Customer Reviews
Excellent Bike - BAD courier 
2008-10-07
Everything about the bike (we actually got two) is fine and matching the many positive reports on this site. Assembly is easy and everything - even the tools - in the box. Bike and display are as good as the $2000 models you find in the gym.
HOWEVER: BEWARE OFF ABF, the courier! In our case, they claimed that 1. we could not be reached and 2. that we refused delivery. Despite the fact that we called them immediately when receiving an e-mail from Amazon asking us to contact them directly leading to delivery on the following day, they threaten us with storage charges.
This, to me, reeks of a systematic attempt to up their shipping charges. "We are not amused" - to say the least. I don't have a clue how people who work away from the house during the day can manage not being ripped off by their tactic...
231 +++ 
2008-10-04
Items was deliverd as ordered in about 6 business days. Package and contents were is good condition. After laying out the parts and reading the instructions, assembly took about 1 hour; mechanically challenged should expect about 2 hours. Quality of the 231 is good to excellent. The chassis is sturdy and the connection points are very well designed for strength. The seat & backrest are very comfortable and seem to be well constructed. The cons are: 1) the fan is useless & 2) why have the power adapter external; it should be internal with a long power cord to the wall plug. I intend to mount power strip across the front to plug in the adapter and a floor fan to move some air. Overall the 231 is as good as some of the commercial bikes I have used at the workout center. I have used the bike for several weeks, and as it sets in front of the big screen TV, it continues to "invite" me to pedal even during the presidential debates. Considering the price I paid, I call it a "best value buy".
Schwinn 231 2008-10-04
I read all the reviews and in spite of reading about some having received damaged goods and difficulty with assembly, I took a chance and ordered it anyway. It arrived via AFB shipping with the box intact. My husband offered to help assemble but since I'm the mechanical one of the family I declined his offer and assembled it myself in about an hour. It was very simple. The instructions were perfect and everything works including the elusive pulse monitor that everyone else seems to have trouble with. It's a great piece of exercise equipment. When assembling just lay out all the parts, make sure everything is there, and follow the instructions. You can't go wrong.
Best purchase ever! 2008-09-30
My husband and I are in our mid-50's, each with health issues that prevents us from strenuous exercise. We had recumbent bikes recommended to us, and after extensive website searches, review comparisons, and actual demo rides on other models, I began searching for the Schwinn 230 or 231 BEST DEAL. By far, Amazon.com's pricing on our Schwinn 231 was the best, especially with free shipping! The bike was complicated to assemble, but my best friend had gotten hers from Amazon.com the same day, and said she would come over and assemble ours, too. It took me about 45 minutes to 1 hr. to check off the parts, since the originating shipping company delivered the box to the local delivery company opened entirely up the length of one side! Parts were falling out of the container, and I signed with that disclaimer on the delivery ticket. Miraculously, all were there. It took my friend, with a "little" help from me, approx. 1.5 hrs to assemble the bike. BUT, best thing: we USE it daily. It is SO quiet, we can watch TV, read, talk on the phone or to each other, etc., so it doesn't have to isolate the user from everything in some basement or back corner of a bedroom! The only disappointment I have is the fan - poor quality, very little air circulation. That was one of the main sell
Excellent product performance 2008-09-25
For years, my indoor exercise has been accomplished via Nordic Trac. Unfortunately, lately I have experienced a sore back after using it. That is when I decided on the Schwinn 231 after reading the earlier reviews. I purchased it from Amazon.com and it took roughly a week to be delivered. The box had a few small dents and holes, however, the bike was well protected inside and there was no damage to the bike.
Assembly took roughly two hours, however, it was a relativly easy job. The manual was well organized and clear and the various parts were well marked and coded with good correlation to the assembly manual.
The 231 is runs smoothly and quietly. It exudes quality. The choices of programmed workouts are great and the LCD is easy to read even in a bright room.
When my exercise routine is complete, I have definitely experienced a great workout without the unwanted side effects of back aches and pains, etc.
This is truly a great machine!
could be better 
2008-09-25
Free Shipping! Authorized Schwinn Dealer. The Schwinn 230 Recumbent with added programming and a fan to keep you cool. With 23 programs to meet all of your needs; including 10 pre-set courses, time trial with pacer, 2 user designed courses, 3 Heart Rate controlled programs, BMI measurement, Pulse Recovery and built-in Heart Rate monitoring. Featuring Walk Through Design designed for the elderly, disabled, or those recovering from an injury, or anybody who wants a bike that s easy to get in and out of. The front handle bar provides stability when getting in and out of the bike and also allows for additional riding positions for variety...
Smooth operation 2008-09-22
The bike was easy to assemble but assembly will go faster with a second pair of hands to hold the heavy parts steady while the other person tightens the screws. All parts are clearly marked and secured to cardboard backing that is identified by the part number and corresponding instruction number making easy to match the specific part to the step in the instructions. The bike rides smoothly and quietly and meets all expectations. I can watch TV on normal volume while cycling. The tiny fan mounted on top of the compurter puts out so little air that it is useless as a comfort device. Otherwise, no complaints.
Excellent Bike! 2008-09-19
The Schwinn 231 Recumbent Exercise Bike has been a real pleasure to own. Simple, concise assembly instructions. And a very quiet, pleasurable form of exercise that isn't too hard on the body. With a TV to watch, you can't get a more painless form of cardio. And not having to drive to the gym is some very nice icing on the cake!
LOVE IT! 2008-09-04
Received my bike a couple of days ago. Everything was in good shape. I put it together by myself in about 3 hours. No help from my husband, got aggravated a few times, but totally doable. I love riding this bike, comfy seat,and so quiet. I like the rolling hills program. Perfect to ride while watching a program on TV.
Really excited to start a daily workout on this bike!
Awesome 2008-08-26
I really can't say enough about how great this recumbent bike is. I was very unhappy with a ProForm Elliptical I purchased a while back. I had to return it twice and then got my money back. The Schwinn however, this is a dream machine. Completely silent, and gives me a great workout. I use this in the mornings before my infant son wakes up and I can ride knowing that the noise from the machine won't wake him up...
