There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission on anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
The AssaultBike and Peloton models are very different exercise bikes. Find out what model best is for your preferences and training goals.
Some of the main differences between the AssaultBike and the Peloton are that the Peloton has magnetic resistance, precise resistance levels, a big HD touchscreen, a premium workout app option, and a focus on medium to long workouts.
On the other hand, the AssaultBike has air resistance, moving handles, lower and upper body muscle engagement, a few free built-in workout programs, a focus on shorter workouts, no electricity requirements (besides monitor batteries), a lighter weight, and a price that is a good amount more budget-friendly.
If you want to do shorter workouts that engage your upper body or prefer air resistance and don’t mind the extra sound from the air fan, the AssaultBike Classic is likely the best choice for you.
At the same time, choosing the Peloton Bike can make sense if you prefer the magnetic resistance and premium workout programs and have the budget for these.
Something important to note is that the premium Peloton App is generally recommended to get the most out of the bike. This adds extra subscription costs over time.
You may also prefer magnetic resistance and static handles but not care about the premium workouts enough to justify the extra cost. In a situation like that, a model like the Schwinn IC4 could be a better choice.
Important differences AssaultBike vs Peloton Bike
The AssaultBike Classic and Peloton Bike are two popular but very different exercise bikes. Because of this, one or the other can be better for certain situations and individuals.
At the same time, some differences are more important than others. In the first table below you can find a quick overview of the ones that are most likely to influence your decision.
| Feature | AssaultBike Classic | Peloton Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Type | Air | Magnetic |
| Resistance Levels | No Specific Adjustments Besides Speed | 100 Levels |
| Screen | AssaultBike Classic Console | 21.5” HD Touchscreen |
| Handlebar Style | Moving Horizontal Handles | Elevated Bullhorn |
| Muscles Engaged | Lower And Upper Body | Lower Body |
| Workout Programs | 7 Standard Workouts And Your Own Targets | 30-Day Trial For New App Trials |
| Workout Focus | Shorter Sprints | Longer Cardiovascular Workouts |
| Requires Electric Power | No | Yes |
| Weight | 96 lbs (44 kg) | 135 lbs (61.2 kg) |
| Price Category* | $$$ | $$$$$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price category at the time of writing
Other features AssaultBike and Peloton Bike
Before choosing either the AssaultBike or Peloton, you may also want to know about the smaller differences and common features. These can be important in certain situations too.
| Feature | AssaultBike Classic | Peloton Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 300 Pounds (136 kg) | 297 Pounds (134.7 kg) |
| Drive Type | Chain Drive (More Maintenance) | Belt Drive |
| Flywheel Weight | Does Not Apply | Not Mentioned |
| Handlebar Adjustment | None | Height |
| Seat/Saddle Style | Competition | Competition |
| Adjustable Seat | Height & Fore/Aft | Height & Fore/Aft |
| User Height Range | Not Mentioned | 59 to 76 Inches (149.9 cm to 193 cm) |
| Pedals | Regular Bike Pedals | Delta-Compatible |
| Screen Mobility | Static | Tilts |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Screen Connects To Peloton App |
| Device Holder | No | No |
| Dimensions | 51″ L x 23″ W x 50″ H | 59″ L x 23″ W x 53″ H |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor, Bought Separately | Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor, Bought Separately |
| Bottle Holder | No | 2 Medium |
| Warranties* | 5 Years Frame Warranty, 2-Year Non-Wear Parts Warranty | 5 Years Frame Warranty, 12 Months Most Original Components And Labor Limited Warranty |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences AssaultBike vs Peloton Bike in detail
People who are familiar with exercise bikes and know what they want in them can likely choose between the AssaultBike and Peloton by looking at the price and feature differences.
That being said, you may still be unsure about what certain features mean, why they are important, and to what extent they should influence the choice in your personal situation.
Resistance type
The main principle behind the health benefits of exercise bikes is that they make certain movements harder to do. By doing this, you start a variety of internal processes that can make you healthier and happier in the long term.
At the same time, there are different types of exercise bikes that vary in terms of how they create this resistance. What type you choose influences a few things.
The AssaultBike Classic is an air bike. That means you make a fan move against the resistance of the air by pedaling.
Some people really like the way air bikes feel. Additionally, they don’t require electricity to function (besides the monitor batteries).
One downside to keep in mind is that air bikes also tend to be a bit noisier. Family members and/or apartment neighbors may not like this.
On the other side, the Peloton Bike is an indoor cycling bike with magnetic resistance. By pedaling, you rotate a flywheel. To make this more of a challenge, magnets make the rotations harder to do.
Similarly, some people really like the feeling of magnetic resistance. Additionally, this type of exercise bike resistance is relatively quiet.
Air resistance is not necessarily better or worse than magnetic resistance. Your choice will depend on your personal situation and preferences.
Winner: Personal situation and preferences
Resistance levels
Something to keep in mind is that while you want enough resistance to challenge yourself, you also don’t want to overdo it. This can lead to suboptimal workouts and potentially injuries.
To help you train at the right challenge level, exercise bikes typically come with different resistance levels. These different resistance levels also help you add some variety to your workouts.
That being said, the AssaultBike Classic does not have any way to switch between resistance levels.
This may sound really bad but something to keep in mind with air bikes is the harder you pedal, the more resistance you will feel. That being said, some way to adjust the airflow would be helpful anyway.
On the other side, the Peloton Bike has 100 resistance levels. These make it easier to adjust your resistance precisely and fast. This can be helpful during workouts.
Additionally, because the resistances have exact numbers, you can see yourself progress as you get fitter over time. This can be very motivating.
So while air bikes like the AssaultBike Classic do have a type of “resistance adjustment” built in, most people will prefer having precise resistance levels available like with the Peloton Bike.
Winner: Peloton Bike
Screen
Cardio machines like exercise generally come with some type of display to show workout measurements. These measurements can help you adapt your workouts and motivate you to keep going.
Additionally, some brands use the screen to improve the overall experience of the bike in other ways.
The AssaultBike Classic comes with an AssaultBike Classic Console. This is a relatively small monitor that shows stand measurements like time, distance, watts, speed, etc.
You can also connect this console to certain apps to keep track of your workout measurements.
The Peloton Bike comes with a more luxurious 21.5” HD touchscreen. You can also find your workout measurements on this screen.
What each screen can do in terms of workouts is for the next feature comparison.
When it comes to the sizes of the built-in screens, most people will prefer the Peloton Bike over the AssaultBike Classic.
Winner: Peloton Bike
Workout programs
The size is not the only way the screens of the AssaultBike Classic and Peloton Bike vary. What workouts you can do with each model is also different.
Different workouts can be more effective and/or fun than others. Additionally, just switching up your workouts can keep your exercise routine interesting.
The monitor of the AssaultBike Classic comes with 7 standard workouts. On top of that, you can set your own targets in details like distance.
On the other side, the Peloton Bike screen is made to work with the Peloton App. This is basically a video library where you can follow exercise bike workouts, scenic rides, and workout classes in other exercise types.
One thing to keep in mind is that you want the premium version of the app to get the most out of the Peloton Bike. This adds an extra subscription cost over time.
Many people will like at least some of the workout videos on the Peloton App more.
However, not everyone is willing to invest extra in this. For workouts without any subscription costs, the AssaultBike Classic will be the better choice.
Winner: Peloton Bike if you don’t mind subscription costs
Winner: AssaultBike Classic if you want to avoid subscriptions
Workout focus
Exercise bikes often come with static handles. However, air bikes like the AssaultBike Classic often have moving handles.
These handles allow a variety of upper body muscles to help rotate the fan. Together with how air resistance works, this influences what types of workouts the AssaultBike Classic is good for.
More specifically, the AssaultBike Classic is generally better for shorter, higher-intensity workouts.
You don’t have to hold the handles but if you want to engage your upper body muscles, the AssaultBike Classic will be the better choice.
On the other side, the Peloton is better for more standard indoor cycling workouts. Generally, that means slightly longer cardiovascular workouts although you can also implement high-intensity interval training or sprints.
This difference is another case where one is not necessarily better than the other. Whether you will prefer the AssaultBike Classic or Peloton Bike in this area depends on things like your training goals.
Winner: AssaultBike Classic for shorter sessions and/or if you want to engage upper body muscles
Winner: Peloton Bike for longer sessions
Price
In a comparison like the AssaultBike Classic vs the Peloton where the training goals are very different, the feature differences are often enough to make a decision.
At the same time, for many people price is still at least somewhat of a factor when choosing an exercise bike. A big difference may sway your decision one way or the other.
Exactly how much of an investment each exercise bike requires depends on where you get them and change over time.
That being said, at the time of writing, the AssaultBike Classic is a good amount more budget-friendly than the Peloton Bike.
Additionally, you want to keep in mind that the premium Peloton app comes with extra subscription costs. You can still use the bike with the free version but the premium version is recommended to get the most out of the Peloton.
Winner: AssaultBike Classic
User reviews
When comparing the AssaultBike Classic and Peloton Bike, the price and feature differences give a relatively good idea of what bike the best is for what types of people and situations.
Even so, customer reviews sometimes reveal unexpected downsides or trends in quality issues. In this comparison, the customer reviews about the AssaultBike Classic and Peloton Bike are both very positive.
In the case of the AssaultBike Classic, some people don’t like the airflow. There are also a few exceptional cases of faulty parts and fast wear and tear.
Similarly, the Peloton has a few exceptional cases of faulty parts. Besides that, some people are not happy with the subscription costs of the Peloton app.
While these things need to be noted, the customer reviews about the AssaultBike Classic and Peloton Bike are very positive when it comes to cardio fitness equipment.
Is the AssaultBike or Peloton Bike better for you?
In short, the AssaultBike has air resistance, moving handles, lower and upper body muscle engagement, a few free built-in workout programs, a focus on shorter workouts, no electricity requirements (besides monitor batteries), a lighter weight, and a price that is a good amount more budget-friendly.
On the other side, the Peloton has magnetic resistance, precise resistance levels, a big HD touchscreen, a premium workout app option, and a focus on medium to long workouts.
People who want to do shorter workouts with moving handles or prefer air resistance and don’t mind the extra sound from the air fan will likely prefer the AssaultBike Classic.
Individuals who prefer magnetic resistance and more premium workouts and don’t mind investing more into these things will likely find the Peloton Bike the better choice.
Keep in mind that the premium Peloton App is generally recommended to get the most out of the bike. This adds extra subscription costs over time.
If you still prefer magnetic resistance and static handles but don’t really care about the premium workouts enough to justify the extra cost, something like the Schwinn IC4 could be a better choice.
Related posts:
