Assault Classic vs Elite (Detail Comparisons)
There are some who like their exercise bikes to look fancy or futuristic while they pedal at home. What the Assault AirBikes have done is go the exact opposite direction. These are not air bikes that will look fancy or impress the neighbors, but they certainly have other benefits. Think of Assault air resistance stationary bikes more like heavy rock and roll bikes that seek to do their jobs in a strong, steely manner.
Today we’re going to look at the mechanical beasts, seeing what sorts of features they offer, how you can best make use of those features, and then how much these Assault air indoor bikes will cost you. Once we explain all the elements that make up these Assault Air Bikes, we’re going to give our thoughts on just which of these bikes are better and if you should seriously consider investing in one of them. So, with all of that out of the way, let’s hop right into our Assault Air Bikes Review.
Assault Air Bikes Elite and Classic Comparison:
Assault Air Bikes Technical Information
Assault Elite and Classic Air Bikes Technical Information Compared| Name | Capacity | Weight | Dimensions | User | Quality | Safe | Stabilisers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault Elite | 350 lbs | 139 lbs | 26" W x 55 L x 55 H | User Height: 4’10” - 6’4” | Commercial | Full Sweat and Child-Safe Drive Cover | Extra Wide |
| Assault Classic | 350 lbs | 95 lbs | 23" W x 51 L x 50 H | User Height: 4’10” - 6’4” | Commercial | Half Sweat Child-Safe Drive Cover | Standard |
First things first, we’re going to judge and compared the Elite and Classic Assault air resistance bikes based on their technical specs. This is how big they are, how much they weigh, who they can fit and so on.
We’re going to start with the Assault AirBike Classic. This is the lighter and smaller of the two models. Well, we say lighter, but it’s still a rather heavy bike. It weighs 95.6 lbs (43 kg) and can hold a nice 300 lbs (136 kg) of weight without suffering any sort of long-term durability issues. It measures out to be 51 inches (129.5 cm) long, 23 inches (58.4 cm) wide and 50 inches (127 cm) tall. The footprint isn’t too large, all things considered.The frame is made of steel and the bike can comfortably hold users anywhere between 4’10” and 6’4” tall.
The Assault AirBike Elite is quite similar in regard to the general build, but it just happens to have… more. It weighs a hefty 139 lbs (63 kg) and can hold a maximum weight of 350 lbs (159 kg). The Elite air bike measures to be 55 inches (140 cm) long, 26 inches (66 cm) wide and 55 inches (140 cm) tall. The Elite air bike can hold the same range of users, while the frame is made from a heavier steel than the classic.
Like we said in the beginning, these Assault air exercise bikes aren’t pretty. But just looking at these technical specs, they are professionally built, don’t take up a ridiculous amount of space and will most certainly last.
Drivetrain, Resistance, Flywheel & Pedals
| Name | Drivetrain | Cranks | Connector | Pedals | Resistance | Fan | Q.Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault Elite | Chain w/ Full Cover | Extra Durable ISIS Splined Crank | Durable Wide Pedal -Handlebar Connectors | Reinforced Flat | Dynamic Air Resistance | 25 inch steel fan | N/A |
| Assault Classic | Chain w/ Half Cover | Standard 3-Piece Crank | Narrow Standard Pedal-Handlebar Connectors | Reinforced Flat | Dynamic Air Resistance | 25 inch steel fan | N/A |
Now, in this Assault air resistance bike comparisons, we’re going to cover some of the elements that actually make these Assault air stationary bikes work. The resistance, flywheel (or fan in this case), the pedals and the drivetrain. One of the unfortunate details that we would like to cover, but are unable to due to the lack of information is the Q-Factor. For those who are unaware, the Q-Factor is the distance between the two pedals. If it is too narrow, that could lead to some discomfort or even injury, while the distance being too wide could lead to discomfort as well. While we can’t measure it exactly, there are no widespread complaints about the pedals being too wide, so they appear to be fine on both.
First up is the drivetrain. Both of the Assault AirBikes use chains for their drivetrains (unlike Schwinn Airdynes that use quieter belts for drivetrains) and 3-piece cranks for the pedals with the only difference between the two coming from the “ISIS splined crank” that comes with the Elite version of this air bike. The International Splined Interface Standard crank simply does a good job of making sure that the bike runs smoothly and professionally.
Of course, both Assault fan resistance bikes use dynamic air resistance as their means of challenge for the user. You get as much resistance for as hard as you pedal. While some might prefer some sort of resistance setting or knob, this alternative means that you can pedal as hard or as lightly as you wish. You get full control over your workouts. Both the Assault Elite and Classic air bikes use a 25 inch fan in order to create this resistance. These fans do create more noise than you might find on bikes with a magnetic resistance system, but they most certainly aren’t the loudest that you’ll ever hear.
Finally, we have the pedals. While many bikes these days have clips or holders in order to keep your feet steady during the workout, Assault have decided to forgo this option in favour of getting “reinforced” pedals. Now what this actually means is questionable, outside of the fact that they are unlikely to break on you. But that’s good enough for some people, though we think it would be nice to have something to secure your feet. They are compatible with SPD cleats and can be replaced with SPD pedals as well.
Assault Air Bikes Handlebars and Saddles
| Name | Rods | Comfort | Post | Tube | Handlebars | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault Elite | Thick Steel Handlebar Rods | Larger, Ergonomic | Aluminum seat post and slider | Wide Seat Tube | Single-Position, Padded | Horizontally and Vertically Adjustable |
| Assault Classic | Standard Steel Handlebar Rods | Standard, Ergonomic | Steel seat post and slider | Narrow Seat Tube | Single-Position, Padded | Horizontally and Vertically Adjustable |
Up next, we’re going to cover the parts that you’ll be interacting the most with. The handlebars and seat are two of the most important parts, as they’ll make sure that you are either comfortable or not onboard these Assault air resistance bikes. Unfortunately, neither the Classic’s nor the Elite’s handlebars are adjustable or multi-grip like Schwinn airdyne bikes (AD Pro & AD7), so you’ll have to make do with the handlebars where they are. This means that they are both single positions. They do have little pads where you’ll be gripping them, but they won’t exactly cause your hands to cry out with comfort.
The seat does the job well enough. Once again, these Assault Air Bikes are really not focused on making comfort the priority. These are for those who want to focus on the durability and fitness aspects of the bikes. As such, while both seats are described as ergonomic, neither are the peak of comfort. The Assault Elite air bike’s seat does happen to be larger, which might be appealing to many. Both seats can be adjusted vertically through 6 different positions. This is fine, but a tad disappointing.
Most seats these days are adjustable both vertically and horizontally, so that would have been nice to see. Overall, both the handlebars and seat are passable on both Assault air resistance bikes. They aren’t brilliant, but they function well enough, and that should be good enough for most people.
Assault Classic and Elite Monitors and Audio
| Name | Monitor | Programs | HRM | Applications | Statistics | Bluetooth | Powered | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault Elite | Hi-Contrast LCD Monitor Without Backlit | Tabata, Intervals, Watts, and Heart Rate Programs | Non-coded transmitters such as Polar T31 heart rate monitors | Doesn't synch with apps or devices (Bluetooth is pretty useless) | Watts, RPM, Calories, Heart Rate, Distance, Time | Yes (limited functionality) | AA Batteries (included) | Doesn't save workouts |
| Assault Classic | Standard LCD Monitor Without Backlit | Tabata, Intervals, Watts, and Heart Rate Programs | Non-coded transmitters such as Polar T31 heart rate monitors | Doesn't synch with apps or devices (Bluetooth is pretty useless) | Watts, RPM, Calories, Heart Rate, Distance, Time | Yes (limited functionality) | AA Batteries (included) | Doesn't save workouts |
We now arrive at the technological elements to these Assault air resistance exercise bikes. Just because they take a more spartan approach to cycling with air fans doesn’t mean that they forsake all modern tech when trying to help you get fit. Specifically, both Assault air bikes have monitors, although the Elite claims to have the advantage in this realm. However, that claim is somewhat suspect.
First, we’ll look at what the Assault AirBike Classic monitor offers. This is a LCD monitor that allows you to track a variety of statistics like your heart rate, speed, RPM, time and calories burned. There are also 7 different programs available that can help you get even more fit. These include interval programs, target time goals, target distance goals, target calories goals and target heart rate goals. There isn’t any sort of scan mode available, as all of the stats available are displayed on the screen at the same time.
Then there’s the monitor of the Assault AirBike Elite. This is a larger, hi-contrast LCD monitor that is easier to read than the one on the Classic. And that’s… kind of the only advantage that the Elite monitor has over the Classic one. It still has the stats like heart rate, speed, RPM, time and calories burned all being tracked. It still has the same programs available to test yourself on.
Both of the Assault air bikes offer Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, allowing you to track your stats with other devices. Both monitors also lend themselves to high intensity interval training (HIIT) thanks to their various programs and goals. These programs include options like 20/10 intervals, 10/20 intervals and custom intervals on the Classic. Both Assault fan exercise bikes also got target programs for time, distance, calories and heart rate. However, neither do anything in particular to stand out from the many fantastic monitors that are on the market today.
Assault Class vs Elite Prices and Warranties
| Name | Price | Shipping | Frame | Parts | Labour | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault Elite | $1300 | Included | 5 Years | 3 Years | 1 Year | For Home Use |
| Assault Classic | $1000 | Included | 5 Years | 2 Years | 1 Year | For Home Use |
We’ve finally arrived at the point that could make or break the decision to purchase one of these Assault air resistance bikes. The pricing could make the value look quite appealing or do the exact opposite, especially with the warranties included (or not included).
First up is the Assault Air Bike Classic. The retail price of this bike normally sits at around $1000. However, at the time of writing, this price has been discounted down to $700. This second price is far more appealing, as it is hard to justify dropping $1000 for an air bike with some basic elements that other bikes have (such as the horizontal seat adjustments). The warranties that come with the Assault Classic are fairly reasonable for the cost. It has a 5 year warranty on the frame, 2 years on the non-wear parts and 1 year on the labour.
The more expensive of the two Assault air resistance bikes is obviously the Elite one. There’s a reason it is called Elite, after all. This bike costs right around $1,300 at retail price. It also has a 5 year warranty on the frame and a 1 year warranty on the labour. However, it adds an additional year to the parts warranty, which is certainly nice to see.
Other Notable Parts Assault Classic and Elite Bikes
| Name | FootRest | Holder | Bottle | Box | Weight | Assembly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault Elite | Yes | Can place a tablet on the monitor | No bottle holder | 53" L x 14" W x 38" H | Box Weight: 155 Lbs | Easy (tools included) |
| Assault Classic | Yes | Can place a tablet on the monitor | No bottle holder | 51" L x 11" W x 35" H | Box Weight: 111 Lbs | Easy (tools included) |
Considering both of these Assault air resistance bikes do take the approach of having few bonus features or knick-knacks, we were even debating putting this section in. However, we figured that it would be helpful just to reinforce the idea that there is not a lot else offered besides the core features on these air bikes.
The foot rests on these two Assault air workout bikes sit right outside of the fan and allow you to take a break, if only for a moment. It can also let you go and focus on the upper body when working out. The lack of any sort of water bottle holder is disappointing, as the ability to hydrate as you exercise is one that you’d like to see on air bikes like these.
Both of these Assault bikes do have a place to hold either a phone or tablet, up near the monitor. This is appreciated and somewhat surprising for bikes that seem to put such a focus on concentrated exercise.
What We Think of the Assault Bikes vs the Schwinn AD7
It’s somewhat difficult to pick between these two Assault Elite and Class AirBikes, as they are so similar to one another. Because they are both so focused on delivering a gym-grade, professional workout to your home, they don’t really bother with any extra attempts at increased comfort or customization. So if you are looking for that sort of experience at home, then you would have a hard time going wrong with either of these.
However, it seems that the Assault AirBike Classic offers a better value-for-money prospect, especially at the discounted price of $700. The only real advantages that the Elite has over the Classic is the larger monitor and seat. Otherwise, everything else is around the increased durability, which both Assault air resistance workout bikes are well-suited for anyway.
That concludes our Assault Classic and Elite air bikes review and comparisons. As a bonus, we have also gone an extra mile and compared these two Assault exercise bikes with the Schwinn AD Pro and Schwinn AD7 (in case you are deciding between these four bikes). As always, we recommend you do some of your own research in order to find out which bike would suit your own individual conditions best. We’re here to simply lay out the facts and give our own opinions, which are certainly not laws. Now get out there and get cycling on these full-body HIIT air bikes!
| Name | Verdict | Holder | Screen | Tray | Tranmission | Handlebars | Levellers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault Elite | I recommend the AD7 | Without Bottle Holder | Single Screen | Tablet Holder | Chain | Single-Grip | Standard Feet Levellers |
| Assault Classic | I recommend the AD7 | Without Bottle Holder | Single Screen | Tablet Holder | Chain | Single-Grip | Standard Feet Levellers |
| Schwinn AD7 | Best Value | With Bottle Holder | Dual-Screen | Phone Holder | Belt (Quieter and less maintenance) | Multi-Grips | Wide Feet Levellers |
Sayed Hosseiny
Hi there, I'm Sayed Hamed Hosseiny, the founder and one of the authors at yourexercisebike.com (YEB). I am a former indoor cycling instructor and personal trainer with nearly 20 years of experience. With a passion for indoor cycling, I have spent years designing cycling parts, repairing, and importing exercise bikes. All the articles, tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on YourExerciseBike.com (YEB) reflect my personal opinion and expertise in the field. I'm excited to share my knowledge with fellow exercise bike enthusiasts and help people find reliable indoor cycling information and the best exercise bike for their needs.
