Magnetic bike trainers like the Schwinn are a great low-cost option (it typically lists at around $80) if you’re looking for a decent indoor trainer that will give you a good workout during the offseason.
Of course, investing in a stationary bike stand is perfect for those winter training blues or pandemic lockdowns, when you can’t get out as often as you’d like.
And this trainer from Schwinn, backed by the name and branding that come with it and over 100 years of keeping us fit and healthy – while also keeping the budget-conscious of you more than happy – will certainly keep you busy over the winter months!
Grab the latest discounts on this Schwinn Mag Trainer HERE!Why you’re going to want to buy this trainer…
The Schwinn Magnetic Bike Trainer provides you with a realistic ride at a realistic price – with adjustable resistance levels.
Probably more suited for beginners or “lite” users, you will find the five levels of resistance sufficient to give you a decent workout during the winter months. And hey, that’s often all you’re really after, right?
Since it’s equipped with a magnetic flywheel that provides the resistance, you get a relatively smooth and quiet ride. The induced magnetic resistance has five levels that can be set by moving the resistance knob clockwise, away from the flywheel. The setting close to the flywheel gives the highest resistance. By moving this knob clockwise or away from the flywheel, the resistance is progressively reduced. There are no markings on the resistance knob, so you will not know the actual setting unless you reset the knob closest to the flywheel first, then turn it clockwise to get the desired resistance setting. You can also use the gears on your bike to increase or decrease the pedaling resistance.
The setup is pretty darned easy; all you need to do is to manually tighten the screw on the left side of the trainer, which effectively attaches it to the rear wheel of your bike (as far as we could tell, this trainer does NOT come with a rear axle skewer as with most trainers – it might sound like a disadvantage, but is perfect for those bikes that don’t have a removable rear skewer).
Setup is even faster if you thread the L bolt to the knob before attaching the resistance unit in place with the carriage bolt. You will find that the rear wheel is elevated from the frame so that it spins freely, while the front wheel is firmly touching the floor. Once attached to your bike, it provides stable support with its heavy duty frame, and yes, you will get a smooth ride.
With a surprisingly low noise output, you can even watch your favorite videos while training.
And as with many other trainers we’ve reviewed, storage is not a problem since the unit folds down to a compact size of 18 inches x 14 inches from the base to the top.
Things WE loved about this trainer
- Offers five resistance levels induced by a magnetic flywheel, making it appropriate for beginners and professionals.
- Has a sturdy frame that provides ample support to keep the bike stable.
- Provides a relatively quiet and smooth ride.
- Frame has a fold-down design that compacts the trainer for easy storage.
- It comes in pretty light on the scales, at just 17 pounds.
- One year warranty offered by the manufacturer.
Things we DIDN’T like about this trainer
The trainer is not equipped with a quick-release skewer that you put through your rear axle, though older versions appear to have come with the skewer. This means that you either have to search for one online or at your local bike shop, or attach the trainer to your rear axle bolts, which a number of people have suggested is the solution. This leaves us unconvinced, and would have been far more convenient to include a rear skewer in the package, as with most trainers today.
The other thing that left us disappointed is the plastic roller that comes in contact with the rear tire of your bike. It should have been made of a sturdier material that does not easily wear out with prolonged and constant use. Bear that in mind, that you mat have to replace this roller at some point, depending on your usage of course.
So, does the Schwinn Mag Trainer give good value for money?
Yes, it provides great value! Though we have to point out that there are other trainers out there that also provide a good option within this price level, such as this Amazon bestseller.
Overall, mag trainers lose out to fluid trainers for pure quality. But with its affordable price, the Schwinn Magnetic trainer is a good investment if you want a regular workout on your bike that will give you a decent ride. Since the winter months are guaranteed to put you off your outdoor rides, you can continue to enjoy your bike minus the hassles of snow, rain, and slippery roads with this Schwinn trainer.
