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When it comes to exercise bikes with air resistance, the Concept 2 BikeErg and AssaultBike are two top choices. Find out what option is the best for you.
The main differences between the Concept 2 BikeErg and the AssaultBike are that the Concept 2 BikeErg has static handlebars, different damper settings, a device holder (to follow workout apps or watch entertainment on your devices), and a belt drive that requires less maintenance.
On the other hand, the AssaultBike has moving handles to engage upper body muscles and is a good amount more budget-friendly.
If you have budget limitations, you may need to go for the AssaultBike anyway. However, ideally, you want to base your choice on your training goals.
People who want a piece of fitness equipment that allows them to do longer cardiovascular workouts, potentially while watching entertainment, will likely prefer the Concept 2 BikeErg.
If you want to do short and intense sprint workouts where you also engage your upper body muscles, you will likely find the AssaultBike the better choice.
Important differences Concept 2 BikeErg vs AssaultBike
The Concept 2 BikeErg and AssaultBike both work with air resistance but they are still very different exercise bikes. This influences what model is the best for what people and training goals.
At the same time, some of the differences are more important than others. In the first table below, you can find the ones that are most likely to influence your decision.
| Feature | Concept 2 BikeErg | AssaultBike Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Handlebar Style | Multi Grip | Moving Horizontal Handles |
| Muscles Engaged | Lower Body | Lower And Upper Body |
| Workout Focus | (Longer) Cardiovascular Workouts | Short Sprints |
| Resistance Levels | 10 (Damper Settings) | No Specific Adjustments Besides Speed |
| Device Holder | Yes | No |
| Drive Type | Polygroove Belts With Self-Tensioning System | Chain Drive (More Maintenance) |
| Price Category* | $$$$$ | $$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price category at the time of writing
Other features Concept 2 BikeErg and AssaultBike
Before deciding between the Concept 2 BikeErg and AssaultBike Classic you may also want to know about the smaller differences and common features.
| Feature | Concept 2 BikeErg | AssaultBike Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 300 Pounds (136 kg) | 300 Pounds (136 kg) |
| Resistance Type | Air | Air |
| User Height Range | Inseam Lengths Of 28” – 37” (71.1 cm to 94 cm) | Not Mentioned |
| Dimensions | 48″ L x 24″ W | 51″ L x 23″ W x 50″ H |
| Handlebar Adjustment | Height & Fore/Aft | None |
| Adjustable Seat | Height | Height & Fore/Aft |
| Screen | Small PM5 Monitor | AssaultBike Classic Console |
| Workout Programs | 5 Standard Workouts, 5 Custom Workouts | 7 Standard Workouts And Your Own Targets |
| Leveling Feet | 2 In The Back | 2 In The Back And 2 In Front |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Display On Monitor With Your Own Bluetooth Measuring Device | Display On Monitor With Your Own Bluetooth Measuring Device |
| Pedals | Regular Bike Pedals | Regular Bike Pedals |
| Weight | 68 lbs (31 kg) | 96 lbs (44 kg) |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Warranties* | 5 Years Frame Parts, 2 Years Other Parts | 5 Years Frame Warranty, 2-Year Non-Wear Parts Warranty |
| Customizability | Fits Most Standard Bike Parts | No |
| Requires Electric Power | No | No |
| Bottle Holder | Optional Paid Addition | No |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences Concept 2 BikeErg vs AssaultBike explained
Many people will be able to choose between the Concept 2 BikeErg and AssaultBike Classic after taking a look at the training goals and the prices.
However, it is also possible that you are not entirely sure about all of the consequences of certain differences. You can find some of the most important and confusing ones explained in more detail below.
Muscles engaged
Air bikes often have moving handles that allow you to engage a few upper body muscles together with your leg muscles like with other exercise bike types.
This is still the case for the AssaultBike. It has two horizontal handles that you push forward and pull backward with the help of muscles like your latissimus dorsi, biceps, shoulders, chest, and triceps.
The Concept 2 BikeErg is somewhat unusual for an air bike in that it just has regular static multi grip handlebars. This makes it so you only engage leg muscles like your quadriceps, calves, hamstrings, and glutes.
One is not necessarily always better than the other for all situations.
If you want to warm up before upper body exercises, you will prefer the AssaultBike. On the other hand, if you just want to warm up your legs, the Concept 2 BikeErg is good enough.
The extra upper body engagement of the AssaultBike also changes the workout focus but this deserves an explanation in a separate section.
Winner: AssaultBike if you want upper and lower body engagement
Winner: Concept 2 BikeErg if you only want lower body engagement
Workout focus
Both the Concept 2 BikeErg and AssaultBike can be good workout tools but due to their different features, they are optimal for different types of workouts.
The static handles and the different damper settings of the Concept 2 BikeErg make it more suited for cardiovascular workouts.
Especially longer ones where you want to use a moderate intensity or switch between different intensities to get a HIIT workout.
On the other hand, using the AssaultBike with its one “resistance setting” and handles can be very challenging for your cardiovascular system.
If you want to do shorter sprint workouts this can be useful but most people will not be able to keep this up for 30-minute workouts.
Winner: Concept 2 BikeErg if you want to do longer cardiovascular workouts
Winner: AssaultBike if you want to do short sprints
Device holder
This next feature difference between the Concept 2 BikeErg and AssaultBike will not matter to everyone but it can be a big benefit to the right people.
The Concept 2 BikeErg comes with a device holder you can use to look at your tablet or phone during your exercise bike sessions.
This can be helpful if you want to follow workouts from certain apps or places like Youtube. Additionally, the device holder allows you to watch entertainment on your smart device during your workouts.
These things can make your longer exercise bike sessions more enjoyable and can in turn benefit consistency.
The AssaultBike does not have the option to add a device holder. This would also not be that useful due to the focus on sprints with a shorter duration.
Winner: Concept 2 BikeErg
Drive type
Regular bikes require you to pedal to make the wheel move. Stationary exercise bikes have a similar concept where pedaling makes something, in the case of air bikes a fan, move.
The way exercise bikes transfer the power from the pedals to the fan can vary.
In the case of the Concept 2 BikeErg this happens through a polygroove belt mechanism. The main benefit of this drive type is that it does not require that much maintenance.
On the other side, the AssaultBike has a chain drive. Some people like the feel which is somewhat similar to a real bike. The main downside of chain drives for exercise bikes is that they require more maintenance.
Again, there is not one single optimal choice for everyone in this area.
Whether you will prefer the belt drive from the Concept 2 BikeErg or the chain drive from the AssaultBike depends on things like personal preference and how much you mind doing exercise bike maintenance.
Winner: Concept 2 BikeErg if you want less maintenance
Winner: AssaultBike if you like the feel of a chain drive and don’t mind the extra maintenance
Price
The Concept 2 BikeErg and the AssaultBike each have their advantages and disadvantages. Even so, when choosing an exercise bike most people also care about prices.
How much each air bike costs depends on where you get them and can change over time. That being said, at the time of writing, the AssaultBike is a good amount more budget-friendly than the Concept 2 BikeErg.
Winner: AssaultBike
User reviews
When comparing two exercise bikes like the Concept 2 BikeErg and the AssaultBike, the feature and price differences often give a good idea about what option the best is for what people and situations.
Even so, customer reviews sometimes uncover unexpected downsides or trends in quality issues. In this comparison, the users of these air bikes tend to be similar in terms of overall positivity.
Some people would like the saddle of the Concept 2 BikeErg to be more comfortable.
In the case of the AssaultBike, some individuals don’t like that the air from the fan goes their way. Some gym owners also mention that the AssaultBike is a bit less durable.
Both bikes have a few exceptional cases of broken parts or fast wear and tear. However, these are the exception, not the rule.
Besides a few small points that can be improved, customers tend to be really happy with both the Concept 2 BikeErg and AssaultBike.
Is the Concept 2 BikeErg or AssaultBike right for you?
In short, the Concept 2 BikeErg has static handlebars, different damper settings, a device holder (which allows you to follow workout apps or watch entertainment on your smart device), and a belt drive that requires less maintenance.
On the other side, the AssaultBike has moving handles and a price that is a good amount more budget-friendly.
Budget limitations aside, the Concept 2 BikeErg is generally better for people who want to do longer cardiovascular workouts. Potentially while watching entertainment.
People who want to do short and intense sprints where they also engage upper body muscles will likely prefer the AssaultBike.
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