Schwinn Airdyne Review: Airdyne Pro / AD7 Review

[@jaclynturnipseed4723]

Such a good review. I was torn between an assault bike and the airdyne. I’m going for a schwinn now. Thanks!!!

[@georgeburnette4048]

I’ve had an airdyne for many, many years. The workouts are incredible and it’s one of the few exercises that my extremely bad lower back allows me to do. I just had an AD7 delivered yesterday, April 30, 2024. What a fantastic machine. It is so much more quiet than the chain driven models. The different handgrip positions do change the torque acting on your arms. If your arms are fatiguing you can quickly change to a different grip that will subject you to less torque to give your arms a break. This machine is solid, stable and quiet. The airdyne is also a staple in cardio-rehab programs. Long live the Schwinn Airdyne! Hoping it helps me live longer and healthier.

[@chipsterb4946]

I liked the AD-7 a lot but eventually chose Rogue’s Echo Bike. It feels more stable and sturdy to me. Also, the display is much more intuitive for me. However, I like the multiple hand positions of the Schwinn models.

[@alcheneler1245]

Have a 30 year old Airdyne and still works like new I use it daily and is perfect to get to target HR with no joint stress I use it to stay in shape and to train for high altitude long hikes

[@HighGear7445]

Yes same here . I don't think you can wear them out. I've never had to oil or adjust the chain even.

[@patriciaschuman4205]

@@HighGear7445 I have an ancient one (AD3) that I bought used 10 years ago and after using it for that time, I finally had to have the chain adjusted. Only service it's ever required despite it being used and used regularly.

[@stefanwolf8558]

I finally got mine last week! Airdyne bikes cost a fortune here in the Philippines and I was lucky enough to find one at an American surplus shop, brand new for around $700! I tried these back in 2017 at a local UFC gym and instantly fell in love with it. The lactic acid buildup and VO2max gains that you get from this machine is insane! Well worth every single penny.

[@TaylorRowling14]

Hi Stefan! Also from the Philippines looking for an Airdyne. Do you have a recommendation on the store you bought it from?

[@DumbDogIsDumb]

These things last. I got my AD7 IN 2018 and it’s still solid and hasn’t required any repairs. Build quality is fantastic.

[@franciscohernandez2609]

I have an old one super steady Orange metal air dyne from swinn and it rocks I get an awesome workout

[@georgep.gibson9131]

My air dyne was built in 2003. Paid $326 and change. Used one in cardiac’s rehab and liked. Very pleased. Noise from chain and no wind guard doesn’t bother me in the least. No dents scratches looks almost new

[@lildaredevil5245]

Wow! I just tried out my new AD-7...oh the love of my newfound quietness. I came from having a vintage AD-4, of course, it's chain driven, that beast would make it difficult to do early morning workouts on it because of the noise. I'll be killing HIIT early morning style now, and the wife and kiddies will continue their slumber as I shred it up 😆. Your review is spot on and well presented. I wish that it had a backlit display.

[@garychannell4663]

I have had a Schwinn pro now for 3 years and use it three to four times a week if not more. I retired three years ago and have lost 2 inches off my waist. At 69 years old I can get my heart rate up to about 100% and keep it there for 30 minutes to 90 minutes. Lower blood pressure and no medications. Yes I highly recommend getting this bike to help get healthy.

[@sho1oo]

Just purchased one of these. Cant wait for the results. Thanks for the review.

[@billr8667]

Thanks for the informative review. I bought an AD7 today, but it's being shipped so I'll have to wait a couple of weeks to get it. I had an early version of the AirDyne and liked it. Unfortunately, I needed to move so I gave it to an center for disabled adults. Because of injuries I can't run, take long walks or lift weights, so I think the aerobic nature of AirDyne workouts will help me get in shape and lose those pandemic pounds I've gained.

[@dcat2004]

I have the regular AD7 and I love mine! I’ve had several back surgeries and I cycle outside. Also, mine came with air guard. I bought it off of Amazon.

[@PTProgress]

Awesome! They’re great bikes!

[@marty4723]

I just purchased one of these and the quality is excellent.

[@billbruns9582]

Is this bike good for long and slow training. Like maintaining a 60 to 65% heart rate to burn fat. By long I mean 45 minutes or longer?

[@mjg6377]

Exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you. I’m very sold on this bike.

[@PTProgress]

I love my Pro! Hope you get a great deal on one 👍

[@JayGotcha5285]

You buy it?

[@bobp4036]

I have a mid 90s Airdyne comp and it is pretty loud. Good thing noise canceling headphones have come a long way since then. Clamp on phone holder works pretty well for keeping me entertained while using it. Had an ACL replacement about 12 years ago and using this thing a few times a week keeps the knee feeling like nothing happened.

[@jonulrich5603]

What phone holder do you use?

[@philpaz]

The Schwinn Airdyne is ok for low to moderate use, however if you put it through heavy use with constant intense workouts it fails. I have gone through several Airdyne's. The cheap, flimsy tack welds they use on the bottom of the handlebars near the foot pegs constantly break. I have replaced handlebars and bikes several times. Schwinn needs to beef up these handlebars to prevent the welds from breaking.

[@chuckstenberg]

It does have a lock for the fan assembly. It's on page 19 of the assembly manual.

[@Jon77777]

I’ve had the Ad8 which looks identical and had it 5 years now and still like new

[@HikingForever365]

I have had both styles and the new style with has much more resistant than the original chain driven air dyne. With the chain driven you could sort of cruise but the new style takes more effort to keep it going. I loved the original version but couldn't find one for sale locally and found a brand new one, used for 10 miles, for 500.00!

[@aitonadoni1021]

I have had my ad pro for about a year now. I love it, I ride 60 minutes daily, at about 45 rpms, for a good steady state cardio workout. Recently my bike has developed a moderately loud “clunk” noise, coming from the crank area. It comes on after about 5-7 minutes of riding, and it will clunk through 3-4 rotations while pedaling, then it will pedal silently through the next 3-4 rotations. Most of the time it will pedal silently after about 40-45 minutes, meaning the “clunk” goes away. No affect on the performance, just a new sound it makes, that is a little troubling. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your reply :).

[@rxonmymind8362]

I just bought an ad2 in near mint condition for $5. Lol. I've been debating whether I would like these so-called assault bikes and decided to get this one on a whim. I have no cartilage in either of my knees so I have to build up the muscles around them to compensate. My doctor says to keep moving and in that regard I also have a treadmill. Now that I have added the Schwinn hair dying to my stable I'm looking forward to some good cardio workout. Funny thing is even with no cartilage in neither of my knees I can still kind of function at 60% of my youth. It's a little painful after I workout but it certainly feels a little better the next day. Eventually I will have to have knee replacement but for now I'm doing okay with the occasional Advil. On the Schwinn I'm very impressed with the build quality. If I like it I will certainly upgrade.

[@darlaevitts3459]

I have an old airdyne that I bought in 93’. Still runs good. It’s loud and chain driven, but it’s been a beast. I have knee issues. I like the ability to switch from arms to legs. When I fatique. High intensity training another nice option. I do have aches and pains. Treadmills hurt me more. Can you pedal backwards on this. ? Nice review. My wife always hated my seat on the old airdyne. I admit it’s not too comfortable. The new one looks more comfortable.

[@jpsilver652]

I have seen and heard many people say the Pro and AD7 are the same. If you could, why are the dimensions for the Pro shorter and narrower than the AD7. Could it be slightly more compact so gym owners have more room on their floors? Thanks for the video and look forward to any info you may have on the differences between the two.

[@georgejameson9317]

I have seen both machines side by side and they are identical. The airdyne pro costs about 100 dollars more and gives the buyer a commercial use 10 year warranty, the ad7 has the shorter consumer use warranty. The 100 bucks covers schwinn’s risk of higher warranty claims.

[@peacesearcher4598]

The AD7 is LEGIT. Well constructed for the money.

[@Bgtrfvcde]

I have a Schwinn Airdyne Evolution Comp that is still going.

[@Thejoeordinary1]

Me too! Thinking about a new one...ad6 is closest thing to the evo comp...but it’s still in good shape so why bother?!

[@user-ki3dj9pu9y]

That little red strap that comes with it is for locking the arms to move it around. Or just bend down and lift it on tje wheels from the back end.

[@bdailey8065]

I just ordered an AD pro a couple days ago. The air diverters are now included with the bike purchase.

[@lionary]

B Dailey, called my retailer today and they said air diverter is not included. It might be something specific to your retailer.

[@mtpugh]

I bought an AD7 from the manufacturer, which I received December 24. The air diverted came with it.

[@lauriemcewen7156]

Thanks. This helped me. Gonna go shopping for one

[@125southernnh2]

I'm up to 180 calories in 15 minutes for my post STEMI cardio routine. Gotta love my Misery Machine

[@garychannell4663]

Original owner probably had a strap to secure the arm or pedal arm that comes with it. Also for some reason mine came with the strap and the wind guard already installed.

[@K.McMillan]

Very helpful. Going for the AD7. Good tip on windscreen (had vintage airdyne with one). YES!! We want reading/iPad rack (virtual rides) and wheel lock (original had one?)

[@brettknoss486]

How does the AD bike compare to the Bowflex Max?

[@PTProgress]

I don’t have a max trainer to compare, but I’ve used ellipticals and I’d say it’s like trying to compare a bike to an elliptical. All comes down to preference. Both will be a great workout as long as you use the machines :)

[@mikes6403]

What do you think of Assualt Pro X ? I live in Thailand and a Schwinn AD8 or Assualt Pro X , cost the same ( USD 1,428 ) . Which one is more durable ? ( because after service and finding spare parts are tough here 😅 )

[@RyanVaughn-j7o]

I have a ad7 but I can't figure out how to get the computer screen to work it stays on 00:00 can u help me?

[@bmp713]

Do you have a video demonstrating how quiet it is? That is all I care about, can anyone hear it through apartment walls?

[@AbeSchreiber]

How do I tell my watt output on the AD7 AND.....is it accurate?

[@Ulipio]

Toggle the "rate select" button to watts (2:20). I think its fairly accurate

[@danamata195]

we have an airdyne D7 - does it need to be calibrated? I folloed the directions for the Pro - but doesn't work for the 7. thoughts?

[@lionary]

Nice review, Tim! Thinking of getting the AD7/Pro instead of the Rogue Echo, mostly for the multiple hand positions--visually speaking at least, it seems that holding the handlebar vertically might be a safer position both for wrists and (less twist on) elbows (and you may allude to this in your review). I do have a question, which is aren't the handle bars positioned too far forward from the seat (or the seat positioned too far back from the handle bars)? Went to try a Pro in person today. I am about 5'10", and with the seat all the way forward (!), and even with back bent forward, my arms/elbows easily reached full extension at the end of the pushing movement. I would have thought that most people should be able to adjust the seat so that the arms end up at a little less than full extension at the end of the pushing movement (similar to the legs)? Or is this supposed to be user dependent--meaning that the user is supposed to control how far his arms extend.

[@PTProgress]

Hi! Personally I think it’s user dependent. I just hopped on the bike to see and depending on whether I was sitting upright or leaning forward I could adjust how much extension I achieved / how much my arms extended. I don’t think it’s an issue based on how I use the bike but I do think there is some variability in how people use the bike.

[@lionary]

@@PTProgress Thanks Tim, much appreciated.

[@shanobix]

Is there a big difference to the upright evolution comp? I found one for cheap idk if I should pass on it

[@Thejoeordinary1]

I have it and am very satisfied with it. The price of a new one was a bit much since I already had the evolution comp. it’s similar to the AD6 from what I understand minus the updated features. It is very sturdy and still gives me a great workout. When (if?) it ever goes down I will splurge on the AD6. Did you get it ?

[@Kencent]

Hello there, Is this bike really loud? What are the Pros and cons about this bike?

[@johnwhitehead5457]

I have a new Schwinn Airdyne Pro (one week old) and when I start to cycle I depress the Start button and then the Calorie/MI/KJ/KM Select button to measure MI and, after about 3 or 4 seconds, the display jumps from MI back to Calories. No matter what I have tried it will not stay at the MI setting. Please advise.

[@georgejameson9317]

The sequence is set your goal measuring units time, distance or calories. Set the level for the unit e.g. minutes, miles or kilometers, or calories. Then hit start then start pedaling after . It will then track whatever unit you selected as long as you pedal, the display will stop with no activity for 2 minutes

[@jjbing3]

I was wondering if you were gonna mention the crappy shelf. I’m going to have to figure out something for that. My water bottle is leaning and pointing toward me. Who came up with this idea. 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@poroian]

I noticed a rubbing sound coming from the pedal assembly. It looks like the plastic pedal cover plate is rubbing against the crank arm with the right pedal at 9 o'clock. Has anyone else noticed this?

[@Valente_Quintero]

Good video. Getting one soon. The pro version

[@PTProgress]

Valentin DeLeon thanks! You’ll love it!

[@strokesurvivor8919]

Hello Tim, I had a stroke 2017 leaving my arm/hand and shoulder without full use, and just recently received Botox to get rid of high tone, anyway I was thinking of buying this model AD8 and starting of slowly and over time use to get fit again. What’s you’re advice ? Harvey

[@PTProgress]

Hi Harvey! I don’t see why you couldn’t use an Airdyne! You can pedal without arms and even use one arm if you want. I’d just make sure the moving arm doesn’t catch and injure your other hand/arm and I think you’ll be just fine!

[@strokesurvivor8919]

@@PTProgress but I use active hand ,Velcro my weak hand too the bars

[@greerhog]

I just got this bike, I noticed that when the fan is moving and you look at it from the front of the cage , especially when viewing the metal strip that goes around the fan from that gap that is in the middle of the cage, my fan has a bit of a wobble to it? Have you noticed this with yours at all? The metal pieces look uneven a bit as it turns, and the entire fan has a slight wobble, or a flex in mine? It doesn’t seem to effect the normal operation of the bike at all so far, it just looks kinda weird and I was a bit worried about if this normal?

[@PTProgress]

My bike does the same thing and I’m not worried about it. Doesn’t affect the performance. For all I know it might be engineered to have a slight wave to it, but it hasn’t been an issue at all.

[@greerhog]

PTProgress thank you for the reply. I wasn’t sure, so that makes me feel better if it’s the same way with yours. Perhaps you are right. I expected the fan to have flex at higher RPMs, I was Just surprised to see that much wobble/play of the fan at lower speeds. It’s still a beautiful and smooth machine and like you said it does not appear to effect performance at all! I love it and hope to get many years of enjoyment out of it! Thank you for the great video

[@chrisocon]

I saw this comment on so many AD7 videos lol glad someone finally replied!

[@jkalhorn4]

You think a person 5’1” would fit on that?

[@PTProgress]

I think so. The seat goes down pretty far. You might want to try one at a sporting goods store first to make sure.

[@howardsilvermintz1140]

Is there a video on the four seat adjustments available for this product? Not much in the directions it came with

[@georgejameson9317]

The seat goes up and down in 1 inch increments with a total range of 10 inches. It also goes up to 6 inches travel closer or farther away from the handles and pedals. The machine can easily be changed to fit anyone from 5’ tall to 6’ 5” in a minute.

[@MJ-rr4hd]

I like the bike but don't like the monitor. The RPM gauge is on the top, the calorie and time is at the bottom, the monitor is spreaded through. Would have been great if I could get AD6 monitor with this AD7 model. Can I get it? Oh 1 more think the pedal is gates style right? So I can probably get pedal straps for this bike ......

[@davedewit8547]

Is there a way to adjust how difficult it is to crank the pedals? I have an older Airdyne with a knob that determines how much effort it takes to peddle changing the pressure on the wheel. I'm surprised that with all the other bells and whistles in the AD7, there wouldn't be a way to adjust this. I find it difficult to ride.

[@PTProgress]

No there isn’t an adjustment for tension like the old airdyne with a knob. Honestly the old knob was difficult to control and didn’t provide consistent resistance in my opinion. While the new airdyne is not adjustable, it’s definitely effective for cardio, strength, and even post surgical workouts.

[@anaksunamun1888]

Is the AD2 worth it or better to save for the pro?

[@georgejameson9317]

Read the reviews the ad2 and ad6 can work for you for Less money but they have fewer features and aren’t as durable. Like most exercise equipment it’s easy to find machines sold used with a discount from 25 to 50% after a year or two. I bought a 1 year old AD7 for 600 a few years ago.

[@Fe2lx]

Thanks for this review. I am thinking about buying one for my clinic but I got two open questions. Is it quite enough to not bother other people too much who train at the same time in a cardio session on other and calmer cardio devices? Is it still good if it is used sperately as just a bike or for an upper body workout only, as well? Best regards Felix

[@PTProgress]

I would say yes to both! Great addition to any clinic

[@Fe2lx]

Thanks mate!

[@schan263]

Are the handles too far for someone who is only 5 ft? When I was in the gym, the cardio exercise equipments usually are too long and I felt being stretched using them.

[@PTProgress]

Not sure to be honest. Might want to stop by a sports store to see how it feels.

[@redwindow9378]

Want to use for weight loss but also will need a full knee raplacement in the near future. Would this be good for prehab and rehab? I know the weight limit is high but do you think bike would wobble at hips with 280lb rider?

[@PTProgress]

The weight capacity is 350 so I think it’ll work just fine for you. I’ve used this bike for knee prehab and rehab with patients weighing 280.

[@courtyard9966]

Great review, i bought one but i dont know how to turn the back light on?

[@georgejameson9317]

No backlight, just a LCD display

[@sokinecola9361]

Not really. A7 uses corrosion resistant coated steel as frame, which lasts longer in its durability. Pro is standard metal. Pro has 20 years frame warranty. A7 has 10 years.

[@Alexpress81]

Duck tape > wind guard

[@USNVA-yn6cp]

where to put a tablet or laptop?

[@andy9319]

I got the ad7 recently and noticed the left arm is a bit wobbly despite it fitting flush into the grooves and screws being tight on. did you notice this too??

[@stefanwolf8558]

I have the same issue with my AD7. Must be a defect with this model.

[@andy9319]

@@stefanwolf8558 have you ever had a chance to contact Schwinn about this?

[@xrphoss6283]

Brand new bike. Can’t calibrate it nor will my dashboard shut off

Read the 1 star reviews of the Schwinn Airdyne on AMZN, they are JUNK.

[@chrisocon]

I read higher reviews for the AD7 and the low reviews were for older versions of the bike

[@billbaber6653]

They have good bad

[@aitonadoni1021]

I feel the clunk in the right pedal at the top of the rotation...

[@scorchy84]

Do you think a 5 year extended warranty is worth getting for these bikes?

[@PTProgress]

No I don’t, not outside the standard warranty they provide. Unless you plan on using it in a gym with hundreds of people riding it a month. If you take care of it, it’ll last.

[@scorchy84]

@@PTProgress thank you for the reply.

[@markevanado9463]

What are the preset intervals on the ad7?

[@georgejameson9317]

20 sec on 10 sec rest and 30 sec on and 90 sec rest

[@chipshirley]

Thanks!

[@briankunkel5274]

That “clunk” in my right pedal eventuality resulted in a loud BANG and now the pedal just spins around with no resistance. Two years old. Disappointing.

[@steveh1121]

Their display is for shit mine stopped working and it’s impossible to find a new one

[@JW-ze9gj]

M

[@USNVA-yn6cp]

made in China????

[@Thomas63r2]

The USA based Schwinn went bankrupt a long time ago, and the name was sold off in pieces. Nautilus owns the Schwinn Fitness name, or is paying rights to use the name. Nautilus also markets the AirDyne under the Octane brand name. The old USA Schwinn AirDyne was of course finished very nicely with baked on paint and the smooth welding found on classic USA made Schwinns. You can always buy an old one and restore it, but it’s easier to buy a new one even if it’s made in China. I just recently bought a Pro model off Amazon for $680 shipping included. The new ones made in China are beefier than the old classic AirDynes: it weighs 113 lbs. vs. 68 lbs. for the old style classics

[@someparts]

Even the old gold ones were made in Taiwan.

[@Thomas63r2]

@@someparts I could be wrong. But I worked for a huge chain of Schwinn franchises in the '70's and I do not remember the original airdynes coming out of Taiwan. Maybe later ones did after I had moved on.

[@someparts]

@@Thomas63r2 Mine has a Made in Taiwan sticker on it. Original gold version, not sure of year. I guess they made them into the early 80s. It still gets hundreds of miles every winter.

[@Thomas63r2]

@@someparts That explains it. I left ~ 1976 or 1977, and by the late '70's Schwinn had serious labor issues. Facing unrealistic union demands the company had no choice but to start winding down their Chicago operations. They probably didn't move quick enough towards Asian production facilities, and they declared bankruptcy in the very early 1990's. The Schwinn of today is just the blue sky of the Schwinn name, ithas no real relation to the classic Chicago Schwinns.