A great stationary bike at affordable price January 08, 2010

I bought the bike early October 2009 for 2 reasons.

• Hurt my knees from running and tai'chi-ing
• Did extensive research and decided on the SR23 based on price (<500) and ratings.

Bottomline: A very practical and usable bike without tons bells and whistles. Very much enjoys it. Put a small table besides it (see notes below)

Things I like

• Noise: Very quiet. You can say it is absolutely quiet compared to my treadmill, which is a pretty good one. The back can squeak if you don't tighten it up. But the noise is understandable and doesn't bother me much.
• Display: Backlit display is large, clear and easily readable.
• Features: I only use the HRC mode, so can't tell how well the other programs are. The HRC mode allows 3 levels (60-70, 70-80, 80-90 % of MHR). One thing I like very much of the bike is the resistence level, adjustable easily and doesn't make any noise. The heart rate monitor works. Other bikes may boast more programs. But I figure that the number of programs is the least factor to lead to failure in workout.
• Reliability: I have been riding on it 6 days/week, 45 minutes each session. So far, no problem. Of course, I hope it can go for years without problem. So time will tell.

Things to improve:

• Watter bottle holder: This thing is under the seat and you are supposed to put your water bottle horizontally. It is hard to reach, and any leaking will go to the floor. So I put my water bottle on a small table, right besides the book and radio.
• Magazine rack: This thing is at the back. I found little use of it. Since I only read books, I just put the book on the small table as well. This is one example of the extra features that sound great but useless.
• Foot strap: Compared to commercial bikes, this bike has a big paddle/foot strap. Some people may like it, but I found it too large to have a snug fit.  More a preference than a problem.

Totally awesome August 05, 2009

Wow, This is the best for your money buy. I am very happy with my SR23 . Ive had it since the 13th of june and have rode it 6 days a week since. I took note of some reveiws that said they had a noise in the seat, so when we put it together we payed close attention to the assemble of the seat. We made sure everything was tight and right. I love the different programs even thou I choose to do my own routine. I tested many bikes before we purchased this one, so I can truly say, id recommend it to anyone. My fiance works out on his Bowflex and after, he rides the SR35 for strenght training and he loves it as well.

Schwinn SR23 Recumbent bike July 30, 2009

This bike was easy to put together in about an hour. It has nice features and is very easy to operate. The entire family is able to ride it and benefit from the exercise it provides from the comfort of home. It is a great value and quality product.

Love The Bike!!! June 08, 2009

Bought the bike, due to reading the ratings. Seems that most liked the bike. I almost bought a Nordic Trac but after reading the reviews on the model I wanted, I chose not. I only started today and did two workouts! I'm 67 and have lower back problems, so had to give up using a treadmill, and needless to say sitting all the time was bad for me. I exrcised 45 minues eary this afternoon, and 35 minutes tonight. Love the machine. Can watch tv, etc, and it's so quiet. No problems so far except when unpacking the seat bracket was broke, so will call tomorrow to get a replacement. Actually, it's one of the four plastic inserts that goes into the seat bracket frame. All and all the only problem hubby had in putting the machine together was he got the wires done wrong. He thought it didn't make any difference which end went where, but I fixed it. He doesn't like to do anything related to computer parts. I know I am going to thoroughly enjoy this bike.