| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness meter | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Concept2 BikeErg Check Discounted Price | L:48" W:24" H:48" | 300 lbs | Air, 10 levels | 3 workout modes, USB port, Wireless connectivity | Frame: 5 years Parts: 2 years |
The Concept2 BikeErg uses the same air resistance system as the Concept2 Model D rower, featuring an air turbine with a damper system for overall adjustment. It’s an exercise bike that can’t be classified as a spin bike or upright bike. Also, most users have stated that it provides a totally different type of workout and pedaling feel than other air resistance bikes, such as the Assault Air Bike or the Schwinn Airdyne AD7. Therefore, it’s pretty much in a category of its own, but closer to upright bikes than to spin bikes.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 48L x 24W x 48H inches (122L x 61W x 122H cm)
- Assembled weight: 58 lbs (26 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
- Seat: 2-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Air, 10 levels
- Console: Manual program, target program, games, USB port, wireless connectivity
- Warranty: Frame parts 5 years / Other parts 2 years
Frame construction
The Concept2 BikeErg is fairly light compared to other air bikes, such as the Sunny Health & Fitness Tornado LX SF-B2729 for
example, due to its aluminum frame construction. It only weighs 58 lbs (26 kg), thus, it can easily be assembled and carried by only one person. Plus, its front base has large silicone wheels to facilitate its relocation once it is assembled.
The base bars of the unit are steel-made, though, for added sturdiness. They are equipped with stability rubberized pads. The rear stabilizers are adjustable, giving you the possibility to perfectly level the unit on any type of floor.
The casing of the drivetrain is made of extruded aluminum plates. However, the flywheel enclosure is made of hi-impact ABS thermoplastic material.
The main frame of the bike and the base bars feature a black paint finish, while the handlebar and seat posts and sliders have a light gray finish. The unit’s paint finish is highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion.
The fully assembled bike is not extremely large compared to other fitness machines. Its footprint is 48″L x 24″W (122 x 61 cm), while its highest point is given by the top of the console, which reaches approx. 48″ (122 cm) above the floor level. Also, Concept2 recommends a usage area for this exercise bike of at least 60″L x 48″W (152 x 122 cm).
Seat and handlebars
The Concept2 exercise bike features a pretty standard saddle in terms of design and adjustment system. This being
said, in case you’re not satisfied with it, compatible replacements are widely available. It’s not as slim as a spin seat, but also does not integrate air cushioning. It does have an internal layer of foam padding, while its top is made of durable vinyl material. So, as a small conclusion here, the included saddle is made for optimal comfort.
The bike offers only 2-way adjustability (up, down) for the seat. Its upright post offers an adjustment span of 9.5″ (24 cm); the seat to pedal range varies between 31″ (~78 cm) and 40.5″ (~103 cm). This being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’4″ and 6’6″ (162 – 198 cm); it’s also rated for a user weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg).
Although the seat is not equipped with a horizontal slider as for other exercise bikes, the handlebar compensates with a really long slider. This gives you the possibility to bring the handlebar grips pretty close to you and assume the position that is most comfortable to you. Of course, the handlebar post also offers several inches of up/down adjustment.
The handlebar assembly has a multi-grip design. It’s very similar to the handlebar of the average cycling bike, featuring drop-down grips and curved-up grips. It does not have aero bars, but you can always attach a set if you want.
Both the handlebar assembly and the seat are very easy to adjust. The seat adjustment system is lever-based; to adjust it, you only have to press the lever, and once you bring it to the desired position, it will lock into place. The upright post of the handlebar and its horizontal slider have large turn knobs for the adjustment, which you can easily grip and turn. This being said, it shouldn’t take more than 30 seconds to adjust the bike for your size, and you can do this while you are already on it.
Drive and resistance
As we’ve mentioned above, the BikeErg is equipped with the same resistance system as the Concept2 Model D rower,
or the SkiErg. The main resistance-generating element is the internal steel and fiberglass reinforced ABS centrifugal fan. The bike does not have any magnetic resistance elements; however, the fan casing is equipped with a damper. Therefore, you can adjust the amount of air that enters the fan casing, in order to increase or decrease the overall resistance.
There are 10 settings for the damper. The difference between the first setting and the 10th setting is quite noticeable. The drag factor range is approx. 60 to 210. Also, since it’s an air resistance system, it is designed to provide a dynamic response during pedaling. In other words, the harder you pedal, the more resistance you will get.
Another important aspect that we must mention here regards the unit’s inertial load. Compared to a spin bike, the workout on the BikeErg delivers a completely different feel. For example, the flywheel of a spin bike spins somewhat freely when you pedal at high RPM, while for the Concept2 bike you have to apply constant pressure on the pedals for each rotation. This results in a significantly more consistent workout for your legs.
As opposed to various other air bikes, this one uses a belt drive system. It integrates a set of high-strength polygroove belts which are also self-tensioning. This means you don’t have to go through the hassle of any adjustments or lubrication. Also, a belt drive is considerably quieter than a chain drive and produces less vibration.
The bike is equipped with a durable crankset. Just as the seat and the overall frame construction, it is capable of supporting loads up to 300 lbs (136 kg). So, as long as you don’t exceed this limit, you should be able to pedal while standing up with no problem.
The included pedals are made of metallic alloy; they’re highly durable as well. They are not equipped with toe cages, straps or SPD clips for spin shoes. However, they do have standard 9/16 threads so you can always replace them with caged or SPD pedals.
Last but not least, the bike’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is fairly narrow. It measures only 155 mm just like the Spinner Edge spin bike. This being said, the positioning of your feet on the pedals is very natural, so the pedaling motion does not generate any lateral stress on your knees and ankles.
Console
The BikeErg includes a version of the Concept2 PM5 exercise meter (to be more specific, the 323 version), which
is similar to the one included with the Concept2 Model D rower. It features an LCD display which tracks distance, pace, speed, calories burned, watts, and heart rate. It allows you to choose between five display options for all data, bar chart, force curve, large print, and pacebike. It also has backlight for increased visibility.
The console has three distinct workout modes. These are manual mode, workout goals, and games. When using the manual mode (Just Ride), the display simply keeps count of your workout metrics. For the goals mode (Select Workout), you get the chance to select a certain target for time, distance or interval, or choose from a selection of other preset programs. The third workout mode makes available three games; these are a Fish Game, a Darts Game, and a Target Game with two levels, advanced or beginner. These are specific to Concept2. Most other fitness meter units do not have similar features.
Along with these workout programs, the console unit is ANT+ and Bluetooth capable which allows it to connect and communicate with various devices. For example, it can receive data from a Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, Garmin or Suunto chest belt, in order to display your heart rate. You can sync it with your smartphone or tablet via the Concept2 ErgData app for iOS and Android, in order to record your workout data online or to compete with other users.
The unit has a USB flash drive port for workout data transfer but also has a USB-B port for PC connection. Plus, it is equipped with two race system jacks so you can interconnect multiple bikes in order to compete with other users.
As a power source, the console requires two D-Cell batteries (which are included). However, for the duration of your workout, it draws power from the spinning flywheel to extend battery life.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s resistance and drive elements come pre-assembled; the fan is already inside its protective casing, and the drive belts are already attached to it and to the crankset. However, you still have to attach the front and rear legs, the two base bars, the handlebar unit, the console, and the pedals. This may take up to an hour of your time. The manual provides very clear assembly instructions and the tools required for it are also included.
Once the unit is assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. All you have to do is keep it clean, and periodically check for loose parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Light frame (only 58 lbs), easy to assemble and move by one person;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear base;
- Caster wheels on the front base;
- Standard seat with a lever-based adjustment system;
- 4-way adjustable, multi-grip handlebar;
- Quiet, self-adjusting, and maintenance-free belt drive system;
- Air resistance system for a dynamic response during pedaling;
- Offers a more consistent workout for the leg muscles than a spin bike;
- 10-level damper on the flywheel casing for adjusting the overall drag;
- Narrow (155 mm) Q-Factor to eliminate any lateral stress on the knees;
- Heavy-duty cranks and pedal;
- Multi-function LCD display console with LED backlight;
- Three distinct workout modes on the console including “Just Ride” , “Selective Mode”, and “Games”;
- ANT+ and Bluetooth capable console, compatible with the ErgData app for iOS and Android;
- Batteries for the console are included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- An HR chest strap is not included;
- No bottle holder;
- No cages or SPD clips on the pedals (but they have standard threads so you can replace them if needed);
- Users shorter than 5’4″ may not reach the pedals.
Summary
The Concept2 BikeErg is a heavy-duty exercise bike equipped with a 10-level air resistance system and a multi-function exercise meter. It offers superior micro-adjustability especially for the handlebar which has a long slider and a multi-grip design. It has a durable aluminum frame with steel base bars which can hold users up to 300 lbs. It’s a commercial grade trainer, great for stamina and leg muscle strength development, interval workouts, high-intensity cardio, and of course, for weight loss. In all, it’s definitely a top-quality cycle which offers excellent value for the price.