The Schwinn Airdyne AD6 Improves Upon Previous Models

The Schwinn Airdyne AD6 exercise bike continues the tradition of well-designed, functional air resistance machines with all new features and capabilities for the new model year.

The Bike

The AD6 features a high-res LCD display with a new RevMeter RPM gauge as well as workout metrics such as distance, time, calories burned, power and pulse.

Let's take a closer look at the specs...

The Schwinn AD6 Airdyne features:

• Drive Belt System / Air Resistance
• Infinite Resistance Levels
• Extra padded, anatomically correct seat
• Contact/telemetric heart rate monitor
• Dual-action Arm Handles
• Max user weight – 300 lbs
• Dimensions/Weight: 49.7"L x 25.7"W x 50.9"H / 112 lbs
• Integrated transport wheels
• Power requirements: 2 AA batteries
• Warranty: 15 yrs frame, 3 yrs parts, 2 yrs electronics, 6 mos. labor

Check out the AD6 Upright Bike on Sale Now at Amazon!

The Buzz

The Airdyne bikes have always been very popular due to their ease of use and quality components that last long and are relatively maintenance free.

The AD6 has become one of the most popular models and reviews are very positive on this bike due to the many improvements over previous models as well as the entry-level Airdyne AD2 model.

The Pros

The AD6 introduces improvements pretty much across the board.  You have a quieter fan, improved shrouding on BioSynch linkage, the new REV meter we mentioned above, new console layout, improved styling, new foot straps, an integrated bottle holder and a wind screen as well as a reading rack.

As always, resistance is created by how fast you pedal...the harder you pedal, the higher the resistance as the fan creates wind resistance.  When you get tired or just want to take a break, you simply slow down and the resistance level decreases.

You can work out your upper and lower body with the moving arms, or you can plant your feet and just work the upper body.  If you just want to do the legs you just let go of the handles. 

Users appreciate the fact that the Airdyne AD6 is compact and fits well in most home gyms.  It's also relatively easy to put together.  It's fun to use and is a good value at under $600 on sale.

Side Note: If you're looking for built in workout programs, check out the Airdyne AD7/Pro model.  The AD2 and AD6 do not come with any workouts.

The Cons

Any negatives?  One thing experts are not thrilled about is the warranty, which seems to be worse than it was a few years ago.  Whereas you used to get 30 years on the frame, you now get 10.  

However, the higher end Assault Air Bike gives you only 5 years on the frame, so it must be an industry thing. The electronics and labor coverage has gotten worse as well.

Typically warranties improve over time as the company improves design and construction.  However, not the case here.  The good news is that these bikes seem to last for a very long time, so there shouldn't be any issues.

How Does the AD6 Compare to the Other Schwinn Airdyne Bikes?

There are currently three Schwinn Airdyne Bikes on the market: the base  AD2, the mid range AD6 and the top of the line AD7.  All of them give you a great cardio workout, with the same smooth motion and cool air fans, but they vary as far as features and capabilities.

Let's take a closer look at the Airdyne bike lineup...

Airdyne AD2

The base model in the series features a high contrast LCD display, 250 lb. max weight capacity, foot rest pegs and transport wheels.  It has a max user weight of 250 lbs. and sells for about $399.

Airdyne AD6

The step up AD6 Airdyne adds wireless heart rate monitoring, a a larger RevMeter display, water bottle holder and a heavier max user weight of 300 lbs, on top of all of the other features of the base AD2 model.  It costs around $699 on sale.

Airdyne AD7

The top end AD7 bike gives you an even more advanced display, a more adjustable seat, a variety of built in workouts and the highest max weight capacity of all of the Schwinn Airdyne bikes: 350 lbs.  it runs about $899 on sale.

Which Schwinn Airdyne Bike Should You Choose?

Unlike with some of their other cardio machines, there is a significant difference in price between the three models, so budget might be a concern.

The AD2 is more of an entry level machine for lighter use, so if you're OK with that you can save some money and go with that model.

Our favorite model in the series is the AD6, as it is a bit sturdier, gives you heart rate monitoring and supports more weight, which is always a good thing.  It does cost about $300 more than the A3, but we think it's worth it.

The AD7 is a great choice as well, but you don't necessarily need that one unless there will be multiple people using it pretty regularly.  If it's just you and one other person, the AD6 will be just fine.  However, the AD7 does give you some programming, and it is even more durable.  Something to consider if you can manage the additional $200.

Our Take on the AD6 Airdyne Bike

The Schwinn Airdyne AD6 is certainly an improvement over previous models, with enhanced features in all categories, so if wind resistance is something you are looking for, this is a very good choice.

The only thing that gives us pause is the warranty, which isn't the best we've seen.  As a comparison similarly priced Diamondback exercise bikes offer lifetime frame and brake.

An extended warranty might be a good idea if you do opt for the AD6, just to cover yourself in case anything happens down the road.  Also look at the base AD2 model if you want to save some money, and for very heavy use consider the top of the line AD7 bike.

The Airdynes have been popular for years, so you can be confident in your purchase.  Just read the reviews to make sure it's the right bike for you.

Get more info, specs and special sale pricing on this bike here!