The Schwinn 240 Recumbent Exercise Bike – Smooth, Whisper Quiet

The Schwinn 240 recumbent exercise bike allows for riding indoors in an adjustable padded seat with your back positioned against a backrest. This type of stationary bike is much more comfortable than an upright bike.

The Bike

The Schwinn 240 recumbent exercise bike has an easy to read multi-color backlit LCD display for fitness metrics including time (in both miles and kilometers), interval time, RPM, Watts, speed, distance, pulse, resistance, and calories. The 17 pre-set workout programs include 8 course profiles, target heart rate, and 2 user profiles with custom workouts. The console shuts off automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity.

The specs of the Schwinn 240 are:

• ECB (Eddy Current Brake) System
• 16 Resistance Levels
• 12 Programs
• Grip heart rate sensors
• Adjustable console and seat
• Oversized Deluxe Pedals
• Max user weight – 300 lbs
• Storage rack under the seat
• Rear Stabilizers, Frame Levelers, Transport wheels
• Dimensions/Weight: 63"L x 25"W x 46"H / 117 lbs
• Power requirements: AC adapter
• Warranty: 5 yrs frame, 1-year parts & electronics; 90 days wear parts

The Buzz

UPDATE: The Schwinn 240 is no longer available.  Check out the new 270 recumbent, which is an upgraded version.

The Schwinn 240 recumbent exercise bike has a hefty perimeter weighted 20-pound flywheel, a magnetic ECB resistance system, easy mount walk-through frame design, and an adjustable padded seat with dual-position lumbar support.

It has an integrated heart rate (HR) system with handgrip sensors mounted on the handlebars located parallel to the seat. These sensors send your HR information to the console display. The console can also pick up telemetry HR signals from a wireless heart rate chest strap transmitter (not included).

The Schwinn 240 is an excellent recumbent bike with only one naggily problem to discuss: the instructions. We have seen several exercise bike reviews that complained about the assembly diagrams and brief text. However, Schwinn provides a solution to the small set-up diagram included in the box; you can download a detailed assembly manual from schwinnfitness.com, where you can also get a free copy of the Schwinn 240 owner’s manual. (That’s not included in the box either!)

To get the most out of the console features and programming, you must download the manual. Another tip: some of the bolts are pre-installed so taking inventory prior to assembly may give you a scare that something is missing when it isn’t.

Our Take

The Schwinn 240 recumbent bike is very smooth and absolutely whisper quiet. The exercise bike has transport wheels but we wouldn’t recommend moving it around excessively – you are bound to thump it down hard and jar the computer or wiggle a wire loose in the console.

We don’t mean to imply that it is not a well-built machine; in fact, one user weighing over 500 pounds reported that he uses it and it does seem very stable.

If you are leery about spending $449 on a recumbent bike, you should read the specs on the less expensive 220 recumbent model that has many of the same features, albeit a 13-lb flywheel instead of this 20-lb one, and will save you $100.

In any case, the Schwinn 240 recumbent exercise bike rates a Good Buy.

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