Within the family of the best exercise bikes, air bikes could be that annoyingly ambitious sibling — really intense and best in small doses. And at air bike dinner, the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike is eyeballing the head of the table. For years, that seat has been occupied by time-tested models like the Rogue Echo Bike and Concept2 BikeErg. But alas, a new challenger has emerged. Our tester and air bike connoisseur has long favored the Echo, but after their time on the Thrasher, they’re beginning to question reality.
“After so much time on the Echo, I can’t believe anything else even comes close,” they say. “But they are so similar, it’s difficult to choose.” With similar heavy-duty steel builds and nearly identical price points, you’ll have to look closely to separate the two. After doing exactly that, our team thinks the Thrasher is a great option for anyone looking for a rock-solid air bike with multiple handle angles who may not be planning on moving it much. For all the details, check out our full Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike Review — plus, to see how we test all our products like this one, hop over to the BarBend equipment testing methodology.
With a heavy-duty steel build and belt-drive system, this quiet and durable air bike can get your heart pounding. Vulcan also includes a heart rate monitor and water bottle with the bike.
Main Takeaways
- Due to its steel build, our tester says this heavy — very heavy — air bike offers incredible stability.
- The Q factor (the width between the pedals) may be a bit too wide, creating an uncomfortable gait for some athletes.
- Our tester loves varying their grip with the multiple handle angles.
Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike Specs
| Price | $899.99 |
| Weight Capacity | 350lbs |
| Product Dimensions | 55″ H x 44” L x 24” W |
| Product Weight | 137lbs |
| Drivetrain | Belt |
| Warranty | 2-year |
If you could survey CrossFit gyms and other sweat factories, we suspect that many would enlist a Rogue Echo or AssaultBike (or a fleet of them) for HIIT exercise bike workouts. “For so long, the Rogue Echo Bike has been at the top of my list, but the Vulcan has me questioning that,” admits our proud air bike nerd. However, given the quality of the build and a handful of thoughtful design features, it’s easy to see why Vulcan may soon be hot on the trail of the Echo.
“I think the closest comp for the Thrasher is the Rogue Echo Bike,” our tester says. “They’re both made of heavy-duty steel, use belt drives, and have average monitors. Plus, they are both priced right around $900.” In the world of air bikes, there are basically two categories — belt drives and chain drives. “A belt drive produces an overall smoother pedaling experience,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. “Belt drives also require less maintenance than chain drives, plus they are quieter.”
Supporting that belt-drive system is a robust — which may be putting it mildly — steel frame. The pros and cons are probably obvious — it’s incredibly stable, but a bear to move. Vulcan does provide a monstrous handle on the back to lift and roll the bike and, at 137 pounds, you’re going to need it. “I love wheeling an air bike out in the driveway on nice days, but doing that with the Thrasher is not ideal,” our tester says. Along with the Echo (123 pounds), this is one of the heavier bikes we’ve tested. So, keep its heft in mind if you’ll need to move it around much.
At the end of the day, our tester is torn about the Thrasher coming for the Rogue Echo. “I feel weird even saying this out loud, but I think if I was choosing right now between the two, I’d get the Thrasher,” they say.
[Related: Rogue Echo Bike Review]
One caveat for our team is the Echo Bike’s proven track record of durability. While the Echo Bike has been around since 2017, the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike is simply a newer entry into the market. “The Vulcan just hasn’t been as widely used in gyms like the Rogue has. But from using it myself and from what I see in terms of the build, I suspect that it will stand the test of time,” they add. “It hasn’t had the time to prove it yet.”
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike
When it comes to air bikes, BarBend expert Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC, highlights who may most benefit from bringing one home. “People looking to build out a CrossFit-style home gym are a good fit for an air bike,” she says. “Additionally, those who are generally interested in functional fitness protocols will probably get a lot of use out of one.” The Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike is certainly one of the best exercise bikes under $1,000 in terms of durability, but it may not be a fit for everyone. Check out who we think might want to add the Thrasher to their home or garage gym.
Recommended for:
- CrossFit athletes looking to take on WODs or circuit training at home
- Users who want to push the intensity of their workouts and need a stable air bike
- People that prefer belt-drive air bikes over chain-driven models
Not Recommended for:
- Anyone who needs to relocate their air bike often
- Those looking for immersive touchscreens to stream virtual workouts
- Someone with a limited budget of less than $1,000
Our Experience Training With the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike
With a lineup full of CrossFit coaches, certified personal trainers, and triathletes, the BarBend team knows how to spot the best air bikes. For each of the 12 models we’ve personally tested, we assign scores of 1 (boo) to 5 (hooray) across categories like durability, stability, tech capabilities, and more. After years of training on air bikes from top brands like Rogue, Assault, and Concept2, see what our team learned from our time aboard the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike.
Durability
“This is one of the heaviest air bikes out there, which can be a good thing and a bad thing,” our tester says. “Obviously, that makes the Thrasher stout. Especially for quick-burst intervals where you’re putting in max effort, you want your bike to be as solid as a rock.” At 137 pounds, the Thrasher might be as solid as a mountain. For context, the Rogue Echo is widely considered one of the beefiest air bikes out there and it’s only 123 pounds. Another heavy bike, the Bells of Steel Blitz, weighs in at 118 pounds. So yeah, hefty.
“The Thrasher is built to be super durable and it seems like Vulcan has also priced it to compete with the other heavy hitters like the Echo Bike.” After diving into the nitty gritty of the construction, we’re also impressed by Vulcan’s attention to detail. “Of course the frame is sturdy, but even the connection points — handles, arms, pedals — are all made of heavy components that are just high-quality,” our tester explains, rating both its durability and stability 5 out of 5.
After testing so many air bikes, we’ve gotten used to a tiny bit of wiggle and wobble along that chain of connection points, but that’s not the case on the Thrasher. “When you drive the handle and pedals, there’s just no give like I sometimes feel on other bikes.”
Portability
The glaring downside to that supercharged steel build becomes apparent when you need to relocate the Thrasher. “The overall weight is amazing for stability, but not amazing for portability,” our tester notes. “Vulcan did put a huge handle on the back, so at least they try to help us out.”
One perk for garage gym owners, like our tester, is the ability to roll their air bikes into the driveway to cut down on reverberating noise while getting some fresh air. “The wheels are fine, but not anything like the turf tires on the Titan Fan Bike,” they say. “Rogue sells bigger tires for an extra $90, but Vulcan doesn’t even offer them.” The heavy weight combined with the relatively small front wheels means it doesn’t exactly fit in with the best portable exercise bikes. Because we find moving the Thrasher Air Bike around to be rather difficult, it earns a score of 3.5 out of 5 for portability.
[Related: Titan Fan Bike Review]
Belt Drive
BarBend expert and CrossFit coach Amanda Capritto is well-versed in air bikes and when it comes to choosing one to bring home, one feature stands out. “The biggest thing to consider in my opinion is whether an air bike has a belt drive or a chain drive. This is what impacts the exercise experience the most,” she says.
Another plus for belt drives is their longevity. “I get why some bikes use a chain — they’re less expensive — but they’re noisier and you have to maintain them,” our tester explains. “Belt-drive systems last longer and they’re way quieter.”
Since you’re powering a big fan as you pedal, any air bike will be louder than even the best magnetic exercise bikes. But, using a belt instead of chain can drastically reduce the noise caused by the clanging and creaking of the metal. “The Thrasher is really quiet for an air bike and that’s just another indication of how well-made it is,” our tester adds, rating the belt-drive system on the Thrasher a 4 out of 5. “The belts are like the belts in your car. Sure, they could break, but it’s incredibly rare. In my garage gym, it’s belt drives only.”
The Q Factor: Not All It’s Quacked Up To Be?
Whether it’s stationed in your garage or out on the road, the Q factor on any bike refers to the lateral distance from the outside of one crank arm to the other. (1) “Imagine looking down at yourself on a bike,” our tester explains. “On a mountain bike or road bike, that distance (the distance between your feet) should be about six inches.”
However, on a lot of air bikes, that distance tends to be wider, which can affect your gait during stationary bike workouts. In general, the closer the Q factor is to an actual bike, the better. Otherwise, that wider-than-natural stance can have you waddling like a duck — get it? Quack factor? (No, really. I didn’t make that up.) “The Q factor absolutely matters, and on the Thrasher, it is very wide,” our tester says. “This thing is built like a hoss, but that stout build also makes it wider than most air bikes.”
OK class, grab your calculators. The Thrasher’s Q factor is 9.875 inches, so compared to the roughly 6-inch distance on a road or mountain bike, that’s a huge difference — about 39% wider. Now, most air bikes are usually wider than real bikes, but not by this much. “On the Rogue Echo Bike, that distance is 8.125 inches,” our tester says. “So doing the math, the Thrasher’s Q factor is about 13% wider than the Echo.”
That said, our tester does appreciate that Vulcan seems to compensate for the width of the bike. “They use these flat metal plates on the cranks, which does help. The Q factor is too wide — point blank,” they adds. “But I do think they make the best of it by using those plates instead of some sort of knob joint you might see on other air bikes.”
Monitor
Air bikes will never be mistaken for the best exercise bikes with screens, but honestly, that’s not their bread and butter. “I think the Vulcan monitor is alright, but it’s not my favorite one I’ve used,” our tester says. “The gold standard is the Concept2’s PM5 monitor, but overall, monitors on air bikes are pretty meh.” Tech capabilities earn a 3 out of 5 from our team.
The Thrasher’s Bluetooth monitor does have quick buttons that let you hop right into varying intervals, as well as target programs for calories, time, distance, and heart rate. Vulcan also throws in a compatible heart rate monitor with the bike.
There is a small shelf to place your phone, but for our tester, it’s not positioned well. “It’s nice to have a phone holder, but it’s right at the bottom of the screen,” they say. “So if you put your phone there, you can’t see all those workout metrics.”
Adjustability and Ergonomics
Unlike many other models — even some of our faves like the Rogue Echo — the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike has multiple handlebar angles, which our tester certainly appreciates. “I really don’t get why this isn’t standard across air bikes. Having different handles is such an easy add, so I’m glad to see it on the Thrasher,” they say. “I can grab it horizontally at two different heights, plus I like using the neutral grip when I go all out.” Accounting for the Q factor we chatted about earlier, our team lands on a 4 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics.
One area where the Thrasher does resemble many air bikes is the wide, adjustable seat. “Personally, I kind of prefer a saddle, but I have to say this seat is super comfy,” our tester notes. “There’s a ton of padding, but most importantly, the positioning can be adjusted to fit just about anyone.” The seat height adjusts from 31 to 43 inches high (off the ground), plus it has 12-inch horizontal range, allowing you to slide forward or backward. “The best thing about it is that the horizontal adjustment is spring-loaded, which lets you adjust the seat length without having to hop off the bike,” our tester adds.
What to Consider Before Buying the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike
According to BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, air bikes like the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike may or may not be the type of exercise bike that matches your preferred style of training. “Air bikes are pretty niche, mainly serving the CrossFit community,” she says. “They are great for high-intensity training as well as slow, steady recovery work.” Here are a few considerations to make before buying the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike.
- Belt-Drive or Chain-Drive: Air bikes use one of two mechanisms to power the fan — belts or chains. Chain-driven bikes tend to be cheaper, but Capritto explains why. “Chain drives are noisier and require more frequent maintenance,” she says. Before you buy the Thrasher, make sure that the quieter workouts and less upkeep are worth the higher price.
- Conveniences: We love that the Thrasher includes a phone holder — however ill-placed it may be — and a water bottle holder, but remember that there’s no wind guard. In fact, you can’t even purchase one separately from Vulcan. Keep that in mind if you plan on tackling outdoor workouts during cold weather.
- Price: The Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike costs about the same as the Rogue Echo Bike (around $900), but there are plenty of models that can be had for less. While many less expensive air bikes utilize chain drives, you can find high-quality models from Titan Fitness or Assault Fitness for roughly $700.
- Tech Capabilities: Unlike the best exercise bikes with virtual courses, air bikes are geared toward high-intensity workouts that aren’t well-suited for streaming. “Those looking for a high-tech bike with a screen to stream workouts should look elsewhere (specifically into magnetic resistance bikes like those from NordicTrack and Peloton),” Capritto says. The LCD display on the Thrasher shows your metrics and offers sprints, intervals, Tabata, and targeted programming, but keep in mind that you won’t be getting a cutting-edge display.
Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike Vs. Competitors
The Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike is quickly gaining ground on some of our team’s favorite air bikes, including the Rogue Echo Bike. We’ve laid out all the details on a handful of highly-rated belt-driven air bikes, as well as one with a chain drive to provide some clarity on what else is out there. You’ll notice the belt-driven options are a bit pricier, but the Bells of Steel Blitz 2.0 could save you around $100 compared to the Thrasher and Echo. Meanwhile, the chain on the Assault AirBike may require some maintenance, but it weighs less and offers a longer warranty. Check out the chart below to help you compare the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike with three others we’ve personally tested.
| Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike | Rogue Echo Bike V3.0 | Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0 | Assault Fitness AssaultBike Classic | |
| Price | $899.99 | $895 | $799.99 | $699 |
| Weight Capacity | 350lbs | 330lbs | 350lbs | 300lbs |
| Product Dimensions | 55″ H x 44” L x 24” W | 52.25’’ H x 55’’ L x 29.5’’ W | 51’’ H x 53’’ L x 23’’ W | 50’’ H x 50.95’’ L x 23.34’’ W |
| Product Weight | 137lbs | 123lbs | 118lbs | 95.6lbs |
| Drivetrain | Belt | Belt | Belt | Chain |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year | 2-year | 5-year frame, 2-year non-wear parts |
Ordering and Assembling the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike
When you order the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike, you’ll have the option to extend your warranty for $89, plus you’ll get free shipping.
Places to Buy the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike
You can order the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike directly from vulcanstrength.com.
Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews
Vulcan Strength manufacturers all sorts of gym equipment. Their best barbells, rowing machines, and more are favorites among the BarBend team. “I’ve used a ton of Vulcan pieces of equipment, but they honestly fly a bit under the radar,” our tester says. “They don’t have the same level of marketing as other big brands, but they make a ton of good gear.”
On the Vulcan website, customer reviews average 4.9 out of 5 stars, with one five-star review reading, “The belt-driven drive is an excellent feature (very quiet). The small footprint allows for it to be placed in the living room. Excellent build quality (it is very heavy and arrives via freight on a pallet) as it is obviously intended for commercial gyms. Assembly was relatively easy.”
Warranties
With your purchase of the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike, you’ll get a limited 2-year warranty. You can also purchase an extended warranty for $89 at checkout.
Final Thoughts on the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike
When you’re trying to build out a home gym, you definitely need to maximize space. “Air bikes sort of scream ‘garage gym!’ because they pack a lot of punch into a relatively small machine,” our tester says. The ultra heavy-duty steel build of the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike will feel right at home among the best squat racks and barbells. As one of the heaviest air bikes we’ve ever tested, stability is unlikely to be a concern — even at max effort.
If you can get past the relatively bland monitor and don’t need a fan guard, we think Vulcan’s entry into the air bike market may soon challenge established heavy hitters like the Rogue Echo Bike or AssaultBike. Opting for a belt-drive system reduces the noise and maintenance of chain-driven options, but raises the price. All in all, our team of certified air bike nerds thinks that the Thrasher is nipping at the heels of the top dogs in the space.
Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike Review FAQs
What are the disadvantages of the air bike?
The air resistance system on these bikes are best-suited for the quick-burst, heart-pounding interval workouts popular in CrossFit gyms or as part of other circuit training programs. They tend to be louder than most cardio machines, plus they typically feature simple monitors for tracking your metrics instead of big touchscreens on magnetic exercise bikes.
Is the air bike good for weight loss?
Firing up high-intensity workouts on an air bike is certainly a good way to burn calories, but if you’re looking to start a weight loss program, more need to go out than come in. “When you’re in a calorie deficit,” BarBend expert reviewer Gabrielle Fundaro explains in her article on the topic, “you lose weight because your body has to release the energy stored in your body fat in order to meet your energy needs.”
Is riding an air bike good exercise?
“Air bikes make for a fantastic workout! Few things get me huffing and puffing more than a for-time workout that includes air bike intervals,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. “They are great for high-intensity training as well as slow, steady recovery work. Because many offer moving arms, they can also incorporate upper-body training at the same time. The nature of the fan flywheel means that the only limitation in resistance and speed is the exerciser themself.”
References
- Nehr, Z. (2021, July 30). What is Q-factor and does it matter to you?. cyclingnews.com. https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/what-is-q-factor-and-does-it-matter-to-you/
