Assault Fitness Bikes

Assault AirBikes: effective training for the whole body, endurance and muscular endurance

Most people know the AirBike from CrossFit® training. But outside the CrossFit® box, too, the Assault AirBike is an ideal piece of equipment for your workout at home or in the gym. So what makes the AirBike special, and why is it considered one of the most effective cardio machines there is?

Here you will find out how an AirBike works, which muscles you train, how to get started and which of the three models – AssaultBike Classic, AssaultBike Pro X – Belt Drive or AssaultBike Elite – suits you.

How the AirBike works

The heart of every AirBike is the fan system: a large fan wheel creates the resistance. The harder you pedal, pull and push, the stronger the air resistance becomes. The resistance therefore adapts automatically to your effort. You do not set any levels – you decide the intensity with every movement.

On the AssaultBike Classic, this system sits on a frame made of highly durable steel with a robust powder coating. All moving parts are fitted with high-quality industrial bearings. This provides stability and a smooth, natural feel to the movement. The total weight is around 45 kg.

An important note on the performance figures: the "up to 1,900 watts at 90 rpm" is not the power consumption of the machine, because the AirBike needs no electricity at all. It is the watts you generate yourself. The display shows your own output live, much like a power speedometer.

The Assault AirBikes at a glance

The AirBike is a combination of a cross trainer and an ergometer. Thanks to the sturdy, moving arm handles, the bike is suited to a comprehensive full-body workout and can handle heavy loads. Pulling, pushing and pedalling at the same time gives you a very high-intensity workout. Of course, using it in isolation is no problem either: you can train arms and legs separately.

The resistance comes purely from your training intensity. That is exactly why the Assault AirBike suits every fitness level, whether you are a beginner or a pro. The current Assault Fitness range of cardio bikes:

AssaultBike Classic The entry-level model for every fitness level. View product

AssaultBike Pro X – Belt Drive Quiet belt drive, extremely stable and low-maintenance. View product

AssaultBike Elite Reinforced frame for the highest demands and powerful athletes. View product

You will find current prices and delivery times on the product pages. For a detailed comparison of the three models, see our AssaultBike comparison.

The benefits of the Assault AirBike

Training on the Assault Bike offers a wide range of possibilities. It helps you reach your personal training goals faster. The main benefits:

• Maximum results for minimum time
• Full-body training with a single machine
• Cardiovascular training
• High-intensity, effective cardio training
• Drive without electricity, usable anywhere
• High individuality thanks to freely adjustable intensity
• Fast training progress
• A perfect complement to your strength training

Another plus: the bike is compact and fitted with transport wheels. You roll it to wherever you want to train and then back out of the way afterwards. That makes it interesting for small home gyms and living rooms, too.

The bike is especially worthwhile when time is short. Our article Training when you're short on time: efficient workouts with Assault equipment shows how to structure short sessions sensibly.

Which muscles do you train on the AirBike?

Training on the Assault AirBike works the whole body. That makes the machine suitable for a full-body warm-up as well. The focus is on the quadriceps, biceps, triceps and shoulders.

• Legs: pedalling mainly works the thighs, plus the glutes and calves
• Arms and shoulders: biceps, triceps and shoulders work as you pull and push the arm handles
• Core: your body stabilises itself at high intensity, so the abs and back work too
• 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. Only the Assault rowing ergometer is similarly effective. The decisive advantage of the bike over a rowing machine is the less demanding technique: you sit down and go. You can find out more about the rowing machine on the AssaultRower page.

How to train on the Assault AirBike

If you have never trained on an AirBike before, start slowly at first. Speed, resistance, calories and wattage are controlled only by you and are not preset. All of these figures are the result of your performance: the harder you train, the higher the output.

At the start you will only last a few seconds or minutes, depending on the intensity. Training in the HIIT range takes you to your limits extremely quickly, so at first less is sometimes more. Increase duration and intensity gradually and you will reach new personal bests after a short time.

Three beginner workouts

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.

Display and training programmes

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, and operation is simple: 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 of the AssaultBike Classic is ANT+ and Bluetooth compatible. You can connect any 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 makes both possible. No two athletes are alike, which is why the bike can be adjusted individually.

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 step by step:

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. Thanks to the built-in transport wheels, the bike is easy to move and to store without taking up much space. 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 features

The Assault AirBike was developed from the ground up by a team of sports and fitness engineers and is continually refined by athletes, trainers and gym owners. The frame is made of highly durable steel with a powder coating. All moving parts are fitted with high-quality industrial bearings, which ensures durability and stability.

Pedal and crank

Sturdy base with carrying handle

Overall view

The seat is individually height-adjustable and fits almost all body heights from about 150 to 200 cm. The guided movement is easy on the joints, and the intensity can be chosen freely from "leisurely" to "brutal". Using only the arms or only the legs is also possible.

Who is the training suitable for?

It does not matter whether you are a beginner, advanced or a pro: the bike is suitable for everyone. In CrossFit® it is often used at the end of a session or as part of circuit training. It can be used for both endurance and muscular endurance training.

The guided, flowing movements are also easy on the joints and are therefore very popular in rehab. If you need to look after your joints, the AirBike is a good training partner. If you want to fit the bike into your home, you will find ideas in the article Setting up a home gym: equipment and kit for maximum performance.

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

Which AirBike is right for you?

AssaultBike Classic

The AssaultBike Classic is individually and limitlessly adjustable and allows unrestricted training: steady by heart rate or as high-intensity interval training. The high intensity comes from pulling, pushing and pedalling at the same time. It is the entry-level model and suitable for every fitness level.

AssaultBike Pro X – Belt Drive

The innovative, low-noise belt drive technology sets an industry standard on the AssaultBike Pro X. The Pro X also impresses with extreme stability and very little maintenance. Thanks to its solid steel frame and corrosion-resistant powder coating it is very hard-wearing, and the built-in protection against sweat, dust and dirt keeps upkeep to a minimum. The detachable console with LCD screen and Bluetooth connection measures distance, watts, heart rate, time and calories and offers pre-installed training programmes. A padded seat plus a water bottle and phone holder make for good training conditions. Key technical data: weight approx. 53.8 kg, dimensions approx. 126 × 61 × 129 cm (L × W × H).

AssaultBike Elite

With the AssaultBike Elite you can push yourself to the limit of your performance. The reinforced frame made of high-strength solid steel makes it a very reliable, robust piece of training equipment. All moving parts have durable, heavy-duty plain ball bearings, and a double chain drive ensures ideal power transmission. The LCD display with Bluetooth® connectivity offers selectable programmes: various high-intensity intervals as well as freely adjustable distance, calorie or watt targets.

The Elite is better suited than the Classic particularly for sturdily built people. People up to approx. 2 m in height and 160 kg in body weight get along very well with this bike. The high handles encourage an upright posture that is easy on the back. The AssaultBike comparison puts all three models side by side.

Useful additions to the AirBike

Looking for the right addition? Discover the AssaultRunner as a self-powered treadmill or the AssaultRower for a full-body workout on the rowing machine. If you want to clarify your goal, the article Building muscle vs. losing fat will also help. You will find replacement and wear parts for your bike under bike spare parts.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about the Assault AirBike

What is the difference between the AssaultBike Classic, Pro X and Elite?
All three are air-resistance AirBikes. The Classic is the entry-level model, the Pro X – Belt Drive runs on a quiet belt drive and is particularly low-maintenance, and the Elite has a reinforced solid steel frame and high handles and is particularly suited to taller and more powerful people. You will find a direct comparison in the AssaultBike comparison.

Does the AssaultBike really use no electricity?
No. The AirBike is 100% motorless and runs purely on your own power; it needs neither a plug nor a socket. The stated wattage figures describe the power you generate yourself.

How does the resistance work on the AirBike?
The resistance comes from the fan wheel: the faster and harder you pedal and pull, the higher the air resistance. Speed, watts and calories are therefore always the result of your own performance.

Is the AirBike suitable for beginners?
Yes. Because you set the resistance yourself, the bike adapts to any fitness level. Start with short intervals and increase duration and intensity step by step.

Is training on the AirBike easy on the joints?
The guided, flowing movements put much less strain on the joints than running or jumping. That is why the AirBike is also used in rehab and conditioning. If you have any pre-existing conditions, please discuss training with your doctor or therapist first.

What height is the AssaultBike Classic suitable for?
The height-adjustable seat fits almost all body heights from about 150 to 200 cm.

What height and weight is the Elite suitable for?
The AssaultBike Elite is particularly suited to sturdily built people. According to the manufacturer, people up to approx. 2 m in height and 160 kg in body weight get along very well with it.

How much space does the AirBike need?
Very little. The bike is compact and fitted with transport wheels. You roll it over for training and away again afterwards.

How long does assembly take?
For the AssaultBike Classic, allow about 30 to 45 minutes for one person. Screws and tools are included, and the instructions come with it. The video 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 of the AssaultBike Classic is ANT+ and Bluetooth compatible. You can connect a common chest strap and train by pulse in the target programmes or intervals.

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.