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Air bikes are flexible workout equipment. Still, choosing one can get really tricky.
The best air bikes can be used for HIIT, cardio drills, weight management, and rehab. To help you find the best model, we’ve spent 40+ hours scouting and reviewing various fan bike models. We also created an in-depth buying guide with the features you should look for.
Uses of an air bike
For HIIT workout – HIIT or High-Intensity Interval Training is a routine consisting of short but high-intensity drills. It is followed by a brief recovery period (interval) before doing more reps. HIIT is ideal in burning more calories in a shorter period. With the adjustable air resistance of the best air resistance bikes, HIIT routines are now more convenient.
CrossFit – CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program highly scalable for all individuals. Air bikes are also the main staples of CrossFit Games over the years.
Tabata – Tabata is 20 seconds of high-intensity drill followed by a 10-second break. It will be repeated eight times.
Features to look for
If you’re planning to purchase an air bike, it’s essential to do some research when it comes to its features. Always consider your fitness goals and the following features:
-Construction
A beefy air bike made of heavy gauge steel will last longer and carry more user weight. Usually, the heavier the model is, the better. It means you’re having thick steel and excellent biking stability. No one wants to tip from the bike during a high-resistance drill.R
Also, look for leveling feet. A lot of homes aren’t leveled so this feature should save you from the hassle. The best airdyne bikes will have individual leveling feet and excellent grip to keep the bike in place.
-Air resistance levels
Almost all air bikes have adjustable resistance levels. It allows you to increase the intensity of the workout to break plateaus.
The resistance range of air bikes depends on the size of its fan. The bigger the fan is, the wider the resistance range would be. If you’re doing CrossFit, HIIT, and other intense routines, the likes of Schwinn and Assault Bikes are the best choices. These two brands offer infinite resistance on their large fan wheels.
-Console
Air bikes have consoles that display mileage, calories burned, resistance level, RPM, and more. It makes the workout easier while keeping you in control. If possible, opt for bigger screens with backlit technology.
Some will also come with Bluetooth connectivity that will let you import your workout info into your fitness app. Aside from this, air bikes with a sophisticated console are also programmed with training functions and workout pre-sets.
The console also lets you set targets and compare your previous records. If you’re the type of person who gets motivation by the numbers, look for an advanced console on your choice of air bike.
-Motor drive type
Air bikes can come in either a belt or chain drive.
A belt-drive air bike has a smoother operation as well as a lower noise level. Also, it has fewer vibrations, which means your bike will experience less wear and tear. However, belt drive air bikes are more expensive than chain drives. Also, it can stretch after a few years, which will need a replacement.
Chain drives, on the other hand, can be more affordable, but it will require more maintenance. The chain drive needs regular maintenance for it to remain properly tensioned with little possible vibration. One thing about chain drives is it tends to produce more noise.
-Noise level
Fan bikes aren’t the quietest options. Compared to spin bikes, even the best air resistance bikes will produce more sound similar to an electric fan.
Still, the noise level of air bikes shouldn’t be too invasive even if you’re pedaling at a high RPM. If your choice of air bike produces clunky noises that are too loud to tolerate, it’s best to look for another one. If possible, opt for a belt-drive air bike for the quietest operation.
-Assembly
Air bikes can come wholly or partially assembled. Depending on your skills, it can take anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes to put all parts together. You can also ask for the help of a friend or a family member since some air bikes are cumbersome.
Some manufacturers can offer an assembly service for a separate fee. Although the assembly fee will cost more, it’s worth every penny if you’re not a handyman.
-Seat adjustments
We all come in different height and weight ranges. It is why you should check the seat adjustments of the air bike you’re planning to purchase.
Air bikes can either have 2-way or 4-way adjustability. The 2-way adjustability allows you to adjust the seat height. Meanwhile, the 4-way adjustment lets you adjust the seat height (up/down) and its distance from the handlebars (forward/backward).
A 4-way adjustability is ideal if you and other members of your family will use the bike. It’s also the best choice for gyms and commercial purposes. The 2-way adjustability is still okay if you’re buying the bike for yourself.
-Handlebars and seat saddle
Most air bikes use a Bullhorn handlebar for excellent grip. Also, the longer handles allow manufacturers to install heart monitors. Some will opt for an elliptical combination with movable handlebars. It lets users engage their upper body while using the bike simultaneously. Elliptical handlebars let users burn more calories.
You should also check the comfortability of the seat saddle. Opt for a larger seat that’s fully padded. This is in addition to the full adjustability of the seat.
-Footrests/pedals
The pedals of air bikes should come with a strap so you can use it safely. As you increase the air resistance, your feet will exert more force. Without durable foot straps, you might slip and sustain injuries.
If you’re purchasing an air bike and elliptical combo, always check the size of the footrests. It should suit your feet with shoes on. This is a critical feature, especially for people with large feet.
The larger the footrest is, the better it is for you. It’s more stable and secure even on high-resistance workouts.
-Other accessories
Water bottle slots, table or smartphone holders, reading rack, wind guard, and so on – these are just some of the accessories you can get on your air bike. Each air bike will have its specific accessories included in the package. Some can be purchased separately.
For example, the Schwinn Airdyne AD6 allows you to purchase a separate wind guard and reading rack for the bike.
-Weight and dimensions
Air bikes can get pretty heavy but for a significant reason – stability. Typical air bikes will weigh around 50 pounds. Those that are made for intense training can weigh as much as 100 pounds. These bikes have thicker metal components and can carry a heavier user weight.
Also, bikes that are made for serious training are equipped with large fan wheels which will add up to its weight.
You should also check the dimensions of the air bike, especially if your place is limited in floor space. A lot of manufacturers are producing compact air bikes that can fit small apartments and rooms.
-Price
Although the price is the last consideration, it’s still vital that you know how much you’re willing to spend on an air bike. To give you an idea, you should expect the following based on the budget you’re ready to shell out:
$1,000 and under – Air bikes within this price range are made for CrossFit, HIIT, and serious training. Bikes at this range will last for decades, if not a lifetime. Also, it usually comes with decent warranty terms to protect your investment.
$500 and under – Mid-priced bikes have a good built and can handle heavy training sessions. Although it doesn’t have the same quality as more expensive bikes, models in this range are the closest you can get to premium quality.
$300 and under – Bikes in this price range are budget picks and made for casual use only. These bikes can only last for a certain period and can’t endure very intense workouts. If you’re looking for an entry-level bike with the basic features, a $300 and under model should suit you well.
3 Best air bike brands
-Assault Fitness
Assault Fitness is a champ for those who are looking for real and authentic CrossFit equipment. Although pricey, Assault Fitness air bikes have commercial quality. Every inch of their Classic and Elite models is made to bring on the fire to your workout.
Also, Assault Fitness bikes come with topnotch LCD displays complete with ANT, Bluetooth, goal programs, distance, time, and more. Their large consoles are more than enough to keep every user going.
-Marcy
Marcy produces entry-level to mid-priced bikes targeted for home use. The Marcy AIR-1 and NS-1000 are two of the current fan bikes they offer. They’ve been in the fitness equipment industry since 1982. In fact, they have an extensive collection of exercises bikes from magnetic, flywheel, and fan types.
Marcy is a very recognizable brand and they are starting to gain traction on the air bike community.
-Schwinn
Schwinn is probably the most popular air bike brand. They have the AD series composed of AD2, AD6, AD7, and AD Pro. All of these bikes sport large fan wheels that provide infinite resistance levels.
Another iconic feature of Schwinn bikes is its large display and 4-way adjustable seats. These bikes are also lavish in accessories with built-in and separately purchased pieces.
TOP 7 Air Bikes
OUR TOP PICK: Assault Classic AirBike
Our top pick for the best air bikes is the Assault Classic AirBike. This is equipped with a 25-inch (diameter) steel fan that provides infinite resistance. It’s a perfect choice for a complete CrossFit and other intense workouts.
This air bike is made with 20 sealed ball bearings and pivot points all over its construction. With this, it can carry up to 250 pounds of user weight. It also sports a 6-way adjustable seat with a square-tapered design.
The Assault Classic AirBike has a large LCD display programmed with motivational routines. You can also set fitness goals while monitoring your heart rate, wattage, intervals, calories burned, RPMs, distance, and so on. It even comes with a gadget shelf where you can place your tablet or smartphone while exercising.
In this bike, you can amp up the resistance level automatically by increasing your pedaling speed. This way, you no longer have to stop your momentum to increase your intensity. You can work out with peace of mind since this is made with heavy gauge steel.
This unit requires assembly, but if you’re not much of a handyman, you can avail the expert assembly service.
Pros
-Made of heavy gauge steel
-6-way adjustable seat
-Large LCD displays with pre-programmed routines
-Expert assembly is available for a specific fee
Cons
-Does not come with a bottle attachment (you can use a back-of-the-seat attachment from a road bike instead)
RUNNERS-UP
Marcy AIR-1 Upright Fan Bike
If you’re looking for a mid-priced air bike, the Marcy AIR-1 Upright Fan Bike might be a perfect choice. It features a premium steel frame and a fan wheel that provides infinite resistance. You just need to increase the intensity of your pedaling to get more resistance.
Also, the AIR-1 has elliptical handlebars that offer a dual-action feature. This way, you can have a full-body exercise in just a single piece of equipment. You can switch from biking to a full elliptical routine.
Overall, the AIR-1 is made with 14-gauge steel tubing with a powder-coated finish that resists corrosion. You’ll also enjoy a high-tech LCD monitor that displays your distance, speed, time, and calories burned. However, this is smaller than what Assault Fitness has on its air bike.
The Marcy AIR-1 also comes with individual leveling levers on its feet so you can work out on any surface. It also has a 2-way adjustable seat so you can achieve the right height for your biking. At 79 pounds, this is guaranteed to be stable even at the most intense routines.
This unit will also need assembly, but you can always pay for expert assembly for a separate fee.
Pros
-Individually adjustable leveling foot levers
-Made from 14-gauge steel
-Infinite resistance levels
-Mid-priced air bike with commercial quality
Cons
-Not ideal for people beyond the 6-feet height
Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Exercise Bike
The Schwinn AD6 is the darling of the air bike community. It operates on a dual-stage super-torque belt drive that provides smooth and quiet operation. The AD6 is also equipped with a frictionless fan that will keep you cool while minimizing wear and tear on the bike.
Like most air bikes, The AD6 Airdyne has infinite resistance levels easily controlled through the intensity of your pedaling. It also has self-balancing foot pedals complete with foot straps for your safety.
The best thing about the Schwinn AD6 Airdyne bike is its RevMeter that lets you perform interval training accurately. It also has a large LCD display that projects your time, speed, distance, watts, calories burned, and pulse all at the same time. You no longer have to press buttons just to check each one.
Aside from that, the AD6 Airdyne model has elliptical handlebars that let you exercise your upper body while biking. The BioSynch linkage system shrouding keeps you safe while you’re full-on working out on the bike.
The Schwinn AD6 has a built-in water holder on top of the LCD display. You can also purchase a windscreen if you want to keep your sweaty momentum going.
Pros
-RevMeter for accurate interval training
-An LCD display that allows simultaneous stats projection
– BioSynch linkage system shrouding
– Dual-stage super-torque belt drive for a quieter operation
Cons
-The LCD display is ideal only if you’re in a well-lit room
Schwinn AD2 Airdyne Bike
If you want to save a few hundred bucks while enjoying the Schwinn technology, you can get the AD2 Airdyne Bike. This operates in a single-stage belt drive for quiet operation. It’s paired with the Bio Fit comfort system that keeps you fresh while exercising.
Like the AD6, this has infinite levels of resistance. Also, it’s equipped with elliptical handlebars and footrest pegs in case you want to target upper body exercise.
This has an LCD console but much smaller than what you’ll find in AD6. Still, it projects your speed, distance, RPM, calories burned, and time. This doesn’t come with a heart monitor and AD6’s RevMeter for interval training. Still, you’ll get a high-quality fan bike.
Take note that AD2 doesn’t have a bottle water holder and we don’t think that mounting one is possible. The biggest consolation here is that the unit is easy to assemble. Still, if you lack the handyman skills, you can avail an expert assembly service for a certain fee.
Also, we like that this bike’s elliptical function simulates the normal human movement. This reduces the strain, especially when the fan wheel and handlebars are both in use.
Pros
-Single-stage belt drive for a quiet operation
-Elliptical handlebars with footpegs
-Bio Fit comfort system
-Synchronized motion that simulates the natural human movement
Cons
-Doesn’t come with a bottle holder or a spot for mounting one
GOPLUS 2-in-1 Elliptical Dual Cross Trainer Fan Bike
If you’re on a budget but you’re still interested in having a fan bike experience, you can try the GOPLUS 2-in-1 Elliptical Fan Bike. This is available for only a quarter of the price of previous air bikes. It sports a knob-adjustable resistance as well as an adjustable seat height.
This air bike comes with two sets of handlebars – an elliptical one and a fixed upright handle with pulse sensors. It also comes with a mid-sized LCD display that projects your heart rate, distance, speed, calories burned, and time.
The GOPLUS air bike has built-in transport wheels so you can transfer it from one room to another if need be. It’s equipped with large pedals connected to the fan wheel and the elliptical handles. With this, you can use this air bike while sitting or standing.
Overall, the GOPLUS isn’t just affordable. It’s also compact enough to fit in small apartments and rooms. In fact, this is only 33.5 inches long and 19.5 inches wide. This can hold up to 250 pounds of user weight.
Still, since this is an entry-level air bike, you shouldn’t expect it to be at par with what Schwinn, Marcy, or Assault Fitness has to offer. Overall, this gives total value for money.
Pros
-Dual-action, elliptical and air bike combo
-Very affordable
-Compact enough for small rooms
-Can be used while sitting or standing
Cons
-The seat can make use of more padding
Sunny Health & Fitness Tornado Fan Air Bike
The Sunny Health & Fitness Tornado Fan Air Bike will definitely take your workout by storm! This features a 25-inch (diameter) fan wheel that gives an infinite resistance.
The Sunny’s heavy-duty steel frame can hold up to 330 pounds of user weight without compromising its stability. It also has an upgraded crank system that can withstand longer mileage and time.
The Tornado Fan Air Bike is also equipped with elliptical handlebars that let you target upper body exercise. It also has red wheels so you can easily transport the air bike in any room.
The best part about this Sunny Health & Fitness’ air bike is its large LCD monitor with a tablet holder. It projects your heart rate, wattage, RPM, speed, time, calories burned, and distance all at the same time.
This air bike also has a 4-way adjustable seat so you can tweak it based on your preferred settings. Overall, this bike has a sturdy design and less expensive than most Schwinn models. Its features are almost comparable to Schwinn but at a lower price.
The Tornado Fan Air Bike requires assembly, but if you want to skip the hassle, you can opt for the expert assembly service for an added fee.
Pros
-Sports a 25-inch fan wheel with unlimited resistance
-4-way seat adjustability
-Upgraded and stronger crank system
-Can support up to 330 pounds of user weight
Cons
-The LCD display doesn’t have a backlight (not an issue if you’re in a well-lit room)
Schwinn AD7 Airdyne Bike
If you have the money to splurge, we suggest that you consider Schwinn AD7 Airdyne Bike. This runs in a single-stage belt drive with very quiet operation. It’s paired with a massive, perimeter-weighted fan so you can work out with progressive wind resistance.
The AD7 has a large console complete with metric readouts. It’s also equipped with interval programs, aerobic, anaerobic training, and target programs. With AD7, you’re not just getting an air bike; you’re also enjoying a full workout experience.
The Schwinn AD7 has a 4-way adjustable seat and a bottle holder just below the LCD display. You will also enjoy the multi-grip positions so you can work out comfortably.
This air bike is telemetry enabled for real-time reading of your heart rate. Overall, its heavy-gauge, anti-corrosion frame will extend the life of your bike even if it got in contact with water or sweat.
The AD7 can support up to 350 pounds of user weight. It’s a stable bike that’s totally for the money. If you love working out at home and in commercial-quality equipment, the Schwinn AD7 is a fantastic investment.
Pros
-Progressive wind resistance technology
-Large, perimeter-weighted fan
-Large LCD display with metric readouts
-Telemetry enabled for real-time heart rate reading
Cons
-Very difficult to move around due to weight (which can be a pro too!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are airbikes good for weight loss?
How many calories can you burn on an air bike?
What is an Assault Airbike?
Why is the Assault bike so hard?
Final words
The best air bikes are those that match your fitness goals, budget, and body size. Remember that each fitness equipment is an investment. You should always be meticulous to which you put your money on. What do you think of our 7 picks here? Have you tried any of it before? Let us know by leaving a comment below!