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With 8 levels of quiet magnetic resistance and 6 workout programs to choose from for under $200, the Schwinn A10 Upright Bike represents excellent value for money.
Irrespective of the cost, we want to make sure that you have all the information you need to decide if this is the best choice of exercise bike for your own home gym.
That’s why this review covers everything from the frame design to the assembly instructions, with a quick comparison to the slightly higher priced Schwinn 130 model.
Design features
If you’re struggling to find the right exercise bike for your home gym, the Schwinn A10 Upright Bike could be the one for you.
In terms of design, this is a clear step up from the popular models available for around $150, such as the Exerpeutic 1200.
Although the frame doesn’t fold away for easier storage, the 16 lb of additional weight created from the flywheel casing and base unit helps to improve stability by maintaining a lower center of gravity.
The Schwinn A10 also has the Exerpeutic model beat on the size of its footprint, measuring over 3 inches shorter and more than 2 inches narrower.
To maintain a more natural seated position and help reduce any unnecessary strain on your lower back and legs, the seat has been designed as height adjustable.
This means you can use the small hand wheel attached to the base of the seat support to increase and decrease your distance from the pedals, making this bike suitable for a wider range of body types.
Seat design and power supply
As well as stability, another important feature to look for when choosing a new exercise bike is seat design.
Whether or not you are in a comfortable seated position can be the difference between enjoying your workout, and falling behind with your routine.
Despite being a gel seat that’s been ergonomically contoured to better fit to your seated position, there have still been a couple of reviewers that have mentioned they would have liked a more comfortable seat.
Unlike with the later 130 and 170 models, the seat for the Schwinn A10 isn’t replaceable.
In terms of its power supply, this is generated using a combination of battery and AC power adaptor. Unfortunately the adaptor isn’t included with the A10 model, so this is worth bearing in mind as an additional expense (usually available for around $15).
The Ac Adaptor is included with the bike for both the 130 and 170 designs.
Schwinn A10 Upright Bike – Features Summary
- Easy to read large LCD window tracks your speed, time, distance, calories and more
- 7 workout programs to keep you challenged
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Grip heart rate monitor
- Speakers
Display console design
Designed as one of the lowest priced entry level exercise bikes in their range, the Schwinn A10 inevitably comes with a certain loss of features in terms of the display console.
You still have the same large display size that has become synonymous with Schwinn upright bikes, but you are a little more limited on the preset workout programs, performance tracking, and user profile creation.
In fact, there’s such a difference in features that it’s probably worth making a quick comparison with the later 130 model.
Schwinn A10 vs. Schwinn 130:
Model | A10 | 130 |
Weight capacity | 275 lbs | 300 lbs |
Levels of resistance | 8 | 20 |
Display screens | 1 | 2 |
User profiles | 1 | 2 |
Workout programs | 6 | 22 |
Performance tracking | No | Goal tracker |
Workout feedback | Speed / RPM / Resistance / Time / Distance / Calories/ Heart Rate | Time / RPM / Distance / Pulse / Speed / Calories / Resistance level / Profile / HR zone indicator / % complete indicator / Intensity meter / User indicator / Goal achievement |
Product Dimensions | 27.5" (L) x 16.5" (W) x 47.5" (H) | 41.3" (L) X 21.4" (W) X 55.6" (H) |
Ease of assembly
As we’ve come to expect from Schwinn, the owner’s manual for the A10 provides you with a well written and easy to understand step-by-step guide on the steps required to complete the assembly.
Similar to most upright exercise bikes, the flywheel housing and base unit arrives already pre-assembled, leaving just the foot pedals, seat, base stabilizers, and console to attach.
There’s even a complete walkthrough of how to check and resolve any issues that may arise with the bike’s built-in computer in the troubleshooting section.
If you’re wondering how long it would take to assemble this bike, it should be possible to have the full machine setup within 40 minutes of unboxing all the parts.
Workout programs and the user profile
Being closer to the $200 mark, the Schwinn A10 is one of the lowest priced exercise bikes to offer a range of preset workout programs.
There are 6 preset options to choose from, as well as the classic ‘manual’ option where you can adjust the resistance without following any strict routine.
In terms of the profile programs available, these have essentially been split into 2 different intensity levels, and 3 variations; Course, Pursuit, and Circuit.
- CourseDesigned to replicate the feeling of alternating terrain, with multiple peaks in resistance throughout the duration of your workout.
- PursuitCreated specifically for improving your cardiovascular endurance, these programs gradually increase the resistance throughout your workout.
- CircuitFeeling more like an interval program, Circuit alternates between periods of low and high resistance to increase lower body strength and muscle tone.
Customer reviews
With dozens of reviews currently available for the Schwinn A10 Upright Bike on Amazon, this can be an excellent place to do some final research before deciding if this would be the best addition to your own home gym.
Even with such a collection of user reviews, the A10 remains one of the highest rated Schwinn bikes currently available.
While we would always recommend reading the full reviews to make sure this bike has everything you need for your preferred style of training, we’ve also provided a quick summary of the points mentioned by putting together the lists below.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to assemble (all necessary tools are included)
- Space in the display console to store your MP3 player
- Adjustable seat can accommodate a multitude of user heights
- Built in speakers for listening to your favourite music during your workouts
- Useful selection of workout programs for such a competitively priced cycle
- Quiet and stable cycling motion
- Comfortably supports user heights between 5 feet and 6 feet 5 inches
- Excellent customer service, including several direct responses to lower rated reviews by Nautilus (parent company of Schwinn)
- Free shipping available
Cons:
- Some reviewers downgraded their rating due to an uncomfortable seat design
- AC Power adaptor is not provided
- Heart rate monitor can be slightly inaccurate compared to readings from personal fitness trackers and heart rate chest belts
What’s covered by the warranty?
- Frame: 2 years
- Parts: 6 months
- Electronics: 6 months
- Wear Parts: 30 days
Review Overview
Overall Review Rating
4 / 5
With the Schwinn cardio line being the latest in the company's long history of innovation, the computer-controlled, eddy current resistance system combines years of experience to create a bike that runs both smoothly and quietly.
The battery-powered bike also provides you with 6 workout programs, which is a clear improvement over many entry level bikes that don't offer any. These help to ensure your workouts remain fresh and interesting.
In terms of its size, the Schwinn A10 is still fairly compact, despite the fact that it can't be folded down like some upright designs.
Overall, if you need something that's a step above the basic entry level bikes but don't want to pay hundreds of dollars for countless workout programs, the A10 could be an excellent choice for you.
Product Dimensions: 27.5" (L) x 16.5" (W) x 47.5" (H) Machine Weight: 54.7 lbs (24.8 kg) User Weight limit: 275 lbs (125 kg)
USA Home Gym gives in-depth insights into gym equipment, supplements, and fitness training methods. The motivation behind USA Home Gym is to provide you with information that goes beyond what you can find in any user manual, customer review, or other online review sites.
We go to great lengths to ensure that our reviews are completely comprehensive, usually covering everything from the design features to the warranty coverage and exercise options. This is all to help guide you towards the home gym equipment that’s best suited to your goals and budget, whilst also being the highest quality option in your chosen price range.