Upright Bikes

Life Fitness C1 vs Schwinn 170 Upright Bike

The Life Fitness C1 and the Schwinn 170 share some common features: they both have magnetic resistance systems, can support users up to 300 lbs., and come equipped with a heart rate monitor. However, the C1’s display is a 4″ x 6″ LCD, while the Schwinn 170 offers 2 DualTrack Blue Backlit LCDs for a more immersive experience. In terms of weight, the C1 is significantly heavier at 117 lbs., compared to the Schwinn 170’s 58.4 lbs., which might be a consideration if you need to move the bike around.

Life Fitness C1

Schwinn 170

Photo of Life Fitness C1 Upright Bike Photo of Schwinn 170 Upright Bike

When it comes to differences, the Schwinn 170 takes the lead with 25 resistance levels, compared to the C1’s 20. The Schwinn 170 also includes a chest strap with its heart rate monitor, which the C1 lacks. The flywheel weight also differs between the two bikes – the C1 has an 11 lbs. flywheel, while the Schwinn 170’s is slightly heavier at 13 lbs. One notable difference is in the warranty: the C1 offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and 3 years on parts, while the Schwinn 170 only provides a 10-year warranty on the frame and 2 years on parts.

Key Differences:

  • Display: The C1 has a single 4″ x 6″ LCD, while the Schwinn 170 has 2 DualTrack Blue Backlit LCDs.
  • Weight: The C1 is significantly heavier at 117 lbs., compared to the Schwinn 170’s 58.4 lbs.
  • Resistance Levels: The Schwinn 170 offers more resistance levels (25) compared to the C1 (20).
  • Heart Rate Monitor: The Schwinn 170 comes with a chest strap, which is not included with the C1.
  • Flywheel Weight: The C1 has an 11 lbs. flywheel, while the Schwinn 170’s is slightly heavier at 13 lbs.
  • Warranty: The C1 has a better warranty, especially on the frame and parts.

Life Fitness C1 Upright Bike vs Schwinn 170 Upright Bike Features Overview

Here we list their main features before getting into our more detailed comparison.

  • 20 levels of Magnetic Resistance
  • 4″ x 6″ LCD
  • 300 lbs. user weight capacity
  • Has water bottle holder
  • Has flywheel (11 lbs.)
  • 25 levels of Magnetic Resistance
  • 2 DualTrack Blue Backlit LCDs
  • 300 lbs. user weight capacity
  • Has cooling fans
  • Has water bottle holder
  • Has flywheel (13 lbs.)

Life Fitness C1 Upright Bike Specs vs Schwinn 170 Upright Bike Specs

Life Fitness C1 Upright Bike Specs Schwinn 170 Upright Bike Specs
Model C1 170
Resistance Type Magnetic Magnetic
Resistance Levels 20 25
User Weight Limit 300 lbs. 300 lbs.
Display 4″ x 6″ LCD 2 DualTrack Blue Backlit LCDs
Heart Rate Monitor Contact & Wireless Enabled Contact & Telemetry Enabled, Chest strap included
Transport Wheels
Flywheel Weight 11 lbs. 13 lbs.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Training and Social Apps Explore the World App, UA, MyFitnessPal, GoogleFit, Apple Health, and MapMyRun
Cooling Fan
Media Tray
Water Bottle Holder
Speakers
USB Charging Port
Weight 117 lbs. 58.4 lbs.
Foldable
Folded Dimensions N/A N/A
Assembled Dimensions 44.9″ L x 27.2″ W x 55.9″ H 41.3″ L x 21.4″ W x 55.6″ H
Warranty
  • Lifetime on frame
  • 3-year on electrical and mechanical parts
  • 1-year on labor
  • Frame: 10-year
  • Mechanical: 2-year
  • Electrical: 1-year
  • Labor: 90 days
Manufacturer Website Link Link
See Price at Amazon See Price at Amazon

Comfort and Ergonomics:

When I first hopped on the Life Fitness C1, I was immediately impressed by its ergonomic design and comfort. The padded saddle was a welcome feature during long rides, and the pedals made me feel secure and stable.
Conversely, the Schwinn 170 boasts a contoured seat that can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally, ensuring a customized fit for users of different heights. During my time with the Schwinn 170, I found these adjustments particularly helpful in finding my ideal riding position, reducing discomfort and strain during my workouts.

Resistance Levels and Durability:

The Life Fitness C1 features 20 resistance levels, providing a broad range of intensity options for riders of all levels. While using the C1, I found its eddy current resistance system to be smooth and quiet, allowing me to watch TV without any distractions. The C1’s solid build also ensures durability and stability, which is critical for long-term use.

Similarly, the Schwinn 170 boasts 25 resistance levels, offering an even more extensive range of workout intensities. I was impressed by the smooth transitions between resistance levels during my Schwinn 170 workouts, thanks to its high-speed, high-inertia drive system.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both the Life Fitness C1 and Schwinn 170 Upright Bikes offer exceptional features and performance for different needs. The C1 shines with its premium build, comfort, and connectivity options, while the Schwinn 170 offers excellent value with its wide range of workout programs and resistance levels.
Consoles of Life Fitness C1 Upright Bike and Schwinn 170 Upright Bike.

Seats of Life Fitness C1 Upright Bike and Schwinn 170 Upright Bike.

Side by side comparison of Life Fitness C1 Upright Bike and Schwinn 170 Upright Bike.