While there are many magnetic resistance bikes and chain-driven bikes on the market, air bikes aren't as well-known. That has nothing to do with their performance, though; air bikes are just as capable of delivering an intense workout!
The good news is that people are starting to see the value of air bikes more and more each day, especially one model in particular: the Assault AirBike Classic.
This bike is made by Assault Fitness, a company that specializes in manufacturing air bikes and air treadmills. The AirBike Classic is one of the brand's most popular products, so it's worth checking out this in-depth review if you're in the market for a new indoor bike.
Before I start getting into the bike features and specs, keep in mind that air bikes are generally more expensive than magnetic resistance bikes or mini-style bikes. However, they are also made of more durable and high quality materials, so the higher price is usually justified.
Table of Contents
AirBike Classic Reviewed
Product Specifications
Seating Adjustments | 6 |
Product Dimensions | 60 x 23 x 50 inches |
Product Weight | 110 lbs. |
Max User Capacity | 350 lbs. |
Warranty | 5-year Frame, 2-year Non-Wear Parts |
Fan Diameter | 25" |
Resistance | Air/Unlimited |
Frame, Construction & Dimensions
The entire frame of the AirBike Classic and most of the parts are made of machined and formed durable steel. The design integrates twenty sealed cartridge bearings throughout the frame, which provides a durable feel and smooth ride, no matter how fast you're pedaling.
Many indoor bikes have a weight limit that maxes out at 300 pounds, but this one can support up to 350 lbs (158.7 kg). The dimensions are 60 x 23 x 50 inches and the total weight is 110 pounds (49.9 kg).
Resistance System
The air resistance mechanism uses an unlimited increase mechanism, so you will never run out of options when it comes to tension. This resistance is delivered through the 25-inch diameter steel fan - as you pedal faster, more air passes through, therefore increasing the resistance.
Comfort & Adjustability
The AirBike Classic seat is fully adjustable in 6 different directions (fore and aft, up and down and tilt). There's no handlebar adjustment, but that's because the handlebars continuously move with the pedal system. Compared to indoor bikes with stationary handlebars, this one gave me a much more intense upper body workout.
Other Features
The bike's computer display provides you with information such as intervals, watts, calories, distance, time, and heart rate. It even comes with a tabata training function for HIIT workouts.
There are 7 onboard programs within the console that allow you to build your own workout based on your goals, like calorie burning or heart rate monitoring.
Feature Summary
My Experience With the Assault AirBike Classic
Talking about bike assembly is always a good starting point. I was very pleased with the Assault AirBike Classic's packaging, and things just got better from there.
The instruction manual is very detailed and the entire assembly can be done by one person in a short amount of time.
If you consider yourself a visual person, this AirBike Classic video with help you with the assembly process:
Once the bike was put together, I hopped on for my first ride and immediately admired the overall overall sturdiness and construction. The bike is heavy, made of quality commercial materials, like heavy-gauge steel. I have no doubt that it can support the max weight of 350 pounds.
The seat can be adjusted vertically, horizontally, and it can tilt from front to back. Thanks to the 6 adjustment settings, even taller people can find their own setting and ride comfortably. There are even several 6’5” reviewers who said this bike fits them quite well.
While the adjustment options are great, the seat could definitely be more comfortable. Good news is that it can be replaced, which I definitely plan to do in the future. The pedals are rather standard, but they get the job done. They're comfortable enough, but they're lacking a caged-toe design or pedal strap to keep the feet secure.
There is no coasting feature, so the resistance increases the faster you pedal. I love the fact that I have complete control over the tension level based on how fast I pedal. Since the resistance is created by air passing through the fan, this is definitely not the quietest bike on the market, but to be fair, that's a common characteristic for air bikes.
The display offers everything you could possibly need for fitness tracking. While it is not a huge fancy monitor with Full HD coaching programs, it does have several programs you can follow, or you can simply monitor your stats as you ride.
A note worth mentioning is that the AirBike classic does not come with a heart rate monitor, but it has a heart rate sensor that's fully compatible with Polar chest straps.
One thing that's missing from this bike is a designated water bottle holder. To be honest, I'm surprised that Assault didn't include such a standard feature, so maybe it will be added to future models.
Lastly, let's talk about the price. This bike is definitely on the more expensive side of things, but as I said before, air bikes always tend to cost more. The good news is that your investment will be protected by the company's 5-year frame warranty and 2-year parts warranty.
Check out a similar model here - XTERRA Air650 Bike
AirBike Classic Pros and Cons
As with every fitness bike, the Assault AirBike Classic comes with some pros as well as cons:
What We Like
What We Didn't like
Conclusion - Is the AirBike Classic Worth the Money?
- Twenty Sealed Ball Bearings throughout the...
- Unlimited Resistance for upper and lower body...
- Computer features motivational programs...
- Maximum user weight: 350 pounds . Twenty Five...
4.5 / 5As long as you don't mind the wind blowback and a bit of noise, then yes, the Assault AirBike Classic is definitely worth it. To decide for yourself, consider all the features and pros and cons to see if it fits your needs and budget.