Customer Reviews:
 Good so far June 2, 2008
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
This is the first time buying an exercise bike for me, and I wanted to make sure that my bike is of good quality. So far, this seems to be the case with my Schwinn 101. I was a little hesitant at first, because some of the reviews seemed negative. However, much of the criticism comes from the poor packaging and shipping, not from the mechanics of the bike itself.
Because I actually bought mine from a local store (for cheaper than the Amazon price), I was able to circumvent the shipping problems. Plus, the local store guys assured me that I could bring it right back if anything was damaged (the packaging was kind of flimsy) or missing. So I would recommend that if anyone is considering buying this bike to try getting it locally. It could save so many hassles.
Set up seemed easy enough (my husband did it for me in about 30 minutes). The bike seems sturdy and I like the sleek, simple design. For the first couple times riding it, I could hear a "ping" noise from the pedals, but I think this is gone now. I am very happy with the way the bike works (caveat: I've only had it for about 2-3 weeks)--I get some serious exercise from it. I'm impressed with how the handle bars count my pulse and the monitor display is helpful in knowing how much exercise I'm getting. Also, it's really quiet. I didn't think the water bottle holder would be a big deal, but it is! It makes hydrating so much easier, which helps me exercise better. The resistance also seems adequate. Mind you, I'm a small person without much leg muscle, but still, using one of the programmed exercises for 20 minutes kicks my butt! And the highest resistance level on these programs is 5 (out of 8 levels). All in all, I'm very happy with this bike helping me get regular exercise.
 Schwinn Bike Breaks and gets worse from there - lousy design April 29, 2008
2 out of 6 found this review helpful
After about 2 years of use, my Schwinn 101 bike failed for no apparent reason - all the resistance gave out. I figured out how to get the screws out of the plastic "shroud" that hides the inner workings, but could never get the shroud all the way off because I could not get it by the pedal assembly. Schwinnn provides no repair directions to help with that step, an don online search also proved futile since all the online manuals from Schwinn cover other topics.
Peering inside, I can see that the tensioning spring came off. But that can't be fixed with the shroud still in place. So, I've been stymied in the efforts to fix it myself and get back on to the bike ...
I have to say this is typically lousy modern design that fails to block failure, AND fails to make it simple to deal with the failure. So, I've now wasted 2 hours in futile repair efforts and have to go the gym each evening to bike until I can buy a new one. I will not buy another Schwinn !!!!!
 Poor packing and poor workmanship March 10, 2008
1 out of 4 found this review helpful
I purchased this bike for the Goldbox price of $239. Placed the order on Dec. 22, and it shipped on Feb. 15. Amazon did keep me informed as to order status.
Upon arrival the box was all beat to hell. Started assembling the bike and the left shroud was cracked. Wasn't about to pack all that back up and take to UPS for return. Called up Scwinn, or Nautilus, or whoever they are, to have a new shroud shipped to me. The gal was helpful and registered the bike for me. Then she asked for the serial number, the numbnuts drilled a rivet through the first digit of the serial number, but she guessed it should be a 3 for this model. I reminded her that I would need a crank puller to pull the crank arm off in order to replace the shroud.
I went on to assemble the bike. The pins in the front panel electrical panel connector had to be straightened with needle-nose pliers. Also found the left front base cover with the moving wheel was cracked. The shrould and gear puller did arrive in a few days.
Got the bike assembled in probably twice the time it should have taken due to the cracked shroud. So far, the bike appears to be stable and quiet. Longevity is a big question due condition the bike was received in.
Best October 28, 2007
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
This is by far the best exercise bike I have ever owned. Easy to put together, easy to operate and extremely quiet. I am so glad that I purchased this bike.
Happy with my choice October 26, 2007
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
I was torn between this bike and the Airdyne. After much deliberation, I chose this bike. The price is right, the technology is just what I need, the size is perfect, and it is so quiet.
The best thing, I think is the silence of the workout. I am able to watch TV with my husband while getting a workout.
The option of using the pre-programemed terrains or the manual resistance is really nice, and it's fun to switch things up.
Delivery was right on time, the box was a bit bruised, but nothing major. All the parts were there, and my 9-year-old and I had it together in about 45 minutes.
My only con: I wish it offered the upper-body workout that the Airdyne offers. I will just have to get that on my Bowflex. All-in-all, this is a great workout option, and I would recommend it to anyone trying to get in shape.
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