The best part about today’s world and online shopping is that everything is accessible. And with the internet being full of ads about maintaining good health, being in shape, fitness levels, or who knows what else, you’re probably inclined to do what you can to keep the doctor appointments to the minimum. And while local gyms are a good option, you might not be in the mood to add an extra route to your day, or you might not want to see other people. So what is your other option? Get your gym equipment at home. If you’re looking to have the shortest trip to the gym, in the comfort of your garage even, keep scrolling to see a few models suited for just about any user.
What Is an Air Bike and Why You Really Should Get One?
Air bike is well known for their benefits, whether about endurance training, heart rate programs, or even recovery after unpleasant accidents. They are often called “the Misery Machines,” It is enough to go pedaling for a few minutes on them to be left sucking for air and wondering if you haven’t instead tested a genuine torture machine. This is, in fact, the effect of high-intensity interval training, which according to Micah Zuhl, Ph.D. and Len Kravitz, Ph.D. at the Central Michigan University, has the following effects on the human body:
- Accelerates disposal of metabolic waste
- Improves cell regulatory mechanism of metabolism
- Increases cardiac muscle mass
- It helps faster diffuse oxygen to muscles
- Stimulates fat oxidation
The health benefits are huge, and this is one of the main reasons many people choose to bear through short sessions of thought training to get in shape faster and stay fit. The mechanism behind an air bike is pretty simple: it includes a set of pedals connected to a wheel with blades that look like a conventional fan’s head. Besides the air, there is no resistance mechanism, which acts as an opposing force that makes the workout more demanding. To put it short, the harder you pedal, the higher the resistance becomes, challenging you to push your limits.
Schwinn AD7 Airdyne Air bike
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 53″ × 26.5″ × 53″
- Product Weight: 113 lbs.
- Frame Build: Steel
- Finish: Corrosion resistant powder
- Capacity: 350 lbs.
- Drive System: Single-Stage belt
- Resistance Mechanism: Air, Fan Flywheel
- Resistance Levels: Infinite
- Power Source: 2 3V D Batteries (Included)
- Adjustable Parts: Handlebars, Seat
- Monitor: High-Resolution Multi-display LCD
- Readouts: Calories Burned, Watts, Time, Odometer, Speed, RPM, Heart Rate
- Programs: 9
- Transport Wheels:
- Accessories: Holder, Tray, Assembly tools, and instructions
- Warranty: 5 Years – Frame; 1 Year – Parts/Electrical; 90 Days – Labor
Search for a good addition to your CrossFit sessions; search no further than the gorgeous Schwinn AD7 Airdyne air bike. This model has great features and a strong body, making it the prime choice for the CrossFit games organized in 2015. The improvements it brings compared to the Schwinn AD6 consist of a more complex console, multi-grip armbars, and a bigger fan. Compared to older versions like the Schwinn AD4, Schwinn AD2, and even Schwinn AD6, this new model solves the problem with the seat adjustability, allowing you to move it forward or backward so it can match multiple users the spouse.
The heavy-duty steel frame tubing guarantees a long-term lifespan and a 350-pound weight limit. Thanks to the powder coating that protects it against corrosion and accidental scratches, it will also maintain its look. On its base, it also has four levelers to help it stay put and make sure that the unit is stable. To accentuate on the guarantee part, the frame comes with a 5-year warranty, the parts with two years, and you also have labor included for six months. Your sessions will be quiet and very even, all due to the belt drive, which has the added benefit of low maintenance, and the front-placed, 26-blade fan flywheel that weighs almost 29 pounds. Cruise through your workouts with incredible ease and a real outdoor cycling feeling.
Features & Adjustability
You can track seven stats on the high-resolution display, the BPM being supervised with telemetry-enabled technology, which is a function you will find in the Schwinn Airdyne AD Pro as well. The AD7 offers a range of 9 workout programs to keep you motivated and keep you moving consistently. The padded seat can be higher or lower, and the anti-slip handlebars have multiple positions. The display is battery-powered, and those batteries are included, along with an AC adapter, a holder, a tray, assembly tools, and wheels to move the unit out of the way.
Pros
- Cooling Fan
- Quiet Operation
- Great for CrossFit
- 350 lbs. Capacity
- Holders and batteries included
Cons
- The monitor is not backlit
- Assembly is a two-person job
Verdict
A good choice for CrossFit enthusiasts, the Schwinn AD7 stands proud with a 350-pound capacity, sturdy steel build. The air resistance is quiet, the fan flywheel gives you a cool-down while you ride, and you have nine workout programs to pick from.
Assault Air Bike
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 50.95″ × 23.34″ × 50″
- Product Weight: 95.64 lbs.
- Frame Build: Aluminum, Heavy-gauge Steel
- Finish: Industrial powder
- Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Drive System: Single-stage belt
- Resistance Mechanism: Air, Fan Flywheel
- Resistance Levels: 8
- Power Source: 2 AA Batteries (Not Included)
- Adjustable Parts: Seat, Levelers
- Monitor: LCD Hi-Contrast
- Readouts: Interval, Time, Calories Burned, Heart Rate, Odometer, Watts, Speed, RPM
- Programs: 7
- Transport Wheels:
- Accessories: Media Shelf, Assembly tools, and instructions
- Warranty: 5 Years – Frame Parts; 2 Years – Other Parts
To get the most out of the money you’re spending, consider the Assault model. At a fair price, this one brings most of the features you could be looking for in this type of home gym equipment and has a zero carbon footprint. The structure has a square-tapered design, sturdy steel base and aluminum post to cancel out any lateral wobble, a layer of industrial powder to keep the surface intact and corrosion-free, hardened and enhanced pedals and cranks, all bound together by 20 bearings (instead of bushings) that are sealed and ensure a flowing operation of the machine. The company offers a more expensive model, the ASSAULTFITNESS Assault Air Bike Elite, with commercial resistance and a more complex screen.
Still, the great quality-price report offered by this model makes it more popular among customers. Although it might sound complicated, the unit is easy to set up, comes with a 300-pound weight capacity, a frame warranty of 5 years, and one for the parts of 2. Compared to the Schwinn AD7 Airdyne or Schwinn Airdyne AD Pro, it is more compact, having a footprint of only 51” by 24”. The resistance mechanism is air-based, and the flywheel fan comes at a 27” diameter. With the belt drive, you can enjoy a peaceful and still challenging ride. The base levelers and the seat are adjustable, one to keep you stable and one to match your height requirements six ways (up/down, forward/backward, tilt). For easy tinkering, the post has pop-pin locks.
The stat screen is a Hi-Contrast LCD, and it gives you eight stat-tracking features, including BPM and interval training for more specific cycling sessions. To further aid you with goal-reaching, this unit comes with integrated messaging and seven program options, including HIIT and BPM workouts. Other added accessories include a media tray, assembly tools, and transport wheels on the front base leg.
Pros
- Cooling Fan
- 6-Way seat
- Media Tray
- 300 lbs. Capacity
Cons
- Seat positions might be uncomfortable
- The monitor is not backlit
Verdict
A great deal when it comes to the quality to price ratio, the Assault model is a known favorite. Its best qualities are the 300-pound weight limit, the adjustable parts (the seat goes six ways), the cooling fan feature, and the included workout programs.
Concept2 BikeErg with PM5
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 48″ × 24″ × 40.5″
- Product Weight: 68 lbs.
- Frame Build: Welded aluminum
- Finish: Corrosion resistant powder
- Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Drive System: Self-tensioning Polygroove belts
- Resistance Mechanism: Air, Fan Flywheel
- Resistance Levels: 10
- Power Source: 2 1.5V D Batteries (Included)
- Adjustable Parts: Damper, Handlebars, Seat
- Monitor: PM5, Backlit
- Readouts: Time, Odometer, Interval, Watts, Speed, Cadence, Calories Burned, RPM, Heart Rate (Optional)
- Programs: 10
- Transport Wheels:
- Accessories: Smartphone Cradle, Assembly tools, and instructions
- Warranty: 5 Years – Frame Parts; 2 Years – Other Parts
Sleek Design & Sturdy Build
When seeing it, the design of the Concept2 BikeErg is the first thing that sets it apart from the rest. It’s suitable for home, gym, and even military use. Its framework is made of commercial-grade aluminum, making it easy to maneuver (at a total weight of 68 pounds) and coated with corrosion-resistant powder, great detail in terms of durability. Finally, the total weight limit is 300 pounds. The Concept2 is not hard to put together, the assembly being a 30 to 50-minute job, and you get a limited five and 2-year warranty on all its parts, which is common to high-end products (Schwinn AD7 Airdyne, Schwinn Airdyne AD Pro, and Assault Air Bike come with a similar one)
Engineering
Your ride will be as smooth as butter due to the poly groove belts, combined with the clutch flywheel with an added fan secured by an ABS thermo-plastic cover. The wheel creates resistance as you ride, or you can set your preferred level out of the ten available by opening or closing the damper.
Sizing & Customizability
Adjustability is the next useful feature of this model, as it has a 4-way seat with a range to the pedals of about 31 to 40 inches and height options between 30.75 and 41 inches (this gives 27-37-inch inseam options). The Q factor is at a narrow 6.1 inches, making your knees comfortable thanks to the position you have on the seat and pedals, and the crank is a 6.7 for extra leverage while pedaling. The handlebars are also designed to keep you comfortable. They have a 4-way movement possibility and three-position options to choose from. Both of the adaptable parts have a ratcheting system for adjustments. To top it all off, the seat, the handles, and the pedals are all changeable to fit your unit to your liking.
Monitor & Accessories
The PM5 screen is backlit, giving you the option of training without worrying about visibility in rooms with poor lighting. It shows data for each of your sessions and keeps track of your progress. The Bluetooth and ANT+ connections help it track your BPM and use fitness apps (like Zwift), but it also has ten integrated workout programs to help you stay fit (that you could even save on a USB stick if you felt like it). The monitor is powered either by the flywheel or by two batteries that come with the package, a media cradle, a PM5 Start Guide, assembly tools, and transport wheels for easy storage.
Pros
- Heavy, stable build
- Adjustable seat and handles
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Batteries and phone holders included
Cons
- Flywheel position (sweat can reach it)
- You can’t pause a workout
Verdict
For a unit with great performance and highly durable materials, the Concept2 BikeErg is the way to go. You get a stable structure, adjustability options, included holders, and easy assembly, all in a space-efficient and lightweight unit. And as a bonus, the console is a PM5 with Bluetooth and ANT+ connection.
Schwinn AD2 Airdyne Air bike
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 46″ × 25″ × 50″
- Product Weight: 97 lbs.
- Frame Build: Steel
- Finish: Corrosion resistant powder
- Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Drive System: Single-stage Belt
- Resistance Mechanism: Air, Fan Flywheel
- Resistance Levels: Infinite
- Power Source: 2 1.0-3.3V AA Batteries (Not Included)
- Adjustable Parts: Seat, Foot Straps, Levelers
- Monitor: LCD
- Readouts: Time, Calories, Odometer, Speed, RPM
- Programs:
- Transport Wheels:
- Accessories: Assembly tools and instructions
- Warranty: 5 Years – Frame; 1 Year – Parts; 90 Days – Labor
Our 3rd Schwinn model, the AD2 Airdyne air bike, is another unit that can offer cooling airflow while also heating you with the cycling intensity. The fan flywheel air mechanism employs the intake as a workout intensity operator and a cooling agent for your sweat session. The AD2 is a smooth-riding, whisper-silent, and muscle-enhancing machine with a belt-based drive. The bars are non-slip and can also be individually moved to have your arms and upper body strength just as high as the one in your legs.
Once assembled, with the package-contained toolkit, this unit can withstand a maximum load of 250 pounds. The structure is made of resistant steel, coated in an anti-corrosion powder layer, and it supports a height-adjustable padded seat and pedals with foot straps for safe riding. The base leg in the front also has integrated wheels for easy roll-in and easy roll-out during the storing process. Warranty-wise, you will have the same Schwinn deal of 5 years with the framework, two years with the parts, and six months for labor. You have a battery-powered LCD screen to follow your time, distance, pace, calories, and pedaling.
Pros
- Cooling Fan
- Effortless assembly
- Anti-slip dual-action handlebars
- Adjustable seat, foot straps, and base levelers
Cons
- Uncomfortable seat
- Basic console
Verdict
A good unit for a reasonable price, the Schwinn AD2 comes with a quiet belt and fan flywheel operation, a cooling feature, dual-action handles, adjustability options, and a straightforward assembly process.
Body Rider Exercise Upright Fan Bike BRF700
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 41.75″ × 22″ × 46.5″
- Product Weight: 47.3 lbs.
- Frame Build: Steel
- Finish: Powder coat
- Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Drive System: Single-stage Belt
- Resistance Mechanism: Air, Fan Flywheel
- Resistance Levels: 15
- Power Source: 2 1.5V AAA Batteries (Included)
- Adjustable Parts: Seat
- Monitor: LCD
- Readouts: Time, Speed, Odometer, Calories Burned
- Programs:
- Transport Wheels:
- Accessories: Assembly tools and instructions
- Warranty: 1 Year – Frame; 90 Days – All Parts
With a small footprint of roughly 42 by 22 inches with a 46.5 height, a 47.3-pound assembled weight, and a 250-pound capacity, all for the smallest price on our list, the Body Rider is a good call for the ones who are at the beginning of their cycling desire and aren’t sure whether or not the model they will buy will motivate them for more, or will be another impulse purchase. You can also decide to buy this unit if you require a low-impact activity for older family members or are recovering after joint trauma. The structure is built using steel and has a powder finish to keep it protected, and the package contains everything required for set-up (tools and instructions).
The resistance mechanism is composed of a fan flywheel with more compact size than what we’ve seen so far, with a fuller cover surrounding it. Regardless, the fan can still produce cool air while pedaling, thus lending you a helping hand during more exerting routines. You can modify your workout’s intensity by lowering or raising the level knob and employing the bars with dual-action. The saddle is 2-way adaptable and has an updated cushion, and the console monitor is user-friendly, displaying pace, kilometers, duration, and burned calories.
Pros
- Cooling Fan
- Small footprint
- Lightweight
- Affordable price
Cons
- Basic console
- No holders
Verdict
A safe, inexpensive way to go, the Body Rider model could be a go-to for those who aren’t yet fully committed to cycling. Or for those who need a low-impact activity for joint recovery, instead of heavy and intense workouts.
Conclusion
Building muscle, toning, losing weight, getting a good BPM and breathing pattern, or even performing a low-impact exercise to help with mobility pain? All that can be achieved with just one purchase, that of an air bike.