The Best Air Bikes of 2024

Last Update: October 25, 2023

Air bikes make excellent training tools. With moving arms and pedals, they create nearly a full-body workout. These exercise bikes are excellent tools for warming up for a strength workout, doing an isolated cardio workout, and recovering from hard workouts or injuries. Air bikes are not without their downsides. They are loud and can be chilly during winter months if they do not have a wind guard. Yet, air bikes also have distinct advantages like being more portable than other cardio equipment and not requiring electricity. Air bikes are a garage gym staple, and we have compiled a best air bikes list to help you find the right one for your setup.

Here’s Our List of the Best Air Bikes for 2024

• Best Air Bike: AssaultBike Pro X
• Best Runner-up Air Bike: Rogue Echo Bike
• Best Air Bike Under $1000: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0
• Best Premium Air Bike: AssaultBike Elite
• Best Air Bike Without Arms: Concept2 BikeERG
• Best Air Bike for Recovery: Schwinn Airdyne AD7 Air Bike
• Best Air Bike with Turf Tires: Titan Fitness Fan Bike
• Best Budget Air Bike: XTERRA Fitness Air350 Air Bike
• Best Low-Intensity Air Bike: Sunny Health & Fitness Motion Air Bike

Best Air Bike: AssaultBike Pro X

AssaultFitness has long been a notable name in the world of air bikes, but it is only now that the brand’s first belt-driven air bike has been introduced that it truly feels dominant. The AssaultBike Pro X is smoother and quieter than AssaultFitness’s other bikes but has the same commercial-grade build. The AssaultBike Pro X is a newcomer to the air bike category but was quick to catch our eye and land our designation as the Best Air Bike.

The AssaultBike Pro X is an air bike suitable for home and gym use. It has a durable steel build with a black powder coating to protect against corrosion. The large front and rear stabilizers keep the bike sturdy, even when you are training hard. The seat is adjustable vertically to eleven positions and horizontally to six positions. The bike accommodates all users of average height up to about 6’5”. Shorter users may not be as comfortable on the Pro X. The seat is far more comfortable than the seat AssaultFitness uses on the AssaultBike Elite. The handles are also slightly thinner than the Elite. As a 5’4” woman, I found the Pro X more comfortable than the Elite and other air bikes I have tried. The only component missing from the Pro X’s build is a windscreen.

One of the benefits of air bikes is the unlimited training potential. The harder and faster you pedal, the harder the resistance becomes. Some air bikes are difficult to get started, and the easiest resistance is too challenging. The Pro X feels beginner-friendly. I had no trouble maintaining short or longer intervals. The Pro X uses a belt drive, unlike AssaultFitness’s other air bikes. The belt makes the bike smoother and quieter. The Pro X is a sturdy bike that weighs 125 lbs, but it is easy to maneuver when lifted by its rear stabilizer. The wheels engage quickly and move smoothly, so you can train anywhere you want.

The Pro X uses AssaultFitness’s standard console. The console is loaded with a few preset training programs and allows users to customize their own interval workouts. There are two light indicators on the console to help when you are training with interval programs. These lights provide a simple cue that allows you to adjust your effort level at a glance. The Pro X is also Bluetooth and ANT+ enabled which allows you to pair a compatible heart rate device. I was able to pair my Garmin watch to train with the heart rate programs. For even more training, you can download the AssaultFIT app. This free app provides more content for the Pro X and AssaultFitness’s other home fitness equipment.

Read our full review of the AssaultBike Pro X Air Bike.

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Best Runner-up Air Bike: Rogue Echo Bike

The Rogue Echo Bike is our pick for the best runner-up air bike, because of its solid construction and great add-on accessories. The Rogue Echo air bike is one of the most recognizable air bikes. It is popular among CrossFit athletes and delivers a challenging workout every time. The Rogue Echo Bike’s only limitation is not including these accessories with the purchase of the bike and its short warranty.

The Rogue Echo air bike has a durable steel build with a black powder coating. It has 11 seat height adjustments and 5 horizontal adjustments. The Rogue Echo bike was way ahead of the game by using a belt drive. Though air bikes are notoriously loud, a belt drive makes the Echo bike comparably smoother and quieter than air bikes that use a chain drive. The Rogue Echo air bike is covered by a two-year warranty, which is short. With such a great build, Rogue should stand by the Echo bike’s durability a little more.

The Rogue Echo comes with the standard features one might expect to find on an air bike. However, Rogue has created a whole line of accessories that can be easily installed onto the Echo bike. These include the oh-so-important wind guard. This feature will save you from the extra wind generated by the bike’s fan during those chilly winter months of training in your garage or outdoors. The Rogue Echo is also compatible with a phone holder and bottle cage to add some more storage. If you plan on relocating your Echo regularly, the turf tire and handle kit may come in handy. I wish some of these accessories were included in the purchase of the Echo air bike, but you can easily add them to your cart for an additional cost when purchasing the bike.

Training on the Rogue Echo is a pretty standard air bike experience. The version 3.0 Echo now comes with a 5” x 8” LCD screen paired with soft-touch buttons for accessing the preset programs. The Echo offers 20/10, 10/20, and custom interval workouts. Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity allow you to pair a heart rate monitor for zone training. Heart rate will be displayed at the bottom of the LCD screen. For more training options, consider using the knurled footrests to isolate your arms as you grip the rubberized moving handles. You can also retrofit the Echo bike with SPD cleat pedals instead of the flat pedals the bike comes with. The Rogue Echo is one of the most customizable air bikes.

Read Our Full Review Of The Rogue Echo Bike Here

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Best Air Bike Under $1000: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0

The Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0 is among several air bikes below $1000, but it is about a hundred dollars less than the competitors. This is a great air bike for someone who wants to maximize the air bike’s quality while minimizing the cost. The Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0 also includes features other brands make you purchase separately, so as far as savings go, the Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0 is a great choice.

The Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0 packs a lot of value at a lower cost than competitors. While it might not be the cheapest air bike on the market, the Blitz Bike 2.0 maximizes the bang for your buck. The Blitz has a durable build paired with features like a phone holder, water bottle cage, and removable wind guard. Other brands make you purchase these features separately, so it’s not even fair to say that the Blitz is a hundred dollars cheaper–it’s more than that.

The Blitz Air Bike 2.0 is a sturdy bike built for gym and home use. It’s only covered by a 2-year warranty, but it does feel high quality. The Blitz weighs only 118 lbs, but it has a maximum user weight capacity of 350 lbs, which is 20 lbs more than the Pro X and the Echo air bikes. It has a black powder-coated metal frame with a bold yellow fan. This colorway makes the Blitz more recognizable than the endless black, gray, and occasional red accents found on air bikes, and we like the personality it has.

Despite its more affordable price, the Blitz Air Bike 2.0 is not necessarily a beginner’s bike. This bike provided more of an initial challenge than the AssaultBikes did for me. The fan blades are large and generate a lot of resistance. The geometry of the bike may also be better for larger users, though the handles are slimmer than comparable bikes. The Bells of Steel Blitz is great for the athlete who wants to be challenged. There are built-in programs that are on par with what can be found on other air bikes. These include Tabata, reverse Tabata, target workouts, and heart rate zone training. The console is only compatible with 5kHz frequency heart rate monitors and not Bluetooth or ANT+ devices. Yet, the Blitz air bike is a great budget option for beginners or experienced athletes.

Read our review of the Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike.

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Best Premium Air Bike: AssaultBike Elite

The AssaultBike Elite is a premium, heavy-duty air bike. It has a very solid construction and AssaultFitness’s easy-to-use console. The AssaultBike Elite is a high-end air bike, so the price is higher than other bikes on this list. That said, if you are looking for a quality air bike with a chain drive, the AssaultBike Elite might just be your perfect match.

The AssaultBike Elite has a durable steel build with a mostly dark gray color scheme. There is red and white AssaultBike Elite branding along the sides of the bike. The front and rear stabilizers are quite substantial, so you don’t rock the bike side to side while training. The Elite is definitely one of the heavier air bikes on the market with a weight of 138 lbs. It is still possible for one user to wheel the bike around on their own. The AssaultBike Elite has a 350-lb user weight capacity. The AssaultBike Elite is covered by a 10-year warranty on the frame, 3 years on non-wear parts, and 1 year for labor. Thus, you can be assured of the Elite’s quality and ability to last hours of training to come.

AssaultFitness’s standard console is found on the AssaultBike Elite. This console is Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible, so you can pair your heart rate monitor to the console for training. In addition to the heart rate programs, there are interval workouts and target programs. Many of these can be customized to the user’s preference. Additional training for the AssaultBike Elite can be found on the free AssaultFIT app available from Google Play and the Apple app stores. On the console, you can also find rest and work light indicators, console setting controls, and a ledge to hold your phone.

The AssaultBike Elite is one of the best chain-drive air bikes. For users who love the gritty, rugged feel of a chain, the AssaultBike is the one for you. Yet, the chain drive makes the Elite louder and not as smooth in performance as the AssaultBike Pro X. The other variable that affects this bike’s performance is the seat. For a small user like me, the seat is far too wide. It actually gets in the way of my hip range of motion while I am pedaling. Larger users may appreciate the extra width, but it could be slimmed down. The seat is also not very comfortable, because it is covered with a slippery material that causes you to slide forward. If AssaultFitness were to improve the Elite, it should swap its seat out for the one the Pro X has. Overall, the Elite has a powerful and durable build designed for heavy use.

Read our review of the AssaultBike Elite Air Bike.

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Best Air Bike Without Arms: Concept2 BikeERG

Air bikes typically have moving arms, but the Concept2 is an exception. The Concept2 BikeERG does not have moving arms, so it is not quite the full-body workout that other air bikes are. It is a cross between a studio bike and an air bike. The Concept2 BikeERG is a very unique design but has earned the loyalty and praise of Concept2 fanatics.

The Concept2 BikeERG is a hybrid exercise bike. It has a lot of the same features and geometry as a studio bike, but air resistance. The Concept2 BikeERG is a well-made exercise bike with a lightweight frame (68 lbs). It is a great choice for anyone who needs to move their exercise bike around often, because it has two transport wheels and rolls easily. It has a belt drive and pedals smoothly. It is a loud bike, so it may be more suited to areas where an air bike is appropriate as opposed to a studio bike. The saddle and handles can adjust vertically, but neither has horizontal adjustments. The saddle can be tilted up or down with a little more effort. Most users should be able to find a comfortable position on the BikeERG. The Concept2 BikeERG is a machine that proves quality equipment is not always large and heavy.

Concept2 is known for many things, but one of these notable attributes is air resistance with a damper. The BikeERG has a 10-level damper that can be adjusted to control the flow of air to the fan. The more air let into the fan, the harder pedaling becomes, because the drag has increased. You can’t easily change your drag setting while cycling, so think of it more like the resistance of a rower than a standard exercise bike. Like a regular air bike, pedaling harder/faster makes the workout more intense. You can rise out of the saddle as you would on a studio bike, but this skill is harder to master than on a studio bike. You need to maintain a high pedaling cadence to support yourself comfortably. The Concept2 BikeERG uses air resistance, but it feels like it’s in its own category.

The PM5 is a big deal. The PM5 is the BikeERG’s console, and it is also the console of the Concept2 RowERG and SkiERG. It is well-loved for its reliability and accuracy in recording training metrics. The PM5 also has multiple soft-touch buttons for intuitively navigating the interface. The BikeERG is preloaded with basic training content and more on the console. Other features on the BikeERG include multi-grip handlebars, a sporty saddle, Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, and a device holder.

Read Our Full Review Of The Concept2 BikeERG Here

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Best Air Bike for Recovery: Schwinn Airdyne AD7 Air Bike

The Schwinn Airdyne AD7 Air Bike is our pick for the best air bike for recovery. The Airdyne is a trustworthy and durable bike ready to address all of your training needs. The console is a little busy, but you are sure to have all of the training metrics you need readily visible. The Schwinn Airdyne AD7 is the brand’s top air bike, resulting from years of air bike manufacturing experience.

The air bike was always a staple in my rehabilitation from injury. Every time I went to the athletic trainer or to physical therapy, they had me use an air bike to warm up before starting the other exercises. The air bike is such a good option for this type of training, because it works arms and legs without requiring niche skills or balance. The Airdyne AD7 is particularly a great choice for this use because it has a soft, wide seat and handlebars with multiple grip options. The seat adjusts up/down and forward/backward. The Schwinn Airdyne AD7 should allow most users to comfortably position themselves for training.

The AD7 is a great way for injured individuals to increase their heart rates while training on a low-impact cardio machine. The fan provides powerful resistance that matches the intensity you put into it. So, train harder and the resistance will increase, but if you pedal and move your arms slowly, the resistance is much lighter. The AD7 is also great for short bouts of activity, so 5 to 10 minutes before a recovery routine would work well. The AD7 is compatible with Polar heart rate monitors. Unfortunately, it does not pair with Bluetooth or ANT+ heart rate monitors. The AD7 is an expensive air bike, so I would expect more premium features.

The Schwinn Airdyne AD7 has a 350-lb weight capacity on its 113-frame. The console is battery powered, so you don’t have to plug the bike into a power outlet to train. It has a powder-coated steel frame that is resistant to corrosion from sweat. The warranty is decent and one of the better ones we have come across on air bikes. The frame has a 10-year warranty, 2 years on mechanical and electrical parts, and 6 months for labor. The labor warranty could be improved to at least a year. The console is pretty busy but shows all of your training metrics. Labeled buttons make it easier to navigate the preset programs. Overall, the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 is a durable air bike from a trusty brand that would be a great fit for rehabilitative or warm-up purposes.

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Best Air Bike with Turf Tires: Titan Fitness Fan Bike

The Titan Fitness Fan Bike is a very portable bike thanks to its large turf tires. If you need to frequently roll your fan bike around your garage or in an outdoor space, these tires will help you maneuver the bike more efficiently. These tires are included at no extra cost, which is why we have awarded the Titan over other bikes that offer turf tires as an extra. In addition to being a portable air bike, the Fan Bike is also a relatively affordable bike.

The Titan Fitness Fan Bike’s turf tires are the stars of the show. The bike weighs 111 lbs, but the wheels make it so much easier to roll the bike around. They are also much easier to maneuver than the caster wheels normally found on air bikes. There is also a conveniently located rear handle for even easier air bike relocation. The Titan Fitness Fan Bike is a more affordable air bike with many features thrown in that other air bike brands make you purchase separately. With the Fan Bike, you get a removable wind guard, a water bottle holder, and a phone holder. The Titan Fan Bike is a great value air bike.

The Fan Bike has a steel frame with a black powder coating to protect the metal from corrosion. Despite this air bike’s low price, it also has all the standard air bike offerings, like rubberized handles and knurled stationary footrests. The one area the Titan Fitness Fan Bike is lacking in is the warranty. The Fan Bike is only covered for one year. There are options to pay to extend the warranty for two or three years. The build of the Fan Bike appears very good, and most beginner to intermediate users should find the bike as effective as pricier models.

If you are looking for a grittier air bike, the Fan Bike is a good choice. It uses a chain drive, so it is not as smooth as a belt drive. Some users will prefer this feel to the belt drive; however, it does come with a few downsides. The Fan Bike is loud and requires more maintenance than its belt-driven counterparts. When it comes to performance, the Fan Bike may be more suited to beginner to intermediate users. There are a few training programs built into the simple console. These include interval programs and heart rate training. The Fan Bike is compatible with Polar Bluetooth heart rate monitors only. It has pretty standard training options and features all at a more affordable price.

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Best Budget Air Bike: XTERRA Fitness Air350 Air Bike

For under $500 the XTERRA Fitness Air350 Air Bike can be yours. The Air350 is the budget solution for an exerciser who doesn’t plan to work at a very high intensity. XTERRA makes quality cardio equipment at an affordable price. The XTERRA Air350 is a simple cardio solution.

The XTERRA Fitness Air350 is a belt-driven air bike at a budget-friendly price. It is built on a lightweight frame and weighs only 77 lbs total. There are two small caster wheels for transporting the bike on the front stabilizer. I do worry that these wheels would not roll well due to their positioning and small size. The Air350 has rubberized handles that are narrower than what is typically found on pricier air bikes. The pedals have adjustable straps to keep your foot securely on the pedal and encourage more hamstring activation as you draw the leg upward. The XTERRA Air350 has a build fit for light, home use and covered by a 1-year warranty.

The Air350 has basic air bike features, but it also includes a few extras other air bikes only offer sold separately. The Air350 has a water bottle holder for storing a small water bottle. There is a device holder located on the small console. When a device is placed in this holder, the LCD screen will be covered. The console and screen may be overly simplistic for some users. It has only three buttons: set, mode, and reset. The displayed metrics are very large, so the Air350 would be a good option for users with vision impairments. The screen is even backlit for easier viewing. The features are simple, but they help make the bike comfortable for sustained, low-intensity training.

The XTERRA Air350 is not going to compete with bikes like the AssaultBike Pro X or Rogue Echo air bikes. While those bikes are better suited for improving power and performance, the Air350 is better for athletes who want to train at a low intensity. The Air350 has a small, 6-blade fan. There are standard knurled footrests if you would like to train with your arms isolated. There are four preset programs, but the Air350 cannot connect to a heart rate monitor. The performance features are best suited to a beginner or casual user. The Air350 would also be a good fit for recovery and rehabilitation.

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Best Low-Intensity Air Bike: Sunny Health & Fitness Motion Air Bike

The Sunny Health & Fitness Motion Air Bike is another very affordable air bike. It is also best suited to exercisers who want a full-body workout at a low intensity. Air bikes can be intimidating and difficult to get going, but the Motion Air Bike is different. Its build makes it much more suited to low-intensity use. Train, recover, or rehabilitate on the Sunny Motion Air Bike.

The Sunny Motion Air Bike is perfect for the exerciser who is newly returning to a routine from a long hiatus, coming back from injury or surgery, or establishing a low-intensity routine. The Motion Air Bike has a small, 8-bladed fan. This fan will not generate as much air as more powerful air bikes, and it will also not create as much resistance to challenge the user. The smaller moving arms should be more comfortable for a smaller user due to the shorter range of motion. There are stationary footrests for resting your feet and isolating your arms if you wish. The Motion Air Bike is suited for low-intensity exercise.

The Motion Air Bike has a more compact frame and weighs a measly 60 lbs. It has very, very small transport wheels, so it may not roll as easily as bikes with larger wheels, but the low weight should help with this issue. Though the bike is very inexpensive and lightweight, it is covered by a 3-year frame warranty. Though this warranty isn’t a great length compared to industry standards, it is decent for the price. The Sunny Motion Air Bike does have a limited weight capacity of 265 lbs. It is best suited for smaller users.

Rather than using a chain drive or belt drive, the Sunny Motion Air Bike uses both. This air bike’s unique design actually results in a fairly quiet bike, but the small size of the fan may actually be the culprit here. Either way, it is not the loud monstrosity other air bikes are. It is equipped with a device holder, but there is not a water bottle holder. The console is relatively simple with only 3 buttons. The only available training options are targets for workout time, distance, and calories burned. With such limited training, the Sunny Motion Air Bike again proves its utility as a low-intensity and casual-use cardio machine.

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What to Look for in an Air Bike

Drive

There are basically two options for air bike drives if you overlook hybrids: chain and belt drives. A chain drive is louder with a grittier, more rugged feel. It can also feel more comparable to riding a bike outdoors, which cyclists may prefer. A chain drive typically requires more maintenance on an exercise bike, so keep that in mind when deciding on the drive you want. If you aren’t reliably keeping up with a maintenance schedule, you may end up disappointed in your choice of chain drive. A belt drive feels smoother and reduces some of the noise of an air bike. Admittedly, air bikes are almost always loud regardless of the drive they use. But if you need to minimize the noise as much as possible, a belt drive is the way to go. You will also save yourself on some maintenance.

Console

Air bike consoles tend to offer very similar metrics and built-in programs. To make sure yours is up to par with what most offer and to ensure it fits your training needs, you can look for 20/10, 10/20, and custom workout options. Consoles that pair to heart rate monitors are great for zone training. You will want to check that the air bike you are considering can connect to the heart rate monitor you want to use. Some air bikes are Bluetooth and ANT+ enabled while others only connect to uncoded Polar monitors. Still, other air bikes don’t connect to heart rate monitors at all. Air bike consoles are typically LED or LCD. If you keep your air bike in a place with low-lighting check to see if the console is backlit for easier viewing. Air bike consoles are normally simplistic, but a few basic features can make all the difference.

Fan

A large fan with large fan blades will provide more resistance. Conversely, a smaller fan with small fan blades will provide less resistance. Either fan will create more resistance the harder you pedal, so select a fan that matches the intensity you wish to train at. If you want to train at a higher intensity most of the time, go for the larger, more powerful fan. If you are using the air bike for rehabilitation purposes or for low-intensity, consider a smaller fan.

Portability

Do you need turf tires? If your air bike is going to stay in one place 99% of the time, probably not. However, if you are rolling it around your garage or out into your driveway every single day, you might want a bike that rolls easier. Most bikes at least have caster wheels for relocation, but larger tires can make transport easier. Also, consider the weight of the bike and your strength abilities. Most of these bikes should be movable for the average athlete.

Accessories and Features

Air bikes may come equipped with all their possible features, or they may be compatible with accessories sold separately. Both models are common in the air bike space. One of the most important features/accessories for an air bike is the wind guard. A removable wind guard is the most popular option, because it shields you from the chilly breeze generated by your pedaling during winter months and lets you remove it for hot summer months. Other features may include a water bottle holder, a phone holder, and a saddle upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which air bike is the best?

The competition for best air bike is a vicious one with athletes and reviewers torn between the Rogue Echo bike and an AssaultBike (one of the three offered). It is a heated debate, but for me, the Assault Pro X comes out on top. I think AssaultFitness was missing one key ingredient: a belt drive. Now, AssaultFitness feels pretty dominant in the space with both a belt drive and chain drive air bike. We can’t kick the Rogue Echo to the curb entirely, because it is a great belt-driven air bike. The choice between our top two bikes might just come down to personal preference. The other bikes on this list are also very high quality. They meet niche needs and lower budgets compared to the top bikes. We hope this list gave you a good idea of the best air bike for you regardless of your training needs.

What is the quietest air bike?

Air bikes are notoriously loud. It is hard to compare the noise level of air bikes, because there are other factors that could change the sound level. Typically, small fans are quieter, but these bikes are also less powerful. Belt drives are quieter than chain drives. Pedaling easier is quieter than pedaling harder. A clean fan is quieter than a dirty, dusty fan. Air bikes are typically best for spaces where sound does not matter as much, like a garage. Because air bikes don’t require electricity to work or power their consoles, you can place one almost anywhere.

Are air bikes good for conditioning?

Air bikes are great for full-body conditioning, because they have pedals and moving arms. The pedals and moving arms can also be used separately. So, you can only pedal or you can rest your feet on the footrests and only move your arms. I have also seen exercisers pump the moving handles while standing in front of the air bike. Air bikes are great for conditioning because their resistance is basically limitless. The harder you pedal, the harder the fan fights against your efforts. It is very challenging and easy to get your heart pumping with a powerful fan bike.

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