The Assault Bike ProX stands as a formidable contender in the high-intensity cardio equipment market, offering a comprehensive, low-impact workout that can be scaled to extreme intensity levels. Widely embraced within the CrossFit community, this fan bike distinguishes itself with a robust belt-driven system and a heavy-duty steel frame, making it an effective tool for enhancing both cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. Breaking Muscle’s expert panel, comprising seasoned athletes, strength and conditioning coaches, and certified personal trainers, subjected the Assault Bike ProX to rigorous testing, simulating hours of demanding cardio sessions to ascertain its performance capabilities. This review delves into the findings from these evaluations, providing an in-depth analysis of its ranking, performance metrics, and comparative standing against other fan bikes.
Key Takeaways
The Assault Bike ProX emerges as a highly durable and effective piece of fitness equipment, excelling in build quality, ease of assembly, and technological integration. Its belt-driven system ensures a smooth and quiet operation, while the robust steel frame promises longevity. The integrated display offers comprehensive workout data, and Bluetooth connectivity enhances its appeal for data-driven athletes. While the number of built-in workouts is moderate, the accompanying app provides a wealth of training options. Its price point positions it as a premium option, but the overall value proposition, considering its durability and performance, is strong.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional Durability: Constructed with a heavy-duty steel frame and a corrosion-resistant black powder coat, the ProX is built to withstand intense use.
- Smooth and Quiet Operation: The belt-driven system minimizes noise and vibration compared to chain-driven alternatives, creating a more pleasant workout environment.
- Comprehensive Data Tracking: The high-quality LCD monitor provides detailed metrics, including watts and RPM, offering a precise measure of workout intensity.
- Versatile Workout Options: Features like footpegs allow for upper-body-only workouts, catering to varied training needs and recovery protocols.
- Integrated App Ecosystem: The Assault Fitness App offers instructor-led programs and virtual competition, enhancing user engagement.
- Excellent Warranty: A seven-year frame warranty and a three-year non-wear parts warranty provide significant peace of mind.
- Low Maintenance: The belt-driven system and durable frame require minimal upkeep.
Cons:
- High Initial Investment: The price point may be a barrier for some consumers.
- App Compatibility Issues: The Assault Fitness App, while robust, has reported compatibility issues with the latest Android versions.
- Wind Guard Sold Separately: A minor inconvenience for those training in colder environments, as the wind guard is an additional purchase.
- Resistance Requires Consistent Effort: The fan-based resistance means the bike stops when pedaling ceases, demanding continuous engagement for optimal results.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Rating
Breaking Muscle’s product testing team, comprised of individuals with extensive experience in fitness equipment evaluation and personal use, employed a proprietary scoring system to assess the AssaultBike ProX across various critical categories. This rigorous methodology involved subjecting the machine to prolonged, high-intensity training sessions and comparing its performance 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
Developed by the creators of the renowned AssaultRunner, the Assault Bike ProX embodies the brand’s commitment to producing high-performance fitness equipment. Its foundation is a robust, heavy-duty steel frame, finished with a black powder coating that not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides significant protection against corrosion, ensuring its longevity even under demanding conditions. This fan bike is engineered to deliver a challenging and effective workout for athletes of all levels.
A key feature of the ProX is its belt-driven system, which contributes to a remarkably smooth and quiet operating experience. Unlike traditional chain-driven systems, the belt drive requires less maintenance, offering a more convenient solution for users who prioritize efficiency and minimal upkeep. This design choice contributes to the bike’s overall user-friendliness and reliability, making it a sound investment for both home gyms and commercial fitness facilities.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX In-Depth Review
Price
The Assault Bike ProX is priced at $899, positioning it as a premium option within the fan bike market. For consumers seeking financial flexibility, Affirm offers financing options, with monthly payments around $82. When contrasted with its stablemates, the ProX is more expensive than the AssaultBike Classic ($699) but more affordable than the Concept2 BikeErg, which typically retails for approximately $1,100. A significant advantage for buyers is Assault Fitness’s inclusion of free shipping for the ProX, a considerable cost saving given the equipment’s size and weight. This pricing strategy, coupled with the included shipping and financing options, contributes to a strong value proposition, earning it a 4-star rating in this category.
Materials, Build, and Construction Quality
Weighing in at 125 pounds, the Assault Bike ProX is engineered for stability and durability. It boasts a maximum user weight capacity of 330 pounds, supported by a heavy-duty steel frame finished with a black powder coating that resists corrosion and wear. This robust construction is reminiscent of high-end gym equipment, such as the Rogue Echo Bike, known for its industrial-grade materials. However, the ProX distinguishes itself with a more compact footprint, measuring 51.73 inches in length, 24.52 inches in width, and 52.51 inches in height, making it more adaptable to smaller spaces compared to the slightly bulkier Rogue Echo Bike.
Comfort and adjustability are paramount in the ProX’s design. 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 rubberized handlebars ensure a secure and comfortable grip during intense workouts. Furthermore, the inclusion of footpegs at the base of the handlebars provides an option for upper-body-only training, a valuable feature for rehabilitation or targeted arm conditioning. The meticulous attention to materials, build quality, and user-centric design warrants a perfect 5-star rating.
Delivery and Assembly
The delivery and assembly process for the Assault Bike ProX received a perfect 5-star rating. Assault Fitness has streamlined the assembly, with the bike arriving approximately 75 percent pre-built. Users are primarily tasked with attaching the LCD console, pedals, handlebars, seat post, and saddle. All necessary tools are included in the package, and the estimated assembly time is between 35 to 45 minutes. This straightforward setup minimizes user frustration and allows for rapid deployment of the equipment, a crucial factor for consumers eager to begin their training.
Performance
The performance of the Assault Bike ProX was rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The belt-driven system delivers a noticeably smoother and quieter ride compared to other fan bikes, including the AssaultBike Classic and the Titan Fan Bike. This system generates resistance dynamically; the harder and faster the user pedals, the greater the air resistance from the fan wheel becomes. This direct correlation between effort and resistance ensures that workouts remain challenging and adaptable to individual fitness levels.
However, a characteristic of fan bikes, including the ProX, is that the fan wheel stops spinning once pedaling ceases. This requires a greater initial effort to re-engage the resistance, which can be demanding, particularly during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) where rapid changes in pace are common. While this aspect contributes to the bike’s effectiveness in delivering a brutal workout, it also means the machine demands consistent engagement from the user to maintain momentum and resistance.
Included Workouts
The Assault Bike ProX features an LCD monitor that comes equipped with seven built-in training programs and a competition mode. Additionally, users can access instructor-led programs and create customized workouts through the Assault Fitness App. While these built-in options are functional and provide a starting point for users new to fan biking, they are not as extensive or interactive as those found on more technologically advanced bikes like the Peloton. Nevertheless, the inclusion of these programs is appreciated, especially for individuals seeking guidance. The rating for included workouts stands at 3 out of 5 stars, reflecting a solid but not exhaustive offering.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Assault Bike ProX has been upgraded to support a broader range of heart rate monitors, including those from brands like Garmin, through its Bluetooth connectivity. This enhancement surpasses the compatibility limitations of the AssaultBike Classic, which was primarily restricted to Polar T34 chest straps. While the ProX allows for seamless integration with external heart rate monitors, users must purchase a compatible device separately. This necessity, common across most exercise bikes, leads to a rating of 4 out of 5 stars 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, which received a perfect 5-star rating for its display and stat tracking capabilities. Powered by four included AA batteries, the console provides comprehensive workout data, including calories burned, distance covered, heart rate, speed, watts, and RPM. A significant advantage over some competitors, such as the Rogue Echo Bike, is the ProX’s ability to display power output in watts and cadence in RPM directly on the monitor. This detailed feedback is invaluable for athletes focused on quantifying performance and optimizing training intensity. The integration with the Assault Fitness App further enhances its data-tracking prowess.
Conveniences
The Assault Bike ProX scores a 4 out of 5 stars for conveniences. A significant advantage is its independence from an electrical outlet, allowing for placement virtually anywhere, indoors or outdoors. This feature is particularly beneficial for commercial gyms, eliminating the hazard of power cords. The bike also includes integrated holders for devices and water bottles, ensuring essential items are within easy reach. While these amenities are highly appreciated, the absence of an included wind guard—a component that can mitigate the sensation of cold air blowing on the user—is a minor drawback. The wind guard is available for purchase separately for an additional $39.
Workout Apps and Subscription Options
The Assault Bike ProX integrates seamlessly with the Assault Fitness app, which garnered a 4-star rating. This application, available for free download on both the App Store and Google Play, offers a diverse library of instructor-led workouts. Users can engage in these sessions individually or participate in virtual competitions against other athletes. The app’s programming often incorporates other fitness equipment like dumbbells and kettlebells, promoting well-rounded training regimens. However, a notable limitation is the app’s current lack of compatibility with the latest Android versions, which may restrict access for some users.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity is a standard feature on many modern cardio machines, but for the Assault Bike ProX, it represents a significant upgrade and earns it a perfect 5-star rating in this category. While not unique, its presence allows for seamless integration with heart rate monitors and fitness apps, enhancing the user’s ability to track and analyze performance data. The fact that even Assault Fitness’s classic AssaultBike lacks this feature underscores the ProX’s technological advancement.
Noise Level
The belt-driven system of the Assault Bike ProX contributes to a quieter operation compared to chain-driven fan bikes like the Schwinn Airdyne. This reduced noise level, rated at 4 out of 5 stars, is a significant benefit for home users, especially those who train during early morning or late-night hours when noise can be disruptive. While some air movement noise is inherent to fan bikes, the ProX offers a considerably more subdued acoustic profile.
Portability
The Assault Bike ProX is designed with some degree of portability, featuring two transport wheels at the front that allow users to tilt and glide the machine. This feature, along with its relatively compact dimensions, contributes to its 4-star rating for portability. However, its substantial weight of 125 pounds means that relocation, while manageable, may present a challenge for some individuals.
Warranty
Assault Fitness provides a robust warranty package for the Assault Bike ProX, contributing to its 5-star rating in this area. The bike comes with a seven-year warranty on the frame and a three-year warranty on non-wear parts. While the non-wear parts warranty excludes components subject to normal wear and tear, such as the seat and pedals, this is a standard exclusion across the industry. The extended warranty periods offered by Assault Fitness, particularly the seven-year frame warranty, surpass those of competitors like Rogue (two years on the Echo Bike) and Titan (one year on their fan bikes), offering considerable value and assurance to consumers.
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 marginally larger than the AssaultBike Classic, with increases of one to two inches across length, width, and height. Potential buyers should carefully measure their available space to ensure optimal fit, especially when choosing between the ProX and the Classic model.
Resistance
As a fan bike, the Assault Bike ProX generates resistance through air displacement. The fan wheel creates resistance proportional to the speed and force applied by the user. The belt-driven mechanism means the bike’s operation is directly tied to user input; pedaling must occur for resistance to be generated. This contrasts with some systems that maintain a degree of momentum, making the ProX a more demanding machine that requires continuous effort to maintain resistance.
Weight Capacity
The Assault Bike ProX supports a maximum user weight of 330 pounds, an increase from the AssaultBike Classic’s 300-pound capacity. While it falls slightly short of the Elite model’s 350-pound capacity, it comfortably accommodates a wide range of users, reinforcing its robust build.
Seat and Handlebar Adjustments
The seat on the Assault Bike ProX offers extensive adjustability to accommodate users of various heights and body types. It features 11 distinct height settings and six directions of fore-and-aft adjustment. These extensive customization options are comparable to other high-quality fan bikes on the market, such as the Rogue Echo Bike, which offers a similar range of adjustments. This ensures a comfortable and ergonomically sound riding position for almost any user.
Electrical Requirements
A key convenience of the Assault Bike ProX is its lack of reliance on an electrical outlet. This battery-powered design, with AA batteries required for the monitor, grants users the freedom to place the bike anywhere, both indoors and outdoors, without being constrained by power source availability.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX vs. Echo Bike
The Assault Bike ProX and the Rogue Echo Bike share many functional similarities, both being high-performance fan bikes designed for intense workouts. However, subtle yet significant differences exist.
| 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 (2×3", 1.2×3", 1.625×3.125") |
| Max User Weight | 330 pounds | 330 pounds |
| Drive System | Belt-driven | Belt-driven |
| Power Source | Battery-powered (monitor) | Battery-powered (monitor) |
Despite the Rogue Echo Bike’s slightly larger dimensions and more substantial steel tubing, both bikes share an identical 330-pound weight capacity. Both are also self-powered, eliminating the need for an electrical outlet, and their comparable weights, coupled with transport wheels, make them equally portable. Both utilize belt-driven mechanics for a smooth and quiet experience.
A crucial differentiating factor lies in the console’s data display. The Assault Bike ProX offers a more comprehensive metric display, including watts and RPM, which is a significant advantage for athletes who prioritize granular performance data. The Rogue Echo Bike’s console, while functional, does not provide these specific metrics, making the ProX a more data-rich option for performance-oriented users.
Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Customer Reviews
Customer feedback on the Assault Fitness website indicates a strong overall satisfaction with the Assault Bike ProX, reflected in an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Users frequently praise its ease of setup, low maintenance requirements, and its status as a favored piece of equipment in their home gyms. Its sturdiness and ability to withstand rigorous workouts are also commonly highlighted.
While the vast majority of reviews are positive, a small number of users have reported minor issues. One customer noted a left peg becoming loose during a workout, and another experienced what they described as excessive noise and a perceived lack of stability compared to other reviews. However, these instances appear to be outliers, and the overwhelming sentiment remains highly favorable.
Final Verdict: Is the Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Worth It?
Following extensive evaluation and testing, the Assault Bike ProX proves to be a highly commendable investment for fitness enthusiasts seeking a top-tier cardio machine. Its robust construction, featuring a heavy-duty steel frame with a durable black powder coat, ensures it can withstand the most demanding training regimens. It is an ideal choice for individuals aiming to improve both cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength through high-intensity interval training.
The ProX’s belt-driven system is a significant contributor to its exceptionally smooth and quiet operation, enhancing the overall workout experience. While this system necessitates continuous user engagement to maintain resistance, it ultimately contributes to the bike’s effectiveness in delivering a challenging and comprehensive full-body workout. From seasoned CrossFit athletes to general fitness enthusiasts, the Assault Bike ProX offers a compelling blend of durability, performance, and advanced features, making it a worthwhile addition to any home or commercial gym.
FAQs
Is the AssaultBike a good workout?
Yes, the AssaultBike provides an excellent workout. It combines air resistance with a belt-driven system to deliver a demanding cardiovascular and muscular endurance challenge. Users can engage both the pedals and handlebars for a full-body session or focus solely on the handlebars for an upper-body workout.
Is the AssaultBike Pro X belt driven?
Yes, the Assault Bike Pro X features a belt-driven system. This means the fan bike only operates when the pedals and/or handlebars are in motion. The belt-driven system is known for providing a smoother and quieter workout experience compared to chain-driven systems.
Is the AssaultBike good for fat loss?
While the AssaultBike alone cannot guarantee fat loss if calorie intake is excessive, it is an extremely effective tool for burning calories. Its ability to facilitate intense workouts provides a significant stimulus for calorie expenditure, which can be a crucial component of a fat loss strategy when combined with a balanced diet and overall healthy lifestyle.
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 small degree of muscle building with consistent use. However, for significant muscle hypertrophy, traditional resistance training with free weights like dumbbells or barbells, coupled with a diet that supports muscle growth, remains the most effective approach.
