Our editors independently test, research, and recommend the best products. You can learn more about our review process here.
The Assault AirBike is a popular recommendation for people in the market for an exercise bike with moving arms. With a steel frame, Assault Fitness created this bike to be suitable for athletes at all levels, whether beginner or expert. This product has received endorsements among military personnel and from college sports team competitive cyclists. But is it worth the hefty price tag? We’ve had some time to evaluate this particular model, and in this article, we will share our findings.
Assault AirBike Classic
Design
Price
Features
Warranty
One of the core features of the Assault AirBike is that it is suitable for any strength level. The air fan resistance system adapts to the amount of force exerted by the user. You can also use your arms to work the system while resting your legs. The console is programmed with a Tabata interval training session and includes data such as heart rate, calories, distance time.
PROS
CONS
Product Specifications
AirBike Features
Steel Frame
The chain drive has steel cranks and moving handlebars. The steel is powder-coated to resist corrosion.
25” Flywheel
The main feature of the Assault Fitness Air Bike Classic is the fan resistance system. The 25" fan wheel matches the amount of effort you exert. With cartridge bearings in every pivot, they built this machine to be functional for thousands of workout sessions.
People at Crossfit Gyms often might use an air bike because of the infinite resistance they provide. The harder you pull on the handlebars, the harder you push the pedals, the more challenging it gets. Compared to the Elite model, the flywheel on the Classic model is slightly thicker. To reduce noise, you can pick up a windguard.
The Saddle
You can move the adjustable seat forward or back, up or down. You can also change the angle, depending on how you’d like to work out. To achieve the ideal height, you want to make sure you bend your knee at a 25-35 degree angle when your foot is at the lowest position in the pedal. If your seat is too high, you’ll feel too much pressure when you pedal. If it’s too low, your knees will start to hurt.
Flat Pedals
There are no straps on the pedals of this bike, though there are small metal cleats on the surfaces to grip the balls of your feet as you go.
Power
This bike requires no power, but two AA batteries power the console. You can put your bike anywhere in your home without worrying about whether it is in proximity of a wall outlet. The console should provide all the feedback you need to get an effective workout. Not only is there built-in monitoring, but the machine is also compatible with the Polar wireless chest straps (sold separately). The accessories can give you more precise data.
You can quickly move the AirBike from one room in your home to another with the built-in transport wheels at its base.
The Air Bike not only works your lower body but keeps your upper body engaged with every pivot. With steel handlebars, the AirBike can support your most intense training. As mentioned above, you can work out your arms alone by resting your feet on the pegs next to the flywheel.
AirBike Pros
Another thing that makes the Assault Fitness AirBike unique is that it can provide you with a complete CrossFit workout.
With the integrated monitor to track your progress, you will know just how much progress you've made at the end of your workouts. Some of the information it follows includes heart rate, watts of energy produced, calories you've burned, the speed at which you're pedaling, and distance.
The AirBike console is also programmable, allowing you to set goals for intensity and duration. You can customize your workouts as you see fit.
In addition to the technology included in the onboard computer, the fan has over twenty sealed cartridge bearings to keep your ride smooth. The twenty-five-inch fan should give you all of the resistance you need. And the difficulty of your movements is dependent on how hard you pedal or push/pull with your arms. The seat moves in six different directions to ensure comfort while you exercise.
AirBike Cons
Some AirBike owners have reported issues with the chains. Some have claimed that they can wear out quickly, even fall off. For this reason, you might want to contact the manufacturer for replacements in advance.
Another complaint is that while the handlebar covers provide an excellent grip, they can also absorb sweat that may cause them to smell over time. These issues can likely be remedied with proper cleaning and sanitation and shouldn't be a big concern.
Assault AirBike vs. Airdyne
A similar type of workout equipment is the Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Upright Exercise Bike. To help you make an informed decision before buying, let’s consider how these two pieces of fitness equipment stack up.
At first glance, the Assault AirBike and the Airdyne are almost the same. They both offer infinite resistance, where the pedaling increases in difficulty the harder you cycle. They both have a digital LCD screen console featuring six different workout metrics.
The Airdyne Pro has a reading rack and a built-in water bottle holder. You can also purchase a windscreen separately to use with the bike. The Airdyne is also considerably cheaper than the Assault. Because of the price, the Airdyne a more affordable alternative if the AirBike is too expensive for you.
What you lack in cost, you lose in quality. Some people complained the Airdyne Pro is not very durable. Some owners have complained about broken handles, broken belts, pedals wearing out rapidly. Some have reported breakage as soon as the first week after purchase.
The Airdyne console is not programmable, only displaying standard workout data. And the seat doesn't have nearly so many ways you can adjust it. It just can be raised and lowered, but not much else. Check out more of my reviews of exercise bikes with moving armsWarranty & Guarantee
The AirBike warranty includes:
- Parts: 2 Years
- Labor: 1 year
- Frame: 5 years
Conclusion
The AirBike is one of the better choices you can get for less than one thousand dollars. It's suitable for almost all users, and it's one of the more durable models we’ve tested. Not only can it be used for light rehab, but it also has a long life, as the infinite resistance will adjust to your levels of exertion. It would be a suitable addition to commercial fitness centers and homes alike.
The AirBike is perfect for serious workout enthusiasts that want a long-lasting piece of equipment to add to their home gym. While it isn’t cheap, its long list of advantages should outweigh the negatives. The AirBike should last a long time, it won’t break down unexpectedly, and it will always provide you with a desired level of resistance.
To summarize, anyone who wishes to take their exercise routine to the next level may want to consider purchasing the Assault AirBike. Whether a beginner or an experienced athlete, the Assault AirBike provides the perfect balance of high-intensity workouts and reliability. Great fitness equipment.
Check out more recommendations for the best exercise bikes:
