The best air bikes are different from the best exercise bikes in a few key ways. First, they usually include elliptical-style handles that you push and pull while pedaling, thus providing a full-body workout you won’t find on most bikes. Second, air bikes are motorless — resistance is generated by the fan at the front of the bike, which spins in accordance with your movements. Like curved treadmills, the harder you push, the harder the machine pushes back.
Air bikes make for some challenging training sessions but they’re perfect for quick, intense full-body workouts that can torch calories while strengthening your arms, glutes, quads, and core. Our team of experts tested 25 different bikes to gather the absolute best options on the market. Browse our picks for the best air bikes below, but be forewarned: This may be the beginning of a love-hate relationship.
The 7 Best Air Bikes of 2024
- Best Air Bike Overall: Titan Fitness Fan Bike
- Best Budget Air Bike: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Classic
- Best Air Bike for Beginners: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0
- Best Air Bike Without Arms: Concept2 Bike Erg
- Best Premium Air Bike: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Elite
- Best Heavy Duty Air Bike: Fringe Sport Raptor
- Quietest Air Bike: Rogue Echo Air Bike
Best Air Bike Overall: Titan Fitness Fan Bike
Heavy-duty and budget-friendly, the Titan Fan Bike is forged from powder-coated steel with sealed cartridge bearings in every pivot. Solid and stable at 111 pounds, the bike also includes 10-inch turf tires and a knurled steel handle that eases the pain of transport. Right now, get 5% off this bike and shop Titan's Black Friday sale to get up to 50% off sitewide.
Specs
- Price: $699.99
- Weight Capacity: 330lbs
- Dimensions: 50’’ H x 50.5’’ L x 20.37’’ W
- Weight: 111lbs
- Warranty: One year warranty
- Extra Features: Removable fan guard, water bottle and cell phone holder, turf tires
For an all-around excellent air bike, you want a durable frame, an adjustable seat, tracking technology, and reinforced pedals. The Titan Fitness Fan Bike ticks all those boxes (and more), making it our top pick for best overall air bike and one of the best cardio machines out there.
At 111 pounds, it’s also surprisingly robust for its cost, earning a 4 out of 5 for durability. “Most of the parts on this bike are made with heavy-duty steel, so it can withstand plenty of workouts,” our tester said. Like other high-end products, this one has a corrosion-resistant powder coat. It also fortifies its pivots with sealed cartridge bearings that can prolong the bike’s life and reduce its need for routine maintenance.
That said, this is a chain-driven bike, so you’ll still want to lubricate and check the tension of the chains on a monthly basis. This can be a little tedious, so athletes who don’t want to do any maintenance may prefer a belt-driven bike, though those do cost more.
For tech capabilities, we gave this fan bike a 3 out of 5. You do get an LCD screen but it only allows you to track simple metrics. The good news is that you can connect a heart rate monitor, as the screen is Bluetooth-compatible. It also has a device holder, so you can stream your own workouts from your personal cell phone.
We also liked the turf tires, earning this bike a 4 out of 5 for conveniences. This makes it easy to move your air bike onto grass or around your garage gym. Plus, it has a removable fan guard, so you can decide when you do or don’t want the cool air from one of the best fan bikes hitting your face.
Best Budget Air Bike: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Classic
The Assault AirBike is a moderately priced bike with a solid build that features a powder-coated steel frame. It’s an upright indoor bike with moving arms that’s designed to burn calories and integrate seamlessly into cross-training and interval workouts. Get $50 off this bike right now and up to $500 off the Assault Elite line.
Specs
- Price: $699
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Dimensions: 50’’ H x 50.95’’ L x 23.34’’ W
- Weight: 95.6lbs
- Warranty: Five years on frame, two years on non-wear parts
- Extra Features: LCD screen, four adjustable leveling feet, adjustable seat
Our pick for the best budget air bike is the Assault Fitness AssaultBike Classic, which has a durable, high-quality frame, while maintaining a budget-friendly cost. Because the best budget home gym equipment certainly doesn’t need to be poorly made.
“If I was buying an air bike for myself, I’d definitely choose this model,” our tester said, giving this bike an overall 4.5 out of 5 for value. “This one has durability and I imagine it will last a long time. The ride is smooth and it’s priced competitively at $699.”
When it comes to durability, our team gave this bike a 4 out of 5. The steel frame comes with a corrosion-resistant powder coat, and the extra-wide metal pedals have been reinforced. “Assault bikes are incredibly durable and undergo high volume use,” our tester said. “Considering these bikes can last years in a gym, it can probably withstand decades of use in a home gym.”
Its pivots and moving parts, meanwhile, have been fortified with 20 sealed cartridge bearings that work to prolong its life. However, it is a pretty sizable machine, earning a 3 out of 5 for portability. “It’s not small but not excessively large either,” our tester said. “It’s definitely smaller than the Rogue Echo bike, for reference.”
Since it’s powered by the intensity of your movements, the Airbike is capable of infinite resistance levels, according to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. You can adjust the seat up and down or forward and back to find your best fit, our tester said, giving the adjustability and ergonomics a 3.5 out of 5. However, there are more adjustable options out there. “This one still may be a little too limited in adjustability for super short or super tall people,” our tester said.
The AirBike’s LCD console, which features seven pre-loaded workouts.
This bike has a low-tech design, which negates the need to fiddle with settings or levels — your workout begins when you start pedaling. There are no built-in speakers or Bluetooth compatibility, earning a 3 out of 5 for tech capabilities. It does have a water bottle holder, but there’s nowhere to set your phone or tablet, which some athletes may prefer.
The good news, though, is that its self-powered design requires no power, so you can set it up outside on sunny days. Moving it back inside is easy, too, thanks to its built-in transport wheels.
Whether you’re pedaling or posted up on its pegs for an upper-body workout, the AirBike will make you sweat. As BarBend’s Jake Herod says in the above video, “It tends to kick my butt every time I get on.”
Read our full Assault Air Bike Classic Review.
Best Air Bike for Beginners: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0
Bells of Steel's Blitz Air Bike 2.0 utilizes a belt-driven operation that's quieter and requires less maintenance than chain-driven bikes. It also provides a handful of creature comforts, including rubber hand grips, a removable fan guard, and a seat with 10 different height adjustments. Get up to 16% off Bells of Steel equipment during their Black Friday sale.
Specs
- Price: $799.99
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Dimensions: 51’’ H x 53’’ L x 23’’ W
- Weight: 118lbs
- Warranty: Two-year warranty
- Extra Features: Phone and water bottle holder, tech console, rubber hand grips
While an air bike might be too intense for some just starting out, the Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0 has all the features needed for a comfortable ride (well, as comfortable as an air bike can get). Rather than a standard chain, this bike is belt-driven, making it smoother and more responsive.
You also get rubber hand grips, storage for phones and water bottles, and a console to track your progress. Overall, our team gave this bike a 4 out of 5. So for newbies looking to start out with a bang, this machine may be among the best home exercise equipment for beginners.
“Belt-driven air bikes are great because you don’t need to give them as much maintenance,” our tester said. “Chains need to be lubricated but that’s not the case here.” The minimal maintenance aspect is also excellent for beginners, as it makes the whole workout experience a little simpler.
We gave the adjustability and ergonomics of this bike a 4 out of 5, which is another huge plus for first-timers. Air bicycles feel pretty different from a standard recumbent bike, so finding your ideal seat height and distance is needed to get the most out of your workout.
For conveniences, we gave this one a 3.75 out of 5. Air bikes don’t generally have the high-tech perks you may see on the best treadmills. But here, you get a water bottle and phone holder, which is more than some other models. Plus, this one has a small screen on the front, which displays your RPM, speed, interval times, distance, calories, and a few other metrics. There are also a few pre-programmed workouts. This is a great way to track your progress as you’re starting out.
Its premium features extend to its construction, earning this bike a 4.5 out of 5 for durability. It’s made almost completely of steel and has a powder coat that can help resist rust and corrosion.
The bike is heavy at 118 pounds, though, earning a 3 out of 5 for portability. This may be impractical for some beginners, as moving the machine around can be a big challenge. But this bike can support up to 350 pounds. And the bigger size helps prevent wobbling. “The width works well during high-intensity sprints,” our tester said. “The bike doesn’t budge even as my body sways.”
For overall value, our testers gave this bike a 4 out of 5. “This bike is among the cheapest belt-driven bikes I’ve ridden,” our tester said. Nevertheless, the quality is certainly high-end. We do wish the seat was a little more premium, though. The Bells of Steel website claims it’s ergonomically-designed but it felt relatively standard during testing.
Read our full Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0 Review.
Best Air Bike Without Arms: Concept2 Bike Erg
The lightweight Concept2 BikeErg eschews the moveable arms you'll find on most air bikes, delivering a power-driven ride that operates more like a standard cycle than a spin bike. The flywheel's unique damper allows riders to adjust airflow, which is akin to switching gears on a mountain bike.
Specs
- Price: $1,100
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Dimensions: 40.5’’ H x 48’’ L x 24’’ W
- Weight: 68lbs
- Warranty: Five years on frame, two years on parts
- Extra Features: Device holder, Bluetooth connectivity, app connectivity
If you want an air bike but lack the space or need for a full-body exerciser, the Concept2 BikeErg might be for you. Like any air bike, the harder you work, the harder it works. It just does so without the moveable handlebars you’ll find on most air bikes. This allows you to save space and focus on your lower-body muscles.
The BikeErg also stands out for its unique flywheel construction, which earned this bike a 4 out of 5 for customizability. This model features a damper that works to replicate the gears of the best beginner mountain bikes. “The ability to change the airflow on the bike gives you more versatility,” our tester said. “It can feel like a standard air bike or a stationary bike.”
For footprint and portability, this bike gets a 5 out of 5. At 68 pounds, it’s way lighter than most other air bikes, which are at least 100 pounds. And it has two wheels at the front for easy maneuvering around your home or garage. Despite its size, “this bike still doesn’t rock much,” according to our tester.
Unlike some of our other picks, this bike has an aluminum frame rather than steel. While this allows for the lighter total weight, aluminum isn’t quite as strong, earning this bike a 4 out of 5 for durability. Nevertheless, it has a powder coat on top to prevent corrosion.
While we do wish the seat could be adjusted forward and back, you can still adjust the height. Plus, we do like that the crank pedals are interchangeable, earning the BikeErg a 3.5 out of 5 for customizability.
You can even attach clipless pedals and the monitor pairs with third-party apps like Zwift, a cycling-focused workout platform. As a cyclist myself, I think this is a huge plus because bike trainers are expensive and not versatile. The BikeErg gives you the best of both worlds, allowing you to clip in without the annoying tire-removal process with your road bike.
For tech capabilities, we gave this model a 4.5 out of 5. The BikeErg’s PM5 monitor comes preloaded with time-, distance-, and interval-based workouts, offering a wider range of options than you’ll find on the monitors of most air bikes. Since it’s compatible with Bluetooth and ANT+, you can also link it up to heart rate monitors and fitness apps like Zwift or Concept2’s own ErgData for more precise tracking.
Best Premium Air Bike: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Elite
This air bike can work both your arms and legs simultaneously. It's a great piece of equipment for those focused on HIIT training or anyone who wants a no frills exercise bike. Get $200 off this bike now and up to $500 off the Elite line during Assault's Black Friday sale.
Specs
- Price: $1,499
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Dimensions: 55’’ H x 55.08’’ L x 26.26’’ W
- Weight: 139.98lbs
- Warranty: 10 years on frame, three years on non-wear parts, one year on labor
- Extra Features: Bluetooth connectivity, LCD screen, integrated wind shield
For those who want to invest in a premium pick, the Assault Fitness AssaultBike Elite is about as high-end as air bikes can get. This bike comes equipped with commercial-level durability, made with a bulkier steel frame than the Classic version. Its solid steel cranks and superior corrosion resistance helped it earn it a 5 out of 5 for construction and durability from BarBend editorial member Matt Cummings.
“There were zero issues with stability and for both the interval and distance workouts. Being able to trust the stability really let me push the intensity,” he says. “The heavy-duty frame is all steel and the seat post and horizontal slider are aluminum. Having such a sturdy build did give me some peace of mind for exerting max effort.”
“The tech on the AirBike Elite is limited compared to typical exercise bikes, but that’s not really the point of bikes like this,” Cummings adds, rating its onboard technology 3 out of 5. The LCD display makes it easy to follow guided interval programs, as well as track metrics like time, calories, distance, speed, watts, RPM. “Loading up interval, target, and heart rate programs was quick and easy, plus I liked that I could customize the specifics,” Cummings adds. “The display is simple, but it can connect via Bluetooth or ANT to any of the best heart rate monitors.”
The wide seat is adjustable vertically and horizontally, which helped its adjustability and ergonomics earn a 4 out of 5 from Cummings. When it comes to the resistance, though, it’s up to the user. “To increase the speed, I simply pedaled harder and I much prefer this to a magnetic exercise bike,” he says. It also comes with an integrated wind fan, which you can remove when you want a little air flow.
While we like the updates Assault Fitness made with the AssaultBike Elite over the Classic model, it comes at a pretty high cost. “I don’t think the upgrades make a huge difference functionally,” another of our testers notes, giving the value a 2.5 out of 5. “The seat is definitely wider and the ride is smoother but if it’s not easily affordable to you, it’s best to go with the classic.”
Best Heavy Duty Air Bike: Fringe Sport Raptor
The Fringe Sport Airbike is among the most durable picks on the market. This ultra-stable bike also has wheels on the front for easy transportation.
Specs
- Price: $949
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Dimensions: 51’’ H x 54’’ L x 24’’ W
- Weight: 130lbs
- Warranty: Three years
- Extra Features: LCD console, removable wind guard, turf tires
Whether you’re a higher-weight athlete or an athlete who loves to use their air bike at full intensity, we recommend the Fringe Sport Raptor air bike, rendering this a candidate for one of the best exercise bikes for heavy people and athletes of any size looking to bang out a tough workout. One of the most durable bikes we’ve tried, this pick can certainly handle your toughest workouts with little to no shaking. Needless to say, our testers gave this pick a 5 out of 5 for durability.
However, we must point out that the durability does tack on a few pounds. This frame is 130 pounds, which is heavier than most of our other picks, earning a 3 out of 5 for durability. That being said, the larger frame and wider base, though heavy, does add a ton of stability. Plus, you do get turf tired to help wheel the machine around.
“I’d even recommend this bike over the Rogue Echo if durability is your top priority,” our tester said. However, the it is pretty low-tech, despite that it’s a little pricier than our other picks. You only get an LCD screen, so it’s not ideal for those who want dynamic programming, earning a 3 out of 5 in this category.
“When it comes to noise, this one is super smooth and quiet,” our tester said. “It has a windguard, which definitely helps.” Our tester also noted that they liked the wider pedals, making this bike suitable for a wide array of folks.
We do wish this bike weren’t quite so pricey, though. Our testers gave this category a 4 out of 5, as you can find cheaper options on the market. However, if you plan to put your air bike through a large number of intense, relentless workouts, we think the cost is worth the durability and construction.
Quietest Air Bike: Rogue Fitness Echo Air Bike
This bike offers a low impact workout that includes upper body work as well thanks to its moving arms. The Rogue Echo Air Bike’s LCD display allows you to select from modes like intervals, targeting time, distance, calories, and heart rate tracking. Get $100 off this bike right now and shop Rogue's Hot Deals across the entire website for Black Friday.
Specs
- Price: $845
- Weight Capacity: 330lbs
- Dimensions: 52.25’’ H x 55’’ L x 29.5’’ W
- Weight: 123lbs
- Warranty: Two year warranty
- Extra Features: Bluetooth connectivity, water bottle holder, cell phone holder
When you’re training at home, you may want a more quiet air bike to keep neighborhood noise at bay. The belt-driven drivetrain on the Rogue Echo Air Bike is the perfect machine for a quiet ride.
This belt-driven bike is built with tough steel and finished with a textured black powder coat to prevent rust and corrosion. You can find this bike in most CrossFit gyms, withstanding plenty of high-intensity training sessions. “It’s sturdier than most bikes,” our tester said, giving a 5 out of 5 for durability. “It also has a solid foundation for even the strongest of bursts.”
This bike has knurled 4.5-inch rotating foot pegs to provide a place for your feet if you’re just in the mood to work your arms. The Echo also secures the bike with rubber leveling feet under each base tube. Rogue claims these can “adapt to your flooring” and help level the bike, even on uneven surfaces.
Our team gave this bike a 3.5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics. The bike can adapt to athletes of varying body types thanks to the seat’s eight different height settings and five front-to-back settings. The Echo’s latest model, the 3.0, improves upon the 2.0 by moving the adjustment knob to the back of the seat post to help prevent loose clothing and headphone wires from catching on it.
The 3.0’s 5’’ x 8’’ console is larger than the former 2.0’s 6.4” x 3.4’’ one. You can connect it to Bluetooth and ANT+, allowing you to track intervals, distance, calories burned, and more via compatible the best fitness trackers and apps. You can also link up the Echo with a heart rate monitor, which accompanies the pre-loaded interval and target programs on the console. The tech capabilities don’t rival some of the more high-tech screens on ellipticals, for instance, but we gave Rogue a 3.5 out of 5 in this category, as it’s superior to other air bikes.
The Echo, however, is one of the heaviest bikes on the market at 123 pounds, earning a 2 out of 5 for portability and footprint. It’s also both longer and wider than the average air bike by several inches, so it may not be the best pick for those working out in tight spaces or equipment-clogged gyms.
For overall value, though, we gave this bike a 4 out of 5. It’s incredibly durable and can withstand ample use but the price point still sits under $1,000, which we like. If you can afford the $845, we think this heavy-duty bike is worth the cost.
Read our full Rogue Echo Air Bike Review.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Air Bikes
Believe us when we say that the athletes, certified personal trainers, and fitness enthusiasts at BarBend can get as winded on air bikes as casual riders. We tested 25 different bikes from a variety of brands, rounding up air bikes that can work for a variety of athletes. These are the factors we considered:
- Construction: Air bikes are typically best suited for high-intensity workouts like HIIT training and sprint intervals. From their frames to their fan blades, the bikes on this list are made primarily from steel or aluminum capable of supporting anywhere from 300 to 350 pounds.
- Adjustability: Since air bikes work your arms and legs simultaneously, it’s important to get your body in the right position. When making our picks, we zeroed in on models with seats that can be adjusted in every direction — up, down, forward, and backwards — and handles with a variety of different grip points.
- Weight: Since they’re suited for intense bouts of HIIT and sprint workouts, the last thing you want is a machine that wobbles and sways as your limbs pump up, down, forward, and backwards. Heavier bikes (more than 100 pounds) provide a more stable ride, especially when paired with a wide base, generally between 23 and 30 inches.
- Price: While the overall design of most air bikes is pretty similar, prices can fluctuate between $600 and $1,300. We made sure to include a range of air bike profiles to help accommodate athletes with differing budgets, including some of the best exercise bikes under $1,000.
- Warranty: Most air bikes come with some sort of warranty against manufacturing errors or damage. We prioritized picks that give you plenty of coverage.
- Features and Programming: Most air bikes have a small LCD screen to track basic stats like your workout duration, calories burned, watts, and distance. We also looked for models with powder coats resistant to rust and corrosion — a must when they’re likely to be drenched in sweat by the end of your ride — as well as stability features like knurled steel foot pegs and rubberized hand grips.
[Related: Best Exercise Bikes With Virtual Courses]
Benefits of Air Bikes
Air bikes will make you sweat, but their benefits extend beyond their ability to torch calories. They can also complement strength training and provide a low-impact exercise alternative for those with limited mobility. Here are some of the main perks.
- Full-Body Workout: “Air bikes are unique in that they feature moving arms, so cycling becomes a full-body workout rather than a lower-body-focused one,” explains Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. For this reason, air bikes can deliver one heck of a cardio workout, as several studies have shown the bike’s effectiveness as a calorie burner and as a reliable way to boost your overall anaerobic and aerobic endurance. (1)(2)
- High-Intensity Training: Air bikes are an excellent way to practice high-intensity training, according to Capritto. “The harder you pedal, the harder the work becomes,” our expert reviewer states.
- Low-Impact Recovery: An air bike’s user-controlled pace can also be great for more moderate paces required for less strenuous workouts. Whether looking to support lingering aches and pains or train around aggravated joints, the fact that you set the tone without additional resistance is a true perk when trying to stay fit while nursing an injury.
- No Motor Necessary: Given that they require no electricity, air bikes are especially portable pieces of equipment. Since you don’t need to worry about power cords or outlets, they can be set up wherever you like, from your home gym to an exercise nook to your back patio.
[Related: Best Exercise Bikes With Screens]
How Much Do Air Bikes Cost?
On average, air bikes cost between $600 and $1,300. This falls squarely in the middle of the range you’ll find for most standard exercise bikes, which can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Below is a helpful chart outlining the costs of each air bike featured in this round-up.
| Best Air Bike Overall | Assault Fitness AssaultBike Classic | $699 |
| Best Air Bike for Beginners | Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0 | $799.99 |
| Best Air Bike Without Arms | Concept2 Bike Erg | $1,100 |
| Best Budget Air Bike | Titan Fitness Fan Bike | $699.99 |
| Best Premium Air Bike | Assault Fitness AssaultBike Elite | $1,499 |
| Best Heavy Duty Air Bike | Rogue Echo Air Bike | $845 |
| Quietest Air Bike | Schwinn AD7 | $1,099 |
[Related: Best Budget Exercise Bike]
What to Consider Before Buying an Air Bike
It might look like an amalgamation of an exercise bike and an elliptical, but air bikes tend to serve different purposes in the gym. Before dropping several hundred dollars on one, you’ll want to consider how your own fitness needs dovetail with its design and benefits.
Your Fitness Needs
Air bikes aren’t for everybody. “People looking to build out a CrossFit-style home gym are a good fit for an air bike,” Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC said. “Additionally, those who are generally interested in functional fitness protocols will probably get a lot of use out of one.”
If you’re more interested in leisurely, long-distance cycling than short, intense bursts of HIIT training, the air bike might not be for you. On the other hand, if you often find yourself lacking the time for an exhaustive workout, air bikes can make you sweat just as hard in a fraction of the time. (3)
Air bikes, however, do provide a full-body workout that can be effective for building strength, muscle, and endurance. (2) And since you can generate a lot of resistance very quickly, they can also be helpful in training yourself to push past physical exhaustion and build mental toughness. Many athletes, for example, utilize air bikes to punctuate strength sets with punishing sprints on the air bike. If you’re looking to push yourself and break barriers in your fitness training, an air bike can help you get there.
Belt vs. Chain
In lieu of electricity, air bikes are powered by a combination of effort and air resistance. That said, something’s still got to connect the pedals to the fan. In the case of air bikes, that’s either a belt or chain drive.
Chain drives are similar to what you’ll find on a standard bicycle and will better evoke the experience of riding outside. They do, however, require routine maintenance, whether that’s in servicing or lubricating the chain. Belt drives, on the other hand, require less maintenance and are said to be more durable. And since belt-driven bikes produce no rattle or clang, they tend to make less noise than chain-driven bikes. They often cost more, however.
Noise
As we just noted, belt-driven air bikes typically make less noise than chain-driven bikes, which can produce a metallic rattle in the same way as a standard bicycle. Still, no matter which model you choose, air bikes are going to make more noise than most cardio machines.
This is because air bikes generate resistance via a spinning fan, and the rush of air pushing against the fan blades results in a dull roar. The harder you pedal, the louder that rush of air gets. When you’re pushing hard, the noise can be equivalent to a vacuum cleaner. During lighter sessions, the sound is akin to white noise. Obviously, this can be disruptive to family and roommates if you like to pedal early or late. It can also drown out any shows or classes you may be streaming as you work out. If that’s an issue for you, it might be best to go for a standard exercise bike.
Value
Air bikes can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,300, but the majority tend to cost somewhere between $700 and $900. If you’re simply looking for an air bike with a solid build that can handle HIIT and sprint intervals, you’d probably be happy with one of the more utilitarian models.
That said, you’ll want to ask yourself a few other questions before opening up your wallet. Is noise a concern? You may want a belt-driven bike rather than a chain-driven one. Do you like tracking your progress via apps or fitness trackers? Bluetooth compatibility is a must. Is a place for your water bottle or iPad a necessity? Not every bike has one, so weigh your priorities and choose wisely.
Footprint
Air bikes aren’t the smallest piece of home gym equipment. Before you buy a new unit, you want to make sure that it’s actually compatible with your available space. Measure your home gym and compare it to bike dimensions online before you commit to a new air bike.
[Related: Best Folding Exercise Bikes]
Air Bike FAQs
How are air bikes different from exercise bikes?
Think of air bikes as a combination of an exercise bike and an elliptical. In addition to pedals, air bikes usually have a pair of moveable arms that you push and pull as you pump your legs. Air bikes are also different from standard exercise bikes in that they’re motorless — the harder you pedal, the more resistance is generated.
What’s the best air bike?
Determining the best air bike can be subjective from one athlete to the next. However, we’re big fans of the Assault Fitness Assault Bike Classic thanks to its durable, powder-coated frame, seven preset workouts built into the console, as well as its impressive adjustability across the seat and ride height.
Are air bikes loud?
Since they’re powered by wind resistance, air bikes tend to be louder than most other cardio machines. Some, however, are quieter than others. Belt-driven bikes, for example, make less noise than chain-driven ones, though they do tend to cost more. Generally, air bikes produce a sound akin to white noise, though it can evoke the roar of a vacuum cleaner during sprints. So long as you’re biking at reasonable hours, the sound should be manageable for neighbors and roommates.
How much do air bikes cost?
On average, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,300 for a high-quality air bike. Of course, though, these prices can vary depending on your machine’s build quality, available features, and other factors related to your training experience.
References
- Browne, J. D., Carter, R., Robinson, A., Waldrup, B., Zhang, G., Carrillo, E., Dinh, M., Arnold, M. T., Hu, J., Neufeld, E. V., Dolezal, B. A. (2020). Not All HIFT Classes Are Created Equal: Evaluating Energy Expenditure and Relative Intensity of a High-Intensity Functional Training Regimen. International Journal of Exercise Science. 13(4):1206-1216.
- Schlegel, P., Křehký, A., Hiblbauer, J. (2022). Physical fitness improvement after 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training with air bike. Sports Medicine. 10.13140/RG.2.2.21669.58081.
- Moghaddam, M., Cervantes, M., Cheshier, B., Jacobson, B. H. (2023). Sprint Interval Training on Stationary Air Bike Elicits Cardiorespiratory Adaptations While Being Time-Efficient. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 37(9), 1795-1801.
- De Azevedo Franke, R., Rodrigues, R., Geremia, J. M., Teixeira, B. C., Boeno, F., Rabello, R., Baroni, B. M., Lima, C. S. (2021). Moderate intensity cycling is better than running on recovery of eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. Physical Therapy in Sport. 50, 65-73.
