Choosing the best cycling workout bike can be hard, in this Spin Bike vs Air Bike review I’ll give you everything you need to know to make the best decision.
For anyone who wants to ensure they get enough cardiovascular exercise into their workout routine, cycling can accomplish that. Cycling is an extremely efficient calorie burner, it can build muscles, keep your cardiovascular system healthy and strong and it’s low impact so your joints don’t take a beating.
But, sometimes, due to bad weather, cycling outside just isn’t an option. For those times having either a spin bike or an air bike means you can get the full benefit of a cycling workout without having to go outside to get it.
In addition to weather conditions, some people just like the privacy and convenience of working out in their own home.
But what type of bike should you get to do a cycling workouts at home – spin bike vs air bike?
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SPIN BIKE VS AIR BIKE – HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT?
So, before we get into our main review, it’s important to know the difference between an air bike vs spin bike.
Choosing between a spin bike vs air bike is mostly a matter of preference. Both styles have pros and cons so you just need to decide which features are important to you and which features may be a deal breaker.
Air bikes use a large fan apparatus instead of a wheel in the front of the bike and spin bikes have a flywheel instead of a front wheel.. Typically, an air bike will give you a more full body workout and engage all the major muscle groups in your body. A spin bike is closer to the experience of biking outside on regular bike.
The Specifics – Air Bike
Air bikes are also sometime called fan bikes for an obvious reason. The huge fan in the front where a wheel would normally be positioned.
The large fan is what provides resistance for your workout. Pedal faster, and you engage the large fan blades more. That means more resistance and a tougher workout. The harder you pedal, the more wind resistance and the more cardio benefit you get.
Another side benefit of the air bike is the fan blades throw off a lot of wind, that can help keep you cooler during your workout.
The fan and air resistance element of air bikes makes them perfect for doing a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) type of workout. If you’re not familiar with what a HIIT workout is it is simply a workout where you alternate between high energy aerobics – biking, running in place, boxing, etc. with periods of rest.
This type of workout is considered by many to be an excellent workout since your heartrate is going up and down thus decreasing recovery times and improving your overall cardiovascular health.
Another benefit, and my personal favorite, of an air bike is that most models have moving handle bars. The bars can move back and forth as you peddle. That gives you not only a great cardio workout but also a full body muscle workout too.
On my bike, I don’t have to peddle at all – I can strictly use the handlebars for a cardio workout. Likewise, I can just peddle and not move the handlebars. Having these options is terrific if you have a sore knee or a sore elbow. You can isolate the part of your body that isn’t hurting but still get a full workout.
More advanced models of air bikes also offer programmable features that give you the option of tracking your overall progress, creating specific workouts to enable you to reach your workout goals faster. Many have heartrate monitors so you can ensure you get to and stay in your top cardio window during your allotted workout time.
Most air bikes will offer a great deal of customization in terms of the height of the seat, handlebars and the resistance levels.
The Specifics – Spin Bike
A stationery bike, another name for a spin bike, most closely mimics biking outside. The resistance on a spin bike comes from a weighted fly wheel where the front tire of a traditional bike would normally be. Overall, a spin bike provides a very realistic bike ride experience and many people love to use this type of exercise equipment and swear by the results.
A spin bikes resistance is generated by friction on the fly wheel. It is done manually but turning a knob in most cases. Some bike models have computer programming allowing you to select a pre made program that can simulate hills thus making your workouts more challenging, more like a hiit workout.
Both style of bikes offer a low impact, but potentially (depending on your settings) high cardio workout. You can build up your cardiovascular health, increase your endurance, lose weight and build muscles without damaging your joints.
Spin Bikes vs Air Bikes – Comparison
Using a bike indoors has become common and most gyms, both public and private, will include some model of bike either fan or stationary. Both types of exercise bikes can help you get a really great workout, some features can make one style the better choice for you.
Below, we’ll go into much more detail for each type of bike and point out advantages and disadvantages of each feature. This should help you narrow down your choices so you don’t waste money on the wrong type of exercise bike for you.
DIFFERENCE IN RESISTANCE
As we’ve already discussed, both styles of exercise bikes rely on resistance to ensure you have a workout. You wouldn’t get much benefit from any style of bike if the wheels just turned with no resistance!
With an air bike, you are the determining factor for the amount of resistance. The faster you pedal, the more air resistance you get. This type of resistance makes it the perfect option if you’re interested in doing High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
Resistance on a spin bike is achieved differently. Essentially, in order to create more friction and thus more resistance, you have to manually adjust a knob or, depending on the model of bike you have, push a button to increase intensity. That means you do have more consistency in the level of resistance you have, no matter how fast you pedal.
This manual adjustment can be a little more cumbersome than just pedaling faster. That’s the reason most people doing HIIT workouts prefer air bikes. Though, it’s not impossible to do HIIT workouts on a spin bike, just a little more awkward.
TYPES OF WORKOUT
Both styles of workout bikes; air bikes or spin bikes offer really good workouts. There is a difference in the muscle groups that are engaged during your workout. Both styles provide a great workout for your legs, obviously, as well as build endurance and cardiovascular health.
But the real advantage comes with the moving handlebars of the air bike. This feature allows you to engage both your lower and upper body simultaneously which means you can get a full body workout in the same amount of time by using both the moving handlebars and the pedals.
EASE OF USE AND COMFORT
Not to be indelicate, but if your butt hurts you aren’t going to want to spend time on your bike. Comfort is an important consideration before buying a home exercise bike. Both styles of bike, air bikes vs spin bikes will offer a level of customization in terms of the height of the seat. How much customization will depend on the exact model of bike you choose.
Some people, myself included, enjoy the air flow from an air bike. If you get really hot during an intense workout, this fan really feels good. But, the air flow can be loud. That can make it tougher to hear the instructor or just listen to music. Also, the faster you pedal the more air flow you’ll get. It can be significant and not everyone is going to like that.
Spin bikes tend to be smoother and quieter. You won’t have the built in fan and the cooling breeze but you also want have the noise.
PRICING COMPARISON
With both air bikes and spin bikes there is a large number of models, each with it’s own features which means there can be a fairly wide range in pricing for both style exercise bikes.
As with any purchase, it’s wise to fully consider the features you think you’ll really use. The more features any given bike has the more you’ll pay generally. So, don’t choose a bike with a complex onboard programmable panel if you know you’ll never use it.
Most of the time, you’ll find more of these types of features – heart rate monitors, electronic controls, large screens, etc. on spin bikes as opposed to fan bikes.
Find the bike that is the right type for your needs, than drill down to just the features you’ll likely use. Then pay as much as you can afford. There is a reason why a cheap bike is cheap. In many cases the least expensive bikes not only have fewer features but they may not be built to as high of a standard. They may not last as long and they may be unstable.
OUR CONCLUSION
Air bike vs spin bike really just comes down to you. Each model of exercise bike can help anyone get in better physical shape and improve their cardiovascular health. A fan or air bike is probably a better option for those who want to do HIIT training. To move from the high intensity to the resting interval is as easy as slow your pedaling.
Spin bikes, on the other hand, are a better option for anyone focusing more on their overall cardio and endurance. Since these bikes stay at a steady level of resistance no matter how fast you pedal, until you manually adjust resistance by turning a knob or pushing a button, you can enjoy steady resistance with no change.
Want steady, lower body workout with little noise? A spin bike is your choice.
But, if you want a full body, variably HIIT type of workout, you’ll most likely get more out of an air bike.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Working out from home can be the perfect option for many people. You can work out on your time frame, you don’t have to worry about not being able to get to the equipment you want to use because someone else is on it, and you have privacy and quiet, if you want it.
Incorporating an exercise cycle into your cardio workout can give you a ton of extra benefits from your workout. It’s just a matter of choosing which type of bike to get.
Either option will help with muscle health, cardio health and weight loss. Here is a chart that highlights features and benefits of each type of exercise bike:
AIR BIKE GOOD THINGS
- An air bike can be used with or without moving the handlebars. By incorporating the handlebars while pedaling you can get a full body workout and a very high calorie burning workout.
- Perfect for both high intensity and rest with a HIIT workout.
- Fan provides easily adjustable resistance
- Fan provides cool breeze when working out.
Air BIKE NOT GREAT FOR SOME
- The fan of the air bike can get pretty loud.
- Not everyone is going to enjoy the breeze created during a workout
- Limited ways to adjust. It’s usually just raising or lowering the seat
SPIN BIKE GOOD THINGS
- Highly customizable
- Quiet operation
- Smooth operation – resistance stays constant even if pedal speed decreases
- This is the type of bike you’re more likely to find in your local gym classes
SPIN BIKE NOT GREAT FOR SOME
1. No real upper body workout potential
2. Expensive
3. Flywheel mechanism may require more upkeep and maintenance like oiling
AIR BIKE VS SPIN BIKE – BEST WORKOUT FOR EACH
To make a good decision when choosing between the air bike or the spin bike you have to take into consideration: the type of workout you want to do, your overall fitness goals, the amount of room in your home and your budget.
There is a lot of overlap between the two styles of exercise bikes, but there are also some pretty significant differences between them as well.
Both will give you a really good cardio workout. Both will work your legs and glutes. But that is where the similarities end.
At the end of the day, if you like a quiet workout that is geared more for overall cardio health and endurance, a spin bike may be your best choice.
On the other hand, if you prefer a HIIT workout that works your upper and lower body simultaneously, or a workout where you can target only the upper or lower body, an air bike is your best choice.
AIR BIKES – OUR TOP CHOICE
Schwinn Airdyne AD7 has 3486 4.5 star reviews on Amazon. It measures 20″D x 42″W x 52″H
Top Features:
1. Single-Stage Belt Drive – low maintenance, virtually infinite levels of resistance
2. Heart Rate Monitor -Telemetric Heart Rate Technology to keep give you your heart rate levels in real time.
3. Battery Operated LCD display – Time, Speed, Distance, RPM, Watts and Calories
4. Warranty – the frame is covered for 5 years, Other Parts and Electrical are covered for 1 year. The labor is covered for 90 days.
5. Seat – Padded, it is replaceable. It can be adjusted forward and backward.
6. Handlebars – The handlebars are multi position so you can use them in different ways to target different muscle groups
7. Construction – Powder coated anti corrosion steel for long life. Just wipe it down occasionally to keep your bike pristine and in good condition and you’ll be good to go for years.
Conclusion
If you want an air bike for your home workouts, you can’t go wrong with the Schwinn Airdyne series. The AD7 is the model we reviewed, but all of them would make a good addition to your home gym. There is a variation in features and prices with each of the Airdyne models, but the overall quality and durability remains the same.
Schwinn Airdyne AD 7 (model reviewed above)
SPIN BIKE – OUR TOP CHOICE
NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle
This is a professional grade spin bike. It has a huge HD touchscreen display. Intuitive to use, you can find all your workout options right here. You can also get on demand or live classes. Want to go for a ride in the country? No problem. With scenic rides to follow along with you can ride pretty much anywhere you want.
Adjusting resistance is fast and easy with the touchscreen too.
Adjustments are many and they are quick and easy. Adjust the incline to mimic going up a hill for a tougher workout. You can follow along with classes, both live and recorded, with you iFit membership. This is the best of both worlds: you workout when you want in the privacy of your own home but you can get that extra push from an instructor!
Comes with a 10-year warranty of the frame, and parts are covered for 2-years, 1- labor is covered for 1 years. 59” H x 22” W x 60” L
Features:
- 22” Smart HD Touchscreen adjustable touchscreen for fast adjustments
- A range of challenging workouts will keep you motivated – this is an extra paid feature. The bike comes with a free 30 trial but you will be charged after that period if you don’t cancel.
- Sturdy, long lasting construction
- Highly adjustable so you can customize it just the way you want
- Comes with 3lb dumbbells so you can add an upper body workout
SOME ADDITIONAL FAQ’S
Which is better, spin or biking outdoors?
Since these 2 things aren’t really identical that’s tough to answer. Both options will give you a really good workout, assuming you use the same pace and time (distance) with both options. An indoor air bike might actually be better than either outdoor or spin bike due to it’s full body workout ability.
But, I think, the best thing is to just do it. There is no reason you have to settle for only one option. If the weather is nice and you have an outdoor bike, get outside and enjoy the world. But on those days where you can’t get outside, use your indoor bike so you don’t miss out on a workout.
Best Workout – Air Bike Or Spin Bike?
Again, it really depends on what you’re looking for. I would give an air bike a little advantage due to the easier ability to change resistance and incorporate a HIIT workout. But, that’s not to say that you can’t get a good workout with a spin bike.
I have an Schwinn air bike so I have my preference. I get really hot during my workouts and I love the fan blowing on me. But, it isn’t for everyone. It is loud. So ultimately, you decide what type of workout you want to do and then pick the best option for yourself.
Can I Lose Belly Fat With An Exercise Bike?
Of course, you can lose belly fat if you workout. We all know that exercise, combined with good eating habits, is a great way and get in shape. Biking is an excellent low impact, high cardio activity. Adding a biking workout to your overall healthy eating and fitness regimen can definitely impact your success.
SPIN BIKE VS AIR BIKE – THE BOTTOM LINE
Spin bikes and air bikes each offer a great workout and cardiovascular benefits. The real question is what do you want in your workouts? If you want the ability to work your upper and lower body simultaneously, or work just one at a time, an air bike is likely best for you. Adjusting resistance on an air bike is as easy as slowing your pedaling. The fan can be loud but offers a cooling breeze to your workout.
On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter workout where you can focus solely on your lower body and building endurance, a spin bike may be the better options. Our chosen spin bike has a ton of programs you can follow to make it seem like you are actually biking outdoors. This feature does come with a paid membership, but for those who like that little extra push, it may be the perfect solution.
Hopefully, the breakdown and information we’ve provided here will help you hone in on the best option for your needs and wants. Enjoy your workout!
Schwinn Airdyne AD7 on Amazon.com