Schwinn iC4 Review (Peleton Dupe)

Hello Friends! I’m so excited for this blog post because I have fallen in love with my Schwinn iC4 bike over the past couple of months. Many have asked what my thoughts are on this purchase, so today I will be sharing my review of the bike. I will be talking about. what is included, how much I paid, how it works with the Peleton app, shipping timeline, and so much more.

A quick reminder that I ordered this bike during COVID quarantine, so some things might have changed since, including price. I purchased this bike with my own money and this review is completely 100% my own opinion.

How much does it cost and where did you purchase from?

I purchased my bike in mid May so I was able to snag it for $799 plus tax (Roughly $845). However, I’ve noticed it has gone up $100 (as of when this post was written) and is now $899. However, this does include free shipping. I would still purchase after the price increase. I did not pay for the set up fee because I was happy to set the bike up on my own (which I did and took me under an hour).

I purchased directly from the Schwinn website because it was the most cost effective (free shipping) and I figured it would be best to purchase directly from Schwinn incase I had any future problems (easier to contact one company, rather than multiple). I haven’t had any problems so far, so I can’t really share anything regarding this aspect. I did not pay for the extended warranty.

How long did it take to ship and arrive?

At the time of my purchase it said that the bike would be delivered within 45 days of purchase. I assumed this meant 45 business days, so technically it did arrive on the 44th business day. Roughly, about 9 weeks from purchase to arrival. I did purchase when there was slow downs due to COVID-19 shutdowns, so this might be quicker if you are to order now. There is a link that you receive in an email that allows you to check in on your order and see the status of it.

What is Included?

Along with the bike, I received two 3-lb weights that have holders on the bike, a heart rate monitor that can sync with the bike (I use my Apple watch instead), two water bottle holders on the bike, a flat pad that holds the phone or tablet of your choice (I use my iPhone 11 Pro Max and it works great), clips for if you have spin shoes that clip in, toe cages if you want to use regular tennis shoes, and a digital monitor that’s easy track mileage, speed, RPM, heart rate, etc. It also has a spot where you can plug in a USB charger and charge whatever device you are viewing your class from. You adjust the resistance with the knob which is very easy to use while riding. The handlebars and seat are also easily adjustable.

I already owned spin shoes, so I didn’t need to buy those (I believe the Peleton does include these). While they aren’t required to use the bike, I highly recommend investing in some if you are going to be doing a lot of cycling, because you get a more effective workout with them. The only two bonus things I did purchase for the bike are this black mat to put under the bike, and this padded bike seat to make it a little more comfortable to ride on. Both were inexpensive, easy to wipe down after each ride and I’m loving how they are working for me. You can see both in the photos above.

How does it sync with the Peleton app?

I was worried that it would be difficult to figure out how to sync the bike with the Peleton app, but it was actually very easy. The first time I rode with the bike, I simply pressed the bluetooth button and opened up a Peleton class, clicked a button within the class to open up which devices are synced to Peleton and clicked on the iC4 bike. If you are confused you can easily Google and figure this out. I use my Apple Watch to monitor my heart rate and the bike to monitor my cadence; both of which are displayed on the screen during my Peleton rides.

As far as the cost of Peleton works, it is $13.77 for me a month (including tax) to have unlimited access to both live and prerecorded Peleton workouts. I believe the Peleton membership if you have an actual Peleton bike is around $40 a month, so this is definitely a huge savings in this regard (besides the actual bike being less than half the Peleton price). This includes the cycling classes, but also yoga, strength training, running, and so much more! I absolutely love these classes, the instructors, and that I get access to more than just spinning. I especially love the yoga classes and am excited to try the led runs too. I personally haven’t used the Peleton app with a Peleton device, so I can’t share how different it is to use the Peleton app without them. I have found that I have never felt like I’ve lacked anything by not having an actual Peleton device though. I know that with an actual Peleton it calculates your output based on the resistance and cadence you are spinning at, which is used in the leaderboard to compete against others. To my knowledge that is the only difference from not having a Peleton device, but please comment below if that is wrong.

You don’t have to use the Peleton app to use this bike, it syncs with many other apps, or you can ride at your own pace, etc, which I have done as well and love too.

What was your spinning experience prior to purchasing?

I have been an avid cycler since I was in high school. I used to take weekly spin classes at my local gym and in college took some as well. Since graduating, I have often used the spin bikes at my gym to do more of self directed classes since I have taken so many led by in person instructors.

This past winter, I started getting back into spinning 3-4 times a week on days that I wasn’t running. I told myself that if I spun consistently at the gym for 6 months and saved the money for it, I would buy myself the Schwinn iC4 for my 30th birthday in May 2020. As with any large purchase, it’s very important to evaluate realistically how much you would use the item. If you have never cycled before, I would definitely recommend taking some classes to make sure you enjoy it, because that is the most important thing in getting the most use out of it long term. I was planning on purchasing the bike before COVID and quarantine happened, however I am SO happy to have this amazing piece of equipment in my home now, because I don’t have to leave home and was able to cancel my gym membership.

Do you regret anything and would you recommend?

I do not regret ANYTHING regarding this bike. I would purchase it again and recommend it to any of my friends who enjoy cycling and are considering a long term purchase.

Random things to note:

• The bike does require being plugged in to track your workout so you need to make sure you can place it close to an outlet.

• This is VERY important if you are going to buy the Schwinn iC4 bike. The resistance levels DO NOT match up to the Peleton numbers the teachers use in class (I’m not sure if this is for other cycling apps as well). The iC4 is much stronger of a resistance at a lower number. I didn’t know this for a few classes and finally googled it because I couldn’t believe how heavy the Peleton instructors were wanting the resistance. haha You can google it but basically here are the correct conversions —> iC4/Peleton = 5=25, 9=30, 17=35, 25=40, 33=45, 49=50.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post! If you have any additional questions regarding my Schwinn iC4 or Peleton experience, please feel free to comment, email or DM me with more questions! Hopefully I covered everything you could need to know.

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea

Disclosure: Some of the above links are Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. This does not affect the price of the product on your end. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty

11 Things with Andrea #6

I can’t believe how long it has been since I’ve written one of these update posts! I’ve noticed that due to Quarantine, I have a weird relationship with time. It’s moving very slowly, yet I still am very confused how it’s not April still. If you are new around here, these are random update posts that help me share bits and pieces of my life and what I’m up to. They seem to be a favorite around here so I hope you’ll enjoy.

1. I still haven’t gotten used to the fact that I am debt free, even though it has been almost 9 months. Some of that is probably due to the fact that I’m still being mindful with the pandemic of how I’m spending my money, and also that I am not a super spendy person. I look at my budget sometimes and I’m like “I can’t believe I used to have to give away this huge chunk of my income to student loans every month!” It’s pretty great to get to use ALL of my income on my savings goals.

2. I thought I had found planner peace when I discovered the Passion Planner. I do absolutely LOVE the layout and think it’s great for keeping track of my crazy inconsistent schedule. However, I felt like I was overwhelmed with keeping both my home/life tasks and my work tasks in the same space. I had been wanting to try a Happy Planner, so I purchased one and it’s changed my life. I LOVE the disc bound system. I bought the punch and ended up doing some surgery on my Passion Planner to add it into the Happy Planner. I plan on doing a dedicated post to this once I have used it for a little longer and know exactly what I’m doing with it.

3. Mikey and I have been watching the Sopranos for the past couple of months and omg. How was I sleeping on this show, especially being ITALIAN?! Mikey loves a good TV series and over the course of our dating history, has made sure that we watch some of his favorites. Now I understand why he bought me that Sopranos cookbook for my birthday a few years ago. You do get very hungry watching it. haha We’ve had many pasta and Soprano’s nights. We are in the last season and I am going to be so sad when it’s over.

4. I’ve recently started a new morning routine and I am obsessed with it. First, I start the coffee brewing and tidy up the living room. It’s usually a little disorganized from the night before and I love getting it super tidy and clean feeling for the day. Then, I light some incense and turn on some meditation music and plan my day while I’m drinking my coffee. Sometimes I read a little too, depending on what I have doing on that morning. There is something about the calm music and incense with my coffee that gets my day started off on such a positive note.

5. Hamilton, Hamilton, Hamilton. I probably don’t need to elaborate but Hamilton Mania has reached our household and we can’t get enough. We listen to it all the time, we sing bits of the songs to each other and I am not ashamed. We love it. If you haven’t watched it yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! It’s amazing.

6. I’m still obsessed with the Essie Expressie Nail Polish line. I have many colors now and they are the only thing I’ve used to paint my nails since quarantine began. My current favorite shade that I keep reapplying every time I am painting my nails, is the shade Saffr-on the Move. It dries super quickly and lasts SO long which is huge for me!

7. I feel like I can’t write one of these 11 Things posts without sharing a cookbook update! It’s coming along. I am still recipe testing which simply takes a long time! I am hoping to be done with the book this winter,, with hopefully a Spring launch so wish me luck!

8. In case you missed the update on Instagram, I am back to nannying part time. Pre-COVID, my plan was to be done nannying this past June and jump 100% into everything I do for Andrea Fontana Beauty. However, with COVID and virtual school, both of the families I used to nanny for (and adore) asked if I could help out for a little bit during this weird pandemic transition time. I love my boys so much, so it is good to be back, but it’s weird having an actual schedule to stick to for work after having nothing for so long.

9. I finally bought my Schwinn iC4 bike and started using the Peleton app with it and I’m obsessed. I am going to be doing a full blog post dedicated to the bike soon, because I love it and I think it’s a much better option than paying over $2,000 for the Peleton bike.

10. My mental health is tricky these days, which probably comes as no surprise. The COVID pandemic has been really hard for everyone in so many ways and I find that while I have mostly good days, sometimes the days are REALLY difficult. It’s ok to not be ok. 2020 has been a very weird and difficult year so know you are not alone if you have been struggling. I’m always here to chat if you need it.

11. I know that I probably sound like a broken record, but I can’t stress how important it is to support your local small businesses always, but especially during this weird time. Some of the things I’ve done is buy gift cards (I even gave one to my best friend and asked her to go shopping for me with it which was so fun!), started my holiday shopping, shared about them on social media, recommended them to friends, etc. Intentional shopping is key in supporting our communities during this difficult time. Shop less, but from more meaningful sources.

How have you been? How’s your mental health? What have you been up to? Leave me a comment down below and let me know!

Sending you love,

Andrea

8 Positive Impacts from Starting My Day at the Gym

In January, I decided to hop back into my steady working out routine. I missed running consistently and with the added 2020 goals of running a half marathon and buying myself a Peleton bike for my 30th birthday, I knew that I needed to get my routine together.

While I started working out 5 days a week, I completely forgot the amazing effects that a consistent workout routine has on you that don’t involve your physical body.

Today I’m sharing the EIGHT positive effects that implementing a consistent workout routine back in my life, has created. Let’s not forget to take a moment to remember that I also work very hard on listening to my body, resting when needed, and not letting guilt creep in when I want to take a day off. I believe that this is the true way to create a sustainable workout routine that you don’t quit.

1. More likely to do my AM skincare routine:

   When I go to the gym at 5:30 in the morning, I usually bring my gym bag and shower there. This means that I have a change of clothes, towel, and toiletries. I am really good at doing my evening skincare routine, but sometimes it’s hard for me to get out of bed and do it before heading out for the day, especially on days where I don’t wear makeup. I find that having my skincare ready to go in my skincare and makeup bag, makes it a step that I don’t ever skip because it’s right there with me.

2. Not late because I have no choice but to plan in the AM:

   When you have to be somewhere in the morning and decide to workout before, you have no choice but to plan accordingly. I pack my gym bag the night before usually and lay out my gym clothes so that I have as little steps to do before I get out the door in the morning as possible. If you know that you have to be somewhere at a certain time, aka nannying for me some days, I am never late because I know that I can’t be. I find on days when I sleep in and don’t go to the gym, I always sneak an extra 5 minutes or more in bed and find myself more likely to be running behind.

3. I feel more energized throughout the day:

   This one is no secret. I absolutely love how energized I feel all day when I get my workout in early. I love the endorphins! Once you get to a regular schedule, you will love it too!

4. I am more productive throughout the day:

   For me, there is no greater productivity booster than starting off at the gym. Going along with that energizing feeling, there is something about crossing off ‘Gym’ in my planner first thing when I get to planning my day. It sets the tone for my day and helps me stay focused on my goals.

5. I make healthier food choices:

   This one is also another common effect of morning workouts. I find that I crave healthier foods and make better choices because I like to eat specific meals after a good workout, i.e. I usually start with a yummy protein shake and that sets the tone for my food choices all day!

6. Eat a breakfast:

   Going along with #5, when I workout I always have a post workout meal. However, if I don’t run or cycle early in the morning, it’s really easy for me to skip breakfast. I’m not very hungry in the mornings and can easily survive off just coffee in the morning. Working out first thing, forces me to eat that post-workout protein dense meal and start my day off the right way.

7. Able to relax better at night because I can instantly get into relaxation mode when I get home from work. i.e. PJ’s:

   This might be my favorite effect from working out in the morning. I love that by the time I am getting work I have already finished my workout and don’t have to think about it in the evening. My evenings are sacred to me and I love being able to relax or do other things in the evening.

8. Start my day off hydrated:

   The last positive effect is really important for everyone! While I am a really good water drinker thanks to my Hydroflask that goes EVERYWHERE with me, I find that I start drinking my water earlier when I work out. I have no choice but to get 40 oz in with my workout, which again, sets the tone for the day. On rest days, it’s easy for me to go straight to coffee and not get to drinking any water until midday.

As you can see, I love working out first thing in the morning because it really sets the tone to have a productive and healthy day. When do you work out? I realize that not everyone is a morning person, but I hope some of these effects can inspire you to move your body more!

Have a great day,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.