in stride. Since the arms get a workout in normal use of one of these dual action bikes, you get a more balanced workout with one of these and get at most of the muscles groups.
7. No more sales for Schwinn...
I estimate Schwinn rarely sells a second Air-Dyne to anyone... Know why? You can't wear out the first one! Likely you will only need one Airdyne...
The Schwinn Airdyne bike is a classic of a machine. Well built, so it's tough and fun to use. The quality makes it a value in a field of less expensive machines. You can get the newer version as the Evolution Comp Air-Dyne as well. This model sports belt instead of chain drive and a smaller and thus quieter fan.

By: Al Freed

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Get our article about the Airdyne bike at stationaryexercisebikes.blogspot.com, a classic machine that is worth a closer look. See our site for exercise bike reviews at exercisebikefitness.com/lifecycle-exercise-bike.html">LifeCycle and stationary bicycle workouts.