Fitness bikes & AirBikes: full-body cardio for home, studio and box
Fitness bikes and AirBikes for cardio, HIIT and full-body training: at PRFRM you will find the AssaultBike Classic, the AssaultBike Elite, the AssaultBike Pro X Belt Drive and the Concept2 BikeErg for beginners, advanced users and pros.
Fitness bikes offer effective endurance training for legs and the cardiovascular system and are ideal for training that is easy on the joints. The AirBike is a perfect combination of cross trainer and ergometer: with the moving arm grips you train your whole body, and by pulling, pushing and pedalling at the same time you reach very high-intensity training. You can also use arms and legs separately from each other.
The most important points at a glance
- Full-body training with just one machine: legs, arms, shoulders and core
- The resistance comes from your intensity: the harder you pedal, the higher the resistance
- AirBikes need no electricity and can be used anywhere
- Suitable for beginners, advanced users and pros, also easy on the joints
Our bikes at a glance
| Model |
Features |
Well suited to |
| AssaultBike Classic | Detachable console with a high-resolution LCD screen, individually adjustable | Getting started and studio training, endurance and HIIT training |
| AssaultBike Elite | Reinforced full-steel frame, double chain drive, LCD display with Bluetooth and programmes, high handles for an upright posture | Sturdily built people up to about 2 m and 160 kg, highest demands |
| AssaultBike Pro X Belt Drive | Low-noise double belt drive, low maintenance, LCD with Bluetooth, pre-installed programmes, padded seat | Quiet training, studio and home gym, precise training control |
| Concept2 BikeErg | Bike with Concept2 PM5 monitor, precise power measurement | Endurance training, intervals and performance diagnostics |
You will find all the technical details on dimensions, weight and equipment on the respective product page.
Why the AirBike is one of the most effective cardio machines
- Maximum results in minimum time: short, intense sessions are enough
- Full-body training with just one machine: legs, arms and core work together
- Cardiovascular training: high-intensity and effective cardio
- No electricity consumption: can be used anywhere
- High individuality: you control intensity, distance and power yourself
- Fast training progress: values such as watts and calories are the result of your performance
- A perfect complement to strength training: as a warm-up, finisher or in a circuit
These are the muscles you train on the AirBike
Training on the AirBike works the whole body. The focus is on the front of the thigh, biceps, triceps and the shoulder area. Because of this large number of muscles, the bike is also suited to a holistic warm-up and calorie burn is high. Only the rowing ergometer is similarly effective, but the bike has the advantage of less demanding technique.
| Area |
Muscles involved |
Movement |
| Legs | Front of thigh, glutes, calves | Pedalling |
| Arms | Biceps, triceps | Pulling and pushing the handles |
| Shoulders and back | Shoulder, upper back | Pulling and pushing the handles |
| Core | Abdomen and lower back | Stabilising your posture |
Who are fitness bikes suitable for?
Whether beginner, advanced or pro: the bike suits everyone well. In cardio training it is often built in at the end or as part of circuit training. It can be used for endurance as well as muscular endurance training. The guided, flowing movements are very easy on the joints and therefore also find favour in rehabilitation. If you need to look after your joints, the bike is a good training partner. If you have any complaints or pre-existing conditions, talk to your doctor or therapist first.
Bike training for beginners: 4 weeks
If you have never trained on an AirBike before, take it slowly. The intensity packs a punch: at the start you will only last a few seconds or minutes, depending on the intensity. Do not overdo it, but increase duration and intensity step by step.
| Week |
Sessions |
Content |
| 1 | 3 per week | 15 to 20 minutes easy, at a pace at which you can hold a conversation |
| 2 | 3 per week | 20 to 25 minutes easy, plus 5 x 20 seconds faster |
| 3 | 3 per week | 25 minutes, 6 x 30 seconds brisk with 90 seconds of rest |
| 4 | 3 per week | 30 minutes easy or 8 x 20 seconds interval |
The plan is an example. Adjust duration and pace to your level and plan rest days.
Workouts for advanced users
| Workout |
Structure |
Goal |
| Tabata | 20 seconds flat out, 10 seconds rest, 8 rounds | Maximum intensity in 4 minutes |
| Sprint intervals | 10 x 20 seconds sprint, 40 seconds easy | Speed and performance limit |
| 4 x 4 minutes | 4 minutes brisk, 3 minutes easy, 4 rounds | Endurance and performance |
| Pyramid | 30, 45, 60, 45, 30 seconds hard, equally long rest | Muscular endurance |
| Easy base | 30 to 45 minutes steady by heart rate | Base endurance |
Warm up for 5 to 10 minutes before intense sessions. The bike allows steady training by heart rate as well as HIT training.
Setting up and sitting correctly
- Set the seat so that your leg stays slightly bent at the bottom point
- Sit upright, with the handles resting relaxed in your hands
- Keep your back straight and your core stable
- Use arms and legs in a coordinated way, or train them separately if needed
- Drink enough: water bottle and phone holders are available on many models
Bike, rower or treadmill?
|
AirBike |
Rowing ergometer |
Treadmill (AirRunner) |
| Works | Legs and arms | Legs, back, arms | Legs and core |
| Technique | Simple | More demanding | Medium, running style |
| Joint load | Low | Low | Medium |
| Ideal for | HIIT, cardio, warm-up, finisher | Full-body endurance | Running training, sprints |
The machines complement each other: treadmills for running training, rowing ergometers from Concept2 for rowing technique, the bike for simple, intense full-body load. You will find more in the Endurance training category.
What to look out for when buying
| Criterion |
What to look out for |
| Drive | Chain, belt or double drive affect noise level and maintenance |
| Body height and weight | Not every bike suits everyone equally well: the details are on the product page |
| Console | An LCD display with programmes and Bluetooth makes it easier to control training |
| Noise level | A belt drive runs more quietly, important for a flat or apartment building |
| Stability | A steel frame and industrial bearings matter for intense training |
| Place of use | Check floor space and floor, a bike stands firm and needs room |
Care and maintenance
- Wipe the bike down after training, especially handles and seat
- Check screws, pedals and cranks regularly for a firm fit
- Lubricate drive parts according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Put the bike on a level, stable surface
Avoiding typical mistakes
- Too much too soon: start moderately and increase step by step
- Wrong seat: a wrongly adjusted seat costs power and loads the knees
- Legs only: use your arms actively to exploit the full-body potential
- No warm-up: always warm up before intervals
Combining bikes
A bike suits every training plan. As a complement we recommend Functional Training for strength and conditioning and Mobility & Regeneration for recovery and mobility. You will find everything from Assault Fitness in the brand category Assault Fitness.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about fitness bikes
What is an AirBike?
An AirBike is a fitness bike with moving arm grips. The resistance comes from your pedalling speed: the harder you pedal, the higher the resistance.
Is an AirBike suitable for beginners?
Yes. The resistance comes from your intensity, so the bike suits every level. Start slowly and increase duration and intensity step by step.
What do I train on the AirBike?
The whole body: the focus is on the front of the thigh, biceps, triceps and the shoulder area. You can also train arms and legs separately.
Does an AirBike need electricity?
No. The resistance comes from air and your movement, so you can use the bike anywhere. The console runs on batteries.
What distinguishes the Classic, Elite and Pro X?
The Classic is the entry-level and studio model, the Elite has a reinforced full-steel frame and double chain drive, the Pro X a low-noise double belt drive. You will find the details on the product pages.
Up to what body height and weight is the Elite suitable?
According to the manufacturer, people up to about 2 m and 160 kg get along very well with the Elite.
How long should I train on the AirBike?
For intervals 10 to 20 minutes are enough, easy sessions 30 to 45 minutes. The duration depends on your goal and fitness level.
Is the AirBike easy on the joints?
Yes, the guided, flowing movements are easy on the joints and also find favour in rehabilitation. If you have any complaints, talk to your doctor first.
Can I lose weight with the AirBike?
The AirBike uses a lot of energy because of the full-body load. For weight loss, consistency and a suitable diet count.