Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike
At ExerciseBike.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of exercise bikes so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the exercise bikes we review. We install them, ride them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every exercise bike we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles riding. We listen and record the sound of the flywheel, try out all aspects of the console and try the bike’s features.
Every exercise bike we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think.
Our reviewers are exercise bike and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at exercise bikes, has been on this bike, and you can trust his opinion on all of the bikes he reviews.
In Brief
The 2024 Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike offers a family-friendly recumbent bike ready for streaming workouts. Priced at $749 online, the machine is prepped for the JRNY workout app and sports a user-friendly media shelf for your tablet or smartphone. This bike also syncs with Zwift by way of Bluetooth, but it does come with two months of the JRNY program when purchased. The JRNY app is one of the top programs on the market for entertainment choices while working out, and it only costs $11.99 per month if you decide to keep it past the trial period. I was able to easily sync a Bluetooth heart rate monitor to this in no time flat.
Recumbent bikes are those with a reclining seat and more of a horizontal plane of exercise. As a powerlifter and bodybuilder, one of the things I really like about these bikes is little stress they put on my spine while focusing on my quadriceps. I can feel the lactic acid build up in my quads while driving through the resistance in much more back-and-hip-friendly position this way. Make no mistake, you can really crank up the resistance and speed here with this unit just like a spin bike, but you’ll have much broader seat in which to do it.
But in addition to JRNY, this bike syncs with Zwift, Peloton, Sufferfest, Rouvy, TrainerRoad, FulGaz, and Tacx, for data sharing by way of its 7″ backlit LCD screen.
Measuring only 66.4” x 28” x 47” at a machine weight of 107.6 pounds, it sports a maximum user weight of 330 pounds. The warranty strikes me as solid given the price, with 10 years for the frame, two years for the parts, one year for electrical, and 90 days for labor.
In terms of performance, the unit features 25 resistance levels of silent magnetic resistance. The great thing about magnetic resistance is how smoothly it works. If you have roommates or other family members, they’ll never hear a sound. My own dog naps while I ride it’s that quiet.
Pros of the Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike
- Advanced Technology: The Schwinn 290 boasts a high-tech 7″ LCD display which is easy to read. About the same size as a smartphone, it’s compatible with the JRNY app which works on both phones and tablets, as well as Zwift and more.
- Built-in Workouts: If you want to go app-free, fear not. There are 13 built-in workouts which you can use by way of the machine’s 7″ screen
- Comfort and Ergonomics: The ventilated seat fits well for most users and prevents sweat from building up while you’re riding.
- Quiet Magnetic Resistance: This utilizes magnetic resistance, which is my favorite type as far as exercise bikes and rowers are concerned. With a solid 25, it’s impossible to imagine myself outgrowing this model. It’s also hard to see myself waking up the neighbors with the roar of an old-school flywheel.
- Bluetooth: I just assume exercise equipment has Bluetooth these days, and this bike provides. Whether for apps or a heart rate monitor, you’ll be able to sync up quickly with this machine.
- Weight Capacity: I tend to use the weight maximum as an indicator of overall stability, and with a 330-pound max I have no concerns with this bike. I typically weight between 165 and 200 pounds between competitions and there’s little chance of outgrowing this unit. But more importantly, a 330-pound max tells me this bike is solid as a rock.
- Compact Steel Bike: In my experience, you want a bike that fits your house. This unit measures 66.4” x 28” x 47” and is easy to wheel about when done.
Cons of the Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike
- Smaller Console: The 7″ LCD screen is smaller than some others on the market.
- Complex Assembly: Some users might find the assembly process a challenge.
Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike Specs
| Rating | 8 |
|---|---|
| Type | Indoor |
| Console display | 7" LCD console |
| Compact storage | no |
| Resistance | 25 |
| Seat type | Ventilated |
| Programs | 13 |
| Flywheel | 8.16 |
| Weight capacity | 330 |
| Dimensions | 66.4 L x 28 W x 47 H |
Our In-Depth Review Of The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike
The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike comes in atop the brand’s line with $549 the Schwinn 230 right beneath it. The benefits to the 290 are the larger screen and 25 levels of magnetic resistance as opposed to 16. At $749 you do get a great bike which is Bluetooth-enabled and comes with an incorporated media shelf for you tablet or smartphone. As light as this 107.6-pound bike is though, I can easily wheel into the living room in front of my television if I want. As with all Schwinn bikes these days, you’re encouraged to hook up to the JRNY fitness at and a two-month subscription comes with the purchase. Normally that costs $11.99 per month.
With the JRNY fitness app you’ll be able to unlock thousands of on-demand workouts as well as view other forms of entertainment. Whether you use a tablet, phone, or television, it’s certainly worth the trial. But with or without that app, you have 13 built-in workout programs which is more than enough for a lifter like me, and probably you.
One thing I like about Schwinn machines is how well-built they are. As with all recumbent bikes, the 290 strikes you as a little larger than the average upright bike since it’s built with the reclining seat. With horizontal orientation, this bike measures 66.4″ long, 47″ tall, and 28″ wide. Given the $749 price I’m not dissatisfied with the warranty of 10 years for the frame, two for the parts, and one for electrical, with 90 days for labor. My experience is, if you’re going to have a problem with the bike, it’ll be within a few years. One of the good things about magnetic resistance is there are fewer parts with which you could have problems, and fewer maintenance concerns.
Another big plus to the Schwinn lineup is the built-in programs. With 13 workout routines that come with the machine, you won’t have to worry about running out of options if you do decide to app-less. I go back and forth on the value of workout apps myself. I do like them, but I also respect the monthly cost. For those who just want to ride, this model will provide all you need by way of the 25 levels of magnetic resistance.
Other niceties here include the weighted pedals and adjustable, ventilated seat. With a water bottle holder, Bluetooth speakers, and transport wheels, you won’t ride without comfort. Schwinn does offer a $149 in-home assembly plan and if you’re not handy with a wrench, it might be worth it too you. In my experience, it’s often worth the extra dollars to ensure the job is done right.
Who Should Use The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike?
The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike is the upper-level bike in its lineup priced at $749 and comes complete with built-in workouts and Bluetooth connectivity. This would be a great machine for anyone with back or lower limb issues, or anyone who wants to take the stress off the spine while riding. With 25 levels of magnetic resistance, riders of any level can utilize this bike. It’s not a spin bike, so if that’s what you’re needing, keep on looking. But if a solid recumbent bike with Bluetooth connectivity and built-in programs sounds like the plan, this is one to check.
Bottom Line
If the $749 price seems a little salty, check out the Schwinn 230 at $549. You’ll get a few less levels of resistance and a smaller screen, but if price is an issue, keep in mind these are still under $1,000 and come well-built.