The Assault Bike ProX is positioned as a leading contender in the high-intensity cardio machine market, offering a full-body, low-impact workout that can be tailored to achieve peak performance. Popular within the rigorous demands of the CrossFit community, this fan bike distinguishes itself with a robust belt-driven system and a heavy-duty steel frame, making it a versatile tool for enhancing both cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. Breaking Muscle’s team of experts, comprising athletes, strength and conditioning coaches, and certified personal trainers, has subjected the ProX to extensive testing through demanding cardio sessions to ascertain its durability and performance capabilities. This review delves into the findings, evaluates its performance against established benchmarks, and compares it to other fan bikes on the market.
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 intense use.
- Smooth and Quiet Operation: The belt-driven system contributes to a noticeably smoother and quieter workout experience compared to chain-driven models, minimizing maintenance requirements.
- Versatile Workout Options: The combination of fan resistance and a belt-driven system allows for a challenging full-body workout, with the option to isolate upper body training using the footpegs.
- Enhanced Connectivity and Data Tracking: The ProX offers Bluetooth connectivity and a comprehensive LCD display that tracks crucial performance metrics, including watts and RPM, providing valuable insights for training optimization.
- User-Friendly Features: With features like a device holder, water bottle holder, and a relatively straightforward assembly process, the ProX prioritizes user convenience.
- Strong Warranty: Assault Fitness provides a competitive warranty package, including a seven-year frame warranty and a three-year non-wear parts warranty, underscoring the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Cons
While the AssaultBike ProX garners significant praise, a few areas could be improved to enhance the user experience further. The included workout programs, while functional, are not as comprehensive as those found on more interactive platforms like Peloton. Additionally, the Assault Fitness App, though valuable, is not yet compatible with the latest Android versions, potentially limiting access for some users. The absence of an integrated wind guard, a feature that could mitigate discomfort during workouts in cooler environments, necessitates a separate purchase.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Rating
At Breaking Muscle, a rigorous product testing methodology is employed, involving hundreds of machines subjected to a wide range of workouts, from gentle warm-ups to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This evaluation process is informed by a team of professionals with hands-on experience, many of whom are home gym owners utilizing these products daily. A proprietary scoring system is applied across various categories, with the AssaultBike ProX benchmarked against nearly 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, a highly-regarded treadmill, the Assault Bike ProX is engineered with a heavy-duty steel frame finished in a black powder coat. This coating not only provides a sleek aesthetic but also offers resistance against corrosion, ensuring the bike’s longevity. The ProX is designed to deliver an exceptionally demanding workout for athletes of all levels.
The bike’s belt-driven system is a significant engineering choice, promoting a quiet and smooth operational experience. This system also significantly reduces the maintenance required compared to traditional chain-driven mechanisms, a benefit that appeals to users seeking a low-hassle fitness solution.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX In-Depth Review
Price
Priced at $899, the Assault Bike ProX represents a significant investment in home fitness equipment. For those seeking financial flexibility, Affirm offers financing options starting at approximately $82 per month. This pricing positions the ProX as a premium option, costing more than the AssaultBike Classic ($699) but less than the Concept2 BikeErg ($1,100). A notable advantage is the inclusion of free shipping, which is a considerable cost-saving for a piece of equipment of this size and weight. Considering its features, build quality, and included shipping, the ProX earns a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its pricing and 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 with a heavy-duty steel frame featuring a corrosion-resistant black powder coating. This robust construction minimizes the need for ongoing maintenance. The design bears a resemblance to the Rogue Echo Bike, known for its rugged appearance and durable finish. However, the ProX is less bulky than the Echo Bike, making it a more suitable option for smaller home gym spaces. Its dimensions are 51.73 inches in length, 24.52 inches in width, and 52.51 inches in height, compared to the Echo Bike’s 55 inches long, 29.5 inches wide, and 52.25 inches high.
The seat is wide and well-padded, offering 11 height adjustments and six directions of fore-aft movement, mirroring the adjustability of its predecessor, the Assault Bike Pro. The rubber handlebars are designed for optimal grip and comfort during extended workout sessions. A distinctive feature is the inclusion of footpegs at the base of the handlebars, enabling users to perform upper-body-only workouts, which can be beneficial for rehabilitation or focused arm training. Based on its superior materials, robust construction, and thoughtful design, the Assault Bike ProX receives a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for build quality.
Delivery and Assembly
The AssaultBike ProX scores a full 5 out of 5 stars for delivery and assembly due to its user-friendly setup process. Arriving approximately 75% pre-assembled, users primarily need to attach the LCD console, pedals, handlebars, seat post, and saddle. Assault Fitness includes all necessary tools, and the assembly is typically completed within 35 to 45 minutes.
Performance
During testing, the Assault Bike ProX demonstrated a noticeably smoother and quieter ride compared to other fan bikes, such as the Titan Fan Bike or the AssaultBike Classic. This enhanced performance is primarily attributed to its belt-driven system. While belt-driven systems generally require less maintenance than chain-driven counterparts, they also demand a more direct user input. The steel fan wheel generates resistance based on the user’s pedaling effort; the faster you pedal, the greater the resistance.
A characteristic of this system is that the fan wheel stops shortly after pedaling ceases, requiring a more substantial effort to re-initiate momentum. This dynamic can present a significant challenge for individuals not prepared for high-intensity interval training, demanding a consistent and powerful output. Consequently, the Assault Bike ProX receives a 4 out of 5-star rating for performance, acknowledging its demanding nature.
Included Workouts
The ProX’s LCD console features seven pre-programmed training sessions and a competition mode designed to push users to their limits. The accompanying Assault Fitness App offers additional features, including instructor-led programs and the ability to create customized workouts. While these integrated programs are a valuable addition, particularly for beginners seeking guidance, they are not as extensive as those found on more interactive platforms like Peloton. Therefore, the Assault Bike ProX is rated 3 out of 5 stars for its included workout variety.
Heart Rate Monitoring
A notable upgrade from the AssaultBike Classic, the Assault Bike ProX is compatible with a wider range of heart rate monitors, including those from brands like Garmin, via its Bluetooth connectivity. While this functionality enhances its appeal, users must purchase a compatible monitor separately. This external requirement leads to a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for heart rate monitoring, a common scenario across many exercise bikes where such accessories are not standard inclusions.
Display and Stat Tracking
The Assault Bike ProX is equipped with a 5×8-inch LCD monitor, a standard size for fan bikes, powered by four included AA batteries. This high-quality display provides comprehensive tracking of key metrics such as calories burned, distance covered, heart rate, speed, watts (power output), and RPM (revolutions per minute). Crucially, it connects seamlessly with the Assault Fitness App.
The ability to track power output in watts and RPM is a significant advantage, offering a quantifiable measure of energy expenditure and workout intensity. This metric is not available on the monitor of the Rogue Echo Bike, giving the Assault Bike ProX a competitive edge in data-driven training. For its detailed and insightful performance tracking capabilities, the ProX earns a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.
Conveniences
The Assault Bike ProX excels in user conveniences, notably its independence from an electrical outlet. This allows for placement flexibility, both indoors and outdoors, and eliminates potential tripping hazards in commercial gym settings. Additional convenient features include an integrated device holder and a water bottle holder, ensuring essential items are readily accessible during workouts. While some fan bikes, like the Titan Fan Bike, offer similar amenities, others, like the Rogue Echo Bike, require these accessories to be purchased separately. The inclusion of these thoughtful extras enhances the overall user experience. However, a point of improvement would be the addition of a wind guard to shield users from direct airflow, especially in cooler environments. This accessory is available for an additional $39 from Assault Fitness. Overall, the conveniences offered result in a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Workout Apps and Subscription Options
The Assault Bike ProX integrates with the Assault Fitness app, a feature that has been well-received by testers. This app, available for free download on the App Store and Google Play, offers a variety of instructor-led workouts and the option for virtual competition against other users. Many of these programs incorporate complementary equipment like dumbbells and kettlebells, promoting well-rounded fitness programming.
Despite its strengths, the app receives a 4 out of 5-star rating due to its current incompatibility with the most recent Android operating system versions. This limitation may prevent users with newer Android devices from accessing its full functionality.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity is a standard feature on many modern cardio machines, but its inclusion on the Assault Bike ProX is noteworthy. While not unique, it surpasses the capabilities of some competing models, including Assault Fitness’s own classic AssaultBike, which lacks this feature. The ProX’s Bluetooth enablement allows for seamless integration with heart rate monitors and fitness apps, earning it a solid 5 out of 5 stars.
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 reduced noise level is particularly beneficial for home users, allowing for workouts at any time without disturbing household members. However, it is important to note that all fan bikes produce some level of noise due to air displacement through the flywheel. Consequently, the ProX is rated 4 out of 5 stars for its noise level.
Portability
The Assault Bike ProX is equipped with two transport wheels at its base, facilitating movement by tilting the machine. While this offers a degree of portability, its 125-pound weight can present a challenge for some users to relocate. Therefore, its portability is rated 4 out of 5 stars, acknowledging both the convenience of the wheels and the inherent weight of the durable construction.
Warranty
Assault Fitness offers a robust warranty package for the Assault Bike ProX, including a seven-year frame warranty and a three-year warranty on non-wearable parts. While the three-year warranty excludes typical wear-and-tear components like the seat, pedals, and grips—a common practice in the industry—the overall warranty length surpasses that of competitors like Rogue (two years on the Echo Bike) and Titan (one year on their fan bikes). This comprehensive warranty coverage 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 AssaultBike Classic, making it essential for potential buyers to measure their available space carefully.
Resistance
As a fan bike, the ProX generates resistance through air displacement in its fan wheel. The intensity of the workout is directly proportional to the user’s pedaling speed and force. The belt-driven system ensures that resistance is applied only when the user is actively pedaling or moving the handlebars. This feature distinguishes it from systems like the AssaultBike Classic’s chair-driven mechanism, requiring continuous user effort to maintain momentum.
Weight Capacity
The Assault Bike ProX supports a maximum user weight of 330 pounds, exceeding the Classic model’s 300-pound capacity and aligning with the Elite’s 350-pound limit.
Seat and Handlebar Adjustments
The ProX accommodates a wide range of users with 11 distinct height settings for the seat and six fore-aft adjustment options. These adjustments are comparable to those found on other fan bikes, although some competitors, like the Rogue Echo Bike, offer fewer fore-aft seat adjustments (five).
Electrical Requirements
The Assault Bike ProX operates entirely on kinetic energy, requiring no external electrical outlet. The LCD console, however, is powered by four AA batteries. This independence from a power source offers significant flexibility in placement and usability.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX vs. Echo Bike
While the Assault Bike ProX and the Rogue Echo Bike share many similarities, key differences exist that can influence a purchasing decision.
| Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X | Rogue Echo Bike V3.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 51.73 inches | 55 inches |
| Width | 24.52 inches | 29.5 inches |
| Height | 52.52 inches | 52.25 inches |
| Weight | 125 pounds | 123 pounds |
| Materials | Black powder-coated, heavy-duty steel | Textured black powder coat, 2×3", 1.2×3", and 1.625×3.125" steel |
| Max User Weight | 330 pounds | 330 pounds |
| Drive System | Belt-driven | Belt-driven |
| Electrical Outlet | Not required | Not required |
| Portability Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Monitor Metrics | Watts, RPM, Speed, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate | Speed, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate |
Both fan bikes are built with durable steel frames and do not require an electrical outlet. They offer similar portability due to their weight and integrated wheels. The belt-driven mechanics of both ensure a smooth and quiet ride. However, the Assault Bike ProX’s monitor provides a more comprehensive data set, including watts and RPM, which are critical for advanced performance tracking and training optimization. The Echo Bike, while robust, lacks these specific metrics on its display.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Customer Reviews
Customer feedback for the Assault Bike ProX is largely positive, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on the Assault Fitness website. Users frequently commend its ease of assembly, low maintenance requirements, and its status as a favored piece of equipment in home gyms. Its sturdiness and ability to withstand rigorous workouts are also commonly cited strengths.
However, a minority of reviews mention isolated issues, such as a left peg becoming loose during use or complaints about excessive noise and perceived instability. These concerns appear to be outliers, as the majority of customer experiences highlight the ProX’s robust performance and reliability.
Final Verdict: Is the Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Worth It?
Based on extensive research and hands-on testing, the Assault Bike ProX emerges as a highly commendable and worthwhile investment for fitness enthusiasts. Its heavy-duty steel frame, finished with a durable black powder coat, is engineered to endure the most demanding training regimens. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a high-intensity, full-body cardio machine to enhance both endurance and strength.
The belt-driven system contributes to a significantly smoother and quieter workout experience compared to traditional fan bikes. While the resistance mechanism requires consistent user effort, this characteristic contributes to its effectiveness as a challenging training tool. From dedicated CrossFit athletes to general health and fitness aficionados, the Assault Bike ProX offers a compelling blend of durability, performance, and advanced features that justify its premium positioning in the market.
FAQs
Is the AssaultBike a good workout?
Yes, the AssaultBike provides an excellent workout. Its combination of air resistance and a belt-driven system delivers a challenging cardiovascular and muscular endurance experience. Users can engage in a full-body workout using both the pedals and arm handles, or opt for upper-body-focused training by utilizing the arm handles exclusively.
Is the AssaultBike Pro X belt driven?
Yes, the Assault Bike Pro X features a belt-driven system. This mechanism means the bike’s resistance is generated by the fan wheel, and the system operates only when the user actively pedals or moves the handlebars. The belt-driven system also contributes to a smoother and quieter workout.
Is the AssaultBike good for fat loss?
While the AssaultBike can be a powerful tool for calorie expenditure, fat loss is primarily determined by overall calorie balance (calories consumed versus calories burned). The AssaultBike can provide a sufficiently intense stimulus for a workout that burns a significant number of calories, thus supporting fat loss goals when combined with a balanced diet.
Is the AssaultBike good for muscle building?
The AssaultBike Pro X requires a full-body effort and utilizes a belt-driven system, which can contribute to a modest increase in muscle engagement and potentially a small amount of muscle growth with consistent use. However, for significant muscle hypertrophy, traditional resistance training with free weights or machines, coupled with a diet that supports muscle growth, remains the most effective approach.