The global pandemic got everyone thinking about and investing in their health. From gym sign-ups to brisk walking and home workouts, fitness has taken a different turn, and this trend is likely to continue to grow in 2023. Air bike is an excellent choice for those looking to take their cardio game further. An air bicycle is highly efficient if you want to strengthen your cardiovascular system, burn some calories, and sweat more.
- Best Overall: Marcy Exercise Upright Fan Bike
- Best Budget: Marcy Fan Exercise Bike with Air Resistance System
- Best High-end: Concept2 BikeErg 2900 Stationary Exercise Bike
- Best For Fitness: XTERRA Fitness Air650 Air Bike Pro
- Best For Convenience: Schwinn Fitness Airdyne Bike Series
- Best Ergonomic: Exerpeutic 5000 Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Best Air Resistance: Leikefitness Fan Exercise Bike Upright AirBike Indoor Cycling Stationary Bicycle
What are Air Bikes?

Photo by cottonbro studio
Air bikes are low-impact exercise equipment that can enhance and lengthen your muscles. The secret ingredient that makes them perfect for both seasoned athletes and complete beginners is air resistance. Air bikes are stationary bikes with pedals and arm handles connected to a sizable fan up front, creating wind resistance as the user pedals. The user exercises their upper body by moving the bike’s handles as they pedal. It’s excellent for those performing cardio.
These bikes are the opposite of a breeze because they are powered only by the air you push through the front fan. As you pedal more, the fan generates more wind resistance, which makes an air bike workout like pedaling more challenging.
Smart Fitness Results’ Top 7 Air Bikes for 2023
The best air bikes have the power to defeat even the most accomplished athlete. Air bikes have a crank and pedal setup coupled to a slightly less recognizable set of stalks or handles, which uniquely works the upper and lower body in unison.
Below are Smart Fitness Results’ top picks for air bikes for 2023.
Best Overall: Marcy Exercise Upright Fan Bike

This is a go-to air bike for those looking for full-body workouts. This bike has everything from high-density foams to foam-covered handles and adjustable seats. The Marcy exercise Upright Fan Bike uses transport wheels to facilitate mobility. This bike weighs 79 pounds making it slightly heavy and convenient.
What we love about this bike:
- Premium steel framework
- Unique resistance system
- High LCD monitor
- Adjustable seat positioning
- Dual-action exercise arms

Pros
Straightforward assembling.
Offers robust full-body workouts
Relatively affordable
Cons
Some may consider it basic
Best Budget: Marcy Fan Exercise Bike with Air Resistance System

Marcy Fan Exercise Bike is a stationary bike that offers a full-body workout. While you pedal on this exercise bike, your lower body will get stronger, and your upper body will get more endurance. Other features include a unique resistance system, a straightforward interface, and comfortable and adjustable seating.
With a weight of 250 pounds, it’s the perfect equipment if you want a stamina air bike for working out in the comfort of your home.
What we love about this bike:
Ergonomic design – Created with ergonomic handlebars and seat.
Special air resistance system – Built with body-cooling air resistance.

Pros
Great user interface
Works out the lower and upper body
Cools user during exercises
Cons
Lower weight capacity.
Best High-end: Concept2 BikeErg 2900 Stationary Exercise Bike

This bike is excellent for home use and strength training with adjustable air resistance. The adjustable seat and handlebar make it a good fit. You have a premium training alternative at a reasonable cost with the Concept2 BikeErg.
Also, the Concept2 indoor workout bike adds exercising varieties for overall conditioning, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), warm-up, rehab, healing, and others. You can use this air resistance bike for both residential and commercial purposes.
What we love about this bike:
Seat Adjustment – Easy seat adjustment
Strong frame – Durable 68 lb frame.

Pros
Up to 300 Ib weight capacity
It allows coasting like a regular bike
Robust and durable aluminum frame.
Cons
Quite a heavy frame.
Best For Fitness: XTERRA Fitness Air650 Air Bike Pro

With its ultimate air resistance, the XTERRA Fitness AIR650 Airbike Pro provides various workout options, varying from low resistance at moderate speeds to high resistance at high speeds.
It’s great for everyone because the resistance rises as you exert more effort. The XTERRA Fitness AIR650 Airbike Pro is a go-to option whether you’re looking to cross-train for your upcoming race or rehab an injury. It also uses a low-impact upper body workout with cycling’s heart-healthy advantages to help burn fat and improve cardiovascular health.
What we love about this bike:
Resistance: Air resistance that is fluid and unresticted provides moderate friction at lower velocities and high resistance at higher velocities.
Drive: The AIR650 comes with an industrial-standard chain spinning system that works as a one solid unit and is exceptionally durable and dependable.
Seat: Maximum exercise mobility is made possible by a performance-designed seat, which offers support and comfort.
Accessibility: With its large transport wheels and ability to move anywhere without an outlet, this bike is ideal for any space.
It’s the air bike Crossfit enthusiasts would love.

Pros
Smooth and sturdy resistance at high speeds.
Durable chain drive system.
LCD performance display.
Cons
High price tag.
Best For Convenience: Schwinn Fitness Airdyne Bike Series

Our review of the Schwinn Fitness Airdyne Bike Series shows it can take your workout to the next level. It is an excellent combination of power and performance. With progressive wind resistance, you can choose from several difficulty levels, so your workouts are always new and exciting. Plus, with its battery-powered design, you can take it wherever you go.
What we love about this bike:
Multi-purpose hand grips – Allow a better fitness experience during workouts.
Hi-def display – Accommodates different metrics like RPM, etc.

Pros
Adjustable seat for extra comfort.
High-quality single-stage belt drive.
Fan built to minimize noise at high resistance.
Has heart rate telemetry
Takes up to 350 pounds
Cons
Heavy and bulky to move
Best Ergonomic: Exerpeutic 5000 Recumbent Exercise Bike

The Exerpeutic 5000 Magnetic Recumbent Bike will help you get the necessary cardio from just about anywhere. It has an expanded 325 lb. user weight capacity, designed to carry almost everyone’s weight. The 3″ thick, revolutionary “Air Soft” seat has an aerodynamic airflow that will make working out cool and comfortable.
In addition, the phone holder enables you to use your smartphone to watch a movie, read a book, or check your email as you burn calories.
What we love about this bike:
MyCloudFitness App – Perhaps the most admirable feature is the performance tracking app.
Power source – Has a corded electric power source.
Extra convenient seat – Large and robust airsoft seat.

Pros
Support a comprehensive fitness app.
High weight capacity at 325 lbs.
Comes with a long list of prepared workout programs.
Has heart rate telemetry
Takes up to 350 pounds
Cons
Cumbersome and difficult to unpack.
Challenging to move around.
Best Air Resistance: Leikefitness Fan Exercise Bike Upright AirBike Indoor Cycling Stationary Bicycle
This indoor cycling stationary bicycle has heart rate compatibility and a complete air resistance system. It weighs 119 lbs., equivalent to two standard exercise bikes. The Leikefitness consists of heavy-duty steel with a 280 lb weight capacity.
Also, you can adjust the seat and handlebar to fit your situation better. This air bike is easy to assemble. Utilize the front-mounted transportation wheels to move this cardio machine from room to room after your workout.
What we love about this bike:
Tracking system – Keep track of your speed, RPM, calories, watts, and distance.
Adjustable settings – Use the set mode to establish precise fitness objectives.
Accessory holders – Comes with a water bottle and phone holder for accommodating smartphones.

Pros
Easily assemble, disassemble, and carry around.
Great for cross-fit works.
Convenient and comfortable seat.
Comes with non-slip pedals.
Cons
It’s quite pricey.
Limited weight capacity.
Below is a quick comparison of our top picks for Air Bikes for 2023
Bikes | Price/$ | Special Features |
Marcy Exercise Upright Fan Bike | 299.99 | 14-gauge steel framework Dual-action simultaneous arms In-depth display system Adjustable seat location |
Marcy Fan Exercise Bike With Air Resistance System | 177.60 | Ergonomic seat Transport wheel for easy mobility Powder-coated steel tubing |
Concept2 BikeErg 2900 Stationary Exercise Bike | 1266.49 | Detailed PM5 performance monitor Customizable fit 65 lb aluminum frame Clutched flywheel for coasting Adjustable air resistance |
XTERRA Fitness Air650 Air Bike Pro | 624.99 | Unrestricted air resistance Industrial-level chain drive system LCD console for tracking Push button workout programs |
Marcy Fan Exercise Bike With Air Resistance System | 177.60 | Dual-action arm handles Adjustable tension level Convenient exercise tracking system |
Exerpeutic 5000 Recumbent Exercise Bike | 779.99 | Unique seat design for added comfort Alternating pressure chamber 24 pre-programmed workouts Hi-def LCD screen |
Leikefitness Fan Exercise Bike Upright | 689 | Unlimited air resistance Heartbeat monitor Adjustable seat One year warranty |
What’s the Difference Between Air Bike and a Spin Bike?
Although they offer similar benefits, these two popular bikes are different regarding workouts. Spinning and air bikes are derived from the bicycle design and have a front wheel that spins when the pedals are depressed.
It goes without saying that the harder you pedal, the more calories you burn and the more complex the exercise becomes. So, air bike vs. spin bike, what’s the difference?
Air Bike
Fans support the front wheel of the air bike. Since the enormous fan blades struggle to move the air around them, the harder you pedal, the more resistance it will produce.
Air bikes, also referred to as “assault bikes,” have adjustable handles that let you incorporate upper body movement into your workout. In sync with your legs, your arms pump back and forth to move the handles.
The benefits of using air bikes include
- Improved recovery from injuries.
- A single piece of equipment that works the entire body.
- An easier time finishing challenging exercises
Spin Bike

Photo by Kampus Production
The flywheel used by the spin bike has magnets built into its structure. You can push the magnets closer to the metal flywheel when you turn the knob to make the exercise harder, which increases the resistance produced.
Spin bikes have a fixed handle capable of easily carrying your weight. Your ability to lean forward and concentrate fully on working your legs will increase, allowing you to get the most out of the endurance training component of your spinning workout.
One exclusive benefit includes easy endurance workouts that take the weight off your legs with the stationary handle.
While providing excellent cardio, spin bikes also allow a more resistance-training-like workout. On the other hand, air bikes are just for exercising. The only way to make the exercise more difficult is to pedal more quickly, which will put more stress on your cardiovascular system.
In addition, there’s only one way to train on an air bike, and you have to pedal faster and harder. However, the more sophisticated spin bike has additional features and options that enable a more challenging workout. Thus, making them the ideal Crossfit air bikes.
Do you need an air bike?
Air bikes are crucial if you’re to take your cycling and cardio game up a notch. Whether you’re looking to sweat more or increase your heart rate, you need an air bike. Since they are low impact and allow the rider to move at their own pace, air bikes are a great workout option for people undergoing physical therapy or rehabilitation.
The air bike is ideal if you want to incorporate upper-body exercises into your cardio routine or plan to perform aerobic HIIT. Instead of steady-state cycling or cardio workouts incorporating both steady-state and intervals, you can use the device for total-body, high-intensity interval training.
An air bike can help you achieve your fitness objectives, including calorie burning and muscle strengthening for your upper or lower body.
- Air bikes are a great way to warm up for a longer workout because they use most of the body and accommodate gently riding.
- Air biking offers a quicker route to aerobic exercise by involving the entire body, while the responsiveness of the fan’s resistance aids in preventing overexertion.
How do air bikes work?
They are called “air bikes” because they have an integrated fan that creates wind resistance. Hence, some also call them wind bikes. You’ll experience more resistance as you pedal forcefully.
Contrary to a more conventional exercise bike, the exercise air bike is not for lengthy cardio workouts. As you begin pedaling, you will need to exert a lot of force to push and pull on the handles, so hold them firmly. Pulling the bike handles more quickly will increase your speed.
What should you look out for in an air bike?
There are many air bicycles on the market, so making the right choice might take a lot of work. Is the bike durable? How about the maintenance and strength? Despite their ease of use, there are a few factors to consider when purchasing one.
Noise
The fan wheel on air bikes can make minimal noise, especially if the rider is doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT). A noise from the bike’s chain or belt drive is also possible.
Weight
There are various weights of air bikes. Consider picking one that is appropriate for your body weight.
Construction
People who frequently move their air bikes may find it helpful to go for air bikes with wheels.
Technology
Some air bikes have equipment that can track the user’s heart rate, route, workout time, and calories burned. Training plans and workout statistics can display on digital monitors for users.
Adjustability
Some air bikes have movable pedals and seats, enabling sharing or customization of exercise gear.
Stability
Air Resistance bikes involve a lot of pushing and pulling; thus, you will need a stable cycle. Steel bicycles will be more sturdy and long-lasting than aluminum ones; aluminum bikes may rock back and forth depending on how hard you’re pedaling.
Comfortability
You might have issues pedaling the bike if the seat needs to be more comfortable. While some air bikes have seats made of high-density foams, others are more flexible, making room for adjustments.
Size
Air bikes are big and take up a lot of space, like most cardio equipment. Additionally, the bigger they are, they will be more stable even when you are exercising at your highest intensity.
Monitor Features/Console
You should be able to view time, distance, power, calories, and RPM on most of their basic digital or LCD screens.
While some machines are Bluetooth-capable and can sync with apps and fitness trackers, others don’t have built-in training programs. Make sure a bike is compatible with a heart rate monitor if you train using your heart rate as a guide.
Warranty
Are you covered when it comes to wear and tear? Most air bikes come with a frame warranty of at least a year. More extended warranties are typically offered with higher-end bikes, while shorter warranties are usually provided with lower-end bikes.
Cost
What’s your budget? Remember, an air bike is a significant investment, so you must be sure before making a purchase. Expensive models typically come with extra features, are more substantial, and last longer than less expensive models. Finding a machine that satisfies your needs and fits your budget is crucial.
Conclusion
The Air Bike is expensive, just like other substantial cardio exercise equipment, and it’s ideal for interval training, long cardio stretches, and recovery. There are numerous options for those looking to buy the best air bike. At the end of the day, budget and available space at home will ultimately determine your options.

Steve (Qualfied Personal Trainer and Nutritionist)
Steve Theunissen has qualified from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and is a certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist. He has over 30 years experience in fitness and nutrition and currently working with famous fitness professionals. He is currently living in New Zealand with is wife and daughter.