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Equal parts elliptical, spin bike, and full-body ego check, the air bike—also known as the “assault bike”—is having a serious moment in the fitness world.
Experts in This Article
Once the exclusive domain of hardcore CrossFit gyms and military-style boot camps, these fan-powered machines have muscled their way into mainstream fitness spaces (and home gyms) thanks to their brutal efficiency. Some call them “assault bikes” after the popular model by Assault Fitness, one of the first to bring this style of machine to the masses. But “air bike” is the more general term, referring to any stationary bike that uses wind resistance—generated by your own effort—to deliver a high-intensity, full-body workout. Basically, the harder you go, the harder it pushes back.
Over the last decade, air bikes have exploded in popularity, and after just one workout, it’s easy to see why. I’ve logged countless hours on treadmills, rowers, and StairMasters, but somehow, I had never hopped on an air bike—until recently. After one 20-minute class that paired air bike sprints with dumbbell and medicine ball moves, I feel like I’ve been tossed in a blender set to “high.”
And listen, I’m a trainer. I work out four times a week. I thought I was fit. But the second I started pedaling and pushing those handles at the same time, my lungs went up in flames. Honestly, the fact that I expected anything with “assault” in the name to be low-key is almost laughable.
If you’re looking for a new way to shake up your fitness, look no further. Here’s what you can expect out of air bike workouts, plus some of the best models on the market.
AssaultFitness Assault AirBike — $674.00
Why assault air bikes are so effective
Chad Morse, owner of BeastBike, California, explains that the difference is in the resistance. “The harder you go, the more challenging it gets,” he says. “The bike will respond to that. You can be a beginner and it’s going to challenge you, and we’ve had former athletes here and it kicks their butt just as much. It’s such an ideal tool because no matter where you’re at in your fitness and conditioning level, it’s going to push you.”
The best way I can describe the difficulty of the assault bike as I experienced it, is that it’s like riding a bike up a steep incline while also pumping your arms. (I know that’s impossible but go with me here.) I honestly thought that because I was familiar with indoor cycling classes, I was going to be the beast the title of the workout was referring to, but the “beast” was indeed the bike; not me. I was humbled.
Morse only compares an assault bike to a spin bike in the fact that there is peddling. Otherwise, that’s where the similarities end. “You’re also pushing, pedaling, and pulling so it’s really a full body workout,” he says.
I’ve heard it said (and probably even said as a trainer myself) that “the workouts don’t get easier, you just get stronger.” I can attest to this statement after spending a month doing my assault air bike workouts. There were varying amounts of time we spent on the bike—the longest being around two minutes at a time, and the shortest being three 10-second sprints with 10 seconds of rest in between each round. There was not one time I found it to be easy, but I do feel stronger.
Benefits of assault bikes
After using the assault bike on a regular basis, I’ve noticed I have better endurance when I do other activities, like outdoor runs. Because I like being able to do the most effective workout in the least amount of time (I’m a busy woman, y’all), the assault bike is a great cardio option for me.
“You can get in a really good workout in a short amount of time,” says Morse. “You’re able to do that because it works nearly every muscle in your body. You can’t say that about rowing, spin, or running. With the pedaling, pushing, and pulling, you’re using virtually every muscle and you feel like it’s draining when you’re doing it right.”
Overall, when it comes to the assault bike, my review is: 10/10 would recommend. Though it’s extremely challenging (probably the most challenging cardio machine I’ve ever encountered), it is scalable to your fitness level. I also appreciate that it’s a low-impact option for those looking. The thing I love the most though, is how accomplished I feel after using it. I am capital “P” pooped after every workout, but I also feel like I can take on the world… maybe not with my physical body, but with my endorphins.
What to consider when shopping for an assault air bike
1. Resistance Style
Most assault bikes use air resistance: the harder you pedal and push, the more resistance you generate. But some newer models add magnetic resistance into the mix, giving you more consistent and customizable intensity. If you’re training for performance or prefer structured workouts, a bike with both air and magnetic resistance can be a smart move. For pure HIIT, air-only is usually sufficient—and often preferred.
2. Drive System (Belt vs. Chain)
You’ll usually see two types of drive systems on air bikes: chain and belt. Chain drives mimic the feel of a traditional outdoor bike but can be louder and require more upkeep. Belt drives, on the other hand, are quieter and smoother, which we appreciated in early-morning workouts when trying not to wake the neighbors. They’re also generally more durable. If low maintenance is your goal, go belt.
3. Stability and Frame Quality
Assault biking is not a gentle sport. You’re going to be heaving your whole body into those handles, so frame quality matters—a lot. Look for steel construction and wide stabilizers that prevent rocking or tipping. If you’re tall, strong, or just like to go hard, invest in a bike built to take a beating. Pro tip: Check the weight capacity and the total weight of the machine—heavier usually means sturdier.
4. Console Features
Basic consoles will give you time, distance, and calories, but if you’re training with purpose, look for options that track watts, RPM, and intervals. Bluetooth connectivity is another plus for syncing with apps like Zwift or tracking your progress over time. We’re big fans of consoles that make interval training easy with pre-set modes—because the last thing you want mid-burnout is to fumble through settings.
5. Footprint and Portability
Not everyone has space for a 130-pound steel beast in their living room. If you’re short on square footage, measure your space and make sure the bike has transport wheels. Some compact models are great for smaller spaces but might sacrifice stability or resistance power. It’s all about balance: performance vs. portability. (And maybe finding a good hiding spot for it when guests come over.)
The best air bikes for every budget
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