XTERRA Fitness Air Bikes Comparisons and Reviews
When searching for air bikes these days, it can be surprising at the range of quality the same company can put out with their air bikes. On one hand, you have bikes that can stand up to some of the best in the business, while on the other hand, you can have those air bikes that would make for OK choices at those searching on a budget. XTERRA Fitness is one of these companies that has such a range of quality.
This range of quality is what we’re going to examine today in our XTERRA air bike comparison. We’re going to look at one of their best air bikes in the form of the XTERRA AIR650 Pro, and compare it to one of their cheaper options in the XTERRA AIR350. We’ll look at all of the elements that make up these XTERRA air resistance exercise bikes, such as the technical elements, pricing, handlebars, monitors and so on. Once we go through all of these aspects, we’ll end with our thoughts on which is better (although we’re pretty sure we know that one already) and if it’s worth investigating both of these bikes in general. So, with all of that out of the way, let’s hop into our XTERRA air resistance bike reviews!
XTERRA air resistance exercise bikes Comparison:
XTERRA Air Bikes Technical Information
| Name | Capacity | Fit | Dimensions | Weight | Frame | Base |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XTERRA AIR650 Pro | 350 lbs | 4’7” - 6’6” | W 28.3 x L 48 x H 54.5 | 115 lbs | Steel Frame | Wide Stable Base |
| XTERRA AIR350 | 250 lbs | 4’7” - 6’2” | W 28.3 x L 48 x H 51.1 | 77 lbs | Steel Frame | Wide Stable Base |
The first elements that we are going to examine with the air resistance exercise bikes are the technical elements. These are the factors that make up the basic design and weight of these XTERRA air bikes. Fortunately, both of these XTERRA air resistance stationary bikes are well designed on a basic level, so there really are no complaints in this regard.
The XTERRA AIR350 is the first of the bikes that we’ll look at. This bike has a pretty standard steel frame, which you shouldn’t find any issues with. It isn’t that large of a bike, so the footprint it takes up shouldn’t be a hassle either. It measures out to be 48 inches (122 cm) long, 28.3 inches (72 cm) wide and 51.1 inches (130 cm) tall. The AIR350 weighs 77 lbs (35 kg) and can hold a maximum weight of 250 lbs (113 kg). Users anywhere between the heights of 4’7” and 6’2” should be able to comfortably fit on this bike.
On the other hand, we have the XTERRA AIR650 Pro. This is an extremely good air bike and it starts with the basic elements here. The AIR650 can hold a maximum weight of 350 lbs (136 kg), thanks to its larger weight of 115 lbs (52 kg). For such a heavy bike, it actually takes up a fairly small footprint. It is 48 inches (122 cm) long, 28 inches (71 cm) wide and 54.5 inches (138.4 cm) tall. Like we said, both are quite good designs, so there are no inherent flaws here. Always a nice start.
Drivetrain, Resistance, Flywheel & Pedals
| Name | Drivetrain | Pedals | Resistance | Flywheel | Q.Factor | Cranks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XTERRA AIR650 Pro | Chain | Anti-skid w/ dual sided molded pegs | Dynamic Air Resistance | 9 Blade Fan | N/A | Durable 3-piece crank |
| XTERRA AIR350 | Chain | Basic pedals w/ straps | Dynamic Air Resistance | 6 Blade Fan | N/A | Basic 1-piece crank |
Up next in our XTERRA air bikes review, we’re going to examine the elements of these XTERRA air exercise bikes that make them actually work. The resistance quality, the pedals, the drivetrain, and the flywheel are all crucial in how well the platforms actually perform when you are using them. We would normally include the Q-Factor in this section as well, however, that information is not actually available anywhere. For those who are unaware, the Q-Factor is the distance between the pedals. Too wide of a distance and the ride is uncomfortable, while too narrow of one causes the same and even potential injury.
Once again, we’ll start with the XTERRA AIR350. This bike uses a dynamic air resistance system with a 6 blade fan in order to provide the user with any and all challenges. This means that you get unlimited amounts of challenge, as the harder you pedal, the more resistance you will meet. The drivetrain that the AIR350 uses is a chain one, which makes the overall operation of the bike a little bit louder than it would be with something like a belt drive. It also means that you will have to check on it more often for maintenance purposes than you would for a belt drive. The pedals are the only real weakness here, as they are simply larger than the average ones and that’s all that can really be said about them.
The XTERRA AIR650 is up next, naturally. The resistance system is once again a dynamic one, with your challenge coming from the effort you put in. The only difference is that the AIR650 has 9 blades on its fan compared to the 6 of the AIR350. Once again, there is a chain drivetrain, which is a bit unfortunate. It works, but it would be less loud and less of a maintenance concern over longer periods of time if it was a belt drive. The pedals here have a lot more effort put into them. They are anti-skid and dual sided with molded pegs. Now, this doesn’t make the largest difference, but it can be felt. The dynamic resistance on both makes for a great experience, although the chain drivetrains aren’t the greatest.
Handlebars and Saddles XTERRA HIIT Bikes
| Name | Handlebars | Grips | Comfort | Seat | Post | Knob |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XTERRA AIR650 Pro | Fixed | Multi-Grip Handlebars | Padded ergonomic seat | Vertically & Horizontally Adjustable | Stainless Steel Post and Slider | Durable Lever |
| XTERRA AIR350 | Fixed | Single-Grip Handlebars | Basic seat | Vertically & Horizontally Adjustable | Coated Metal Post and Slider | Basic Knob |
Now in this section of the XTERRA air stationary bikes comparisons, we’re going to cover the handlebars and the saddles of the XTERRA air resistance bikes. Considering these are the elements that you will be interacting with the most when on these XTERRA air resistance bikes, it only makes sense that they should work well and be comfortable for all.
The XTERRA AIR350 is up first once again. The handlebars of this air bike move back and forth, allowing you to get an upper body exercise in while you spin those legs around on the pedals. On account of this, the handlebars cannot be locked or adjusted. Once the pedals spin, the arms start moving. As for the seat, it is both vertically and horizontally adjustable, allowing for different users to fit comfortably on. However, the seat itself (despite being made slightly wider than a standard racing seat) is not actually all that comfortable.
As for the XTERRA AIR650, it has a similarly adjustable seat. The seat also happens to be more comfortable than the one on the AIR350, although not by much judging from the common complaints about it. The handlebars on the XTERRA AIR650 also move based on the movement of the pedals. However, unlike the AIR350, these handlebars have multiple grips and are covered with a nice foam in order to raise their comfort. Both of these XTERRA air bikes suffer from less-than-comfortable seats, but otherwise are made quite well.
XTERRA Air Stationary Bikes Monitors
| Name | Monitors | Bluetooth | HRM | Intervals | Targets | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XTERRA AIR650 Pro | Large LCD monitor without backlit | Yes | Compatible with non-coded heart rate monitors | 2 Prests & 1 custom | Time, distance, calories & heart rate | RPM, Speed, Time, Distance, Calories, Watt, Interval Prompt, Heart Rate |
| XTERRA AIR350 | Small LCD monitor without backlit | No | None | None | None | Scan, Time, Speed, Calories, Distance, Odometer |
Now we come to an element that many modern exercise bikes pride themselves on. The monitors that come with these bikes perform different levels of duties and probably make up the largest difference between the two XTERRA bikes in regards to price and quality.
The monitor on the XTERRA AIR350 is pretty darn basic. It’s an LCD screen that doesn’t have any sort of preset programs or such. Instead, it simply displays statistics like distance, time, total distance, speed, and calories burned. You can choose goals for these stats, but not actual programs. There is a scan mode, so you can cycle through all of these stats. It is powered by two AAA batteries and will shut off after a few minutes of inactivity from the flywheel. Pretty basic, but it does the job.
The monitor of the XTERRA AIR650 is quite a bit more advanced than its compatriot. The LCD monitor is multi-windowed and will show about as many statistics and metrics as possible. It will show Your time, speed, RPM, distance, calories, total time and more. If you want your heart rate, you’ll have to get a wireless chest strap to connect with (not included). While there isn’t any sort of online connection available, there are 7 different preset programs available for you to choose from, with an 8th custom mode.
These are programs such as target time, target calories and Interval training. These latter programs are particularly useful for high intensity interval training (HIIT). This console is powered by 4 AA batteries, while it once again shuts down after a little bit of flywheel inactivity.
Clearly the winner of the monitor battle is the XTERRA AIR650. It simply has so much more to offer than the AIR350. If you are one of those people who need a good monitor on their machine, there’s only one choice here.
Warranties and Priced of XTERRA Air Bikes Compared
| Name | Price | Frame | Parts | Labor | Assembly | Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XTERRA AIR650 Pro | $900 | Lifetime | 1 Year | 1 Year | Easy (tools included) | Free |
| XTERRA AIR350 | $300 | 1 Year | 1 Year | None | Easy (tools included) | Free |
Now we get to the point that many people might base their decisions on. The pricing and warranty of air bikes can make all the difference between a bike that offers good value for money and one that is an awful deal. There are most certainly areas to criticize these XTERRA air resistance bikes.
The XTERRA AIR350 is clearly the budget air bike thanks to the $300 price tag it comes with. Part of this low price is the extremely basic monitor that it comes with. That’s forgivable.The other part is the absolutely horrendous warranties that come with this bike. There is a warranty on the frame, although it covers a single year. The same goes for the warranty on the parts. There is no warranty on the labour. We realize that this is a budget bike, but you’d still like to see some sort of guarantee from the parent company.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the XTERRA AIR650 Pro. This bike costs about $900 (although there have been retail prices at $1,400). This is clearly a lot higher than the AIR350. However, the warranties that come with it are not much better. While you do get a lifetime warranty on the frame, you still get 1 year warranties for the parts (with labour tossed in this time). This is technically better, but for $600 or more, you would kind of expect better.
These are good bikes, but the warranties are most certainly not. If they were better, then the pricing would most certainly be less of an issue. But you really don’t want to be paying so much for something that might break 2 years down the line.
Other Notable Parts of XTERRA Air Exercise Bikes
| Name | FootRests | Holder | Rack | Box | Weight | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XTERRA AIR650 Pro | Yes | Without bottle holder | Without tablet rack | L 50" x W 37" x H 30" | Box weight: 130 Lbs | Great built |
| XTERRA AIR350 | Yes | With bottle holder | With tablet holder | L 40" x W 35" x H 30" | Box weight: 90 Lbs | Basic built |
This section of the XTERRA Fitness air bikes comparison is where we cover some of the elements that don’t really fit anywhere else on the list. They are often just little bonus features or additions that can make the experience that much nicer. Neither of these XTERRA air bikes have media trays, so don’t expect a specialized spot to place your phones or tablets. They do both have foot rests, allowing you to solely work on the upper body during these exercise sessions.
The AIR350 does have the edge here, as it has a water bottle holder sitting right below the console and above the flywheel. That way you can stay hydrated while onboard. It’s a bit strange, as you would expect the AIR650 to have such a basic element, but it doesn’t.
What We Think of XTERRA Air Bikes
There’s really only one winner here in terms of quality. While the biggest difference between these two XTERRA air bikes comes in the form of the monitor, the AIR650 Pro deserves the name. It is a very good bike. However, the biggest question you’ll want to ask yourself before investing in either of these XTERRA wind resistance bikes is how much you want to spend on it. If money is no issue and you don’t care about the warranties, go for the AIR650 Pro 10/10 times. However, if you don’t have endless money and are concerned about the absolute rubbish warranties that come with these XTERRA air resistance HIIT bikes, you might just want to invest the minimum in the AIR350 and call it a day. After all, there’s not a ton of difference between the two bikes when it comes to their core workout elements. It’s just a matter of how much you want to spend on the tech.
In terms of value for the money and comparison with AD7 or AD Pro Schwinn Airdyne bikes or Assault air bikes, I am afraid the AIR650 Xterra bike can’t compete with either of them. Although they cost as much (especially the AD7), they have more to offer. So, if by the time you are reading our XTERRA air resistance bike reviews, the AIR650 is still at the $800 price range, I recommend you consider the AD7. But as far as the AIR350 goes, I believe it is a good value air-resistant bike for $290. It might look like the Sunny Health and Fitness Motion, but it is more durable. For you to see that, I suggest comparing the pictures of the frame for these bikes and you should easily notice the difference in the front and rear base-bars.
And that resolves our XTERRA air resistance bikes comparison. Hopefully, this has given you an idea on which one might suit you best if either of them does at all. As always, we recommend you doing some of your own research and deciding based on the facts of your individual situation. We’re just here to give our recommendation, not the law. Now get out there (safely, of course) and get cycling!
