subject: Schwinn Airdyne Exercise Bike -- Aren't They Really Old? [print this page] Schwinn Airdyne Exercise Bike -- Aren't They Really Old?
I bought this Schwinn Airdyne upright bike almost 20 years ago, and it was used when I got the thing. I had ridden one before, since my dad had an even older one. Look, I really would like to get a newer bike. But how can you justify that when this thing works so well and just goes on and on? Here's why... 1. Simple, rugged construction. There isn't much to tear up on the Air-Dyne. It's mostly just heavy duty mechanical simplicity. This bike is almost completely void of electronics and computers and such and that's one reason it's almost trouble-free. 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. Comfort seating... It's not a recumbent, but don't be fooled. It's a comfortable ride. The big comfortable seat makes it easier to keep going a long time. The seat's tough too. 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. You get to mix it up a bit. You can work just the lower body or upper body or both at the same time. It's a great way to fight boredom... It substitutes varied motions and activity for complicated electronics and computers which may not be a bad trade. 4. That fan. The resistance is created by turning the big fan. That makes for quite a wind storm. The faster you go, the faster the fan turns and the more resistance. The fan makes lots of noise but just wind noise. Banging and mechanical noise is mostly absent. 5. Solid... This is a solid machine. It's heavy and built to last. Here's the thing... It's durable and rugged construction and a very stable platform for working. That means it just cries out for hard riding. Hard workouts produce all but no swaying and rocking. It's just stable and built for work. 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. But for real progress, you can devise circuit workouts. Vary the pace and get best results. You can also get off the bike and do a set of exercises and then hop back on. This bike cries out for hard use. Since the arms get a workout in normal use of one of these dual action bikes, the overall results you get from using one of these is more balanced and tends to help you achieve better overall conditioning. 7. Not too many second sales... I estimate Schwinn rarely sells a second Airdyne to anyone... Know why? You can't wear out the first one! You probably will only need one of these machines. If there's a classic exercise machine, The Schwinn Airdyne upright bike is probably it. Fun to use, it's built to use and built to last. It's not the cheapest bike to buy, but it's a real deal when you see the quality... A newer version is now offered called the Schwinn Airdyne Comp. With the Evo you get a quieter ride in a bike with a smaller footprint.