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One training session on an air bike is enough to exhaust even the most seasoned fitness junkies.
Also known as the fan bike, misery machine, or even “satan’s tricycle”, the air bike has earned a reputation for offering a painfully hardcore full-body workout.
Due to wind generated by the bike’s fan, the faster you pedal, the higher the resistance climbs. In short, this is the perfect machine for those who love a good challenge.
If you’re looking to transform your body quickly, buying one of these might just be your solution. But with so many options on the market, how do you pick the right one?
That’s where we come in! We’ve reviewed the top air bikes on the market to help get you one step closer to your dream body.
Best Air Bikes
Schwinn Airdyne AD2 Bike | Marcy Fan Exercise Bike | Sunny Health & Fitness Zephyr Air Bike | |
---|---|---|---|
Dimensions: | 50 x 46 x 25 Inches | 45 x 27 x 49 Inches | 44 x 24 x 45 Inches |
Capacity: | 250 Pounds | 250 Pounds | 250 Pounds |
Monitor: | LCD | LCD | LCD |
Transport Wheels: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
For more of my workout gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Women’s Workout guide links: Spin Bikes, Recumbent Bikes, Home Treadmills.
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Air Bikes For 2022
- Schwinn Airdyne AD2 Bike
- Marcy Fan Exercise Bike
- Sunny Health & Fitness Zephyr Air Bike
- Assault Air Bike Classic
- AtivaFit Fan Bike
- Marcy Upright Fan Bike
- Body Rider Upright Fan Bike
Our reviews of the top rated air bikes with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right one for you.
Air Bike Reviews
#1 Schwinn Airdyne AD2 Bike
- Dimensions: 50 x 46 x 25 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Monitor: LCD
- Transport Wheels: Yes
Schwinn has created one of the best airdyne bikes we’ve seen yet. The AD2 harnesses all the benefits of wind-resistance technology for a full body workout right in your own home.
Its patent pending fan design displaces air efficiently, allowing for the infinite resistance levels that have made these machines infamous.
This model is constructed with heavy duty tubular steel and can support up to 250 pounds of weight.
Like many high-end fan bikes, it features a single-stage belt drive which ensures a smooth and quiet ride every single time.
If you ever feel like isolating your arms for a painfully effective upper body workout, it also sports convenient stationary foot pegs.
This air bike requires 2 AA batteries, so be sure to purchase those separately.
Though they are well known for their many series of high quality bicycles, this is the best Schwinn airdyne bike we could find. You’ll be in for a memorable workout!
#2 Marcy Fan Exercise Bike
- Dimensions: 45 x 27 x 49 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Monitor: LCD
- Transport Wheels: Yes
The Marcy Fan Exercise Bike is another top contender on the market.
With dual-action arms and pedals as well as infinite tension levels, it will strengthen your lower body and upper body simultaneously.
This model comes with a user-friendly tracker and an LCD that allows you track your time, distance, speed, and calories burned as you exercise.
Designed with comfort as a top priority, it features an 7-position adjustable seat and handlebars packed with high-density foam.
These thoughtful details can prevent you from experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after your work out.
The Marcy is also incredibly easy to put together, as it is packaged with the main body pre-assembled. It even comes with 2 transport wheels for enhanced maneuverability.
Convenient, comfortable, and powerful, it’s wonder this is a fan favorite!
#3 Sunny Health & Fitness Zephyr Air Bike
- Dimensions: 44 x 24 x 45 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Monitor: Digital Monitor
- Transport Wheels: Yes
Build endurance and stamina with the Zephyr Air Bike by Sunny Health and Fitness.
This is a durable model, constructed with a strong steel cage which protects and insulates the resistance wheel (and allows for lower noise levels).
High density foam hand grips and slip resistant pedals also offer enhanced comfort and performance.
This model was clearly designed with an eye for detail – extra padding on the saddle will support and cushion your body during long rides, and both the seat and handlebars are adjustable.
Better yet, you’ll be able to keep track of your progress and workout stats with the sleek digital monitor that displays time, speed, rpm, distance and calories burned.
All things considered, this is one of the best fan exercise bikes you can buy.
#4 Assault Air Bike Classic
- Dimensions: 60 x 23 x 50 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 350 Pounds
- Monitor: Digital console
- Transport Wheels: Yes
Found in boxes and gyms across the globe, the original Assault Air Bike’s reputation precedes itself.
This high quality steel bike is by far the best (and first!) air assault bike you’ll find on the market – and it will leave you burning for days.
It features one of the most complex computerized consoles on our list, offering an abundance of programs like Tabata and interval training options.
Like all great air bikes, it also provides unlimited resistance based on the wind generated by its fan.
This durable model can support up to 350 pounds of weight and sports an adjustable seat which you can move up and down as well as tilt sideways.
Even the most seasoned athletes will meet their match with the Assault Air Bike.
#5 AtivaFit Fan Bike
- Dimensions: 54 x 21 x 39 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Monitor: LCD
- Transport Wheels: Yes
The newest Ativafit Fan Bike is sturdy and durable with a cooling breeze that will build and tone your body.
With an adjustable seat and handlebars as well as a strong steel frame, it can fit users of all heights and support up to 250 pounds of weight.
The high-tech LCD monitor tracks your distance and speed, and even comes with a device holder so you can listen to music or watch videos as a distraction from the pain!
2 convenient transport wheels also make the bike easy to move around the house and store when not in use.
The best part? It comes with a 12 month warranty for returns and a lifetime warranty with free replacement parts! This will save you significant time and money in the long-run.
You really can’t go wrong with the Ativafit Air Bike.
#6 Marcy Upright Fan Bike
- Dimensions: 45 x 25 x 48 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
- Monitor: LCD
- Transport Wheels: Yes
Spare yourself a gym membership fee with the Marcy AIR-1 Upright Fan Bike. With this model, your home will quickly become your favorite place to train.
Built with a premium steel frame and 14-gauge steel tubing with a powder coated finish, this durable air bike is guaranteed to withstand daily vigorous use.
It features an adjustable seat which is strategically placed to facilitate proper body posture and alignment during your workouts, which will do wonders in terms of getting you visible results.
The bike’s ultra-functional LCD computer screen also has a sharp panel display and tracks your time, speed, distance and calories burned.
With transport wheels for easy mobility and maneuverability and a 2 year manufacturers warranty, you can’t go wrong investing in this bike.
It will leave your body sore in the best way possible!
#7 Body Rider Upright Fan Bike
- Dimensions: 41.75″ x 22″ x 46.5
- Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Monitor: Digital Monitor
- Transport Wheels: No
To round out our list, our final recommendation is the Body Rider BRF700 Upright Fan Bike.
This bike is constructed with a stable steel frame and features dual action handlebars and stationary feet pegs, so you can choose between a full-body workout or an isolated training session.
It can support up to 250 pounds and features an adjustable seat for users of all statures.
This rugged and versatile bicycle includes a fan wheel so you can enjoy a cooling breeze as you build and tone your body.
It also includes an easy-to-use tension adjustment wheel so you can add resistance as you build strength with your repeated sessions.
Body Flex Sports warrants your product for a period of one year for the frame and 90 days on all parts if the item is not used commercially – so contact the manufacturer in the case of defects.
This is a great option for those looking to get one step closer to their dream body.
Air Bike Comparison Table
Bike | Dimensions | Weight Capacity | Monitor | Transport Wheels | Rating | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schwinn Airdyne AD2 Bike | 50" x 46" x 25" | 250 lbs | LCD | Yes | 4.3 / 5.0 | |
Marcy Fan Exercise Bike | 45" x 27" x 49" | 250 lbs | LCD | Yes | 4.1 / 5.0 | |
Sunny Zephyr Air Bike | 44" x 24" x 45" | 250 lbs | LCD | Yes | 4.1 / 5.0 | |
Assault Air Bike Classic | 60" x 23" x 50" | 350 lbs | Digital Console | Yes | 4.7 / 5.0 | |
AtivaFit Fan Bike | 54” x 21” x 39” | 250 lbs | Digital Monitor | Yes | 4.1 / 5.0 | |
Marcy Upright Fan Bike | 45" x 25" x 48" | 250 lbs | LCD | Yes | 4.4 / 5.0 | |
Body Rider Fan Bike | 42" x 22" x 47" | 250 lbs | Digital Monitor | No | 4.1 / 5.0 |
How to Choose the Best Fan Bike – Buying Guide
Now that we’ve taken you through the best fan bikes on the market today, it’s time for you to make a decision.
Air bikes have relatively steep price tags, so you’ll want to ensure that the one you take home is long-lasting and high quality. Above all, it needs to fit with your unique lifestyle and fitness goals.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive buying guide. It will take you through the key factors to consider when purchasing the best bike for yourself.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be well on your way to owning one of the most challenging exercise machines ever invented.
Construction / Build
Often jokingly referred to as “satan’s tricycle”, the air bike combines the leg workout of a stationary exercise bike and the arm workout of a cross-country ski machine.
Its fan-operated design ensures that the faster you pedal, the higher its resistance climbs – offering an infinite challenge for users of all levels.
With that in mind, more experienced fitness junkies will need to opt for a bike with a high-grade build. If you’re planning on consistent, vigorous use, you can’t rely on just any old frame.
Seasoned riders should avoid models made from aluminum, plastic or low-grade metals. Instead, keep an eye out for steel frames, which can handle high-intensity workouts.
Drive
Air bikes are either belt or chain-driven. The more affordable models use chains, while higher end options typically use belts.
Belt-driven fan bikes offer a smooth and quiet ride; but require more maintenance than their chain-driven counterparts.
The main downside to a chain drive is that it produces more noise and the ride can get a bit rough.
Monitor
Consider the bike’s monitor. The standard models all come with consoles, which track a user’s time, distance and calories burned.
However, some consoles come with more bells and whistles, offering automated training programs, RPM displays and heart rate trackers.
Think about the kind of workout you want to have – if you’re planning on constantly challenging yourself and making serious gains, it could be wise to invest in a more high-tech model.
On the other hand, if you’re using a air bike to maintain your current fitness level or switch it up once in a while, you may not want to prioritize a complex model.
Maintenance
Maintenance is always key! Be sure to clean it regularly and check for loose or squeaky parts. You can also check that your console is working correctly by hard resetting it.
Periodic inspection is important here as well. This will help you catch broken or malfunctioning parts before they ruin your workout!
How to Maintain An Air Bike
Safety Precautions
If you’re seriously looking for an air bike, you probably already have some baseline knowledge about health and safety – these are typically used by gym enthusiasts and fitness junkies looking for the next challenge.
However, they’ve recently become somewhat of a trending exercise machine, with models popping up in cross-fit boxes and gyms across the country.
If you’re more of a beginner to training, consider your personal health history and be sure to chat with your doctor about whether an air bike is right for you.
FAQs About Air Bikes
Q: Why are air bikes so hard?
A: The air bike is designed to pose an infinite challenge to users – it uses a fan to generate wind resistance, so the harder you pedal, the higher the resistance.
Q: What muscles do air bikes work?
A: With booth foot pedals and arm handlebars, the air bike presents a full body workout.
You’ll be straining your quads, glutes, hamstrings, back, chest and arms simultaneously to keep the bike moving. It’s a heavy-duty training session for even the most experienced fitness enthusiasts!
Q: Does an air bike burn more calories than running?
A: Yes! According to fitness experts, running burns around 11 calories/minute.
Air bikes can burn anywhere in between 30 – 70 calories a minute, depending on the intensity of your ride.
Q: What is the difference between an air bike and a spin bike?
A: The key differentiators between air bikes and spin bikes are handlebars and method of resistance.
Spin bikes are built around a flywheel mechanism with either friction or a magnetic belt-driven resistance. Just like a normal workout bike, these don’t train your arms.
In contrast, air bikes involve moving handlebars and generate resistance with a large fan.
Tips For Choosing An Air Bike
#1: Know your goals.
Be sure that it is an air bike you are looking for. These are not made for the faint of heart – they pose a serious challenge to even the most seasoned fitness enthusiasts.
Make sure you’re getting a machine that you’ll realistically be able to use consistently.
#2: Maintenance is key.
Be sure you’re taking care of your bike! Clean and check it regularly.
Although you can’t forsee all defects and malfunctions, you’re more likely to catch them early if you periodically inspect your bike.
#3: Get a warranty!
There’s no real way around this one – your air bike will probably break on you at some point in the future, whether near or distant.
Most manufacturers offer free warranties on their bikes, but if not, consider buying one. It will come in handy in the long run.
Summary
Now that you know what makes a good air bike, it’s finally time to bring one home.
Whichever you choose, know you’ll be receiving one of the best options available on the market today.
Thanks for reading & happy shopping!
How We Researched
To come up with the top air bikes, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target and Sears along with our own personal experience.
The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.
By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.
With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.
The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.
In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.