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CrossFitters love to hate air bikes, whether they’re cranking on a Rogue Echo Bike, Schwinn Airdyne, or AssaultBike. In this AssaultBike review, I will use my experience as a CrossFitter to cover all three AssaultBike models to help you decide if this is the right fan bike for your home gym.
More Than a Decade of Using AssaultBikes
Our team consists of several fitness experts certified in varying disciplines, including personal training and CrossFit coaching. For this AssaultBike review, I leaned on my own experience with AssaultBikes, which spans years; recent hands-on testing in our fitness equipment facility; and the cumulative 10-plus years of AssaultBike use from other CrossFit enthusiasts on our team.
We use our expert testers’ notes and data collected in our testing facility to rate each AssaultFitness bike from 1 to 5 on a range of factors, including:
- Footprint and portability
- Durability
- Adjustability and ergonomics
- Customizations
- Customer service
A Quick Look at Assault Fitness and the Air Bikes
Assault Fitness is one of the OG CrossFit brands.
The AssaultBike was one of the very first stationary exercise bikes to populate CrossFit boxes around the world—second only to the original Schwinn Airdyne. The brand became a household name in the CrossFit world when AssaultBikes appeared in the 2015 CrossFit Games as the official air bike. It would later be replaced by the Rogue Echo Bike.
There are three models: the AssaultBike Classic, AssaultBike ProX, and AssaultBike Elite.
I’m truly convinced that whoever led the product development team loves to see grown humans cry. Those who have used an AssaultBike will understand what I mean by this. Those who don’t, count your blessings and then join the cool kids’ crying club.
AssaultBikes, like other cardio equipment from Assault Fitness, are designed to withstand commercial use, but they’re a great option for home gyms, too. (Assault Fitness also produces manual treadmills like the AssaultRunner and air rowers like the AssaultRower Pro.)
These manual exercise bikes use a large, fan-powered flywheel and moving arms: A ride on the AssaultBike won’t feel like a ride on your average indoor cycling bike. Nay, the AssaultBike provides an intense full-body workout that gets your heart rate up in no time.
The cool thing about air bikes is they’re entirely human-powered and have unlimited resistance—the faster you crank and pedal, the harder it gets.
Before You Buy:
- Air bikes are different from exercise bikes with magnetic resistance; these have moving arms that make for a full-body workout.
- Choose a model with fenders on the flywheel if you care to keep airflow to a minimum (the flywheel creates a lot of draft).
- Keep in mind that air bikes are not quiet.
- Be careful getting off this bike—the pedals and arms keep moving, and they are known to hit you on your way out.
Are AssaultBikes Worth the Money?
AssaultBikes are expensive, ranging from $700 to $1,300 depending on the model, but they’re not the most expensive exercise bikes out there. Plus, with proper maintenance, an AssaultBike should last for years. Keep chalk and dust off it, and oil the chain to prevent rust.
Many CrossFit boxes with AssaultBikes don’t take care of them like they should (i.e. regular chain maintenance). Despite enduring extremely high-volume use, commercial AssaultBikes last for what seems like forever. If an AssaultBike can last years in a CrossFit box, it can probably last decades in a home gym with proper care and maintenance.
That said, I do think AssaultBikes are worth the money, but of course, it ultimately depends on your needs and budget. Ahead, learn about the three AssaultBike models to find out which one is worth the price tag for your home gym needs.
Great For:
- Trainees who do a lot of CrossFit workouts
- People who want a cardio machine that can provide a full-body workout
- Those looking for a cardio solution they can safely keep outdoors or in a garage
Not Recommended For:
- People looking for a quiet bike they can use without disturbing others
- Trainees who prefer a more traditional spin-style bike without moving arms
- Anyone who wants a built-in, large, touchscreen display, such as on the NordicTrack S22i
AssaultBike Video Review
AssaultBike Specs
| Classic | ProX | Elite | |
| Price | $749 | $899 | $1,499 |
| Drive system | Chain | Belt | Chain |
| Assembled Dimensions | 50.95” L x 23.34” W x 50” H | 51.73” L x 24.52” W x 52.51” H | 55.08” L x 26.26” W x 55” H |
| Product Weight | 95.64 lbs | 125 lbs | 138.89 lbs |
| Max User Weight | 300 lbs | 330 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Console | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes | Yes |
| Interactive Programming | No | Yes | Yes |
| Seat Height Adjustments | 11 | 11 | 12 |
| Seat Length Adjustments | 5 | 6 | Unlimited |
| Frame Warranty | 5 years | 7 years | 10 years |
| Parts Warranty | 2 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Labor Warranty | None | None | 1 year |
AssaultBike Classic Review
This is the base-level AssaultBike: the original “love-to-hate-it” model.
AssaultBike Classic
Assault AirBike
Product Highlights
- Heavy-duty exercise bike
- Monitor is easy to use
- Affordably priced
- Uses a chain drive, not a belt drive
Pros & Cons
Pros
- A staple in many CrossFit gyms
- Great, easy-to-use monitor
- Made of mostly metal for great durability
- Matte black finish
- Comfortable seat
- Rubber grips on handles are very durable
- Affordable for an air bike
Cons
- Chain-driven system that requires additional upkeep
- Some rocking side to side
- Screws may come loose often
Bottom Line
The Assault AirBike was once the standard air bike for CrossFit athletes. In our testing and reviews of the bike, we’ve found it to be durable and enjoyable (not in the traditional sense) to use.
The AssaultBike Classic is as no-frills as they come—as air bikes come, that is. This model doesn’t boast any extravagant comforts or jazzy tech specs, but it does one thing really well: make you sweat.
Weighing about 95 pounds, the Classic is the smallest of the AssaultBike models, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t sturdy. It has a user weight capacity of 300 pounds, a heavy-duty steel frame and seat post, and steel fan blades.
In terms of conveniences, there isn’t much—not even a water bottle holder or media holder. But, I don’t want to knock Assault Fitness for this since the intent of this bike isn’t the same as a bike like the tech-infused Bowflex VeloCore.
I’m inclined to say that most people use manual mode when riding an air bike, anyway. However, there are a handful of programmed workouts that you can select from the LCD screen if you want some touch-and-go guidance.
The Classic does connect to Polar heart rate monitors, so there’s at least that perk, and you get basic metrics including calories burned, distance in meters, and time passed.
If I were going to buy an AssaultBike, it would be this one. It’s durable, it’s simple, and it provides a smooth ride for a fan bike. I’ve used more of these than I can count at CrossFit gyms all around the country. At $750, it’s a solid value.
GGR senior director of content and CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Kate Meier owns an AssaultBike Classic. She bought it used from a CrossFit gym. “It’s definitely got some rust and corrosion in places, and you can tell it’s been used,” she said. “But, it still works perfectly fine for what I need. I’ve had it for about a year and haven’t had any issues other than having to change the batteries.”
AssaultBike ProX Review
The AssaultBike ProX is a mid-tier model with slight improvements on the AssaultBike Classic, plus interactive programming.
AssaultBike ProX
AssaultBike ProX
Product Highlights
- Heavy-duty fan bike
- 330-lb user weight capacity
- Belt-drive system
- 11 adjustable height settings
- 6 front-to-back settings
- Padded seat
- LCD display
- Work/rest LED lights
- Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable, heavy-duty steel frame
- Belt-drive system
- Sealed bearings in each pivot point for smooth ride
- Adjustable seat options
- Financing available
- Low-impact workout
- Scalable to various fitness levels
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Reportedly poor customer service
- Relatively large footprint
Bottom Line
The AssaultBike ProX offers a heavy-duty steel frame, belt-drive system, and seat adjustability to fit most home gym owners. The fan design also makes it scalable to every fitness level.
Editor’s note: The AssaultBike Pro was replaced by the Assault Bike ProX in 2023. If you’re looking to buy an AssaultBike Pro from a third-party site like Facebook marketplace, check out our review on it later in this post.
The AssaultBike ProX was released in 2023, replacing the now out-of-production AssaultBike Pro. The big difference between the ProX and all other AssaultFitness air bikes is that it’s belt-driven, just like the Rogue Echo Bike.
Belt drives are more durable and quieter than bike chains, such as those found on the AssaultBike Classic. Although AssaultFitness’s chains are top-tier, they’re still not as quiet as a belt.
The other big callout is the tech capabilities. The ProX and Elite models of the AssaultBike feature Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the Fiit app and the AssaultFitness app, which hosts workouts specifically created for AssaultBikes.
Not too long ago, connectivity was not the name of the game with Assault Fitness—nor with any other manufacturer of manual, non-motorized equipment, for that matter. However, in early 2023, Assault Fitness announced a partnership with Fiit, a UK-based brand producing fitness streaming content.
Still, you won’t find an HD touchscreen display on the AssaultBike Pro X. Being that the company specializes in manual equipment, it doesn’t feel fair to knock the bikes for not having flashy tech specs.
The ProX is only about $150 more than the Classic, so the upgraded features such as the belt drive feel worth it. See our full thoughts in our AssaultBike ProX review.
AssaultBike Elite Review
This beefed-up version of the AssaultBike features more comfort elements and tech capabilities, but it’s probably not worth the price for most people.
AssaultBike Elite
Assault AirBike Elite
Product Highlights
- Solid steel frame
- Upper and lower body engagement
- Large supportive seat
- Maximum user weight of 350 lbs
- Performance tracking via integrated LCD screen
- HIIT interval programs
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comes with built-in HIIT programs
- High weight capacity of 350 lbs
- Corrosion-resistant powder coating
- 12 seat height adjustments available
- 10-year frame warranty
Cons
- Weighs 140 pounds and can be difficult to move
- LCD screen only tracks basic metrics
Bottom Line
The AssaultBike Elite is the bigger, bulkier brother of the Classic that claims to have a smoother, more comfortable ride. While it is a solid piece of equipment, it doesn't have enough improvements on the original design to warrant its higher price.
To be frank—because I want to save you all the money I can—I don’t think the AssaultBike Elite is worth the money for most people when compared to the Pro model.
Most of the upgrades, such as angled handles or the aluminum seat post, don’t change much in terms of functionality. During testing, I didn’t notice any overt differences in the smoothness of the ride or comfort, and the workout programs are the same through the Fiit app.
The wider seat and included windscreen are nice perks. However, you can purchase the windscreen separately for the Pro or Classic, and some people actually prefer a narrower seat that more closely resembles a road bike.
Also, the drive train on the Elite is the exact same drive train on the Pro. I’d like to see a belt-driven model for an above-$1,000 price tag.
One factor that might justify the cost for some is the more robust warranty with the Elite model: 10 years on the frame, 5 years on non-wear parts, and 1 year for labor.
This model will take up a bit more space than the other two options with dimensions of about 55 inches in length, 27 inches in width, and 55 inches in height. It’s still smaller than the Rogue Echo Bike, which measures 59 inches in length, 30 inches in width, and 53 inches in height.
Before you buy, be aware that the AssaultBike Elite weighs almost 140 pounds, which might be tough to move for many people. You have to really tip this one up high on the transport wheels to smoothly roll it around the floor.
Check out our full AssaultBike Elite review.
Ergonomics
All three AssaultBike models are comfortable for long rides. Naturally, the Elite provides the most comfort during endurance workouts due to the wider, more cushioned seat—but I’ve never experienced any distracting discomfort on the Classic during all my years of doing CrossFit bike WODs (except for the tachycardia that comes with those).
Each model has ample seat adjustments both up and down and back and forth, fitting most people. Kate, who coaches youth athletes, notes that people under 5 feet tall are typically too short to use the AssaultBike, even on its lowest setting.
The pedals also feature four foot-leveling adjustments on all three models. How you position your seat determines your posture during the ride. Generally, most people adopt a more upright position on air bikes than other types of exercise bikes.
All three models also feature foot pegs in front of the pedals, so you can use the bike for upper-body or lower-body workouts in isolation.
Assembling an AssaultBike
AssaultBikes don’t come fully assembled, but the process isn’t terrible. The frame and flywheel do come assembled, so you just have to attach the pedals, monitor, handles, and seat post.
As a former CrossFit affiliate owner, Kate personally assembled half a dozen AssaultBike Classics. The process is pretty quick and easy, taking around 20 to 30 minutes. Because the bikes are non-motorized, there isn’t any electrical wiring to worry about. As a bonus, you can place them anywhere since you don’t need to be close to an electrical outlet!
Customer Experience
You can purchase an AssaultBike from the Assault Fitness website, from Rogue Fitness, or on Amazon. Your customer experience will differ depending on where you buy it, because each retailer has different return, refund, and exchange policies. In general, though, my experience with all three of those retailers has been decent at worst and stellar at best.
Customer Reviews
Assault Fitness as a whole has overwhelmingly positive customer reviews. The AssaultBike Classic, in particular, boasts a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Amazon. The Pro has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, and the Elite has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Most reviews praise the bikes for having a sturdy build quality and providing a great workout.
Some negative reviews call out poor customer service from Assault Fitness, Rogue, or Amazon, but other negative reviews seem to be the result of a lack of research. For example, a couple of reviews state the bike is too loud. Well, it’s a fan bike, and there is plenty of information online about the noise level of air bikes.
Assault Air Bike vs. Rogue Echo Bike
Rogue Echo Bike
Rogue Echo Bike
Product Highlights
- Heavy duty steel
- Overbuilt for smooth ride
- 350 lb weight limit
- Solid foundation for max outs
- Easily portable
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely durable, beefy construction
- Very little rocking or side-to-side movement
- Black powder-coated metal on almost everything
- Belt-driven fan for much less maintenance.
- Easy-to-read LCD console screen
- Legs feature adjustable leveling feet
- Somewhat compact
- Oversized, heavy-duty front wheels
- Sleek, attractive look
Cons
- Larger than other stationary bikes
- Belt drive is overall harder to push than a chain drive
- Not the cheapest air bike on the market
Bottom Line
We’ve tested just about every air bike on the market, and the Echo combines many of our favorite features into one. The belt drive is much more durable and requires less maintenance than a chain drive. The size and weight make it extremely stable, and the price is much less than we’d expect for such a quality piece of equipment.
The Rogue Echo Bike is our overall favorite air bike, as detailed in our guide to the best air bikes. It costs about the same as the AssaultBike Classic but has a build that can only be described as beefier. Its hefty build features a belt drive, rather than the chain drive seen on AssaultBikes, and aluminum (versus steel) fan blades.
The Echo ousted AssaultBike recently to become the “official air bike of CrossFit.” Pro tip: You might find your local CrossFit affiliate off-loading AssaultBikes as they opt to purchase Echos. That’s how Kate snagged her AssaultBike Classic for just $300.
Read our full Rogue Echo Bike review.
Assault Air Bike vs. Schwinn Airdyne Bike
The Schwinn Airdyne Pro is another of our favorite air bikes, and it’s the most similar option to the AssaultBike. The display, seat adjustment mechanism, seat design, and frame are very similar across both brands of bikes. The major difference is that the Airdyne features a belt drive, whereas the AssaultBike features a chain drive. Airdyne bikes were one of the first fan bikes to become available and, to this day, are still found in many CrossFit gyms.
Read our full Schwinn Airdyne Pro review.
Assault Air Bike vs. Concept2 BikeErg
Concept2 BikeErg
Concept 2 BikeErg
Product Highlights
- Priced in the low $1,000s
- Uses air resistance via an adjustable damper
- High-performing PM5 monitor
- Highly adjustable
- Chain-free belt system that decreases need for maintenance
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable and performs well year after year
- PM5 performance monitor is among the best
- Seat, handlebars, and pedals are interchangeable with standard bicycle parts
- Damper adjusts airflow
- Frame uses a black powder coat
- Self-tensioning polygroove belts that provide a quiet ride
- Extremely light at only 58 lbs
- Adjustable handles and seat
Cons
- Seat cannot adjust forward and back
- Some find the seat uncomfortable
- Height of the seat post has been known to not go low enough for some users
Bottom Line
After using the Concept 2 BikeErg over the course of two years in a variety of workouts from sprints to long-distance bikes, we highly recommend it to anyone wanting an air bike. Although we like air bikes with arms, we actually prefer the BikeErg and have found it to be great for general fitness as well as simply blowing up the quads. The BikeErg is a Concept 2 product; we think that speaks for itself.
Unlike the Echo Bike and Airdyne Bike, the Concept2 BikeErg isn’t actually very similar to the AssaultBike. Though both use air resistance, the BikeErg feels much more like a regular stationary bike during use. This is largely because it features stationary handlebars rather than the moving arms found on the AssaultBike. The design of the BikeErg places your body in a different position; you’ll feel like you’re riding a road bicycle.
Read our full Concept2 BikeErg review.
Assault Bike Pro Review
The AssaultBike Pro went out of production in 2023, though it wouldn’t shock us if you managed to find one on Facebook Marketplace.
This slightly souped-up version of the AssaultBike Classic features a slightly heavier and larger build, plus a couple of extra seat adjustments, a better warranty, and a smoother drive train system.
Like the ProX, it has better tech capabilities than the Classic (you can connect to the Fiit and AssaultFitness apps), though there’s no display. You’ll have to use a TV screen since Assault doesn’t give you a media holder.
If you’re looking to buy a pre-owned AssaultBike Pro, make sure the seat and chain are in good condition, the bike itself is clean, and all parts still work before you agree to pay for it. Of course, the price will depend on the seller and the bike’s condition. For reference, it went for $899 when it was still in production, though it was usually on sale for around $749.
Final Verdict of Our AssaultBike Review
AssaultBikes have stayed largely the same since they took a stronghold on the CrossFit community after appearing at the Games in 2015. However, the brand has taken targeted steps to improve the bikes, including releasing beefed-up models and partnering with a fitness technology brand to provide interactive programming. In my opinion, AssaultBikes remain some of the best air bikes on the market.
AssaultBikes now come in three models: the Classic, Pro, and Elite, all of which feature a similar build but differ slightly in comfort, conveniences, and tech capabilities.
The AssaultBike Classic is the most affordable option and, in our expert opinion, the best one for most home gym owners.
We would love to see Assault Fitness incorporate a belt drive versus a chain drive for a lower maintenance commitment.
Full Rating
AssualtBike Classic
Our AssaultBike review covers the AssaultBike Classic, Elite, and Pro in depth to help you decide which one is worth the money.
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 749
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.2
AssaultBike FAQs
What is an AssaultBike good for?
AssaultBikes provide full-body cardio workouts and can be paired with other gym equipment for a HIIT bike workout or endurance workouts. Because your whole body works when you cycle on an AssaultBike, you may burn more calories than you do on a typical indoor bike with stationary handles if working at the same intensity and for the same amount of time.
Are AssaultBikes too loud for home gyms?
For certain types of home gyms, such as workout spaces in apartments or townhomes, an AssaultBike may be too loud. However, if your home gym is in your garage or basement (or anywhere in a single-family home, really), you should be able to use an AssaultBike without disrupting your neighbor’s day.
Is an AssaultBike better than a regular exercise bike?
I don’t like to explicitly say one type of equipment is better than another. I believe everything depends on an individual’s goals and needs. But speaking objectively and from experience, I always wind up sweatier and angrier (in the best possible way) after an AssaultBike workout versus a more traditional cycling workout. If you’re looking for a piece of cardio equipment to provide a full-body workout, the AssaultBike is a good choice.
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