The Assault Bike ProX has emerged as a significant contender in the high-intensity cardio equipment market, offering a full-body, low-impact workout capable of delivering intense training sessions. Popular within the CrossFit community and recognized by fitness professionals for its robust design, the ProX features a belt-driven system and a heavy-duty steel frame, making it a versatile tool for enhancing both cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. This comprehensive review delves into the performance, features, and comparative standing of the AssaultBike ProX, drawing on the expertise of athletes, strength and conditioning coaches, and certified personal trainers who have rigorously tested the machine.
Key Takeaways
- Exceptional Build Quality: The AssaultBike ProX boasts a heavy-duty steel frame with a corrosion-resistant black powder coat, ensuring longevity and durability even under strenuous use.
- Smooth and Quiet Operation: The belt-driven system provides a quieter and smoother workout experience compared to traditional chain-driven fan bikes, minimizing maintenance requirements.
- Versatile Workout Capabilities: The machine’s design allows for both upper and lower body engagement, with the option to isolate upper body movements using the footpegs.
- Advanced Console and Connectivity: The high-quality LCD monitor tracks a comprehensive range of metrics, including watts and RPM, and offers seamless Bluetooth connectivity for heart rate monitors and the companion app.
- User-Friendly Assembly: The bike is designed for straightforward assembly, arriving largely pre-built and requiring minimal tools and time to set up.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Cons
- Price Point: While offering significant value, the $899 price tag positions it at the higher end of the fan bike market, exceeding its predecessor, the AssaultBike Classic.
- Workout Variety: While the included workouts are functional, they may not offer the same depth or interactivity as subscription-based platforms found on some competing models.
- Accessory Purchase: A wind guard, a desirable accessory for some users, is an additional purchase, not included as standard.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Rating
At Breaking Muscle, our product testing team comprises seasoned athletes, certified personal trainers, and strength and conditioning coaches who have collectively evaluated hundreds of fitness machines. This extensive experience, coupled with practical application in home gym environments, informs our proprietary scoring system. The AssaultBike ProX was subjected to hours of demanding cardio sessions to assess its performance across various categories, including price, build quality, assembly, performance, features, and value, with comparisons drawn against nearly 30 other exercise bikes.
| Factor | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Price | 4 |
| Materials, Build, Construction | 5 |
| Delivery and Assembly | 5 |
| Performance | 4 |
| Included Workouts | 3 |
| Heart Rate Monitor | 4 |
| Display and Stats Tracking | 5 |
| Conveniences | 4 |
| Workout App & Subscriptions | 4 |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | 5 |
| Noise Level | 4 |
| Portability | 4 |
| Warranty | 5 |
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Overview
Developed by the innovators behind the AssaultRunner, a highly regarded treadmill, the Assault Bike ProX inherits a legacy of robust engineering. Its foundation is a heavy-duty steel frame, finished with a black powder coat that not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides superior resistance to corrosion, ensuring enduring performance. This fan bike is engineered to deliver a challenging workout, suitable for athletes seeking to push their physical limits.
The integration of a belt-driven system is a key design element, contributing to a significantly quieter and smoother pedaling experience compared to traditional chain-driven mechanisms. This also translates to reduced maintenance needs, a practical advantage for users prioritizing efficiency and minimal upkeep. The fan wheel, constructed from steel, generates resistance directly proportional to the user’s effort, offering an infinitely progressive workout that scales with individual fitness levels.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX In-Depth Review
Price
The Assault Bike ProX is priced at $899, positioning it as a premium offering within the fan bike category. For users seeking financing options, Assault Fitness partners with Affirm, allowing for monthly payments starting around $82. This pricing is notably higher than the AssaultBike Classic ($699) but remains more accessible than the Concept2 BikeErg, which typically retails for around $1,100. A significant cost consideration for large fitness equipment is shipping, and the ProX includes free shipping, a considerable benefit given its size and weight. When factoring in its robust construction, advanced features, and the included shipping, the AssaultBike ProX garners a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its pricing, financing, and overall value proposition.
Materials, Build, and Construction Quality
Weighing 125 pounds and supporting a maximum user weight of 330 pounds, the Assault Bike ProX is built with a heavy-duty steel frame finished in a durable, corrosion-resistant black powder coat. This robust construction mirrors the aesthetic and quality found in high-end strength equipment, such as squat racks, and is designed for longevity and minimal maintenance. While comparable in build to the Rogue Echo Bike, the ProX is slightly less bulky, measuring 51.73 inches long by 24.52 inches wide and 51.73 inches high, compared to the Echo Bike’s dimensions of 55 inches long, 29.5 inches wide, and 52.25 inches high. This more compact footprint makes it a more practical choice for smaller home gym spaces.
The seat on the ProX is wide and padded, offering 11 height adjustments and six directions of forward/backward movement, mirroring the adjustability of its predecessor, the Assault Bike Pro. The handlebars are equipped with comfortable rubber grips to ensure a secure and fatigue-free hold during intense workouts. A notable feature is the inclusion of footpegs at the base of the handlebars, enabling users to isolate their upper body for targeted arm and shoulder training or for rehabilitation purposes. The meticulous attention to materials and construction earns the AssaultBike ProX a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars in this category.
Delivery and Assembly
The Assault Bike ProX excels in its delivery and assembly process, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars. The bike arrives approximately 75 percent pre-assembled, significantly simplifying the setup. Users are primarily tasked with attaching the LCD console, pedals, handlebars, seat post, and saddle. Assault Fitness provides all necessary tools, and the entire assembly typically takes between 35 to 45 minutes, making it an accessible task for most users.
Performance
During rigorous testing, the AssaultBike ProX demonstrated a noticeably smoother and quieter operational experience compared to other fan bikes, including the Titan Fan Bike and the AssaultBike Classic. This enhanced performance is primarily attributed to its belt-driven system. Unlike chain-driven systems, the belt drive requires less frequent maintenance and operates with a distinct lack of mechanical noise. The resistance mechanism, based on air displacement generated by the steel fan wheel, dynamically increases as the user pedals harder. This design ensures that the workout intensity directly correlates with user effort.
However, the nature of fan bike resistance means that when pedaling ceases, the fan wheel continues to spin for a short period before stopping. This inertia requires a slightly greater initial effort to re-engage the resistance, which can be demanding during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions. While this characteristic contributes to its effectiveness, it also means the bike demands a high level of commitment from the user. For its overall performance, including the smooth resistance and quiet operation, the AssaultBike ProX receives a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Included Workouts
The Assault Bike ProX is equipped with an LCD monitor that features seven built-in training programs, along with a competition mode designed for users seeking to challenge themselves and others. Furthermore, the accompanying Assault Fitness App expands the training options considerably, offering instructor-led programs and the ability to create customized workouts. These digital resources are invaluable for users who may lack structured training plans or are new to high-intensity cardio.
While the onboard programs are a good starting point, they may not provide the same depth or interactive experience as some more advanced, subscription-based platforms. For instance, competing models like the Peloton offer a more immersive virtual studio environment. Despite this, the inclusion of pre-programmed workouts and the integration with the Assault Fitness App provide substantial value. Consequently, the Assault Bike ProX is rated 3 out of 5 stars for its included workouts, acknowledging their utility while noting the availability of more extensive digital content on other platforms.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Assault Bike ProX supports heart rate monitoring through Bluetooth connectivity, a significant upgrade from the AssaultBike Classic’s limited compatibility with specific chest straps. This enhanced compatibility allows users to connect a wider range of heart rate monitors, including those from popular brands like Garmin. While the bike itself does not include a heart rate monitor, requiring a separate purchase, this is a common practice across most high-end exercise bikes. The ability to integrate real-time heart rate data into workouts is crucial for optimizing training intensity and tracking caloric expenditure. For its robust Bluetooth heart rate compatibility, the ProX earns a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Display and Stat Tracking
The Assault Bike ProX features a five-inch by eight-inch LCD monitor, a standard size for fan bikes, which delivers clear and comprehensive workout data. Powered by four included AA batteries, the console provides real-time tracking of essential metrics such as calories burned, distance covered, heart rate, speed, power output (watts), and revolutions per minute (RPM). Its connectivity with the Assault Fitness App further enhances its data-tracking capabilities.
Product testers particularly appreciated the inclusion of watts and RPM tracking, metrics that offer a precise measure of power output and pedaling efficiency. These metrics are crucial for quantifying workout intensity and tracking progress over time. Notably, some competing models, such as the Rogue Echo Bike, do not display watts and RPM on their consoles, giving the Assault Bike ProX a distinct advantage in this regard. The clarity, comprehensiveness, and advanced metric tracking capabilities of the display earn the Assault Bike ProX a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars.
Conveniences
The Assault Bike ProX offers several user-centric conveniences that enhance the overall workout experience. A significant advantage is its lack of reliance on an electrical outlet, allowing for placement in virtually any location, both indoors and outdoors. This is a practical benefit for home gyms and commercial facilities, eliminating potential tripping hazards from power cords.
Additional conveniences include an integrated device holder, perfect for smartphones or tablets, and a water bottle holder, ensuring essential hydration is always within reach. These features are often standard on higher-end fan bikes, but their inclusion on the ProX adds significant value, as users don’t need to make separate purchases or incur additional shipping costs. While the bike is well-equipped, the absence of an integrated wind guard—a feature that could enhance comfort during intense workouts in cooler environments—is a minor oversight. An optional wind guard is available for purchase separately for $39. For its thoughtful conveniences, the Assault Bike ProX is rated 4 out of 5 stars.
Workout Apps and Subscription Options
The Assault Bike ProX integrates seamlessly with the Assault Fitness app, a feature that was highly regarded by product testers. Available for free download on both the App Store and Google Play, the app provides access to a wide array of instructor-led workouts. Users can engage in these sessions individually or participate in virtual competitions with other athletes. Many of the app’s programs are designed to incorporate complementary exercises using equipment such as dumbbells and kettlebells, promoting well-rounded fitness programming.
Despite the app’s robust features and free accessibility, a minor drawback noted during testing was its unavailability on the most recent version of Android. This limitation may affect users with newer Android devices, preventing them from accessing the full suite of app features. Nonetheless, the Assault Fitness app significantly enhances the training experience, and for its comprehensive offerings and integration, the ProX receives a rating of 4 out of 5 stars in this category.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The Assault Bike ProX is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, a feature that, while increasingly common, remains a valuable asset. In the competitive landscape of cardio equipment, the presence of Bluetooth is essential for seamless integration with modern fitness accessories and platforms. While many cardio machines now include this technology, some lower-end models and even Assault Fitness’s own classic AssaultBike lack this capability. The ProX’s inclusion of Bluetooth ensures compatibility with a wide range of wireless heart rate monitors and other smart devices, enhancing its versatility and user experience. This feature contributes to its strong rating of 5 out of 5 stars for Bluetooth connectivity.
Noise Level
The belt-driven system of the Assault Bike ProX significantly reduces operational noise compared to chain-driven fan bikes, such as the Schwinn Airdyne. This quieter performance is a considerable advantage for home users, particularly those who train at unconventional hours when noise disruption might be a concern for household members or neighbors. While no fan bike can be entirely silent due to the air displacement from the flywheel, the ProX offers a more subdued auditory experience. This improvement in noise reduction earns it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Portability
The Assault Bike ProX incorporates two small transport wheels at its front, offering a degree of portability. By tilting the machine onto these wheels, users can glide it across most floor surfaces. However, the bike’s substantial weight of 125 pounds means that while moving it is feasible, it may require considerable effort for some individuals. This balance between integrated mobility features and overall weight influences its portability rating. For its design that aids in relocation, but acknowledges the physical effort required, the Assault Bike ProX is rated 4 out of 5 stars.
Warranty
Assault Fitness provides a competitive warranty package for the Assault Bike ProX, including a three-year warranty on non-wear parts and a seven-year warranty on the frame. It is important to note that the three-year warranty on non-wear parts typically excludes components subject to normal wear and tear, such as the seat, pedals, and handle grips. This exclusion is standard across the industry for similar equipment. However, the extended coverage for the frame and non-wear parts is notably longer than warranties offered by competitors like Rogue (two years on the Echo Bike) and Titan (one year on their fan bikes). This robust warranty coverage is a testament to the product’s durability and Assault Fitness’s confidence in its build quality, earning it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Specs
Overall Dimensions
The Assault Bike ProX measures 51.73 inches in length, 24.52 inches in width, and 52.51 inches in height. These dimensions are slightly larger than the classic AssaultBike, suggesting a more substantial build. Potential buyers should carefully measure their available space to ensure a proper fit, especially when considering the proximity of other equipment or furniture.
Resistance
As a fan bike, the Assault Bike ProX generates resistance through air displacement. The steel fan wheel’s resistance increases proportionally with the speed of pedaling. This dynamic resistance system ensures that the workout intensity is continuously challenged by the user’s effort. The belt-driven mechanism further enhances this by requiring active pedaling to maintain motion, making it a demanding cardiovascular and muscular endurance tool. Unlike some continuously rotating systems, the ProX stops when the user stops pedaling, demanding immediate engagement to resume effort.
Weight Capacity
The Assault Bike ProX is rated for a maximum user weight of 330 pounds. This capacity is higher than the AssaultBike Classic (300 pounds) and the AssaultBike Elite (350 pounds), indicating a robust frame designed to accommodate a wide range of users.
Seat and Handlebar Adjustments
The Assault Bike ProX offers extensive adjustability to accommodate diverse body types. The seat provides 11 height settings and six front-to-back adjustments, ensuring users can find an optimal riding position. These adjustments are comparable to other high-end fan bikes, offering a comfortable and ergonomic experience for prolonged training sessions.
Electrical Requirements
A key convenience of the Assault Bike ProX is its independence from an electrical outlet. The fan wheel and resistance system are entirely powered by the user’s pedaling motion. The only electrical component is the LCD console, which operates on four AA batteries, providing flexibility in placement and eliminating concerns about power cord management.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX vs. Echo Bike
The Assault Bike ProX and the Rogue Echo Bike are often compared due to their similar target audience and high-intensity focus. While both are premium fan bikes, subtle differences in design, features, and specifications can influence purchasing decisions.
| Feature | Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X | Rogue Echo Bike V3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 51.73 inches | 55 inches |
| Width | 24.52 inches | 29.5 inches |
| Height | 52.51 inches | 52.25 inches |
| Weight | 125 pounds | 123 pounds |
| Materials | Black powder-coated steel | Textured black powder coat steel (various gauges) |
| Max User Weight | 330 pounds | 330 pounds |
| Drive System | Belt-driven | Belt-driven |
| Power Source | User-powered (battery for console) | User-powered (battery for console) |
| Console Metrics | Watts, RPM, Speed, Distance, Calories, HR | Speed, Distance, Calories, Time, HR |
| Portability Wheels | Yes | Yes |
Despite the Rogue Echo Bike’s slightly larger physical footprint and robust steel construction, both bikes share a similar 330-pound weight capacity and are entirely user-powered, negating the need for an electrical outlet. Their weights are nearly identical, and both feature transport wheels for easier relocation. Both utilize belt-driven mechanics for a smooth, quiet ride. However, the Assault Bike ProX’s console offers a more comprehensive data display, including watts and RPM, which can be a critical differentiator for performance-oriented athletes who prioritize detailed training analytics.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Customer Reviews
Customer feedback for the Assault Bike ProX on the Assault Fitness website is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Users frequently commend its straightforward setup, minimal maintenance requirements, and its status as a favored piece of equipment in their home gyms. The bike’s sturdiness and its ability to withstand rigorous workouts are consistently praised.
Minor criticisms, though infrequent, include an isolated report of a left peg becoming loose during a workout and another user noting that the bike was noisier and less stable than expected. However, these comments represent a small fraction of the overall user feedback, suggesting they may be isolated incidents or related to specific setup or usage conditions.
Final Verdict: Is the Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Worth It?
The Assault Bike ProX stands as a highly commendable piece of fitness equipment, justifying its premium price point with exceptional build quality, advanced features, and a superior user experience. Its heavy-duty steel frame, finished with a durable black powder coat, is engineered to endure the most demanding workouts, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking to enhance both cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength through high-intensity interval training.
The belt-driven system contributes significantly to a smoother and quieter operation, a notable improvement over many competing fan bikes. While the resistance mechanism demands consistent effort, this characteristic ensures a challenging and effective workout for a broad spectrum of users, from seasoned CrossFit athletes to general fitness enthusiasts aiming to elevate their training regimen. The combination of robust construction, advanced performance metrics, and user-friendly design solidifies the Assault Bike ProX’s position as a top-tier investment for serious training.
FAQs
Is the AssaultBike a good workout?
Yes, the AssaultBike offers an excellent workout by combining air resistance with a belt-driven system. This creates a demanding cardio and muscular endurance challenge. Users can engage both the pedals and handlebars for a full-body workout, or focus solely on the handlebars for an upper-body session.
Is the AssaultBike Pro X belt driven?
Yes, the AssaultBike Pro X features a belt-driven system. This mechanism means the bike only operates when the pedals and/or handlebars are in motion, and it provides a smoother, quieter workout experience.
Is the AssaultBike good for fat loss?
While the AssaultBike itself may not be the sole determinant of fat loss, it is an exceptionally effective tool for calorie expenditure. By enabling intense workouts, it can significantly contribute to a caloric deficit when combined with a balanced diet, thus supporting fat loss goals.
Is the AssaultBike good for muscle building?
The AssaultBike Pro X requires full-body engagement and utilizes a resistance system that can contribute to minor muscle building with consistent use. However, for significant muscle hypertrophy, traditional resistance training with weights like dumbbells or barbells, coupled with a muscle-growth-focused diet, remains the most effective approach.
