Friday 26 April 2013

Our Review of the Schwinn AC Performance Plus Indoor Cycle

Over the next few weeks we'll be posting some of our reviews of the indoor cycles we offer at Indoor Cycles. First up is the Schwinn AC Performance Plus.
Schwinn AC Performance Plus Indoor Cycle

How Easy is the Indoor Cycle to Build?We deliver all of our Schwinn bikes fully built so there's no need to be too concerned about how easy they are to assemble. It's worth noting that each component, from the smallest washer to the heavyweight handlebars, are of the highest possible quality.

What are the first impressions?
Firstly, the Schwinn AC Performance Plus just looks fantastic. The design and attention to detail is great and it makes for a really nice looking indoor cycle. Here are some of the best bits about this indoor bike:
- It's built like a tank and will withstand any amount of use
- It's easy to find a good riding position.
- The seat and handlebars adjust up/down and forewards/backwards which makes it easy to find a good riding position
- The bike is easy to move because of the transport wheels on the front stabiliser bar, so you can move it out of the way when you've finished using it
- Magnetic braking is very smooth and easy to control
- Heavy and well balanced flywheel gives a smooth ride
- The Schwinn Smart Release TM system is excellent - when cycling you can stop the bike by applying some backward pressure to the pedals. It's a good safety feature
- Chain drive is really quite quiet which you find with Schwinn bikes - the alignment of the crank and flywheel is just about perfect so the chain is much quieter than on lower quality bikes
- Console (optional extra) gives good feeback and is well positioned in the centre of the handlebars

What's it like to ride?
If feels just like riding an outdoor bike indoors. The feel of the chain drive and the riding position make for an excellent ride:
- The magnetic resistance works extremely well which enables you to make the workout as easy or hard as you like, and of course you can vary this resistance during your workout by turning the adjuster knob as you cycle.
- Because of the high quality chain assembly and the pedal alignment of the crank, you get good feedback from the bike and it does feel like an outdoor cycle.
- At high speeds and/or resistance, when you're putting more strain on the bike, it still feels very stable and solid. There's no frame distortion which demonstrates the qualiity and strength of the frame.

Any niggles?
None - this the best bike you can buy.

Anything else to add?
The aluminium component mean that there is no worry about rusting

Overall Impression?
This is a super indoor cycle. It's a popular model with outdoor cyclists who like the feel of the chain and want the authentic feel of riding outdoors.