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Assaultfitness Assaultbike Classic Review

Capable of an intense full body workout, the Assaultbike is the Crossfit version of the refined Schwinn Airdyne
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Assaultfitness Assaultbike Classic Review
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Price:  $749 List
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Manufacturer:   Assaultfitness
By Joshua Hutchens ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Jul 5, 2023
68
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#14 of 16
  • Exercise Quality - 30% 6.0
  • Comfort - 20% 8.0
  • User Interface - 20% 7.0
  • Features - 20% 7.0
  • Setup and Portability - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

What the Assaultbike has done is create a more durable, heavy duty version of the Air-dyne that can provide substantial resistance ideal for interval training. This bike can handle maximal exertion and feels like it will last for years. Those not out to push peak wattage might not be impressed with this bikes gritty feeling drivetrain or lack of refinement. There is no connectivity and the console, while basic, displays all of the information you need to track your workout.
REASONS TO BUY
Rugged
Heavy duty
Generates plenty of wind
REASONS TO AVOID
Loud
Gritty feeling
Low-tech

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Price $749 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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76
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55
Star Rating
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Bottom Line A built-to-last machine that can handle extreme workouts but won't impress you with its refinementAn affordable upright exercise bike with connected features that works with popular training appsA reasonably priced upright model with connected featuresThis affordable spin bike has a weighted flywheel and a gym-like workout feel but lacks any connectivityThis simple and affordable recumbent bike is best suited for light to moderate intensity exercise
Rating Categories Assaultfitness Assa... Renpho AI Smart Exe... Schwinn 130 Upright... Yosuda Indoor Cycli... Marcy Recumbent ME-709
Exercise Quality (30%)
6.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Comfort (20%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
User Interface (20%)
7.0
6.0
7.0
5.0
4.0
Features (20%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
4.0
Setup and Portability (10%)
6.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
5.0
Specs Assaultfitness Assa... Renpho AI Smart Exe... Schwinn 130 Upright... Yosuda Indoor Cycli... Marcy Recumbent ME-709
Max. Weight Capacity 350 lbs 265 lbs 300 lbs 270 lbs 300 lbs
Display LCD display: 2.5" W x 5" H None (Device required) LCD display: 5" W x 3" H LCD display LCD display: 3" W x 1.5" H
Resistance Settings Unlimited 80 levels 16 levels Unlimited 8 levels
Measured Dimensions 51.9" L x 25" W x 50" H 40" L x 20" W x 49" H 42" L x 21.25" W x 51.5" H 40.5" L x 21.5" W x 45" H 58"- 46" L x 24.75" W x 38.5" H
Style Airdyne Upright Upright Upright Recumbent
Pedal type Flat Toe Strap Toe Strap Cage / Flat Toe Strap
Minimim Height 9" of seat height adjustment 4'11" 13" of seat height adjustment 10" of seat height adjustment 12" of seat height adjustment
Maximum Height 9" of seat height adjustment 6'5" 13" of seat height adjustment 10" of seat height adjustment 12" of seat height adjustment
Q-factor 185mm 177mm
Monthly cost $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Resistance type Fan Magnetic with Smart Motor Damping Magnetic Weighted flywheel and adjustable resistance pad Magnetic
Companion App N/A n/a Resistance level, course for the program, speed, distance, elapsed time, rpm, calories, and heart rate time, speed, distance, calories, odometer time, speed, distance, calories, odometer, and scan
Footprint 1298 sq. in. 800 sq. in. 893 sq. in. 871 sq. in. 1436 sq. in.
Measured Weight 110 lbs 79.9 lbs 61 lbs 68.8 lbs 54.2 lbs
Resistance Adjustment type No Knob, automatic or manual Buttons Knob Knob
Connectivity None Through Renpho AI Gym App (iOS and Android) 13, 1 HIIT Interval, Profile, Heart rate Control None None
Heart Rate Sensor Compatible but not included No Yes No No
Other Features Transport wheels, water bottle and cage Transport wheels, Bluetooth, works with popular training apps, device holder, adjustable handlebar height, USB charging port Bluetooth, works with Zwift and Explore the World, bottle cage, pedals with adjustable straps, heart rate sensors, adjustable handlebars, transport wheels, device shelf Bottle cage, device shelf, cage pedals, flywheel brake, transport wheels Recumbent handlebar, transport wheels, adjustable seat, digital display, pedals with straps
Warranty Frame: 5 years, 2 years on non-wear parts 1 year Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year 1 year parts replacement Frame: 2 years

Our Analysis and Test Results

The original Air-dyne bikes of the 1970s offered a simple full-body workout with its resistance unit offering built-in cooling. Over the years, many refinements have been made to make these style bikes more ergonomic and enjoyable, but the overall design has not changed. The Assaultbike takes the general idea of the Air-dyne and adapts it for intense interval training. This fitness machine can withstand maximum effort, allowing you to reach peak heart rate faster and crush your spirit faster than most machines.

Performance Comparison


assaultfitness assaultbike classic - a windy full body workout awaits, this air-dyne can generate a...
A windy full body workout awaits, this air-dyne can generate a serious breeze.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Exercise Quality


The Assaultbike Classic from Assaultftiness is a robust and durable exercise machine that provides an intense workout experience. Though it has an upright bicycle position, it doesn't feel like a regular exercise bike at all. The durable construction and large fan can support all-out efforts exceeding 1500 watts. The chain drive system feels heavy-duty and slip-proof but can be somewhat noisy and gritty. The exposed mechanical arms give it an industrial appearance that you'll likely want to stay clear of. The arm levers travel 20" from front to back, and the saddle is supportive, making it possible to exert maximum effort. The machine is suitable for hard-core interval training sessions. There is no magnetic resistance or fancy features here; a large metal fan generates a lot of wind and noise, making it a unique fitness experience. It produces a lot of wind and noise when pushed hard, but it can still provide an incredibly high-output workout that satisfies even the most demanding cross-fitters.


The Assaultbike is a simple yet satisfying way to exercise. If you haven't found regular stationary bicycles to be impressive or exciting, you might want to try the Airdyne. With the Assaultbike, your main focus will be on putting in an effort. You won't need a tablet or book stand and won't have to follow any classes. Despite the lack of modern technology found in the best exercise bikes, the Assaultbike will keep you engaged and interested. The console is basic and shows only basic stats and simple programs, but the intensity of the workout will make you forget about wanting anything else. Adjusting the resistance is as easy as speeding up or slowing down.

The console is very basic but shows you everything you need.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The basic LCD console displays an elapsed time that automatically starts when you start moving the machine. Your exertion is the only thing controlling the workout, and having a few different metrics to stare at is a good distraction and helps with goal setting. Your workout will be as easy or hard as you want, but simultaneously moving all of your limbs requires more exertion than most people anticipate. Setting targets allows you to visualize a goal and helps standardize your workout.

Comfort


Extensive testing and comparisons proved the Assaultbike was moderately comfortable. The chain-driven internals feel gritty and mechanically inefficient; you can hear and feel the friction. Friction and resistance are not the same, so while the large fan provides adequate resistance, the lower-quality chain and steel chainrings create a rough, grinding feel. The operating volume of this machine is something to consider; even at lower effort, the amount of noise emanating from the machine makes a conversation difficult. The height of the seat can be adjusted in 1-inch increments. We typically prefer infinite adjustments within the adjustable range, but we were able to find comfortable heights for everyone who tested the machine. The total seat height adjustability is 10 inches; the seat is also adjustable fore and aft, allowing you to find comfort or work with different muscle groups. Our 5'1" tester was able to utilize the bike at its second height increment, so we estimate the bike will work for those 5' to 6' 3", but Assaultfitness makes no claims on the estimated height of users.


The large ergonomically shaped seat is comfortable and supportive; it's larger than most exercise bike saddles but works well for the positioning and movement of the Airdyne. It's large and wide enough to support riders who might opt for a slow-paced workout where more of their weight rests on the saddle yet thin enough not to impede your pedal stroke when you kick up the pace. There are no adjustments for the handlebars, but there aren't any adjustments necessary, provided the 20" fore-aft movement works for you.

Adjustability up and down as well as fore and aft give the Assaultbike a wide range of compatibility.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

User Interface


The 5-inch x 2.5-inch LCD screen shows relevant and helpful information in a simple format. The screen shows elapsed time, distance, calories, power, speed, and rpm. There is a field for heart rate tracking, which requires a Polar heart rate monitor strap, available separately. Speed is measured in miles per hour, and power is measured in watts; both can be useful metrics to gauge your output. The distance and calorie fields are other interesting ways to measure your effort or track goals. Calories tick off quickly as the fan dries your perspiration; the intensity of the workout can't be overstated.


There is no need to plug the Assultbike in as the console operates on 2 AA batteries, and there are no other power requirements aside from your exertion. Assaultfitness offers a windscreen that attaches to the top of the fan and shields you from the fan's direct wind if you don't want the full cooling effect of the Airdyne. There are no apps or programs to follow and no monthly fee to pay for using the bike.

assaultfitness assaultbike classic - foot pegs give your feet a spot to rest during an upper-body workout
Foot pegs give your feet a spot to rest during an upper-body workout
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Features


The Assaultbike isn't loaded with features; the ones it has, we found useful. A water bottle cage and bottle are included and attached just below the console. The stabilizer bars at the base of the bike feature adjustable feet, allowing you to level it on uneven surfaces. The front stabilizer has wheels that engage when you tilt the bike, and the rear stabilizer has a handle to facilitate rolling the bike away for storage.


The aluminum pedals are not compatible with toe straps or clips.

A convenient handle on the rear and transport wheels on the front allow you to move the bike easily.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Setup/Portability


Assembling the Assaultbike was fairly straightforward, requiring less than an hour of our time. As with other exercise bikes, it arrives in a large, heavy box that is difficult to move. The directions were clear and concise; pulling the bike out of the box and removing the packaging was half the work. Our lead tester was able to complete the assembly without assistance and found none of the steps to be challenging or unclear.

After assembling the Assaultbike, it's slightly easier to move around due to the wheels on the front stabilizer bar. It still weighs 110 pounds, so you won't want to move it far. The bike is average in size, measuring 51.9" L x 25" W x 50" H, and does not fold or collapse in any way. It has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds.

Assembly of the Assaultbike was fairly simple and free of hassle.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Should You Buy the Assaultfitness Assaultbike?


While the bike can provide a high-intensity workout, its lack of refinement made it less impressive. We appreciated how easy it was to use and the fact that there was nothing to plug in and no apps to connect to made it convenient. The exposed mechanical arms felt like they could be a hazard to children or pets and made us double-check our shoelaces when we were near. The amount of noise this machine creates should also be a consideration; it may disturb those in your proximity. Consider this machine if you can't reach your desired level of intensity on a machine like the Schwinn AD6, but you'll be sacrificing some comfort. If moving your arms at the same time isn't as important, check out these other highly-ranked exercise bikes that still offer a great cardio workout.

assaultfitness assaultbike classic - the assaultbike is built for serious workouts
The Assaultbike is built for serious workouts
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

What Other Exercise Bikes Should You Consider?


If the overall idea of an Airdyne interests you, check out the Schwinn AD6; it's significantly smoother, more refined, and user-friendly. If you'd like an app-connected workout, check out Schwinn IC4 or Renpho AI Smart Exercise Bike; both are impressive in their respective price ranges.

Joshua Hutchens
 

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