The 7 Best Air Bikes for Your Home Gym in 2024

The best air bikes are different from standard 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. 

Best Air Bikes of 2024

• Best Air Bike Overall: 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 Budget Air Bike: Titan Fitness Fan Bike
• Best Premium Air Bike: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Elite
• Best Heavy Duty Air Bike: Rogue Echo Air Bike 
• Quietest Air Bike: Schwinn AD7

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. And our picks can take a beating. 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

When it comes to air bikes, heavier tends to be better. 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. All of our picks also include wheels — some even have turf tires — to make them easy to maneuver. 

Price

The price of air bikes can fluctuate between $600 and $1,300. On the whole, most air bikes on the market aren’t that different. The majority are constructed primarily of heavy–duty steel or aluminum and feature powder coats that work to ensure the frame won’t rust under your sweat. For many athletes, this kind of utilitarian design works. Most rides, after all, are quick and dirty. 

Features and Programming

Most air bikes have a small LCD screen to track basic stats, like your workout duration, calories burned, watts, and distance. But several models we chose have additional features, like knurled steel pegs and rubber hand grips that provide additional stability. We also looked for models with powder coats resistant to rust and corrosion, which is a must when they’re likely to be drenched in sweat by the end of your ride. 

Best Air Bike Overall: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Classic

For an all-around excellent assault bike, you want a durable frame, an adjustable seat, tracking technology, and reinforced pedals. The Assault Fitness AssaultBike Classic ticks all those boxes (and more), making it our top pick for best overall air bike.

Give your legs a rest and focus on your arms with the AirBike’s steel pegs.

“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. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok34YSJqQgE

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

For beginners, 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.

“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 bikes 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 a treadmill. 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.

[Related: The 7 Best Mini Exercise Bikes of 2024]

Best Air Bike Without Arms: Concept2 Bike Erg

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 a mountain bike. “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 Budget Air Bike: Titan Fitness Fan Bike

Our pick for the best budget air bike is the Titan Fan Bike, which doesn’t compromise on quality despite costing roughly $100 to $200 less than the average air bike. After comparing this pick to other air bikes on the market, we gave this one a 5 out of 5 for overall value.

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. You can connect a heart rate monitor, though, 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 hitting your face. 

Best Premium Air Bike: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Elite

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. It also has solid steel cranks and superior corrosion resistance, earning a 4 out of 5 for durability.

Compared to the other versions of the Assault Fitness AssaultBike, the Elite also has improved technology. The console has a high-contrast LCD screen and allows Bluetooth and ANT connectivity. During your workout, you can connect to the Assault Fitness app or try one of the preset workouts. 

“Technology isn’t the biggest factor with air bikes and they usually come with small, non-interactive screens,” our tester said, giving the tech capabilities a 3.8. “Compared to other cardio machines, this is pretty simplistic but compared to other air bikes, this is a good console.”

We also gave the Elite a 3.5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics. This seat is built a little wider than your standard, so it can accommodate more athletes. You can also move the seat up and down or forward and back to best suit your height. Plus, this machine comes with an integrated wind fan, which you can remove when you want a little air flow.

There isn’t really much dynamic programming with this air bike, so we gave that category a 3 out of 5. However, unlike some competitors, this one does have a handful of preprogrammed workouts you can try. 

While we like the updates Assault Fitness made with the AssaultBike Elite, it comes at a pretty high cost. “I don’t think the upgrades make a huge difference functionally,” our tester said, 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: Rogue Fitness Echo Air Bike

Our pick for the best heavy-duty air bike is the Rogue Echo. 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 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.

Quietest Air Bike: Schwinn AD7

When you’re training at home, you may want a more quiet air bike to keep neighborhood noise at bay. “Chain drives, as seen on the Assault Bike series, are noisier and require more frequent maintenance,” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. Luckily, the Schwinn AD7 has a belt drive system that’s quieter than chain bike alternatives.

While this bike keeps volume low, there is a slight tradeoff, according to our testers. The aluminum and plastic components aren’t as durable as metal, so we had to give the AD7 a 3.5 out of 5 for durability. However, the ride is smoother and more responsive than a link chain product. “The only sound you’ll really hear is the sound of the steel fan hitting the wind,” our tester said. Plus, the frame is still made with steel, so it won’t break down with use.

Our team liked the console on this machine, as it’s a little larger and brighter than other bikes we tested, making it easier to read the metrics. This is especially advantageous while sweat starts to get into your eyes, our tester said, giving the tech capabilities a 3.5 out of 5. The bike does connect to heart rate monitors but doesn’t seem to be compatible with any apps.

The customization is pretty standard, earning a 3 out of 5. You can move the seat forward and back or up and down, And if the rush of air generated by the fan bothers you, the AD7 comes with an air diverter that keeps it out of your face. You also get multi-position hand grips, making it easier to find your ideal hand position. But all of these perks are pretty standard for most air bikes.

Unfortunately, our team didn’t love the $1,099 price point, giving this bike a 3 out of 5 for value. Most bikes of similar quality are under $1,000, so it’s not competitively priced. If noise level is a huge concern, this pick makes a great quiet companion but if it’s not your number one priority, we recommend choosing another air bike.

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. 

Pricier air bikes are going to be made of heavy-duty components like powder-coated steel, sealed cartridge bearings, and plus-size fans capable of producing loads of resistance. These models also tend to incorporate a belt-driven system rather than a chain-driven one, as rubber belts require less upkeep and make less noise than chains. On the whole, less expensive air bikes tend to be chain-driven and incorporate more plastic into their design. 

It’s worth noting, however, that even the most expensive air bikes likely won’t feature much tech. While many luxury bikes feature touchscreen displays with streaming capabilities, air bikes tend to have LCD consoles that track basic metrics. Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility is about as high-tech as you’re going to get. 

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. 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) 

But it would be reductive to view the air bike as just another cardio machine. Studies have shown that HIIT sessions twice a week with 15 to 45-second work intervals can also produce significant strength increases. (1)(3) According to one 2022 study, all that pushing and pulling can even result in gains for your back squat, bench press one-rep max, and overall pulling strength. (2) Whether you’re working to slim your waistline or tone your biceps, triceps, and shoulders, the air bike is an excellent machine to have in your home gym. 

High-Intensity Training

“Air bikes are similar to air rowers in that there are no defined resistance levels and the user is completely in charge of the resistance,” explains Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. “The harder you pedal, the harder the work becomes.” As a result, air bikes are an excellent way to practice high-intensity training. Research has shown that HIIT workouts can be just as beneficial for cardiovascular health as longer, more moderate cardio sessions — also, you can save a little time. (3)

Air bikes can also be helpful during strength training. Since they work multiple muscle groups, you can use them to warm up your arms, shoulders, back, and legs before a workout. Some athletes, including many CrossFit enthusiasts, will hop on an air bike in between sets to keep their hearts pumping and push through bouts of physical and mental exhaustion. 

[Related: The 9 Best Exercise Bikes for Heavy People of 2024]

Low-Impact Recovery

Though a few minutes on one can spike the heart rate of even the most seasoned athlete, the air bike’s user-controlled pace is also capable of a more moderate ride that can be suitable for seniors looking for a way to work their upper and lower body without aggravating their joints. 

The air bike’s versatility can also come in handy for those recovering from an injury. If your knee or ankle is hurt, pop it on one of the pegs and focus on an arm workout. Similarly, you can still pedal when your arms or shoulders are in pain. And when it’s time to begin working an injured muscle again, the air bike is incapable of providing more resistance than it can handle. Studies have shown, after all, that cycling can be beneficial for those recovering from knee injuries. (4)

No Motor

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. Furthermore, air bikes may last even longer than electrical exercise bikes, as you won’t need to worry about fraying wires or short-circuiting machinery. 

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 torching calories, burning fat, and building strength and muscle. (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. 

Cost

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. 

[Related: The 6 Best Folding Exercise Bikes of 2024‘]

Final Word

Air bikes provide a full-body workout that can burn calories, strengthen your arms, and push through physical and mental blocks. It can be daunting at first, given that the bike’s motorless design generates resistance based on your own output. Once you get the hang of it, though, it can quickly become a go-to machine for warming up, cooling down, high-intensity cardio bursts, and full-body conditioning. 

Your average air bike is a relatively simple machine with a sturdy frame, a fan, pedals, and a pair of moveable arms. That said, there are still a number of factors to consider before buying one. Are you concerned about how much noise it makes? Is cutting-edge tech something you want in your cardio equipment? How much are you willing to spend? No matter your answers, we’re confident our picks have an air bike that’s right for you. 

FAQS

References

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.