In this article, we are comparing the Schwinn 190 Upright Bike and the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike. (aka Schwinn 190 vs 170)
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 170 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 and Bluetooth enabled hearth rate monitor. While Schwinn 190 is the winner, Schwinn 170’s price point is lower and Schwinn 170 is better than Schwinn 190 at certain categories.
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
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
- Resistance: 25 levels of magnetic resistance
- Drive System: High-speed high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel
- Quick Keys: 10 for resistance
- Performance Tracking: Explore the World™ App
- Water Bottle Holder: Yes
- Media Shelf/Tablet Holder: 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 170 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 170 | |
| 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 other popular apps like UA, MyFitnessPal, GoogleFit, Apple Health, and MapMyRun/Ride (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 |
| Workout Programs | 13 built-in. Virtually unlimited with a JRNY Subscription | 29 |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Bluetooth® heart rate enabled (strap not included) | Grip / Telemetry enabled console |
| Display | 7″ LCD display | DualTrack™ 2 blue backlit LCD window system |
| 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 |
| Number of User Profiles | 1 | Up to 4 user profiles |
| Performance Tracking | JRNY App (Subscription required) | Explore the World™ App |
| Seat | Adjustable Foam Comfort Seat | Large contoured seat / Fore & aft adjustments / Post attachment system |
| Crank/Pedals | Weighted Strapped Pedals | 3-piece pedal cranks / Oversized pedals with toe straps |
| Handlebar | Adjustable Handlebars | Forearm rest / Angle adjustability |
| Fan | No | Yes – 3 speed |
| Sound System | Yes – Bluetooth® Speakers | Yes – sealed acoustic chamber for big sound |
| Built-in USB Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| 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 55.6″ H (105 x 54 x 141 cm) |
| Weight | 80.7 lbs (36.6 kg) | 62.8 lbs (28.5 kg) |
| Maximum User Weight | 330 lbs (150 kg) | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
Schwinn 190 vs 170 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 170 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.
The Schwinn 190 on the other hand 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 170 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.
Schwinn 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.
Considering Schwinn 190’s compatibility with much more mobile apps compared to Schwinn 170, Schwinn 190 is the winner of the Training Apps category.
Winner: Schwinn 190
Workout Programs
This is another key difference between the two models: Schwinn 170 comes with 29 workout programs and Schwinn 190 comes with only 13. These preset workouts and challenges are some of the biggest value drivers for Schwinn’s 190 and 170 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, then 170 is the model to go with. 170’s workout programs include 2 fitness tests, 1 recovery test, 12 profiles, 9 heart rate control, 4 custom, and 1 quick start program.
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.
170 offers a wider range of workout programs (29 programs to be exact) compared to the 190 model, which offers only 13. The reason 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 Screen
Schwinn 170 comes with a DualTrack™ two blue backlit LCD screen system whereas Schwinn 190 comes with a 7″ LCD display.
So 170 technically has two display screens, one smaller than the other, and both of its screens are blue backlit LCD. This makes it easier to read displays especially if you don’t have great lighting in the room compared to the screen on the 190 model, which isn’t backlit.
Due to the increased visibility Schwinn 170’s superior screen system offers, we have to declare it the winner of the Display Screen category.
Winner: Schwinn 170
Handlebar
Schwinn 170 comes with forearm rests on the handlebar and Schwinn 190 doesn’t. This is a welcome feature and a source of comfort especially if you put pressure on your upper body. That’s another + for 170 under the Comfort category.
Winner: Schwinn 170
Seat
Both models’ seats are fairly comfortable as far as padding goes. We just want to point out here that the seat on 190 is foam while the 170’s is not. The seats on both models can be adjusted up or down.
Winner: Schwinn 170
Number of User Profiles
This is a pretty straightforward difference between the two models: Schwinn 170 can store up to 4 user profiles whereas Schwinn 190 can only store one.
This should make no difference if you will be the only person using your indoor bike but it is a plus if you intend to share it with other cyclists.
Winner: Schwinn 170
Accessories
Schwinn 170 comes with certain accessories Schwinn 190 doesn’t have, including an adjustable 3-speed fan.
Winner: Schwinn 170
Sound System
Schwinn 170’s sound system can be connected to your modile device through a MP3 port while Schwinn 190’s sound system is Bluetooth friendly and can be connected via Bluetooth.
Winner: Schwinn 190
Schwinn 190 vs 170: The Winner
After reviewing both models and their specifications, we picked Schwinn 190 as the winner against Schwinn 170. 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 170.
The main reasons we picked 190 as the winner include its access to different type of workout programs, its 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:
