Assault Fitness AirBike Elite

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Weight	Resistance	Fitness meter
Assault AirBike Elite Check Discounted Price	L:55" W:26.2" H:55"	350 lbs	138.8 lbs	Air	RPM, Speed, Time, Distance, Watts, Calories, Pulse, Goals, Intervals, Bluetooth

The Assault Fitness AirBike Elite is similar in terms of resistance and features to the Assault Classic AirBike. However, it has a considerably heavier frame, it’s a bit larger, and comes with a fitness monitor that has Bluetooth connectivity. It’s a heavy-duty, commercial-grade bike, designed for users of all levels.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 55L x 26.2W x 55H inches (140L x 66W x 140H cm)
• Assembled weight: 138.8 lbs (63 kg)
• Supported weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
• Handlebars: Mobile
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Drive: Dual chain
• Resistance: Air
• Performance monitor: 7 programs, Bluetooth
• Warranty: Frame 10 years / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year

Frame construction

The Assault Fitness AirBike Elite features a heavy-duty frame made of thick steel tubing. Most of the tubes in the bike’s frame construction are precision-welded and oval for improved sturdiness and aesthetics.

All the steel parts are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant paint finish. The color used is metallic gray for the main body of the bike, and black for the base tubes and several other small parts. The seat post is made of extruded aluminum. The bike also integrates several plastic parts, such as caps and covers.

As we’ve mentioned above, the bike is a bit larger than the Assault AirBike Classic version. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 55″ (140 cm) long, and 26.2″ (66 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to allow at least 2′ (61 cm) of clearance all around the bike for ease of access and safe usage. Also, its highest point is approx. 55″ (140 cm) above the floor.

Like most other commercial-grade air bikes, the Assault AirBike Elite is pretty heavy. It’s actually one of the heaviest available. Its net weight is 138.8 lbs (63 kg). This being said, the transport of the boxed unit requires two people. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front stabilizer integrates a set of transport wheels.

Due to the bike’s impressive weight, stability shouldn’t be an issue. Plus, it has a pretty low center of gravity and both its stabilizers have adjustable levelers.

Seat and handlebars

The Assault AirBike Elite is equipped with a four-way adjustable seat (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers 12 adjustment positions while its horizontal slider has 8 adjustment positions. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’1″ and 6’5″ (155 – 196 cm). It is also quite solid, the rate for a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs (159 kg).

The included saddle has a pretty standard construction. Its inner shell is made of durable nylon material. Between the shell and the top cover, there is a layer of foam padding. The top cover is also made of high-density foam. The seat is also pretty wide, so it provides plenty of contact surface. However, it is not contoured and does not have a median cutout like a race saddle.

Like most other air resistance exercise bikes, the Assault Elite bike does not have a fixed handlebar only the two mobile ones. They are connected to the crankset via two angled steel bars and two pivoting elements. Therefore, they cannot remain stationary. They will move for as long as you pedal or for as long as the flywheel is spinning.

The bike comes with a set of standard grips featuring urethane covers for improved contact. However, Assault Fitness offers several grip options. It’s important to mention that none of them integrate pulse sensors. So, the performance monitor can only read your pulse if you wear a wireless HR chest strap or armband.

Resistance system

As its name suggests, the Assault AirBike Elite is an exercise bike equipped with an air resistance system. It does not have any magnetic resistance elements, and it is not motorized. This being said, you don’t need to connect it to a power source and you don’t need an adapter for it.

The main resistance element is the large wheel visible at the front of the bike. Its construction is actually similar to a road bike wheel. However, several spokes on it have steel plates attached to them in order to improve drag. Therefore, when you pedal and/or move the arms, the wheel spins in its casing generating resistance.

The bike does not have any type of resistance adjustment. However, just as any other fitness machine with an air resistance system, it provides a dynamic response. In other words, the resistance depends on the RPM. The faster you pedal, the more resistance you will get.

Last but not least, the bike is pretty quiet. However, if you pedal at a high RPM, the fan can be heard. The noise level can be compared to the one generated by a large electric fan.

Drive system

The Assault AirBike Elite is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset with oval steel arms. The pedals are also made of a durable metallic alloy. They do not have toe cages or SPD elements. However, they have standard threads so you can find compatible replacements in basically any bike shop.

The bike is equipped with a dual chain drive system. It actually has two pulleys. One is the main crank pulley, the other is intermediary, placed a bit lower than the main one. The two pulleys are connected via a short chain, while the intermediary pulley assembly also connects to the bike’s flywheel. This dual chain system provides extra consistency to the ride. Also, a chain drive system can last a lifetime with proper care, but as opposed to a belt drive system, it requires lubrication.

An important aspect that we must mention here as well, regards the bike’s Q-Factor. This is the spacing between the two pedals. The exact Q-Factor for this bike is not specified, but it’s at least 200 mm (7.8″) which is a bit wide. This being said, the bike may not be the best choice for anyone who has problems with their knees as the pedaling motion will result in extra lateral stress on both the knees and ankles.

Performance monitor

The Assault AirBike Elite is equipped with a pretty standard HIIT fitness monitor. To begin with, it has an LCD display divided into 7 sub-sections so you can view up to 7 workout metrics at once without the need to use a scan function. It tracks time, distance, speed, calories, watts, RPM, and pulse. Speed and distance can be set either to English or metric. The monitor unit actually has a quick key for this. For the heart rate function, you have to wear a Bluetooth or ANT+ HR chest strap. This accessory is not included.

The unit has Bluetooth connectivity, but this only applies to the pulse reading function. It is not compatible with any fitness apps, like Peloton, Zwift or others. But nonetheless, there are several workout programs to choose from built-in the unit.

To begin with, there are three interval programs. These are 20/10, 10/20, and custom. As the numbers suggest, for the first interval program the work period is 20 seconds, while the rest period is 10 seconds. For the 10/20 interval, the work duration is 10 seconds, while the rest duration is 20 seconds. Of course, for the custom interval program, you can set up your desired values for both the work and the rest intervals.

Next, there are four target programs; you can select a workout target or goal for time, distance, calories, and heart rate. If a target is selected for time, distance, or calories, the monitor will countdown from the selected target until it reaches zero. If a goal is selected for heart rate, it will prompt you to increase or decrease your work activity in an attempt to keep you in the selected heart rate interval. Of course, the HR program requires you to wear an HR chest strap.

Finally, there is a Comp Program (or competition program). This works in a similar way to the other target programs, but there are some differences. For example, if the goal is the time, the timer will count down, while if the goal is calories or distance, the timer will count up.

The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires four AA batteries which are not included. It starts up when you begin working or when you press the Start button. It also automatically enters its sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity. It also has a clock function which is shown when the unit is in sleep mode.

Assembly and Maintenance

The bike’s main body comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the base bars, the monitor post, the performance monitor unit, the saddle, the moving arms, the pedal bars, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The task is straightforward and the manual provides fairly clear assembly instructions. All the necessary tools for it are also included.

Since the bike’s drive system integrates a chain, it requires periodic lubrication. Standard chain oil is the best choice for it. It’s also recommended to periodically check for loose bolts and parts, and re-tighten them, if necessary.

The Pros

• Heavy-duty, commercial-grade construction;
• Superior weight capacity – 350 lbs (159 kg);
• Aesthetic design;
• Adjustable levelers on both bases;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Mobile handlebars for arms workouts;
• Large padded saddle;
• Footrests at the base of the moving arms;
• Four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back) seat system;
• Air resistance system, great for interval workouts;
• Performance monitor included;
• Three interval programs – 10/20, 20/10, custom;
• Four target programs for time, distance, calories, and heart rate;
• Competition program;
• Pulse reading function;
• Bluetooth connectivity (for HR chest straps or armbands);
• Device holder included;
• Little maintenance required;
• Easy to assemble;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• HR chest strap not included;
• The display of the performance monitor does not have backlight;
• No fitness app compatibility;
• No bottle holder.

Summary

The Assault Fitness AirBike Elite is a heavy-duty commercial exercise bike. It is equipped with an air resistance system offering a dynamic response during usage. It features a heavy-duty crankset, a dual chain drive, and a four-way adjustable seat. It also includes a HIIT type fitness monitor with 8 workout programs. In all, it’s an excellent air bike, great for users of all levels, for interval training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.