Schwinn Airdyne AD7 Review (2024)

Today we’re taking a look at one of the best Airdyne bikes in this Schwinn Airdyne AD7 review.

An Airdyne is a stationary exercise bike that uses air generated by a large fan to create resistance.

As the fan spins faster it creates more resistance, meaning it adapts the workout intensity to your physical input, rather than any machine presets.

This makes the exercise feel more natural and streamlined.

Athletes engage Airdyne bikes using both foot pedals and moving handlebars, giving them a full body workout.

Schwinn Airdyne AD7 Review: Quick Summary

The brand Schwinn Fitness has existed for over 100 years, combining the best of German engineering and American design.

Their first home exercise equipment was released in 1965, and they’ve been staples in the indoor fitness industry since.

The Airdyne AD7, sometimes referred to as the Airdyne Pro is their top-of-the-line air resistance indoor exercise bike.

Let’s take a quick look at the specs before we do a detailed Schwinn AD7 review.

• Resistance Mechanism: Air resistance (fan)
• Fan Diameter: 27 inches
• Type of drive system: Single-Stage Belt Drive, Rear Drive
• Dimensions: 42″ L x 20″ W x 52″ H
• Maximum Height: 43.25 inches off the ground
• Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
• Monitor: LCD console with multiple displays
• Weight: 113 pounds
• Warranty: Frame – 10 years; Parts/Electrical – 1 year; Labor – 90 days
• Color: Black with red and steel details

The Schwinn AD7 Airdyne Exercise Bike is a high-end machine and one of the best in its category.

The build quality on the Schwinn AD7 is superb.

The main frame construction is made from steel, which is powder coated to make it corrosion-resistant and protect it from wear and tear, increasing the bike’s lifecycle.

Accompanying it is a 10-year frame warranty to make you even more secure in your purchase.

The large resistance fan is driven by a Single-stage direct drive belt system which is noticeably smoother compared to chain-driven bikes.

Air resistance adapts the workout intensity according to your input, although the large fans on Airdyne bikes are generally noisy.

The LCD is large, bright, easy to read, and intuitive, and tracks all necessary info including time, distance, speed, calories, watts, RPM, and even Heart Rate.

This bike will fit a majority of athletic builds, as both the seat and handlebars are adjustable in various directions.

Overall, I highly recommend it for commercial and garage gyms, although the fan might be too loud for use in apartments.

Schwinn Airdyne AD7: Review in Detail

1. Overall Build Quality

The Schwinn AD7 Airdyne exercise bike is known for its durable and sturdy build.

The main frame of the bike is made of heavy-duty steel, which feels stable and secure even during high-intensity workouts.

It is also powder coated, which makes it resistant to corrosion, and protects against scratches, chipping, basic wear and tear, and other environmental factors.

The coating also gives the steel a nice, polished look and is easier to just wipe clean.

The construction of this bike gives it a maximum carry of 350 pounds.

The fan resistance system is also built to last long and withstand intense use, making this bike an overall good choice for commercial gyms and large fitness facilities, too.

2. Footprint and Portability

When it comes to dimensions, the Schwinn Airdyne Pro has a footprint of 42 inches in length, 20 inches in width, and 52 inches in height (42" L x 20" W x 52" H).

Compared to most indoor exercise bikes, this can be considered slightly above average.

The bike weighs 113 pounds, which is on the heavier side, but also makes it more stable.

While this makes it a bit challenging to move, the bike does have built-in transport wheels that allow a single person to transport it from one location to another.

To move the bike, simply tilt it forward slightly and roll it on the transport wheels.

Once the bike is set, remember to lock the wheels in place to ensure it doesn’t move around.

3. Assembling 

The Schwinn AD7 Airdyne does come disassembled, but it’s not overly complicated to mount, as long as you follow the instructions.

The bike comes with an instruction manual and all the necessary tools and hardware needed for assembly.

Thankfully, the most complicated parts, including the main frame, drive system, fan, and cranks come pre-assembled.

It’s up to you to screw in the console monitor, handlebars, stabilizers, and pedals, then attach other minor parts such as the seat and foot pegs.

In total, there are 11 parts you need to add to complete the bike, most of which are pairs (pedals, handlebars, foot pegs), so once you learn how to add one, the second should be easier.

4. Drive System

The drive system of the Schwinn AD7 is powered by a Single-stage direct drive system using a belt.

Sounds complicated? Allow me to sum it up for you.

In a direct drive system, the motor and the driven machinery are connected directly using a single belt, without additional gears or connective parts in between.

For exercise bikes, this simply means the power generated by pedaling is transferred directly to the resistance mechanism.

What this means for users is there is no loss of force between the fan and pedals, making for a smooth, consistent, and streamlined workout.

The AD7 drive system uses a belt to transfer power instead of the chain, which was common on previous generations of Airdyne bikes.

Compared to chains, belts are quieter, smoother, require less maintenance, and are less prone to breaking and malfunctioning.

5. Fan and Blades

The main feature and what makes Airdyne bikes unique is their fan-powered air resistance mechanism.

As you pedal and use the handles, that power you create is transferred via the belt to the flywheel.

The flywheel then spins, rotating the fan with large blades that spins and creates air resistance.

One of the main advantages of air resistance bikes is that the resistance is self-regulating.

This means the Schwinn Airdyne Pro directly adapts to the amount of force you generate with your body, creating a workout that feels more natural and streamlined.

In simple terms, the faster you pedal, the harder your exercise will be.

Additionally, the excess airflow created by the fan creates a cooling effect, which keeps you cool and comfortable during intense workouts.

6. Seat

The Schwinn AD7 bike features a large padded seat that provides ample cushioning during workouts.

The seat is adjustable both vertically and horizontally, and it can be tilted forward and backward as well.

The vertical adjustment range is 15 inches, while the horizontal is 5 inches.

At its minimum height, the seat is 33.25” from the ground, and at its max height, the seat is 43.25” from the ground.

In addition, the seat on the Schwinn AD7 is interchangeable with other standard bike seats, so athletes can exchange it for their own professional bike seat, too.

7. Pedals

The pedals on the Schwinn AD7 are oversized and made of aluminum alloy, which makes them durable and long-lasting.

The pedals are flat and don’t feature securing mechanisms such as straps or cycling shoe locks, however, they have a rubberized surface and small knobs along the sides to prevent your foot from slipping.

8. Handles

As with most Airdyne bikes, the handles on the Schwinn AD7 are meant to be engaged during the workout.

This is done by using your hands to swing them back and forth at the same time as you pedal, creating a full-body workout experience.

The great thing about the handles on the AD7 is they allow for multiple grip possibilities, including both horizontal, vertical, or even mixed gripping.

This helps you engage various muscle groups in your upper body.

9. Monitor and Features

The Schwinn AD7 uses a large, backlit LCD to track and display user stats.

The buttons on the console are large as well, and the whole system is intuitive and easy to use.

The main metrics the bike tracks are time, distance, calories, RPM, watts, and heart rate (assuming you have a compatible heart rate device, such as a chest strap, which you have to buy separately).

The console also features several workout programs that can be accessed using the programmable buttons located on the sides of the screen.

These programs include interval training, target heart rate training, and even customized.

10. Accessories

The noteworthy accessories on the Schwinn AD7 include:

• Adjustable padded seat
• Adjustable multi-grip handlebar
• Water bottle holder
• Smart device shelf
• Transportation wheels
• Heart-rate chest strap compatibility

11. Warranty

The Schwinn AD7 bike comes with the following warranty:

• Frame: 10 years
• Mechanical Parts: 2 years
• Electrical Parts: 2 years
• Labor: 90 days

The warranty is valid for the original purchaser only and is not transferable in the case of reselling the bike.

The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, but it does not cover normal wear and tear, damage caused by misuse or abuse, or damage caused by improper assembly or maintenance.

If a defect is found within the warranty period, Schwinn will repair or replace the defective part or component free of charge.

Who Is the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 For?

Airdyne bikes are quite versatile and various users will find it fits their workout needs.

Since the AD7 uses air resistance, the workout it provides is dictated by the amount of force put in by the athlete.

Fitenss and HIIT athletes will find high value in the same force-driven resistance, as it can provide a high-intensity workout in short bursts.

Indoor cycling is also an excellent low-impact exercise that doesn’t put much pressure on the joints, making it a good choice for seniors, people with chronic pain, or those recovering from an injury.

Overall, it can fit the needs of anybody looking for a good cardio workout.

Schwinn Airdyne AD7 Alternatives

Schwinn Airdyne AD7 vs AssaultBike Pro

The Schwinn Airdyne AD7 and AssaultBike Pro are both high-end air resistance exercise bikes.

However, the AD7 has a couple of noteworthy advantages.

For starters, the fan on the AssasultBike is larger and the fan blades are made of metal, as opposed to the AD7’s hard plastic blades.

This means the AssasultBike creates noticeably more noise when in use.

The AD7 also uses a belt drive, compared to the outdated chain drive found on the AssasultBike.

Belt drivers provide a smoother, more consistent power transfer, making the exercise more streamlined and quieter.

They’re also less likely to break down and malfunction from constant use.

While both bikes feature horizontally and vertically adjustable seats, the handlebars on the AD7 are also adjustable.

They also feature a multi-grip system, compared to the vertical grip on the Assault bike.

Schwinn Airdyne AD7 vs Concept2 BikeErg

The immediate thing that stands out in favor of Schwinn is the amount of user adjustability.

Concept2 only allows the user to adjust the seat by height.

Additionally, the height adjustment is tilted backward at a noticeably large angle, which can make the handlebars and monitor seem far away for some taller users.

Meanwhile, the AD7 allows for both horizontal and vertical adjustment, helping it avoid this issue.

Even though both bikes allow you to exchange them for any professional bike seat, the default seat on the AD7 is noticeably more comfortable.

The Concept2 is half as light at 65 lbs compared to the Schwinn AD7 at 113 lbs.

This makes it easier to move around, but also noticeably less sturdy during high-intensity exercises.

Additionally, the monitor on the Concept2 is small and the console is less intuitive than the Schwinn, although the BikeErg gets points for smart device compatibility.

Overall, there is a lot to like about both choices, and it mostly comes down to preference, although it’s safe to say the AD7 is more user-friendly and intuitive.

FAQ

Is the Schwinn Airdyne a Good Workout?

Studies have shown that regular usage will improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your heart and lungs, and reduce your risk of heart disease.

This Schwinn AD7 review explains how to use it for a low-impact, streamlined cardio workout.

It engages your entire body by using both the pedals and handles.

Additionally, air resistance allows you to set the intensity according to your athletic level and goals.

Is Schwinn Airdyne Good for Seniors?

One of the benefits of the Airdyne bike is that it provides a low-impact full-body workout, which can be beneficial for seniors who want to improve their overall strength and mobility.

The AD7 has an adjustable seat and handlebars, which can help seniors find a comfortable position for exercising.

The bike's built-in display is also large and intuitive, helping them easily track their progress without the need for smart devices.

How Long Should You Ride an Airdyne Bike?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults ages 18 and over do at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75–150 minutes of high-intensity exercise per week.

For Airdyne bike workouts, a beginner may start with 10-15 minutes of exercise per session and gradually increase as they become more comfortable.

More experienced users may aim for longer sessions, such as 30-60 minutes.

How you choose to spread this out will depend on your daily schedule and fitness goals, but those are some numbers to keep in mind and help yourself set initial goals.

Conclusion

I hope you found useful information and learned something new in this Schwinn Airdyne AD7 review. To recap, air resistance bikes are an excellent choice for a low-impact cardio exercise that naturally adapts to your physicality. The Schwinn AD7 Airdyne exercise bike is a good pickup both for garage gyms and commercial use. Do you use exercise bikes as part of your workout? Have you tried an Airdyne exercise bike? Let me know your thoughts in the comments and remember to follow my social media pages for more fitness content.

Also read:

• Air Bike vs Elliptical
• Titan Fan Bike Review
• CONCEPT2 Skierg Review
• Assault Airbike Review
• Assault Bike Benefits
• Air Bike Buying Guide
• Freebit Lit Bike Review

References:

1. Physical activity // WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
2. Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review // National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722762/
3. Spinning: Good for the heart and muscles, gentle on joints // The President and Fellows of Harvard College: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/spinning-heart-joints-2018022413237