AssaultBike Classic

AssaultBike Classic: the AirBike for intense full-body cardio training in your home gym

Imagine being able to do a genuine full-body workout at any time, with no motor, no power consumption and no fixed resistance levels. That is exactly what the AssaultBike Classic offers you. Developed by a team of sports and fitness engineers and continually refined by athletes, trainers and gym owners, it is the AirBike for anyone who wants to train hard and efficiently at home or in the gym. Here, you are the engine.

On this page you will find out how the Classic works, which training programmes the display offers, what assembly and maintenance involve and who the bike is made for. You will find a video on assembly further down.

Air resistance instead of a motor: how the AssaultBike Classic works

The heart of the AssaultBike Classic is the fan system. A large fan wheel creates the resistance: the harder you pedal, pull and push, the greater the air resistance. It adapts automatically to your effort. You do not set any levels – you decide the intensity with every movement, from easy to hard.

The frame is made of highly durable steel with a robust powder coating, and all moving parts are fitted with high-quality industrial bearings. This provides stability and a smooth, natural feel to the movement, without jerking or unnecessary wear. The total weight is around 45 kg.

The Classic runs purely on your own power, uses no electricity and has a minimal CO₂ footprint. To put the performance figure in context: the "up to 1,900 watts at 90 rpm" is not power consumption, because the bike needs no electricity. It is the watts you generate yourself. The display shows this output live, like a power speedometer: the harder you work, the higher the number.

Full-body training with arms and legs

The Classic combines a cross trainer and an ergometer. With the moving arm handles, you work your arms and legs as you pull, push and pedal at the same time. This very high-intensity full-body training takes you to your limit faster than many other cardio machines. You can also load arms and legs separately, though, using only the legs or only the arms.

• Legs: pedalling mainly works the quadriceps, plus the glutes and calves
• Arms and shoulders: biceps, triceps and the shoulder area work as you pull and push the arm handles
• Core: at high intensity you stabilise your body, so the abs and back work as well
• Cardiovascular system: the large amount of muscle working at the same time drives up heart rate and breathing

Because so many muscles are involved, calorie burn is high. The advantage over a rowing machine is the less demanding technique: you sit down and go. The training is easy on the joints, and the intensity can be chosen freely from "leisurely" to "brutal".

Display and training programmes: your personal trainer on the bike

The detachable console with a high-resolution LCD screen shows you all the important data at a glance: time, distance, rpm, calories, watts and heart rate. Motivational messages keep you going. Operation is simple, and a quick start or a complex programme is selected in seconds.

The console with LCD display and control buttons

Keeping an eye on your heart rate

Console with water bottle holder

The display is compatible with heart rate straps via ANT+ and Bluetooth. You connect a common chest strap and train exactly by pulse in the target programmes or intervals. These programmes are available:

• Quick start: simply get on and go
• Intervals: preset or fully customisable HIIT programmes, for example 20/10 or 10/20
• Target programmes: goals by time, distance, calories or heart rate
• Pre-installed workouts: short, hard sessions or endurance full-body training

Whether steady heart-rate training or high-intensity intervals, the AssaultBike Classic makes both possible.

Workouts for the AssaultBike Classic

If you have never trained on an AirBike before, start slowly at first. At the beginning you will only last a few seconds or minutes, depending on the intensity. Increase duration and intensity gradually and you will reach new personal bests after a short time. Speed, watts and calories are always the result of your own performance.

Two to three sessions a week of 15 to 30 minutes are enough to start with. Allow enough recovery between intense sessions. The figures are guideline values for healthy people: adjust duration and intensity to your level and get medical advice first if you have any pre-existing conditions. For more structure at the start, see the article Getting started with fitness: the perfect training plan for beginners. For short sessions, the article Training when you're short on time: efficient workouts with Assault equipment is worth a look.

The AssaultBike Classic in your home gym

The Classic is not only extremely stable and long-lasting but also practical at home. Thanks to the built-in transport wheels, it is easy to move and to store without taking up much space. It is compact: just put it down, train, roll it away again. That makes it interesting for small home gyms and living rooms.

The seat is individually height-adjustable and fits almost all body heights from about 150 to 200 cm. Because the bike needs no electricity, you can put it wherever you have room, without being tied to a socket. You will find ideas for your home gym in the article Setting up a home gym: equipment and kit for maximum performance.

Assembly, maintenance and video

Assembly takes about 30 to 45 minutes for one person. Everything is clearly packed, and screws and tools are included, along with step-by-step instructions. The video for the AssaultBike Classic shows how assembly works:

Video: Assault AirBike Classic, unboxing and assembly (watch on YouTube).

The bike is easy to look after in everyday use. After your first workout, retighten the screws once, then it is enough to oil the chain lightly from time to time. On the product page you will also find the operating manual (Owners Manual, in English) and notes on chain tension. For more tips, see the expert guide to equipment care and safety. You will find suitable wear parts in the bike spare parts.

Quality and build

A machine that is in use in thousands of gyms worldwide has to withstand a lot. On the AssaultBike Classic this shows in the details: the powder-coated steel frame, the industrial bearings on all moving parts and the robust pedal and crank area are designed for heavy loads.

Pedal and crank

Sturdy base with carrying handle

Overall view

Who is the AssaultBike Classic suitable for?

The Classic is meant for absolutely everyone: beginners, advanced users and professional athletes. The height-adjustable seat fits almost all body heights, the training is easy on the joints, and you decide the intensity yourself. In CrossFit® the AirBike is often used at the end of a session or in circuit training, and it suits endurance as well as muscular endurance.

• Home gym: compact, with wheels, no power needed
• Studio and box: robust and built for intensive use
• Rehab and conditioning: guided, joint-friendly movement with freely selectable intensity
• Athletes: HIIT, muscular endurance and conditioning

AssaultBike Classic, Pro X or Elite?

The Classic is the entry-level model of the AssaultBike range. If your priorities are different, you will find alternatives:

The AssaultBike comparison puts all three models side by side.

Useful additions to the AssaultBike Classic

The AssaultRunner as a self-powered treadmill and the AssaultRower for a full-body workout on the rowing machine go well with the bike. If you want to clarify your training goal, the article Building muscle vs. losing fat will help.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about the AssaultBike Classic

Does the AssaultBike Classic really use no electricity?
No. The bike is 100% motorless and runs purely on your own power; it needs neither a plug nor a socket and causes no electricity costs.

What does "up to 1,900 watts at 90 rpm" mean?
It is not a power consumption figure. It is the watts you generate yourself. The display shows your own training output live: the harder you work, the higher the number.

Who is the bike suitable for?
Beginners, advanced users and professional athletes. The height-adjustable seat fits almost all body heights from about 150 to 200 cm, the training is easy on the joints, and the intensity can be chosen freely from "leisurely" to "brutal".

How much space does the machine need?
Very little. It is compact and fitted with transport wheels. It fits into small home gyms or the living room: put it down, train, roll it away again.

How long does assembly take?
About 30 to 45 minutes for one person. Screws and tools are included, and the step-by-step instructions come with it. The video on this page shows the assembly.

Do I need to service the bike regularly?
Very little effort is needed. Retighten the screws after your first workout and oil the chain lightly from time to time. You will find spare parts under bike spare parts.

Can I measure my heart rate and use programmes?
Yes. The display is ANT+ and Bluetooth compatible. You can connect any common chest strap and train exactly by pulse in the target programmes or intervals.

Which training programmes are there?
Quick start, preset or customised HIIT intervals (for example 20/10 or 10/20), target programmes by time, distance, calories or heart rate, and pre-installed workouts.

Is the training easy on the joints?
The guided, flowing movements put much less strain on the joints than running or jumping. If you have any pre-existing conditions, please discuss training with your doctor or therapist first.

How heavy is the AssaultBike Classic?
The total weight is around 45 kg. Thanks to the transport wheels it is still easy to move.

What is the difference from the Pro X and Elite?
The Classic is the entry-level model. The Pro X – Belt Drive has a quiet, particularly low-maintenance belt drive, and the Elite has a reinforced solid steel frame for taller and more powerful people. You can find out more in the AssaultBike comparison.

How often should I train on the AirBike?
Two to three sessions a week of 15 to 30 minutes are enough to start with. Allow enough recovery between intense sessions.