Schwinn Airdyne Pro Vs. AD7 (Home Exercise Bike Comparison)

Quick Comparison of the Schwinn AD Pro & AD7

Exercise Bike Features We Considered

Build Quality

A bike built with superior materials and quality workmanship will last longer. That being said, if you plan on using your exercise bike infrequently, you can afford to make some sacrifices here.

Max User Weight & Height

When it comes to choosing a good exercise bike, it's vital to consider its maximum user weight capacity and adjustability. If you don't, you might end up with an indoor cycle that is uncomfortable to use.

As a rule of thumb, we would advise against anything with a capacity of fewer than 200 pounds.

Footprint & Transportability

How much space an air exercise bike takes up is important, especially if you are short on space. When adding an indoor cycle as a part of your home gym, always consider the dimensions of an exercise bike and compare it to the available space in your home gym.

If you anticipate moving your equipment regularly or would like to store it away when not in use, then transportability is also a factor worth considering. Most exercise bikes come with transport wheels for ease of movement.

Resistance Mechanism & Exercise Levels

Exercise bikes use resistance to deliver an effective workout. To do so, they make use of various types of resistance mechanisms, with two of the most common being air and magnetic resistance.

Air resistance bikes are the most common and easy to use. Air exercise bikes also come with infinite resistance levels, making them a popular choice for home gyms.

Although magnetic resistance is considered superior, bikes that use magnetic resistance are typically more expensive.

For most home gym owners, air resistance is perfectly adequate.

Comfort & Adjustability

Creating as little resistance as possible when it comes to wanting to use the bike is important to meet long term fitness goals, so pay attention to the comfort of the bike. After all, the more comfortable, the fewer excuses you have not to get on the bike.

The ability to fine-tune the height of both your armbars and seat will ensure comfort. A comfortable seat and padded handlebars will also increase comfort levels.

Convenience

For those who are new to the world of fitness equipment, it's scary to see 'requires assembly' in any new purchase.

The good news is, most exercise bikes are straightforward to put together and come prebuilt or require only minimal assembly.

Indoor exercise bikes are typically easy to maintain, which adds to the convenience.

Price Guide

Indoor exercise bikes come in a range of price points. You can still find some hidden gems at the lower end of the scale, just don't expect them to contain all the bells and whistles of high-end models.

It's easy to get carried away and spend a lot of money on fitness equipment, which is why it's important to first decide exactly what features you need and those you can ignore.

Quiet & Smooth Operations

This factor is more crucial in air exercise bikes than with other types because the fan blades of air exercise bikes can create a lot of noise. This is one of the disadvantages of air resistance over magnetic resistance.

If you're installing your bike in a garage or dedicated room in your home, this factor won't be as important as if you were putting it in your living room or bedroom.

Integration with Different Tech

There's an app for everything these days, so the ability to connect your device to your equipment is a must-have feature for most users.

Though nonessential, having an interactive training app, such as those offered by Peloton or Zwift, helps you from burning out by keeping you engaged in your workouts.

Warranty Length & Type

Knowing the warranty that your exercise bike has will give you a sense of security.

As a rule of thumb, more expensive bikes will often come with a longer warranty. As a minimum, we would look for a one-year warranty on the frame and parts. The good news is, many exercise bikes come with much longer warranties for peace of mind.

Extra Features

New features are continually being added to exercise equipment to make the experience much more comfortable. Although not technically essential, extra features such as a water bottle holder or media shelf really help to keep your workout on track.

Side by Side Comparison: Schwinn AD Pro vs. AD7

Durability & Build Quality

The frame of the Schwinn AD7 beats out the AD Pro here. Its powder-coated steel frame gives it more durability than the standard metal frame of the Schwinn AD Pro.

See, powder-coating steel lets it withstand more damage, adding to the longevity of the frame. That is because it makes the steel frame resistant to corrosion caused by moisture and humidity.

User Weight & Height Needs

Both the Schwinn AD Pro and the AD7 have a maximum user weight of 350-pounds - which is more than enough for most users.

Both air exercise bikes can accommodate users between 4'8" to 6'2".

Size of Unit & Portability

The Schwinn AD Pro and the AD7 have the same dimensions, with wheels on the front for ease of transport.

Workout Programs & Resistance Levels

The Schwinn AD7 and the AD Pro both have 9 workout programs built into them to keep you free from repetitive workouts.

One area they do differ is when it comes to resistance levels. While the AD7 has infinite levels of resistance, the AD Pro only offers 100 levels.

That being said, 100 levels is more than enough for the average gym user.

Seat & Handles

The AD Pro has opted for a stationary design for its seat, which is different from most other Schwinn models (including the AD7). The AD Pro receives a lot of praise for its comfortable saddle, which will help keep you on the bike for longer.

Adding to the seat's comfortability are its great fore/aft and height adjustment, present in both models.

As for the handlebars of the Schwinn AD Pro and the AD7, their height cannot be adjusted. However, they do allow for multiple grip positions to make things more comfortable.

Ease of Use

Setting up a workout program on both the Schwinn AD Pro and the AD7 is as easy as pushing a button. Both models are designed to allow you to get on and go, with no complicated setup needed.

Value for Money

In our opinion, the Schwinn AD7 offers more value than the Schwinn Airdyne Pro.

The reason is fairly simple - the two models are relatively similar when it comes to performance and features. As the AD7 is a few hundred bucks less than the Airdyne Pro, unless you prefer the AP Pro aesthetic, use the money saved to pick up some extra fitness equipment.

A hardwearing exercise mat or fitness tracker are good investments to use alongside your new bike.

Noise Levels

The Schwinn AD7 and the AD Pro run on a single belt drive that has been proven to emit little to no noise. Users of both Schwinn Airdyne exercise bikes can attest to the silent and smooth operations of their Schwinn AD7 and the Airdyne Pro.

Compatibility with Tech

One of the most significant drawbacks of these two bikes is the lack of Bluetooth connectivity.

That being said, you don't necessarily need to connect your bike to a workout app, as most fitness trackers will do that job independently.

Using your electronic devices, such as Apple Watch or FitBit, in conjunction with your exercise bike, can help to keep track of your workouts and monitor your progress over time.

Warranty

While the AD7 has a 10-year warranty on its frame, the AD Pro comes with an astounding 20-year warranty. That's not to say that the frame warranty of the AD7 is terrible, as we think that ten years is more than enough.

Extra Bike Features

Both the AD7 and the AD Pro come with convenient features such as water bottle holders. However, only the AD Pro has an accessory tray to allow you to prop up your iPad or device to allow you to watch your own media while working out.

Schwinn Air Bikes Compared

Pros of These Air Exercise Bikes

What We Like

Cons of These Air Exercise Bikes

What We Didn't Like

All About the Schwinn Bike Brand

Schwinn is a world-famous brand popular with home gym owners around the world. Founded in 1895, they quickly established their position as one of the most dominant manufacturers of American bicycles.

Nowadays, their commitment to their customers shines through in a range of fitness equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes.

Assembling Schwinn Air Exercise Bikes

There's no need to panic when it comes to assembling any of the Schwinn Airdyne exercise bikes, as they largely come prebuilt.

For those with no faith in their DIY skills, Schwinn offers an in-home assembly service that will put together your bike for you, with zero effort required on your part.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can I connect the Schwinn air bikes to a wellness app?

Yes, you can! Besides popular options such as Peloton and Zwift, we recommend their training app 'Explore the World' as it allows you to virtually travel the globe from the comfort of your own home.

Does Schwinn Airdyne provide a good workout?

The Schwinn Airdyne series delivers an excellent upper and lower body workout that can help you build and tone muscle or lose weight.

How does the Schwinn AD Pro price compare to the AD7?

The Schwinn AD Pro is a hundred dollars more than the Schwinn AD7. In terms of value, if you're looking for an air exercise bike that has a more comfortable seat and a built-in accessory tray, then perhaps the extra hundred on the AD Pro is worth it.

In our opinion, though, the difference in features doesn't justify the price difference, so stick with the AD7.

How do Schwinn air bikes compare to other cardio equipment?

The Schwinn Airdyne series provides you with quality upper and lower body workout. Exercise bikes are also low impact, which means they put less stress and strain on your joints. This makes them a great choice for those with joint issues or those recovering from surgery.

Where is the best place to buy the AD Pro or the AD7?

Both Schwinn Airdyne models are available on Amazon, offering fast delivery on a whole range of exercise equipment.

If you prefer to buy from the source, then Schwinn has its own website where you can purchase these models as well as their complete catalog of exercise equipment.

Conclusion

Both the Schwinn AD Pro and the Schwinn AD7 are worthy purchases for your home gym.

If you're still undecided, then we recommend the AD7 simply because it has most of the must-have features of the Airdyne Pro but at a lower price point.

Whatever you decide, we are sure a Schwinn bike can help you smash your fitness goals and help build a body to be proud of.