The Assault Bike ProX, a prominent piece of fitness equipment from Assault Fitness, offers a compelling blend of full-body engagement and high-intensity training capabilities. This fan bike, a staple in the CrossFit community and increasingly adopted by home gym enthusiasts, utilizes a belt-driven system paired with a robust steel frame. Its design aims to facilitate both cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength development, positioning it as a noteworthy contender in the premium home fitness market.
Breaking Muscle, a publication known for its in-depth reviews of fitness equipment, subjected the Assault Bike ProX to rigorous testing. Their team, comprising athletes, strength and conditioning coaches, and certified personal trainers, subjected the machine to hours of demanding workouts to assess its durability and performance under pressure. This review delves into the findings of their testing, providing a detailed evaluation of the ProX’s capabilities and its comparative standing against other fan bikes.
Key Takeaways
The Assault Bike ProX stands out for its durable construction, user-friendly assembly, and comprehensive display features. Its belt-driven system contributes to a smoother and quieter workout experience compared to many chain-driven alternatives. While it offers a substantial workout, the integrated programs are less extensive than those found on more interactive, subscription-based fitness platforms.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Cons
Despite its strengths, the Assault Bike ProX has a few drawbacks. The resistance system, while effective for high-intensity training, requires immediate pedaling to maintain momentum, which can be challenging for beginners. The included workout programs, while present, are not as varied or engaging as those offered by competitors with dedicated app subscriptions. Additionally, a minor point of contention is the separate purchase required for a wind guard, which could enhance comfort in colder environments.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Rating
Breaking Muscle’s proprietary scoring system, developed through extensive testing of hundreds of machines, has been applied to the Assault Bike ProX. This evaluation considers various factors, from construction quality to user convenience, benchmarked against approximately 30 competing exercise bikes.
| Factor | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Price | 4 |
| Materials, build, and construction | 5 |
| Delivery and assembly | 5 |
| Performance | 4 |
| Included workouts | 3 |
| Heart rate monitor | 4 |
| Display and stats tracking | 5 |
| Conveniences | 4 |
| Workout app and subscriptions | 4 |
| Bluetooth connectivity | 5 |
| Noise level | 4 |
| Portability | 4 |
| Warranty | 5 |
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Overview
Emerging from the lineage of the AssaultRunner, itself a highly-regarded treadmill, the Assault Bike ProX is engineered with a heavy-duty steel frame. This frame is treated with a black powder coat, providing resistance against corrosion and ensuring longevity. It is designed to deliver a demanding workout, suitable for athletes across various disciplines seeking to push their physical limits.
The integration of a belt-driven system is a key feature, contributing to a training experience that is both quiet and fluid. This system also translates to reduced maintenance requirements compared to traditional chain-driven mechanisms, a significant benefit for users prioritizing convenience and minimal upkeep.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX In-Depth Review
Price
Priced at $899, the Assault Bike ProX positions itself in the premium segment of the fan bike market. For those seeking financial flexibility, Affirm offers financing options at approximately $82 per month. This pricing places it above the AssaultBike Classic ($699) but below the Concept2 BikeErg ($1,100), suggesting a strategic market placement. A notable financial advantage is the inclusion of free shipping, a significant cost saving for an item of this size and weight. Considering these factors, the bike earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars for its pricing structure, financing availability, 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 constructed from heavy-duty steel with a corrosion-resistant black powder coating. This build quality suggests durability and a long service life with minimal upkeep. The design bears a resemblance to the Rogue Echo Bike, known for its robust construction, yet the ProX is notably less bulky, making it a more adaptable option for smaller training spaces. Its dimensions are 51.73 inches in length, 24.52 inches in width, and 52.51 inches in height, compared to the Rogue Echo Bike’s 55 inches long, 29.5 inches wide, and 52.25 inches high.
The seat is wide and padded, offering 11 height adjustments and six directions of fore-aft movement, mirroring the adjustability of its predecessor, the Assault Bike Pro. The handlebars are equipped with rubber grips, designed to enhance user comfort and maintain a secure hold during intense workouts. Additionally, the inclusion of footpegs at the base of the handlebars provides the option for upper-body-only training, a beneficial feature for rehabilitation or targeted arm conditioning. The robust construction and thoughtful design elements contribute to a perfect 5 out of 5-star rating for materials, build, and construction quality.
Delivery and Assembly
The Assault Bike ProX scores a full 5 out of 5 stars for delivery and assembly due to its straightforward setup process. The unit arrives approximately 75% pre-assembled, requiring users to attach components such as the LCD console, pedals, handlebars, seat post, and saddle. Assault Fitness includes all necessary tools for assembly, and the process is estimated to take between 35 to 45 minutes, making it accessible even for individuals with limited mechanical experience.
Performance
During testing, the Assault Bike ProX demonstrated a noticeably smoother and quieter operational experience compared to other fan bikes like the Titan Fan Bike or the AssaultBike Classic. This enhanced performance is primarily attributed to its belt-driven system. The resistance mechanism relies on the user’s effort to generate airflow through the steel fan wheel; the harder the pedaling, the greater the resistance.
A characteristic of this system is that resistance diminishes rapidly once pedaling ceases, requiring a significant effort to regain momentum. This feature can present a challenge for those unaccustomed to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), as it demands continuous engagement to maintain workout intensity. Consequently, the Assault Bike ProX receives a 4 out of 5-star rating for performance, acknowledging its effectiveness while noting the demanding nature of its resistance.
Included Workouts
The integrated LCD console on the Assault Bike ProX features seven built-in training programs, along with a competition mode. Users can also access instructor-led programs or design custom workouts through the Assault Fitness App. While these features offer a starting point for users new to fan bike training, the selection is not as extensive as those found on more interactive platforms like Peloton. However, their inclusion is valued for providing structured guidance. The bike garners a 3 out of 5-star rating in this category, reflecting the basic yet functional nature of its pre-programmed workouts.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Unlike its predecessor, the AssaultBike Classic, which was limited to Polar T34 chest straps, the Assault Bike ProX offers broader compatibility with heart rate monitors, including those from Garmin, via Bluetooth connectivity. Users will need to purchase a compatible heart rate monitor separately, which is a common practice across the exercise bike market. This limitation, along with the need for a separate purchase, leads to a 4 out of 5-star rating for heart rate monitoring.
Display and Stat Tracking
The Assault Bike ProX is equipped with a 5-inch by 8-inch LCD monitor, a standard size for fan bikes. This high-quality display, powered by four included AA batteries, provides comprehensive tracking of key metrics including calories burned, distance, heart rate, speed, watts, and RPM. It also integrates seamlessly with the Assault Fitness App.
Product testers particularly appreciated the inclusion of power output (watts) and RPM tracking, which offer a more precise quantification of workout intensity than basic speed and distance metrics. This capability offers an advantage over the Rogue Echo Bike, whose monitor does not display watts or RPM. For its detailed and informative display, the Assault Bike ProX earns a 5 out of 5-star rating.
Conveniences
The Assault Bike ProX offers several user-centric conveniences. Notably, it operates without requiring an electrical outlet, allowing for versatile placement both indoors and outdoors. This is a significant advantage for commercial gym owners, as it eliminates the hazard of power cords.
Additional conveniences include an integrated device holder and a water bottle holder, features that enhance the user experience by keeping essentials within reach. While some fan bikes, like the Titan Fan Bike, also offer these amenities, others, such as the Rogue Echo Bike, require them to be purchased separately. The inclusion of these thoughtful extras contributes to a 4 out of 5-star rating for conveniences. A minor drawback noted is the absence of a standard wind guard, which can be purchased separately for $39, to mitigate discomfort from airflow in cooler environments.
Workout Apps and Subscription Options
The Assault Bike ProX is integrated with the Assault Fitness App, a feature highly praised by testers. This app, available for free download on the App Store and Google Play, provides access to a variety of instructor-led workouts and virtual competitions against other users. Many workouts are designed to incorporate additional equipment like dumbbells and kettlebells, promoting well-rounded training programs.
The app received a 4 out of 5-star rating. A slight limitation identified is its incompatibility with the most recent versions of Android, which may prevent users with newer devices from accessing its full features.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The presence of Bluetooth connectivity is a standard, yet valuable, feature on the Assault Bike ProX. While increasingly common across fitness equipment, its inclusion differentiates the ProX from less advanced models, including Assault Fitness’s own classic AssaultBike, which lacks this capability. This feature allows for seamless integration with heart rate monitors and other compatible devices, earning it a 5 out of 5-star rating.
Noise Level
The belt-driven system of the Assault Bike ProX contributes to a significantly quieter operation compared to chain-driven fan bikes like the Schwinn Airdyne. This reduction in noise is a key benefit for home users, particularly those who train during early morning or late-night hours when noise levels can be a concern. While no fan bike is entirely silent due to the nature of the flywheel’s air resistance, the ProX offers a more subdued sound profile. It is rated 4 out of 5 stars for noise level.
Portability
The Assault Bike ProX is equipped with two transport wheels at its front, facilitating movement by allowing users to tilt and roll the machine. However, its substantial weight of 125 pounds may present a challenge for some individuals when relocating it. Despite this, the inclusion of wheels offers a degree of portability, earning it a 4 out of 5-star rating.
Warranty
Assault Fitness offers a robust warranty package for the Assault Bike ProX, including a three-year warranty on non-wear parts and a seven-year warranty on the frame. While the non-wear parts warranty excludes components subject to normal wear and tear, such as the seat and grips, this is a common exclusion in the industry. The extended duration of the warranty, particularly the seven-year frame coverage, surpasses competitors like Rogue (two-year warranty on Echo Bike) and Titan (one-year warranty on their fan bike). This comprehensive warranty contributes to a 5 out of 5-star rating.
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, underscoring the importance of measuring available space before purchase.
Resistance
As a fan bike, the ProX generates resistance through air displacement by its fan wheel. The intensity of the workout directly correlates with the user’s pedaling effort. The belt-driven system means the machine operates only when in motion; stopping the pedals halts the fan, requiring renewed effort to restart. This dynamic contrasts with systems that maintain momentum, such as some chair-driven designs.
Weight Capacity
The Assault Bike ProX supports a maximum user weight of 330 pounds, exceeding the AssaultBike Classic’s 300-pound limit and aligning with higher-capacity models in the market.
Seat and Handlebar Adjustments
The seat provides 11 height adjustments and six fore-aft positions, catering to a wide range of user heights and body types. These adjustment capabilities are standard within the fan bike category, offering comparable flexibility to many competitors, including the Rogue Echo Bike which offers five front-to-back seat settings.
Electrical Requirements
The Assault Bike ProX is designed to be self-powered by the user’s motion, eliminating the need for an electrical outlet. The LCD console, however, requires four AA batteries to operate. This independence from power sources enhances its placement flexibility.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX vs. Echo Bike
A comparative analysis reveals several key distinctions between the Assault Bike ProX and the Rogue Echo Bike, despite their apparent similarities.
| Feature | Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X | Rogue Echo Bike |
|---|---|---|
| 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, heavy-duty steel | Textured black powder coat, varied steel gauges |
| Max User Weight | 330 pounds | 330 pounds |
| Power Requirement | None (battery for console) | None (battery for console) |
| Drive System | Belt-driven | Belt-driven |
| Display Metrics | Watts, RPM, etc. | Does not display Watts/RPM |
While the Rogue Echo Bike is larger and uses a slightly different steel construction, both machines share a 330-pound weight capacity and operate without external power. Their portability is also comparable, with both featuring transport wheels. Both utilize belt-driven mechanics for a smooth and quiet ride. However, the Assault Bike ProX’s advantage lies in its more comprehensive display, which includes watts and RPM, crucial metrics for performance-oriented training.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Customer Reviews
Customer feedback for the Assault Bike ProX on the Assault Fitness website is largely positive, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Users frequently commend its ease of setup, minimal maintenance requirements, and its suitability as a cornerstone of home gyms. Its sturdiness and capacity to withstand rigorous workouts are also commonly cited strengths.
Minor criticisms have surfaced, including an isolated report of a left pedal becoming loose during use and another instance where a user found the bike to be unusually noisy and less stable than anticipated. However, these negative experiences appear to be outliers within the broader spectrum of customer satisfaction.
Final Verdict: Is the Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Worth It?
The Assault Bike ProX presents a compelling case for individuals seeking a high-quality, full-body cardio machine. Its robust construction, characterized by a heavy-duty steel frame with a protective powder coat, is engineered to endure demanding training regimens. It is particularly well-suited for those aiming to enhance both cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength through high-intensity interval training.
The belt-driven system contributes to a superior workout experience, offering a smoother and quieter operation than many competing models. While this system may demand greater initial effort, its effectiveness makes the Assault Bike ProX a valuable investment for a wide range of users, from dedicated CrossFit athletes to general fitness enthusiasts.
FAQs
Is the AssaultBike a good workout?
Yes, the Assault Bike provides an exceptional workout. It combines air resistance with a belt-driven system to deliver a challenging cardio and muscular endurance session. The dual functionality of pedals and arm handles allows for a full-body workout, or users can focus solely on the upper body by utilizing just the arm handles.
Is the AssaultBike Pro X belt driven?
Yes, the Assault Bike Pro X features a belt-driven system. The bike’s operation is directly linked to the user’s pedaling and handlebar movements, and the belt drive contributes to a smoother and quieter workout experience.
Is the AssaultBike good for fat loss?
While the AssaultBike alone may not guarantee fat loss if dietary intake is excessive, it provides a potent stimulus for intense calorie-burning workouts. Consistent use can significantly contribute to energy expenditure, supporting fat loss goals as part of a comprehensive fitness and nutrition plan.
Is the AssaultBike good for muscle building?
The Assault Bike Pro X’s full-body engagement and belt-driven resistance system can contribute to a modest increase in muscle mass with consistent training. However, for significant muscle hypertrophy, traditional resistance training with weights, such as dumbbells or barbells, coupled with a diet optimized for muscle growth, remains the most effective approach.
