Airdyne vs Assault Bike
It’s a good match-up when comparing Schwinn Airdyne vs Assault Bike.
Both are renowned air bikes, recognized for their impressive performance specs and features, along with a vast customer base of satisfied users over the years.
Deciding between the Assualt Bike vs Airdyne bike can indeed be a daunting task, but fear not, as I am here to assist you.
In this article, I will compare the Airdyne AD7 and the Assault Bike Classic, evaluating all the specifications and features they offer.
You’ll get a clear understanding of which air bike suits your home best, and I will also share my recommendation for the best choice.
So, let’s delve into the details and find the perfect fit for your needs.
Airdyne vs Assault bike comparison table
| Schwinn Airdyne AD7 | Assault Bike Classic | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Resistance | 27″ fan Infinite resistance levels | 27″ fan Infinite resistance levels |
| Frame | 113 lb assembled weight 350 lb weight limit | 96 lb assembled weight 300 lb weight limit |
| Warranty | 10 year frame 2 years parts/electronics 6 month labor | 5 year frame 2 year parts |
| Features | Large LCD console 6 workout programs Heart rate monitor compatible Heart rate zones Fully adjustable seat Standard pedals Water bottle holder | LCD console 7 workout programs Heart rate monitor compatible Fully adjustable seat Standard pedals |
| Price | $1099 | $849 |
Schwinn Airdyne AD7 vs The Assault Bike Classic
Schwinn can be credited for introducing the air bike, also known as the fan bike, as their Airdyne series made its debut in the late ’70s or early ’80s and has remained popular ever since.
While Assault Fitness hasn’t been in the game for as long as Schwinn (who has?), they have managed to cultivate a dedicated following.
In fact, it was Assault that revitalized the popularity of air bikes, thanks to their association with CrossFit.
CrossFitters worldwide have embraced and incorporated Assault Bikes into their training routines, with these bikes even making appearances in global CrossFit competitions.
If you haven’t witnessed one of these competitions, it’s highly recommended, as the athletes taking part are some of the fittest individuals on the planet.
The fact that Assault Bikes are utilized by these elite athletes speaks volumes about their quality.
Although air bikes are designed to be straightforward machines, I’d like to begin by examining their performance aspects before diving into other features and considerations.
assault bike vs airdyne – Resistance
The resistance mechanism of air bikes is interesting. It relies on the rotation of fans and the resistance encountered as they cut through the air during your workout.
This resistance system is remarkably simple, without any complex components like resistance levels, magnets, or electricity. However, its simplicity does not compromise its effectiveness.
When it comes to air bikes, the level of resistance you experience is entirely dependent on the speed and force with which you pedal.
Pedaling faster increases the resistance while slowing down decreases it.
This characteristic makes air bikes ideal for interval training, as you can quickly elevate your heart rate by generating substantial resistance.
Since both the AD7 and the Assault Bike Classic are traditional air bikes, they employ the same fan-based resistance system.
When assessing air bikes (sometimes called fan bikes), you can compare the size of the fans to gauge which bike is capable of delivering greater overall resistance.
A larger fan translates to more air displacement, resulting in increased resistance.
However, it’s important to note that you control the resistance level through your pedaling speed.
Nonetheless, bikes equipped with larger fans have the potential to provide a higher total resistance.
Both the Schwinn Airdyne exercise bike and the Assault Airbike Classic feature a 27″ fan, which is the largest I’ve seen on any air bike (as some more affordable options may have smaller fans). Therefore, there is no difference in this aspect between the two models.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the Schwinn Airbike utilizes a belt drive, while the Assault Bike employs a chain drive.
Belt drives are generally preferred due to their quieter operation and increased responsiveness.
Personally, I don’t consider the choice between a belt drive and a chain drive to be a deal-breaker, but all else being equal, I would lean toward a bike with a belt drive.
Overall, Airdyne bikes and the Assault Air Bike are quite similar in terms of their resistance systems.
In this Assault air bike vs Airdyne resistance comparison we can say that both bikes feature the same size fan, with the only notable distinction being the AD7’s belt drive and the Assault Bike’s chain drive.
Airdyne AD7 vs Assault Bike Classic – Frame
When comparing two bikes, it’s essential to assess which model is more robust and offers a greater sense of security and stability during workouts.
The term “heavy-duty” is often used when discussing fitness equipment, and in this context, I specifically refer to the weight of the bike itself.
Examining the assembled weight provides valuable insights into how stable a bike is likely to feel.
In this regard, the AD7 boasts an assembled weight of 113 lb, while the Assault Bike weighs approximately 96 lb.
Based on these specifications, it’s evident that the Schwinn Airdyne bike is significantly more heavy-duty than the Assault Bike.
Another aspect to consider is the weight capacity.
Higher weight limits are generally indicative of a more heavy-duty bike (although this is not always the case, it is a good practice to compare).
The AD7 impressively supports a maximum weight of 350 lb, making it suitable for a wide range of users in a home setting.
On the other hand, the Assault Bike has a weight limit of 300 lb, which is still sufficient to accommodate most individuals but falls slightly short of the AD7’s capacity.
In terms of dimensions, the AD7 is slightly larger than the Assault Bike, measuring 53″ x 26.5″ (L x W) compared to the Assault Bike’s 51″ x 23″.
Overall, the AD7 is a larger and more robust bike than the Assault Bike, designed to accommodate heavier users and provide enhanced stability during workouts.
Schwinn Airdyne AD7 vs Assault Bike Classic – Portability
While it’s true that once you find a suitable spot for your air bike, you may not frequently move it around the house.
However, considering portability remains crucial as circumstances can change, such as selling the bike or relocating to a different place. In such scenarios, having an easily movable bike becomes essential.
The inclusion of wheels and the bike’s weight largely determine its portability.
In the comparison between the Schwinn AD7 and the Assault Bike, the latter takes the lead in terms of portability.
Not only is the Assault Bike lighter, weighing 98 lbs compared to the Airdyne’s 113 lbs, but its wheel design is also superior, allowing for smoother movement around your home.
These features make the Assault Airbike significantly easier to transport as needed.
Schwinn Airdyne vs Assault Bike – Features
Alright, let’s talk about the cool features these bikes bring to the table. Air bikes are pretty straightforward machines, so we won’t be here all day.
The AD7 rocks an LCD console that displays all your workout stats in one go.
It’s got a speedometer-style gauge up top, which can show your effort level based on calories, RPM, or watts. It also gives you a digital readout of each of those metrics.
If you’re into heart rate monitoring, the AD7 is compatible with chest strap monitors and shows your heart rate on the console. But here’s the cool part – it even calculates your heart rate zones and shows you which zone you’re in (assuming you’re using a monitor).
The AD7 also throws in a few workouts for you, like time targets, distance targets, calorie targets, and some interval workouts.
Plus, it’s got a water bottle holder and an air diverter to keep the fan breeze from blowing right in your face. And don’t worry, the seat is fully adjustable, and the pedals work just fine with your sneakers.
The Assault Bike’s console is pretty simple, no fancy gauge here, but it still shows all the important metrics you care about.
You’ve got 7 built-in workout programs to choose from, including time, distance, and calorie targets, 3 interval programs, and a heart rate target workout.
If you’re into heart rate monitoring, you can use a chest strap monitor with the Assault Bike too, although some folks have mentioned that it may not be the most accurate.
Just like the AD7, the Assault Bike offers a fully adjustable seat and standard pedals.
Overall, the features on these two bikes are pretty similar, but the AD7 has a slightly fancier console, and it’s the one with the water bottle holder so it’s easier to hydrate yourself while working out.
Warranty
While the topic of warranties may not be the most exciting, it is indeed a crucial aspect to consider when evaluating any exercise bike.
Extended warranties not only provide peace of mind for your investment but also serve as an indicator of the bike’s quality.
Typically, higher-quality bikes come with better warranty coverage, although there are exceptions to this rule.
Let’s begin with Schwinn’s warranty for the AD7:
- 10-year frame warranty
- 2-year warranty for parts/electrical components
- 6-month labor warranty
Now, let’s examine the warranty offered by Assault for their bike:
- 5-year frame warranty
- 2-year warranty for parts
In terms of frame warranty, Schwinn’s warranty is twice as long as Assault’s. It is worth noting that many high-end bikes currently offer 5-year frame warranties, although some brands still provide lifetime warranties.
Regardless, Schwinn’s frame warranty clearly outperforms Assault’s in this aspect.
Both brands offer a 2-year warranty for parts, which is generally fair and standard.
While the 6-month labor warranty from Schwinn falls slightly short of the standard 1-year labor warranty offered by most brands, it still surpasses Assault’s lack of a labor guarantee.
Overall, Schwinn emerges as the winner in this category, providing one of the best warranties available for an air bike.
Is an air bike the same as an assault bike?
Well, not exactly. The Assault Airbike is a specific type of air bike, but the term “assault” refers to the brand that initially introduced it. It’s important to note that “assault” is not a generic term used for all air bikes available in the market.
Airdyne AD7 vs Assault Air Bike – Price comparison
Let’s dive into the price tags now.
As of now, here’s what these bikes will set you back:
Of course, prices can vary depending on where you buy them and any ongoing promotions, but as a general rule, the AD7 will cost you around $250 more than the Assault Bike.
Now, here’s the real question: Are the additional features on the AD7 worth the extra dough?
That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?
Airdyne vs Assault Bike – Final Thoughts
Alright, let’s wrap things up and share some final thoughts on this Airdyne vs Assault Bike comparative review.
To be honest, it’s a tough decision.
Considering the longer warranty and sturdier frame, I do believe the higher price tag for the Airdyne Airbike AD7 is justified. So, yes, I think it’s worth the extra bucks.
However, let’s not underestimate the Assault Airbike Classic.
It’s built tough and can handle the workouts most home users throw at it. I mean, even CrossFit athletes swear by the Assault Bike, and if it can handle their intense training, that says a lot.
Overall, when comparing these two air bikes, the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 does come with some nice upgrades, like the larger console, belt drive, and yes, even the water bottle holder. So, technically speaking, it’s the better bike.
But honestly, if I had to make the choice today, I’d probably go for the Assault Bike and save some money.
Either way, you can’t go wrong both bikes are awesome tools to help you hit your fitness goals.
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