In this article, we are comparing the Schwinn 190 Upright Bike and the Schwinn 130 Upright Bike. (aka Schwinn 190 vs 130)
While they are both decent indoor cycling systems produced by Schwinn and share some similarities, they are also different from each other in key aspects.
Schwinn 190 boasts some advantages over Schwinn 130 when it comes to its weight limit, access to training apps and programs among other things.
That is why we picked Schwinn 190 as the winner against Schwinn 170.
In our decision, we relied on users’ reviews, the specs of two models, and our own experience with upright bikes. To see a more in-depth analysis comparing Schwinn 190 and 170, keep on reading!
At A Glance
After reviewing the specifications and qualities of both bikes, we picked Schwinn 190 as the superior upright bike.
We picked 190 as the winner due to its unlimited access to workout programs, adjustable comfort seat, 25 levels of magnetic resistance, and Schwinn 190’s sound system. While Schwinn 190 is the winner, Schwinn 130’s price point is lower and Schwinn 130 may be a better solution for you if you are looking for a budget-friendly option.
First, we start with the similarities the two models share. As you can see Schwinn 190 and Schwinn 170 are actually similar in a lot of ways.
Similarities
Schwinn 190 Bike & Schwinn 170 Bike
- Connecting with Apps: Both are able to work with Zwift®
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
- Drive System: High-speed high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel
- Heart Rate Monitor: Bluetooth® heart rate enabled (strap not included)
- Quick Keys: 10 for resistance
- Number of User Profiles: 1 User
- Water Bottle Holder: Yes
- Fan: No
- Media Shelf/Tablet Holder: Yes
- Switchable From Miles To KM: Yes
- Display Units: Miles or Kilometers
- Transport Wheels: Yes
- Rear Stabilizers/Frame Levelers: 2 Integrated Levers
- Power Source: Plugs into any standard electrical wall outlet on a 110V-120V circuit. 120V 60Hz AC input; 1.5A output. 90-240V, 50-60Hz adapter included AC power adapter included
- Warranty: Frame: 10 years / Parts: 2 years / Electronics: 1 year / Labor: 90 days
- Switchable From Miles to KM: Yes
- Sound System: Yes
Differences
Now let’s take a look at the differences between Schwinn 130 and Schwinn 190. We will go into some of these differences in detail to explain why they would/should have an impact on your decision-making when picking between the models.
| Schwinn 190 | Schwinn 130 | |
| Connecting with Apps | Designed to work with popular cycling apps such as JRNY® and Zwift® (separate subscriptions required) | Designed to work with popular cycling apps such as Explore the World™ and Zwift® (separate subscriptions required). |
| Metrics | Time / Interval / Speed / Calories / Burn Rate / Watts / Heart Rate (Pulse) / Distance / Cadence / Resistance / Program Display | Time / RPM / Distance / HR Pulse / Speed / Calories / Resistance Level / Course Profile / Heart Rate Zone Indicator / % Complete Indicator / Intensity Meter / User Indicator / Goal Track Achievement |
| Resistance | 25 levels of magnetic resistance | 16 magnetic resistance levels |
| Workout Programs | 13 built-in. Virtually unlimited with a JRNY Subscription | 13 |
| Drive System | High speed high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel | High-speed, high-inertia, perimeter-weighted flywheel |
| Display | 7″ LCD display | 5.5″ segmented LCD |
| Display Readouts | Time / Interval / Speed / Calories / Burn Rate / Watts / Heart Rate (Pulse) / Distance / Cadence / Resistance / Program Display | Time / RPM / Distance / Pulse / Speed / Calories / Resistance Level / Course Profile / Heart Rate Zone Indicator / % Complete Indicator / Intensity Meter / User Indicator / Goal Achievement |
| Performance Tracking | JRNY App (Subscription required) | Explore the World™ App |
| Seat | Adjustable Foam Comfort Seat | Padded contoured seat bottom |
| Crank/Pedals | Weighted Strapped Pedals | Oversized pedals with toe straps |
| Handlebar | Adjustable Handlebars | Adjustable prone or upright |
| Sound System | Yes – Bluetooth® Speakers | No |
| Built-in USB Charging Port | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 47″ L x 82″ W x 56.8″ H (119.4 x 32.3 x 144.3 cm) | 41.3″ L x 21.4″ W x 54.5″ H (104.9 x 54.4 x 138.4 cm) |
| Weight | 80.7 lbs (36.6 kg) | 58.4 lbs (26.5 kg) |
| Maximum User Weight | 330 lbs (150 kg) | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
Schwinn 190 vs 130 Comparison
Training Apps
I believe compatibility with training apps is one of the most critical factors to consider when choosing an indoor bike. In the end, entertainment makes it easy to cycle the extra mile.
The Schwinn 130 is compatible with the Explore the World™ App which is a mobile device app that allows you to virtually travel around the world and how fast you travel is based on how fast you cycle. The app is being updated frequently and new destinations are added every month.
Schwinn 130 as well as 190 is compatible with the Zwift app. Similar to JRNY app Zwift offers training plans and also it gives an option for you to create your own. Zwift connects you to a massive social community and gamifies fitness. Zwift is one of the a best cycling apps out there per our research.
The Schwinn 190 in addition to Zwift app is compatible with the JRNY app. Which is a mobile app not only used with Schwinn bikes but also with Bowflex bikes. JRNY app like Schwinn 130 does offers Explore the World application as well as adaptive workouts, virtual coaching, trainer-led workouts and allows you to stream Stream Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and JRNY Radio during your adaptive workouts.
Considering Schwinn 190’s compatibility with more mobile apps compared to Schwinn 130, Schwinn 190 is the winner of the Training Apps category.
Winner: Schwinn 190
Resistance Levels
One of the biggest differences between 130 and 190 is that 190 has 25 magnetic resistance levels whereas 130 has 16. When you have more resistance levels on your bike, you have a higher number of options when adjusting the difficulty of your ride.
For a more casual user who gets on the saddle just to get a sweat on every once in a while, the 16 levels of resistance 130 come with might be more than enough. However, this doesn’t change the fact that Schwinn 190 is superior.
The higher number of resistance levels on 190 makes your cycling experience more adjustable to your preference. That is why we picked Schwinn 190 as the winner of this category.
Winner: Schwinn 190
Workout Programs
One of the main similarities between the two models: Schwinn 130 and 190 comes with 13 workout programs. These preset workouts and challenges are some of the biggest value drivers for Schwinn’s 190 and 130 indoor bikes.
A lot of bikers enjoy following a workout program when they go on the saddle and that’s why we wanted to include it as a category here.
If you are one of those bikers who like the convenience, and structure of preset workouts and don’t want to deal with downloading new programs both Schwinn 190 and 130 are suitable to you.
Although both of the Schwinn models offer a wide range of work-out programs, you can access virtually unlimeted number of work-out programs thanks to Schwinn 190’s JRNY app compatability.
More workout programs mean more diversity. You can go for different workouts on different days to challenge yourself and enjoy some variety in your workout. This is the reason why we think 190 is better is that you can access unlimited programs via the JRNY subscription.
Therefore Schwinn 190 is the winner of the Workout Programs category.
Winner: Schwinn 190
Display
The bigger the better. Schwinn 190 comes with 7″ display where Schwinn 190 comes with 5″ display. I don’t believe many users use the display screen but use their tablets they put on the tablet holder. I don’t think the display size difference matters that much but if you think it matters go with Schwinn 190.
Winner: Schwinn 190
Sound System
I love working out while listening to music. You may prefer to use your headphones instead of using a built in speaker system but having a upright bike with a sound system doesn’t hurt.
Schwinn 130 doesn’t have a sound system while Schwinn 190’s sound system is Bluetooth friendly and can be connected via Bluetooth.
Winner: Schwinn 190
Seat
Both models’ seats and handlebars are fairly comfortable as far as padding goes. We want to point out here that the seat on 190 is foam while the 130’s is not. Also another advantage of Schwinn 190’seat over Schwinn 170’s seat is 190’s seat is adjustable while 130’s not.
Winner: Schwinn 190
Built-in USB Charging Port
Charging your phone while cycling is great. You can respond texts, emails and charge your phone at the same time while cycling on Schwinn 190. Unfortunutely Schwinn 130 does not have a USB charging port.
Winner: Schwinn 190
Weight Limit
If you are a overweight bike rider (heavier than 300lbs) Schwinn 190 is the bike you should choose. Schwinn 190 can carry up to 330 lbs wherease Schwinn 130 can carry 300 lbs. Feel free to check our article best bikes for big guys if you are looking for a bike to use outdoors.
Winner: Schwinn 190
Schwinn 190 vs 130: The Winner
After reviewing both models and their specifications, we picked Schwinn 190 as the winner against Schwinn 130. While both models are great upright bikes, once you do an in-depth analysis comparing the two it’s easy to see Schwinn 190 has some advantages over 130.
The main reasons we picked 190 as the winner include its access to different type of workout programs, its higher number of magnetic resistance levels, extra comfortable seat, and access to more training programs.
Feel free to check out both of these bikes on Amazon (and order one for yourself if you feel so inclined) by following the links below:
