The Assault Bike vs Airdyne: Which Bike Provides the Best Workout?

Air bikes provide an excellent cardio workout for people of all fitness levels. You get a low-impact, total-body workout with a single piece of equipment. While the Schwinn Airdyne has been the most popular choice for years, the recently released Assault Bike is becoming a worthy competitor.

We will take a take a look at two models from Schwinn the Airdyne AD6 and the Airdyne Pro along side the Assault bike. The A6 is not the top of the line model from Schwinn that model is the Pro, so it would be a little unfair to compare the base Airdyne and Assault Bike.

To confuse matters even worse Schwinn also have an AD7 model but we have omitted that to help avoid confusion.​

​Lets take a look at the specifications of each bike and see how they stack up against each other.

Assault Bike Pre-programmed workouts - Tabata, intervals ad steady state

25 inch fan offers big resistance

Highly adjustable seat

Set workout goals based on time, calories or distance

Super smooth operation and high quality construction Check Amazon

Schwinn Airdyne AD6 Super quiet fan offers lots of resistance

Can be used for arms only with stationary foot pegs

Display covers speed, time, RPM, watts, pulse and calories

RPM gauge for interval training

Dual stage torque belt drives for super smooth operation Check Amazon

Schwinn Airdyne Pro Single stage belt drive for smoother running

Custom design 26 blade fan offers greater calorie burn at same RPM

Built in HIIT(High Intensity Interval Training) programs

Calorie, time, mile/kilometer programs Check Amazon

Assault Bike vs Airdyne

If you are looking for an addition to your home gym, comparing the pros and cons of the Assault Bike and the Airdyne against each other may give you a better feel as to which bike is the right choice.

Understanding the Advantage of Air Bikes

Before comparing the two top bikes, you should understand how these machines work. Unlike standard exercise bikes, air bikes do not have fixed handles. You move the handles as you pedal, allowing you to work your upper and lower body at the same time.

As you pedal, you generate power for the fan, which provides resistance. The harder you push, the more resistance you get. This flexibility is one of the main benefits of choosing an air bike over a traditional exercise bike.

Main Features of the Airdyne AD6

Comparing the Assault Bike vs Airdyne machines requires a closer look at the features of each option. The Airdyne has a long history and several different models to choose from. While this has been the standard air bike for gyms across the country, the latest designs feature a few changes that may impact durability.

Previous models were mostly constructed with metal parts. The newer releases feature more plastic components. This includes sections of the frame and the blades for the fan. Plastic blades are not as durable as metal blades, though they do help lower the noise level of the machine.

The AD6, which features a belt drive to power the fan. A belt drive provides several benefits over the chain drive found in the Assault Bike. Belt drives operate smoothly with minimal noise compared to the chain drives. You also do not need to maintain the belt. However, the belts do eventually wear out and require replacement.

The AD6 Airdyne offers a few accessories. While it comes equipped with a water bottle holder, you can also purchase a wind guard or book holder separately.

Pros and Cons of the Airdyne AD6

The Airdyne has several features that stand out compared to other air bikes. One benefit is the lower noise level. The limited noise of the fan and belt is more suitable for use in an apartment.

This bike is also relatively affordable. You can often find the Airdyne for less than the Assault Bike. However, the lower cost may come from the use of plastic parts. If the bike is intended for a commercial setting and you expect heavy use, the Airdyne may not hold up as well.

While the Airdyne is still a great option, the seat is not as versatile. You can only adjust the seat vertically, which can keep you from getting a comfortable position. However, the pedals do contain straps that keep your feet in place; these straps are absent on the Assault Bike.

Main Features of the Airdyne Pro

Just like other air bikes the Schwinn Airdyne Pro is an upright exercise bike that relies on air resistance to provide users with a custom workout. The single-stage belt drive offers a smooth, efficient workout with varying levels of resistance based on your pedaling speed.​

Another benefit of the Airdyne pro stationary exercise bike is the dynamic resistance provided by the 26-blade fan. With air resistance, you do not adjust the resistance level. As you pedal, the fan builds up resistance, allowing you to easily adjust the intensity of the workout.​

The Airdyne Pro is a heavy piece of equipment, weighing over 110 pounds. A lot of this weight comes from the solid steel frame. While this adds to the weight, it also increases the stability and overall durability of the bike. When you get on the Airdyne Pro, you feel stable, secure, and safe.​

Like most exercise bikes, the Schwinn Airdyne Pro is equipped with displays to track your distance, the calories that you have burned, and other workout metrics. However, this bike includes a few extra features, including a detailed console with two sets of displays.

The upper display includes a variety of gauges to help you track your progress throughout your workout. The information displayed includes the calories burned per minute, revolutions per minute, estimated watts, and total speed. Along with the separate gauges, you can view any one of these four rates in a digital numerical display.

The lower display includes the workout settings and programs. You get several built-in high-intensity interval training programs. Choose from 20/10 or 30/90 intervals or set your own custom intervals. You can also set targets, such as total miles, time, or calories.

Pros and Cons of the Airdyne Pro

There are many benefits to the Schwinn Airdyne Pro exercise bike and very few drawbacks. Among the potential disadvantages, you may notice that this bike is fairly streamlined.

It does not include a lot of extra features, such as a music system or a holder for your phone or tablet. While it may lack the extras that some bikes include, the Schwinn Airdyne Pro still delivers an exceptional workout. You get several interval training workout programs, along with a detailed console with a variety of displays.​

Another disadvantage is the cost. It is a very expensive piece of exercise equipment and would represent a significant investment for the average home user.​

Primary Features of the Assault Bike

The Assault Bike is quickly becoming a favorite, thanks to its durability. This exercise machine includes many of the same features found on the Airdyne with a few major differences.

This bike is designed to stand up to constant use and is suitable for any environment whether you want to use at home or place it in your gym. The frame, fan blades, handlebars, and other major components are constructed of tough metal.

You also have the option to adjust the seat in multiple directions. You can move the seat both vertically and horizontally to find the most comfortable position. The extra level of adjustment also helps accommodate different heights and sizes.

Both bikes include a console for measuring your heart rate, distance, and speed. Besides these features, the console on the Assault Bike can measure watts and allows you to set goals. Many users also find this console easier to operate.

Pros and Cons of the Assault Bike

The Assault Bike is the more durable choice with metal components and a chain drive that lasts longer than a belt drive. While the chain drive is built to last, it does require maintenance. You need to occasionally lubricate the chains to prevent wear and tear.

There are two potential drawbacks to choosing the Assault Bike. The first disadvantage is the cost. You may spend several dollars more to get the Assault Bike. The warranty is also shorter than the warranty provided for the Airdyne. Instead of a 15-year warranty, the bike is only protected for five years.

These drawbacks may not impact your decision. For a little more money, you get a bike that can withstand constant abuse. The sturdy design may also prevent the need to use the warranty. As with most products, the more expensive item may last longer and hold up to regular use.

Best Air Bike - Which One to Buy ?

Which bike offers the best workout? The performance of these three bikes is nearly identical other than issues that do not impact the results of your workout. This includes the cost, noise, durability, and accessories.

The Assault Bike and the Airdyne are two of the best air bikes. They both offer tremendous value with durable designs and quality components. Either choice can help you reach your fitness goals.

The final decision depends on which features are most important to you. If cost is a major factor, the Airdyne provides the more affordable option. This bike costs less and comes with a longer warranty on the frame. It also comes equipped with a water bottle holder, which costs extra for the Assault Bike.

The Assault costs more than the AD6 and gives users a few extra advantages. The console includes more features and has metal blades for the fan, compared to the plastic blades found on the Airdyne. You can also adjust the bike seat horizontally and vertically, providing more comfort.

Whereas the Airdyne Pro is the most expensive, but is it worth the extra cost?

Probably for a busy commercial fitness gym or serious CrossFit box. For the home user however it is probably a step too far and you are better off looking at the Airdyne AD6 and the Assault bike. ​

These details should help you make the right selection. Even with a lower price tag, the Airdyne AD6 is still a quality air bike that can handle the needs of novices and experts alike. Take the time to consider the benefits of each bike before making a purchase.