Assault Bike vs Echo Bike – Which One Should You Get?

Choosing what kind of cardio machine to purchase can be difficult. With so many options on the market, deciding on the best one for you is a challenge, as all of them can have great benefits if used correctly. To help you out with your shopping, we’ve decided to write this article and compare the assault bike vs echo bike in all aspects – from build quality and key characteristics to warranty and accessories. 

Assault Airbike vs Rogue Echo Bike

Comparing the Rouge Echo Bike vs Assault bike is fairly common, as these are the two most often used bikes at fitness boxes.

Having said that, more and more people have found these two bikes to be some of the best forms of cardio they can do, which has caused them to become popular buys for home or garage gyms, as they’re more easily stored compared to machines such as the treadmill or the lower.

However, choosing between the Rogue Echo vs Assault bike can be tricky, which is why we’re going to look at all their key features and characteristics and help you make the right decision based on your needs.

Let’s get started. 

1. Overall Build Quality 

Both these two bikes have powder-coated steel frames, which makes them look sleek, clean, and minimalistic.

Along with that, the steel material is key to making them corrosion-resistant and durable, regardless of how heavy-duty the conditions are. And so, we can say that both the Assault Bike and the Rogue Echo Bike are durable and will last a long time. 

However, if you compare them side-to-side, you will easily notice that the Echo Bike is higher, longer, and bulkier than the Assault Bike and so it takes up more space.

Both bikes have wheels at the front, making it easy to move them around and transport them; however, the Echo bike is a tad heavier, which is to be expected when you consider its size.

When it comes to transportation, that additional weight is not a good thing, however, when doing more intense workouts such as HIIT sessions, it provides stability to riders, and this makes the Echo bike slightly better for intense training sessions. 

Overall, we can calmly claim that both the Rogue Echo Bike and the Assault AirBike have incredible built quality and are made with materials that can last a long time in any condition. There aren’t that many differences between them, besides the fact that the Echo bike is heavier and bigger in size and so it requires more space to be used properly. 

2. Footprint and Portability 

As we already mentioned, both of these bikes have wheels at the front, which makes it easy to move them around, even if you’re unable to lift them off the ground. Having said that, if you have minimal space available for the bike, the Assault AirBike might be the better choice of the two, as it’s smaller in size and can be used in smaller areas.

However, if you don’t really care about how much space the bike will take up, the additional weight of the Rogue Echo Bike makes it more stable and so more appropriate for intense workouts, where you’re truly giving it your all. 

3. Assembling

If you order either one of those bikes off the official website, it will arrive in a box with instructions on how to assemble it. We can confidently say that it’s not difficult to do so and that it only takes a few minutes to do. The trickiest part is, of course, connecting the LCD displays to the body, so you should be extra careful when doing so. 

4. Drive System 

When comparing the Assault AirBike vs Rogue Echo, one of the most significant differences is the drive system that’s being used. The Assault AirBike can be compared to a standard bicycle, as it uses a conventional chain mechanism; however, the Echo Bike uses a more modern one – the belt mechanism, which is typically used in cars. 

The main differences between these two driving systems can be described in the following way: 

• Riding a belt mechanism bike provides a smoother experience compared to the chain system. 
• Along with that, Echo Bikes are a lot more responsive than AirBikes, which means that they start instantly the moment you begin to pedal and stop immediately after you let off. On the other hand, bikes with chain mechanisms usually keep going for some time, even after you stop pedaling. 
• Chain drives are also more prone to wearing out quicker compared to a belt-driving system. This is because chains tend to stretch over time, and so they lose their efficiency. That can make them over 4% less efficient. 
• Additionally, Echo Bikes running on the belt mechanism are much quieter and don’t make the kind of noise we typically associate with air bikes. The only noise you hear from them is coming from the fan, unlike the Assault Bike, which causes noise with its vibrations, chain frictions, and the fan. 

For some, it might be minus that the Echo Bike doesn’t record the so-called “ghost calories” that come from a phenomenon known as “ghost riding.” It usually happens whenever you stop pedaling, but the Assault bike keeps on going for a few seconds, giving you extra calories that you didn’t work for.

As already mentioned, bikes with a belt mechanism are a lot more responsive, and they stop immediately after you’re done moving, so no “ghost” calories can be gained. On the other hand, that means that you’re not allowed to “cheat” with the Rogue Echo Bike – what you put in is what you get. 

5. Fan & Blades

Regardless of the fact that they use different driving systems, both of these bikes have a fan that serves as the main way to create resistance.

On the Rogue Echo Bike, the fan blade is made out of steel, and that, along with its belt-driving system, helps make the bike a lot quieter in comparison to the Assault AirBike.

On the other hand, the Assault AirBike has the traditional 25” diameter steel fan; however, the noise is much more noticeable because of its chain driving system. 

6. Seat

The Rogue Echo Bike has an adjustable, padded seat that can be locked into eight different height settings and five front-to-back settings so that it can be comfortable regardless of the size of the person who’s going to be using it.

On the other hand, the Assault AirBike’s seat, while also padded, is deemed to be slightly more uncomfortable due to its smaller size and the fact that not as many modifications can be made to it, so it might not always adjust in the best possible way for your height. 

7. Pedals

On the Rogue Echo Bike, you will find a steel step plate with knurled 4.5” long rotating foot pegs and metal pedals. Thanks to the built-in belt mechanism, the pedals are extremely sensitive, and they stop and go according to your actions.

On the Assault AirBike, you will also find steel pedals that are able to endure many hours of strenuous workouts. 

8. Handles

Both bikes have handles that are in sync with the pedals, making them great for a whole-body workout. Along with that, the grips are coated with rubber, which makes them easier to hold on to, even when you’re sweating a lot.

With that said, the Rogue Echo Bike has a wider and higher handle frame, while the one of the Assault AirBike is lower and narrower. If you’re a smaller person, the handles of the Echo bike might be more challenging to grip in comparison to the ones of the Assault AirBike.

On the other hand, if you’re taller, the opposite applies, and you will likely find the Echo bike much more comfortable. 

9. Monitor and Features 

The Rogue Echo Bike comes with a high-contrast LCD display with a wide variety of workout programs. On it, you can find everything from standard HIIT workouts (20 seconds on, 10 seconds rest) to custom intervals, as well as to different workouts that target a specific time, distance, or amount of calories.

Along with that, it allows you to monitor your heart rate; however, you will have to separately purchase a heart rate monitor and connect it to the LCD screen. 

The Assault AirBike also comes with an LCD monitor, and the features it has are similar to the ones of the Echo bike. You can find the same pre-programmed intervals, custom intervals, and more.

The only difference is that the LCD display of the Assault AirBike doesn’t offer heart rate monitoring; however, AssaultBike offers you a free community app to download in order to participate in community challenges, daily workouts, and the opportunity to compete with other users online. 

10. Accessories 

When it comes to the Rogue Echo Bike, the manufacturers give you a wide variety of accessories that you can purchase separately.

These include things like bottle cages, phone holders, wind guards, and even a turf tire & handle kit, which can replace the standard front foot of the bike and add a new level of maneuverability to the Echo bike.

With the Assault AirBike, you can also get quite a few accessories, including a windscreen attachment to protect you from the air that would otherwise be blowing in your face and all Shimano Bike Accessories that are available on their website. 

11. Warranty 

The Rogue Echo Bike comes with a 2-year warranty, during which Rogue Fitness is willing to make any repairs to the bike if it becomes defective or malfunctions, at no additional charge to the customer.

With the Assault AirBike, you’re also getting a warranty period; however, it’s much longer – 5 years, during which the company is willing to make any repairs or replacements for free in case the bike shows defects or malfunctions. 

Overall, for both warranties, it’s vital to note that the user shouldn’t cause the issue – the bike has to be in good condition, and it should have no signs that you tried doing some kind of work on it on your own – meaning you didn’t try to “repair” or “tweak” it in any way. 

Assault AirBike vs. Echo Bike – Summary

Now, we’ve taken a complete look at all the specs and features of both of these bikes, and so it’s time to summarize everything we’ve learned so far. 

The Rogue Echo Bike is a terrific cardio machine, made to be used in fitness boxes and other commercial gyms, but also suitable for at-home use. Thanks to its solid steel build, numerous functions, durability, and comfort, the Echo Bike is considered to be amongst the best air bikes on the market, and so it’s preferred by many customers across the globe. 

On the other hand, the Assault AirBike is a more modern take on a cardio machine that first became popular in the 2000s.

It’s well-built and has long been used as a conditioning cardio machine, and its size and weight are advantages that can make a significant difference for people who want to use it at home. Along with that, it’s probably the best chain-drive air bike that’s currently out on the market. 

Having said all of that, let’s now compare both the key differences and the Pros & Cons of these two bikes so that you can better decide which one is the right fit for your needs and training style. 

Key Difference #1: Drive System 

The Rogue Echo Bike has a belt drive system, meaning that a hard rubber belt drive is connected to the pedal case with the fan.

Belt drives are usually used in cars and require almost no maintenance, so they can truly last a long time. Along with that, they’re a lot more responsive and quiet in comparison to other drive systems.

The Assault Bike has a different drive system – a chain one, which is much louder and less responsive. The chain drive mechanism is typical for bikes; however, it requires more maintenance and upkeep, as it can wear off over time and become more prone to slipping.  

It’s key to note that the belt drive system prevents the so-called “ghost calories.” Typically bikes with chain mechanisms continue to rotate even after you’ve stopped pedaling – giving you extra calories, something that cannot happen with the much more responsive belt system. 

Key Difference #2: Price

Typically, products that come from Rogue Fitness tend to be expensive compared to those of other brands. But that’s not really the case here, as the Rogue Echo Bike comes in at $845, which is less than 2 of the three models of AssaultBikes.

With that said, you will need to pay extra money if you want to get some of the necessary accessories like the wind guard, phone holder, and water bottle cage.

On the other hand, the classic model of the Assault AirBike comes in at $749; however, with it, you will also have to additionally purchase accessories if you want to make the experience that much more comfortable. 

Key Difference #3: The Monitors 

The Rogue Echo Bike comes with a high-contrast LCD display and, along with that, many different workout options – the standard interval training sessions, the opportunity to create custom intervals, as well as workouts that target a specific time, distance, or calorie burn.

In comparison, the Assault AirBike’s LCD monitor has lower resolution and not quite as many workout programs. However, you do have the options for standard intervals, custom ones, and the opportunity to install an app with which you can find new training sessions and compete with other users. 

Key Difference #4: The Seat

Being able to sit comfortably on the bike is crucial, especially when you consider the fact that you’re giving your all to this training session, and not having optimal comfort may make it even harder for you.

Typically, air bikes have wider seats than spin bikes as a way to increase stability. Additionally, maneuvering the seat height is vital, as that’s the only way to exert as much power as possible when doing high-intensity style training. 

Having said all that, the Rogue Echo Bike comes with eight different options for the height of the seat, as well as five additional horizontal settings – making it extremely adjustable and suitable for every kind of body type. On the other hand, the Assault AirBike has even more options for adjusting the seat, with 11 options for height and an additional 5 for horizontal movement.

Key Difference #5: Stability

Regarding stability, the Rogue Echo Bike is unmatched – its base is just under 24” wide and has a weight of 127lbs.

The combination of all of that makes sure that it doesn’t wobble, move around or destabilize in any way, regardless of how hard you’re working out. 

The Assault AirBike is slightly lighter than the Echo Bike, and the difference can really be felt when you’re giving your 100% during the workout. This decreased weight leads to some significant wobbling and an overall unstable feeling whenever you’re riding fast. 

Pros & Cons of Rogue Echo Bike 

Now that we’ve narrowed down the key differences let’s make a short list of the Pros & Cons of the Rogue Echo Bike. 

Pros & Cons of Assault AirBike

And now for the Assault AirBike. 

All in all, when comparing Echo Bike vs. Assault Bike, we can say they pretty much serve the same purpose. However, the Rogue Echo Bike is a piece of equipment that can find its place in any gym in the world and in professional competitions, thanks to its superior design, better stability, and more correct belt-driving system.

On the other hand, for people who simply want to work out at home and burn off the stress, the Assault AirBike is a fantastic, slightly cheaper option. 

Assault AirBike Pro vs Rogue Echo Bike 

You already know all the benefits of the Rogue Echo Bike – it’s more durable and stable, has plenty of pre-programmed workout options, and is not that much more expensive than the Assault AirBike Classic.

However, having said that, the problem with the Rogue Echo Bike for your home gym might be that it’s too heavy and too big to fit in.

That’s where the Assault AirBike Pro comes in, as the in-between option. It’s smaller and lighter than the Rogue Echo Bike; however, it’s more stable and durable than the Classic Assault AirBike. Along with that, it offers more modern features such as an updated LCD screen and Bluetooth connectivity, and along with that can be easily moved anywhere thanks to its transport wheels and zero need for electricity. 

Rogue Echo Bike vs Assault Air Bike Elite

When it comes to stability and comfort, the Assault AirBike Elite is the closest one to the Rogue Echo Bike. This model of the Assault AirBike was built for high-intensity workouts, as its heavier in weight and more stable than previous models. However, it’s slighly smaller than the Rogue Echo Bike and so might be more suitable for tighter spaces.

Along with that, it’s the first bike where you can separetly train the upper and the lower body. However, perhaps the coolest feature is the high contrast LCD display that can be connected to your phone via bluetooth and allows you to do pre-programmed workouts and participate in competitions.

When compared to the Rogue Echo Bike, the AirBike Elite is much more expensive, coming it at $1,299. 

Having said all that, the Rogue Echo Bike still has its advantages – the belt drive system makes it a lot less noisy and a lot more accurate in counting calories. Along with that, its much cheaper, even with some accessories added in.

FAQ

Is Echo Bike harder than Assault bike?

The Echo Bike is more responsive than the Assault bike, meaning that you cannot count on the pedals to keep moving when you’re not pushing them. That makes the workout slightly harder and the number of calories burned more accurate. 

Are Assault Bike and Echo Bike calories the same?

Comparing the echo bike vs assault bike calories is no the same.Thanks to its belt drive system, the Echo Bike is more accurate in counting the number of calories burned, as it doesn’t allow you to rely on “ghost calories.” 

Conclusion

The Rogue Echo Bike and the Assault Air Bike are fantastic pieces of fitness equipment you can use to improve your cardiovascular endurance. Both can be used both at home and in a commercial gym, and which one you choose to get largely depends on some tiny personal preferences. That being said, if you could choose one of the two, which one would you go for? Let us know below. 

Also read:

• Fan Bike vs Spin Bike
• Assault Bike Workouts
• Assault Bike Workouts
• Spin Bike vs Air Bike
• Air Bike Workout
• Assault Airbike Review
• Assault Bike Benefits
• Best Fan Bikes
• Best Exercise Bike for Heavy Person

References:

1. Redefining drivetrain efficiency that matters to everyday cyclists // BIKEeurope:
   https://www.bike-eu.com/39298/redefining-drivetrain-efficiency-that-matters-to-everyday-cyclists
2. SHIMANO PD-EH500 PEDALS // ROGUE: https://www.roguefitness.com/shimano-pd-eh500-pedals/?a_aid=62ff8b7e519eb