Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike Review
The Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike available in black and gray colors is one of the most low-priced recumbent bikes from Schwinn.
It’s primarily designed to be used in a reclined position during exercise and provides back support while being easy on knees and other joints.
Published: January 21, 2022.
Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike Specifications
- Dimensions when assembled: 61 x 19 x 40.5 inches (155 x 47 x 103 cm) (L x W x H)
- Weight when assembled: 67.5 lbs. (30.6 kg)
- Resistance: 8 levels, Eddy current (automatic)
- Maximum user weight capacity: 275 lbs. (125 kg)
- Warranty: 3 years on frame, 1 year each on mechanical and electronics and 60 days each on wear and labor
Features of Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike
Assembly
The resistance elements and drive of the Schwinn A20 comes already attached to the frame’s front part. However, many other parts have to be assembled.
Thus the main seat rail should be attached to the front frame part, and the seat and backrest, front mast, console, handlebars, pedals and the two base stabilizers should be attached. This may take over an hour. The manual contains very detailed assembly instructions and a basic toolkit is also included.
Frame
The Schwinn A20 has been designed a bit differently than other recumbent bikes in that it resembles more a rowing machine. Its front section holds the drive and resistance system and is attached to the main longitudinal bar which acts as the adjustment rail for the seat assembly.
In other words, the bike doesn’t feature a step-thru design like most other recumbent bikes today. Hence, entry and exit on the Schwinn A20 may be a bit difficult for elderly users and users with disabilities.
The main components of the frame are made of steel and are coated with corrosion-resistant paint.
Portability
The front base of the machine features transport rollers which makes relocating the machine easy after the workout. However, the unit is not foldable and cannot be stored vertically.
Regardless if the unit is placed on a permanent position or not, in order to protect sensitive floors, it is recommended to place the unit on the good home gym mat.
Size
The fully assembled Schwinn A20 has a significantly large footprint, particularly lengthwise. The width of the bike is maximum at the handlebar assembly i.e. around 25”. Therefore at least one foot of clearance is recommended on all sides of the bike.
Stability
The bike has polygonal stabilizers on the rear base due to which a better leveling is offered. However, the bike is not very heavy, weighing around 67 lbs. This weight added with the user’s weight offers a lot of stability.
Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike Console
The console of the Schwinn A20 is programmable and has a pretty wide 5”x3” LCD display that shows exercise metrics such as distance, time, speed, RPM, calories, selected resistance level, pulse and final results, each swapping every 6 seconds.
The top section of the display shows the grid of the selected workout program, in which the flashing bar represents which interval of the workout the user is currently in whereas the height of the column shows the amount of resistance in that interval of the workout.
For speed and distance, metric or imperial units can be selected. There is also a goal-setting function for a time. Pulse can be read by holding the integrated contact sensors. The console is not telemetric though.
The console will turn off after 5 minutes of inactivity.
Workout Programs
Though the console of the Schwinn A20 is not compatible with any online fitness app, nor does it have Bluetooth connectivity, it has 7 built-in workout programs to provide users diversity. These include the Quick Start (or Manual Mode) programs that allow users to freely adjust the resistance while pedaling.
The other 6 are profile programs and classified into three categories: Fun Rides (Ride in the Park, Rolling Hills), Challenges (Cross-Training, Uphill Finish) and Mountains (Pyramids, Pikes Peak). Each of these has individual buttons on the console and its own specifications. For each of them, users can set up a duration they want, although the default time is 15 minutes.
Also, for each program, the resistance will be auto-adjusted, for that particular program.
Seat and Backrest
The Schwinn A20 features an ergonomic seat with 16” wide bottom section. The backrest is around 17” high and a few inches narrower than the seat.
Seat as well as backrest has a thick layer of foam padding finished with durable and sweat-proof vinyl upholstery.
There are 12 adjustment notches at the distance of around 1” between them on the adjustment rail of the seat. Thus users in the range of heights from 4’10” to 6’2” can comfortably use the bike with complete leg extension. Even taller user can use the bike, but may not get full leg extension.
The backrest is not independently adjustable. It doesn’t recline, not its height can be adjusted. However, it provides a very firm lumbar support. It’s attached to the two-seat frame bars.
A turn knob is located under the seat on the right side with which the seat can be adjusted. Thus the seat cannot be adjusted while user is sitting on it. However, seat adjustment is a job of just a few seconds.
Handlebars
The Schwinn A20 has a set of handlebars that are connected straight to the seat assembly. They have rubberized grips for hand adherence and comfort. They also integrate stainless steel contact sensors for pulse monitoring.
Resistance and Drive
The bike is equipped with an automatic eddy current resistance system. It includes a servo motor and magnetic brake. Thus the resistance can only be adjusted via the console. When users select a particular tension level from the console, the intensity of the magnet’s pull on the flywheel will be changed by the motor resulting in a lower or higher pedaling difficulty.
Obviously, as it’s an automatic resistance adjustment, the machine should be connected to a power source. 4 D-type batteries (not included) power the console. Also there is an optional AC adapter rated 120V 60Hz Input and 9VDC 500 mA Output.
There are 8 levels of resistance. The difficulty level at the lower levels is very little, great for users with disabilities, whereas the 8th level offers sufficient pedaling challenge for users to break a sweat soon, burn more calories and have an intense workout for leg muscles.
The internal flywheel of the bike is perimeter-weighted due to which it delivers a steady pace and a higher inertia. Taking the bike’s overall weight into consideration, the weight of the flywheel should not be more than 20 lbs.
Since the flywheel is bi-directional, users can pedal in the reverse direction too. During reverse pedaling, the resistance remains unchanged provided by the selected level.
Similar to the exercise bikes having an eddy current resistance system, the Schwinn A20 uses a belt transmission. A heavy-duty rubber belt is integrated in the bike and delivers a quiet and smooth motion. Unlike a bike chain drive, it doesn’t need any lubrication.
Pedals
The Schwinn A20 is equipped with a long-lasting crank set that features solid steel crank arms. The weighted elements of the pedals allow them to turn face-up when users take feet away from them. Pedals have adjustable straps so that users can secure their feet on them.
Add-ons
The console of the Schwinn A20 offers a sound system that consists of two speakers at the bottom corners of the console. The middle of the console has an audio jack input, where devices like smartphones, tablets or MP3 players can be connected. However, a connection cable is not included and also the port doesn’t charge devices.
The console has also a tablet holder integrated below its main controls. It’s large enough to accommodate any tablet. However, a larger tablet when placed on it will come in the way of the display and controls.
The unit also has a water bottle holder.
Maintenance
There is not much maintenance required for the Schwinn A20. Because it has a belt transmission, there is no need of internal lubrication. Users have to just regularly check if there are any loose nuts and bolts and tighten them if needed.
Also, the bike surface should be protected from sweat as it can cause corrosion. So, the surface should be wiped clean regularly.
Pros of Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike
- Solid, sturdy construction
- User weight capacity of 275 lbs.
- Large LCD display
- 7 built-in workout programs
- Automatic eddy current resistance system with 8 levels of resistance
- Goal setting function for time
- Total results function at the end of the workout
- Transport rollers
- Pretty light and easy to move
- Comfortable padded seat and backrest with sweat-resistant durable vinyl upholstery
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps
- Pulse sensors integrated in handlebars
- Add-ons like sound system, tablet holder and water bottle holder
- Quite easy assembly
- Quiet operation
- Very little maintenance needed
- Affordable price
Cons of Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike
- No step-thru design
- Display not backlit
- Batteries and adapter are not included
- No front handlebars
- A tablet placed on the tablet holder blocks the user’s view of the console display
- Console not telemetric
- User manual doesn’t contain enough instructions about the usage of the bike; users have to download the full manual for that purpose from the Schwinn’s website
- Short warranty
Bottom Line
The Schwinn A20 is a great recumbent bike for home use and features a fair number of bells and whistles in the form of an eddy current automatic resistance system with 8 levels, a console with 7 built-in workout programs, and comfortable padded seat and backrest, at an affordable price.
Thus, for those who are looking for light to medium cardio workouts, muscle toning, interval training and weight loss, or physiotherapy and recovery training, and are not after a lot of power, don’t want to put a lot of stress on their joints and back, and have no high expectations of getting very intense workout, this is an excellent exercise machine.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
