CrossFit training is the fitness program of the century and air bikes are prominently featured. Rogue Echo and Assault bikes are two of the most commercially viable bike brands. Which of the two is more superior?
Hi, I’m Jack and just last year, I retired from my career as an athlete. Being an already active guy, I knew I had to set up a new routine that would help me keep in shape and retain my sanity.
I attended a CrossFit class a few weeks ago and that’s how I got sucked in to the allure of air bikes. Not only do these machines tone, strengthen and stretch your body but they also give you a good cardio workout and turn up the HIIT training programs.
I really liked the stoic look of the Echo bike and the sleekness of the Assault bike but to make the better selection, I went and did a little digging. Here’s what I found out.
What are the differences between Rogue Echo Bike and Assault Bike
 |
Rogue Echo Bike |
Assault Bike |
Resistance |
Belt-Driven |
Chain-Driven |
Heart Rate Monitor |
ANT+ compatible |
Wireless |
Display |
LCD |
LCD |
Weight capacity |
350 pounds |
350 pounds |
Pedals |
Standard outdoor flat |
Standard outdoor flat |
Seat |
Padded, 4-way adjustable |
Leather, 6-way adjustable |
Price |
Rogue Echo Bike vs Assault Bike – How they compare
Design
Both the Echo and Assault bike are built of steel metal and finished with a classic powder finish making both of them quite attractive in appearance. However, Rogue bikes are 30 pounds heavier than Assault bikes making them sturdier in stability.
With both bikes you are assured of getting great cardio, strength training and body toning workouts encompassing all levels of experienced trainees.
Rogue bikes have 10 blades compared to Assault bike’s 6 which means more air power is generated. With belt-driven mechanism that’s self-adjusted, Echo bike beats the chain-driven system of the Assault bike.
Based on leg and arm power, both bikes seamlessly and simultaneously match the rider in unlimited and infinite air resistance.
Pedals provided on both bikes are standard, textured and flat outdoor bike type. If you would like to pause pedaling but still work out, the bikes have been fitted with foot rests where the rider can place her feet while continuing to move the handlebars targeting the back, neck, shoulders and arm muscles.
To move the bikes around when not in use or for any other reason, tiny transport wheels have been fitted in the bike’s frame.
You will get a more stable and quieter ride on the rogue bike regardless of your weight because it has a bulkier build than the Assault bike.
Performance
Rogue Echo is a bike that is known for HIIT workouts.Any rider, whether beginner or pro, will enjoy taking the challenges provided and will find the instructions easy to follow.
Rogue bike is preinstalled with two workout options. The first is a four-minute interval session featuring 20 seconds of workout and 10 seconds of rest. The other is a reverse with 10 second workouts with 20 second rests.
The only issue is with the LCD monitor which is not backlit presenting a problem reading in dim lighting.
The monitor, for both bikes, does provide information about your progress in terms of distance, time, calories burned and it also has a wireless receiver that pairs well with a wireless heart rate monitor. Both kids and adults can use these bikes because they have adjustable parts which allows for bike customization.
The bulkiness of the Echo bike results in an increased weight and width of certain parts like the handlebars which make the control and the manipulation of the bike that much harder for some.
To get a full body workout or to take a break from the cycling, you could mix up your training with arm workouts by resting your feet on pegs fitted on the side of each bike type. To monitor your heart rate accurately as you train, you need to buy a wireless compatible heart rate strap to pair with the Assault bike.
In responsiveness, the Rogue bike beats the Assault bike and this means that the bike spins up and winds down quicker than the other. This removes the issue of Ghost Calories that are accumulated when the Assault bike keeps spinning after the rider has gotten off the machine.
The Echo bike is more suited to intermediary or expert fitness enthusiasts because it takes more effort to move the machine. Assault bikes, though quite advanced, can be tried on by all levels of trainees.
Rogue Echo Bike vs Assault Bike – A Comparison Overview
Rogue Echo Bike – Overview
Rogue Echo bike is made of strong steel metal made to last and it is built with much heavier measurements in thickness of parts. It has a big flywheel featuring 10 blades
Both bikes have a powder coating finish and it gives riders maximum customizing options such as moving the seat upward, forward, backward and downwards. This bikes uniquely have a set of movable handlebars which introduces arms, back and shoulders to the overall workout.
There are footrests built into the design to allow for you to focus on upper body workouts and take a break from cycling. The pedals on the Echo bike are standard outdoor bike pedals.
These bikes demand a lot of your energy with every revolution or handle bar movement. The harder you push, the belt drive system automatically adjusts the resistance and the workout gets harder. This makes it a great trainer for professional or intermediate trainees.
To get a reading of your heart rate, buy a compatible chest strap to pair with the bike. Unfortunately, the bike is not Bluetooth compatible and cannot connect with Apple of Android devices.
Pros
- 2-way adjustable seat
- Movable multi-grip arms
- Infinite air resistance
- Heart rate receiver
- Low maintenance
Cons
- LCD screen not backlit
- Not Bluetooth compatible
Assault Bike – Overview
[amazon box=”B00F74RX40 template=”horizontal” ]This air resistant bike is like you’ve never seen before. It can either be a beginner friendly bike or an expert professional training companion. It all depends with who is riding it and the amount of pressure they are exerting on the bike.
The 25†wheel has 6 fan blades and with movable handlebars and pedals, the bike’s flywheel resistance will respond to match the trainee’s effort. To maximize your engagement, the bike has a display screen connecting you to seven pre-programmed workouts.
If you exhaust these programs or they don’t excite you that much, you have the option to customize your own programs. The screen will also display your health and fitness information such as heart rate, time spent, rpm’s, watts spent, distance and others.
The Assault bike is receptive to wireless heart rate strap monitors which you need to buy separately. The bike is ideal for all ages because the training is low impact having minimal to no effect on joints and muscles.
Pros
- Easy to transport and store
- Upper and lower body workout
- Smooth and quiet performance
Cons
- Saddle loose on some units
- Not compact in size or foldable
Verdict: So, which is better,Rogue Echo Bike or Assault Bike?
Choosingbetween these two bikes really comes down to preference.
The Assault Bike has thinner handlebars and the chain belt resistance, though challenging, can be a bit noisy and high maintenance. However, this bike is technologically upgraded with Bluetooth and wireless connectivity which makes it a great choice for most riders.
I chose to go with the Rogue Echo Bike because it is denser and sturdier. This makes for a powerful, challenging and relatively quiet workout which is superior to the Assault bike but it could prove difficult for beginners to use effectively.