Schwinn AD6 vs AD7 Bike Comparison
Schwinn AD6 vs AD7 Airdyne Bikes – Which Should You Choose?
Trying to decide between the Schwinn AD6 vs AD7 Airdyne Exercise Bikes?
Wondering which is best for you?

The Schwinn AD6 and AD7 bikes are Schwinn’s Airdyne bikes – bikes that use wind or air resistance (vs digital or eddy brake resistance found on most other bikes).
They’re also “dual action” bikes – which means that you can work both your legs and arms if you choose. (You can also just work your legs – or your arms – during your workout on these bikes as well).
This gives you more calorie-burning potential than with a regular upright exercise bike (in theory).

Another bonus?
Because of the wind resistance technology you have lots of resistance options. Basically, the harder you pedal, the harder the resistance.
Both the Schwin AD6 and AD7 give you this design of wind resistance – along with moving arm bars and foot pegs (so you can rest your feet if you just want to use your arms).
So how are they different? And which is best for you?
This post will go over the 6 main differences between them that you should know. So you can choose the best model for you!
Schwinn AD6 vs AD7 – Price
Prices on these models do jump around a bit – depending on where you get them. However as of this writing, the Schwinn AD6 is the more affordable bike, coming in about $699 with Free Shipping here.
The Schwinn AD7 Airdyne bike is the next model up (and the premium model in the series). It comes in around $899 with Free Shipping here.
So the AD6 model is a bit easier on the budget.
Schwinn AD7 vs AD6 – Console
Both bikes come with a non-backlit, battery-powered console. However the AD6 is a bit smaller and simpler, as seen below:

The Schwinn AD7 is a bit larger and higher-contrast, making it easier to read:

It has more built-in workouts and easier to reach start-stop buttons as well. By comparison the AD6 console is much simpler and more of a challenge to read.
You may also notice that while both consoles have a holder for your water bottle, the AD7 console also has another shelf that could easily fit your phone, keys or remote. The AD6 console doesn’t have this.
Moving Arm Bars
Both bikes give you moving arm bars so you can get a good upper body workout. However the AD6 comes with standard, basic arm bars:

And the AD7 comes with upgraded, multi-position arm bars:

So you can try different arm positions on the AD7 bike and work different sets of upper body muscles.
Optimized Fan
The AD6 bike comes with a standard wind-resistance fan. However the Schwinn AD7 model comes with a larger optimized fan for higher resistance – and reduced noise.
So it can give you a higher resistance – and run a lot quieter than the AD6 model.
You’ll also notice that the fan on the AD7 is much larger and more of an anchor for the bike – making it a bit more stable than the fan on the AD6 model.

Schwinn AD6 vs AD7 Bike – Seat Adjustment
This is a big one for a lot of people. The Schwinn AD6 seat does adjust up and down – and does tilt. But you cannot move it forward or back.
Consequently, some people have complained that they have to reach to far forward to use the handlebars – which is uncomfortable.

The Schwinn AD7 Airdyne bike seat however DOES adjust forward and back as well as up and down. So you don’t have this problem.
This is especially worth considering if you have multiple users in your home. With the AD7 model – everyone can adjust the seat to handlebar distance that feels best for them.

Construction Differences
The Schwinn AD6 comes with basic construction – basically it’s a starter model. The Schwinn AD7 is a premium model – with several upgrades to the construction quality.
For example, as stated above, the fan is larger on the AD7, adding more stability to the base. The AD7 bike comes with a corrosion resistant, powder-coated steel frame (that you don’t get on the AD6 model) – which again, is going to help it hold up better over time.
Overall the AD7 just looks more finished – with more metal than plastic parts. Whereas if you look at the AD6 it has more plastic parts than metal.

Bottom Line?
So which is best when comparing the Schwinn AD6 vs AD7 Airdyne bikes?
Well, the Schwinn AD6 is definitely a steal in terms of price. And it does have the basics like the wind resistance and moving arm bars for upper body workouts.
On the other hand, the Schwinn AD7 has some features that will definitely give you a more comfortable workout. This includes, most notably, the ability to move the seat forward and back, the larger fan for a more stable base and the higher contrast, easier-to-read console.
At the end of the day however, it comes down to what you want, how many users you have in your home, your budget and preferences.
Want to Learn More?
Click Here for More on the Schwinn AD7

Click Here for More on the Schwinn AD6

Thanks for this article. I’m thinking on an Airdyne bike – but isn’t the Airdyne model a bit outdated these days? Like what benefits over a regular upright – besides lots of wind – does it really give me? Your thoughts? – Jerald
Hi Jerald,
Thanks for your comment – the Airdyne’s main benefit is that it gives you unlimited resistance. It uses air resistance, meaning the harder you pedal, the more resistance you get. However, you’re right in that, with a lot of bikes giving you 20+ resistance levels these days, this benefit is a bit outdated.
The other benefit is the moving arms – so you can work your upper body. However again with bikes like the Nordictrack S15i including a free pair of handweights – there are other ways to work your arms while you cycle as well. So while the Airdyne bikes do have certain benefits – they’re not necessarily as strong as they used to be.
Hope that helps!
– Michael