Air Bike vs Indoor Cycling Bike-How do they Compare

Cycling is a low-impact cardio workout that’s hard to beat and in recent years it’s become the only exercise that many people could do at home. When access to the gym is no longer guaranteed it’s no surprise that health-conscious people would purchase an exercise bike.

This is the ideal workout for people that want to improve their blood circulation, improve cardiovascular health, and fast calorie burning. Choosing the right bike for efficient home workouts can be a challenge. The two main choices are Air Bike vs Indoor Cycling Bike, and this will be the focus of our article.

The Air Bike Basics:

Pros:

• This is an efficient way to get an all-body cardio workout at home.
• The cycling is low-impact to protect knee joints.
• This is a great option for heavier people (up to 350 lbs).
• Even a 15 minute workout can burn a surprising number of calories.
• No power outlet is required.
• Air bikes are easy to use.

Cons:

• These exercise bikes take up space and cannot be folded away.
• An air bike is a solidly built unit that makes them heavy.
• These bikes tend to cost more than other options.

The Indoor Cycling Bike Basics:

Pros:

• This is a lighter and easier to use exercise bike.
• The indoor cycling system increases the heart rate with a reduced impact.
• Stored body fat can be burned alongside any calories expended.
• This is a great option for low intensity training and HIIT.
• The workout can be improved with virtual terrain screens and classes.

Cons:

• This exercise bike needs a Wifi connection and power outlet.
• The assemble and setup process can be tricky.
• The best models are pretty expensive.

Air Bike vs Indoor Cycling Bike: Differences and Similarities:

	Air Bike	Indoor Cycling Bike
The Bike Wheel	The air bike has a much larger front wheel that looks a little like a large fan. The wheels have a set of fan blades that create air resistance when pedaling.	This has a smaller front mounted flywheel that typically weighs 15-20 kg for resistance. The heavier flywheels offer smoother and greater resistance for better workouts.
The Resistance	The air is the resistance force, as the pedals and handlebars turn, they move the front mounted fan to create drag. The faster you ride the stronger the resistance becomes and this creates a more challenging workout.	This system creates artificial resistance created via a magnetic or friction force or perhaps a combination of both. The force is exerted on the flywheel to simulate a variety of inclines to improve the quality of the workout.
The Handlebars	The air bike has moving handles that actively engage the arms and shoulders of the rider. As you move the pedals the handlebars move to promote a cardio workout for upper and lower limbs at the same time.	These handlebars don’t move, they provide no workout experience for the arms or shoulders. The only way to work these areas is to stand and lean into the ride as you exercise.
The Noise Levels	As the blades cut through the air these bikes can create a low howling hum. This occurs at a frequency that is unlikely to be heard by anyone except the rider.	These are pretty quiet when riding and this is especially true with the magnet based friction wheels. The models that use felt pads on the wheels can create a low whistling noise at times.
The Cycling Motion	The air or fan bike has been designed with an elevated handlebar position. This keeps the rider in an upright position during the workout to engage the upper and lower body. There is no need to lean forward which makes this a good choice for people with back problems.	A forward leaning racing stance is required to get the most out of a workout on this bike. This relieves some pressure on the legs and the workout is usually better. This promotes a workout experience that is less likely to cause injury.
The Frame	The lower seat position keeps the rider upright and heavy weights can be supported during push/pull motion.	The hard frame is stable like a road bike to keep the back straight and aligned.
The Pedals	These pedals are typically bare and basic with simple straps to keep the foot in-place. But, a lack of pedal straps can be an advantage for HIIT workouts when quick mounts and dismounts are required.	There are a wide variety of pedal types available, including toe cage, toe clip, clipless, hybrid, and more. For most riders, the hybrid pedals offer the greatest flexibility for intensive workouts.
The Seat	These have broad seats that are more comfortable for long rides and HIIT workouts.	These are narrow in-line seats that promote the working of glutes and hamstrings.
The Cost	Cheaper models are available, but these bikes are still a significant investment. A basic air bike can cost around $500 and top tier models can cost $1,000 or more.	These typically have a console system with extra features to track your progress. They tend to cost more than air bikes and the top models may cost thousands of dollars.

Conclusion- Air Bike vs Indoor Cycling Bike

As you can see, it’s difficult to make a direct air bike vs Indoor cycle bike comparison. Both types of exercise bikes serve different needs and they have their own pros and cons to consider. If you need a full body workout, it’s clear that an air bike is the best option. But, if you want a superior cardio workout and/or you want to lose weight fast then an indoor cycle is the best choice. If the noise levels are important a magnet-based indoor bike is the quietest option and a friction-based indoor bike is the loudest. All exercise bikes give you the option to get a home-based low impact workout, but your specific needs will determine your final choice.