Best Exercise Bike with Moving Arms (2024): Get The Whole Body Moving

Repeat after us: I will never neglect a muscle group. That means no skipping leg day, and for you cyclists out there, it means making sure you maintain upper-body strength. But how does one work their chest and arms while riding an indoor stationary bike? 

Well, you could curl some dumbbells or you could check out our recommendations for the best exercise bike with moving arms. Personally, we’d go with the latter idea for a few reasons, one of the top ones being it’s a total-body workout—legs, shoulders, knees, and cardio. 

We’re a group of competitive weightlifters, certified personal trainers, and CrossFit Level 1 Trainers who want to see people get excited about fitness. That’s why we only recommend cardio machines that we know will deliver results and be fun to use. Because what’s the point of having an exercise machine if it’s just going to be used as a coat hanger and never fulfill its actual purpose? 

We’ll make sure you find the best fitness equipment that will never have an article of clothing thrown over it. We test and rate each exercise bike from 1 to 5 based on these factors:

• Footprint and portability: How much space does it take up and is it easy to move? Bonus points for foldability.
• Durability: Will it last a while? Does it feel stable while in use?
• Adjustability and ergonomics: Is it comfortable and can it fit multiple body types?
• Features: Does it have a touchscreen or other special features that enhance the workout?

Best Exercise Bike with Moving Arms 

• Best Overall Exercise Bike with Moving Arms: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike
• Best Compact Exercise Bike with Moving Arms: AssaultBike Classic 
• Best Exercise Bike with Moving Arms for Beginners: Titan Fitness Fan Bike
• Best Exercise Bike with Moving Arms for Upper-Body Workouts: Xebex Air Bike
• Best Air Bike with Moving Arms: Rogue Echo Bike
• Best Budget Exercise Bike with Moving Arms: Marcy NS-1000 Fan Bike

Best Overall Exercise Bike with Moving Arms: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike

Good for: Those who want a great indoor cycling bike with moving arms at a great value 

Home Gym Blitz

Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Sturdy with great transport wheels
• Budget-friendly
• Belt drive
• Compact footprint
• Plus-size adjustable seat

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Heavy-duty frame
• Notable weight capacity
• Belt drive system, which is quieter and requires less maintenance than chain drive
• Ergonomic seat
• Large fan
• Affordable
• Free shipping
• Comes with water bottle holder, wind guard, and phone holder

Cons

• No rear handle to make moving it easier
• Transport wheels are small

Bottom Line

The Blitz Air Bike 2.0 is one of the best-priced air bikes on the market and is packed with great features, a solid build, and solid warranty.

The Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0 is our top pick for an exercise bike with moving arms simply because it’s the best value for most home gym owners. With a super-comfy adjustable seat, grippy handlebars, and a removable wind guard, it has everything you need to get a sweat-inducing full-body workout.

The wind guard is a huge value-add because similar models sell their’s separately, not to mention the fact that Bells of Steel’s bike is cheaper to begin with. But we use “cheaper” only in the monetary sense here—nothing about this bike feels “cheap.” There are a few plastic and rubber parts, but not enough that we’re worried about the overall durability. 

We noticed during testing that this bike doesn’t wobble at all, even when we went all out on it. “I was impressed with how hard I could go without the bike wobbling at all,” says Coop Mitchell, GGR founder and home gym equipment expert.

That’s not too much of a surprise given the mostly metal construction and the fact that it weighs 118 pounds and has a 350-pound weight capacity. Plus, it uses a belt-drive system that will produce challenging resistance and requires little to no maintenance over the bike’s lifetime. All of that earns it a 4.5 out of 5 on durability (we docked a half point because of the plastic parts).

And you get a water bottle holder and phone holder, which aren’t too common in air bikes. 

Although not quite as wide as the Rogue Echo Bike, the Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike has a wide frame that smaller riders may find difficult to master, even with the adjustable seat. It’s also pretty heavy at 118 pounds, and though it has front-facing transport wheels it’s not the easiest to move around the home gym. Still, it gets a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability.

There’s also a short two-year warranty, but again we think this is pretty durable and should last for many years. 

If you want to check out a similar bike, the Fringe Sport Raptor Air Bike is very similar to this but at a higher price tag. 

Check out our full Bells of Steel Blitz Bike 2.0 review for more of our thoughts. 

Best Compact Exercise Bike with Moving Arms: AssaultBike Classic  

Good for: Those who want a sturdy, but compact exercise bike with moving arms 

We Like to Move It Move It

Assault AirBike

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Heavy-duty exercise bike
• Monitor is easy to use
• Affordably priced
• Uses a chain drive, not a belt drive

Pros & Cons

Pros

• A staple in many CrossFit gyms
• Great, easy-to-use monitor
• Made of mostly metal for great durability
• Matte black finish
• Comfortable seat
• Rubber grips on handles are very durable
• Affordable for an air bike

Cons

• Chain-driven system that requires additional upkeep
• Some rocking side to side
• Screws may come loose often

Bottom Line

The Assault AirBike was once the standard air bike for CrossFit athletes. In our testing and reviews of the bike, we’ve found it to be durable and enjoyable (not in the traditional sense) to use.

The fact that the low-tech AssaultBike Classic is still a go-to for many home and commercial gym owners during a time when smart home gym equipment is all the rage is a testament to how good this exercise bike is. At 95 pounds and just under 51 inches in length, this bike is lightweight and easy to move but is still incredibly stable as you put pedal to the metal and rock the handlebars back and forth.

It might not be as stable as heavier air bikes, but it’s great at remaining level for riders up to 300 pounds. We’ll give the durability a 4 out of 5, taking a point off due to the fact that it’s a chain-drive bike (more on that in a second). 

There are no special bike features, hardly any conveniences (not even a water bottle holder), no Bluetooth connectivity to pair it with fitness apps, and it has a simple LCD monitor instead of a touchscreen. 

So why would we recommend it? Simply because of its functionality. In other words, you’ll get some of the best workouts of your life on this compact piece of equipment, no matter your fitness goals. 

Normally we’d also knock the use of the chain-drive system—which are louder and require more maintenance than a belt-drive system—but Assault’s chains are top-of-the-line and aside from some routine greasing there’s not much you’ll have to do with it. 

The chain drive also makes it easier to pedal, which is a plus if your goal is to work both halves of your body (anything tougher would zap you of the energy you need for your upper-body movements). 

At under $800, this is one of the best value exercise bikes on the market. Most of the parts are metal, aside from the rubber grips, seat, and the monitor, so you know it’ll last quite a while in your home gym. 

Check out our AssaultBike reviews for more on this bike and other AssaultBike models. 

Best Exercise Bike with Moving Arms for Beginners: Titan Fitness Fan Bike

Good for: Fitness beginners who want a high-quality exercise bike 

Beginners’ Luck

Titan Fan Bike

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Affordable air bike
• 111-pounds of heavy-gauge steel
• Integrated with sealed cartridge bearings
• Powder-coated finish.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Made of heavy-duty steel
• Priced under $700
• Easy to transport
• Free shipping
• Fan guard

Cons

• Large footprint
• Chain-drive belt
• Can be loud

Bottom Line

The Titan Fan Bike is an affordable alternative for those looking for a quality air bike. Its ease of use, portability, and ability to deliver an intense workout make it a top choice for us.

If you’ve never tried an exercise bike with moving arms before, the Titan Fan Bike might be a good place to start. It feels like the Assault AirBike, which was used in the CrossFit Games before being replaced by the Rogue Echo Bike, but at a smaller price point and the chain-drive mechanism makes it easier to pedal than a belt-drive bike.

“Starting a belt-drive bike like the Echo Bike from Rogue Fitness is harder and can also stop more abruptly,” GGR founder and home gym equipment expert Coop Mitchell says in his Titan Fan Bike review.

Beyond that, the Titan Fan Bike comes with features and accessories not commonly found on other air bikes. For one, there’s a grippy phone holder that keeps your iPhone or Android in place no matter how hard you pedal. There’s also a removable fan guard (nobody wants cold air blowing on them during the winter), and turf tires that allow you to move the bike on just about any surface.

We’ll give it a 4 out of 5 on features, taking off a point due to the lackluster LCD monitor (which, to be honest, is quite standard on air bikes).

There’s minimal sway on this bike, and it has a 330-pound user weight capacity, so we’ll give it a 4.5 out of 5 for durability (there are some plastic parts, hence the half-point deduction).

Best Exercise Bike with Moving Arms for Upper-Body Workouts: Xebex Air Bike

Good for: Anyone who wants to make sure their upper body stays in good shape 

Arm Day

Xebex Air Bike

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Chain-drive air bike
• Under $1,000
• Pre-programmed workouts
• Durable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Heavy duty
• Affordable
• Discounts available for first responders

Cons

• Chain-drive is noisy
• Can be wobbly at times
• Frame causes you to lean

Bottom Line

Our testers liked the Xebex Air Bike, but found there were better options at similar prices.

On the surface, the Xebex Air Bike looks like any other air bike on this list but there is one distinct difference: the curved handles. These allow you to feel the push/pull movements more than other bikes, and prevent them from hitting your knees. As certified personal trainer and GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele notes, it also feels beefier than other handles.

It also has adjustable resistance, which is something not commonly found in air bikes. “I like the idea of having more than just the dampering of you and your intensity to provide more resistance, especially for those longer distance lower intensity rides,” Lindsay says.

In terms of durability, it earns a 4 out of 5. It has a 350-pound weight capacity, is mostly metal, but as Lindsay notes there is some wobbling when you put the pedal to the metal. “There’s some movement if you exaggerate the movement of the exercise,” Lindsay says in our Xebex Air Bike review. “If you are not doing that, this is pretty solid foundation that is provided to get in that air bike workout.”

She also notes that it’s pretty noisy, rating it a 4 out of 5 in that category. “No matter if you are using this for high all out bursts or for a gentle warm-up you are going to have a decent amount of noise,” she says. “This is not from the fan and dampening of the fan, but from the chain drive of the bike. You are hearing that chain cranking away no matter the intensity of the workout.”

To find the best recumbent bike for you, check out our best recumbent exercise bike roundup.

Best Air Bike with Moving Arms: Rogue Echo Bike

Good for: Home gym owners looking for the best air bike for total-body workouts 

Hello? Echo!

Rogue Echo Bike

GGR Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• Heavy duty steel
• Overbuilt for smooth ride 
• 350 lb weight limit 
• Solid foundation for max outs 
• Easily portable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely durable, beefy construction
• Very little rocking or side-to-side movement
• Black powder-coated metal on almost everything
• Belt-driven fan for much less maintenance.
• Easy-to-read LCD console screen
• Legs feature adjustable leveling feet
• Somewhat compact
• Oversized, heavy-duty front wheels
• Sleek, attractive look

Cons

• Larger than other stationary bikes
• Belt drive is overall harder to push than a chain drive
• Not the cheapest air bike on the market

Bottom Line

We’ve tested just about every air bike on the market, and the Echo combines many of our favorite features into one. The belt drive is much more durable and requires less maintenance than a chain drive. The size and weight make it extremely stable, and the price is much less than we’d expect for such a quality piece of equipment.

If you’re unfamiliar with the controversy with the Rogue Echo Bike, the long story short is that it took the place of the official CrossFit Games air bike away from the Assault AirBike and not everyone was pleased with that decision. But, in our opinion, if you’re looking for an air bike, this is the one to go for with limited exceptions (which we’ll get to in a minute).

Related: Rogue Echo Bike vs Assault AirBike review

An air bike is meant to be a total-body workout and that’s exactly what you’ll get with the Echo. You’ll also get a quiet workout, thanks to the belt-drive system, all-metal frame, and the size of the fan blades (you’ll hear a slight whooshing sound as you pedal, but it’s nothing that’ll disturb anyone in your house).

This thing is also durable. Coop Mitchell, GGR founder and home gym equipment expert, had this in a small studio he used to run and it still works just as good as it did on Day One. We rate it a 5 out of 5 in that category.

Like the AssaultBike, the Rogue Echo doesn’t come with a bottle cage, though you can purchase it separately and it’s pretty easy to install. 

The frame is also much bigger than other air bikes, which helps it remain stable while in use but it does mean it’s not a great choice for those in compact home gyms. 

Check out our full Rogue Echo Bike review for more information.

Best Budget Exercise Bike with Moving Arms: Marcy NS-1000 Fan Bike

Good for: Anyone who is looking for a good machine that doesn’t cost much 

Budget Biking

Marcy NS-1000 Fan Bike

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Product Highlights

• Affordable 
• Compact and lightweight 
• Unlimited resistance 
• Adjustable seat

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Costs under $200
• Compact footprint
• Adjustable ergonomic seat supports users of all heights
• Unlimited resistance
• Lightweight

Cons

• Max user weight capacity of 250 lbs

Bottom Line

The Marcy Fan Bike is an affordable air bike that's not great for serious athletes, but gets the job done for the average person looking to switch up their cardio routine.

We normally wouldn’t recommend a cardio machine that’s under $100 because there’s a fine line between being cheap and being cheap (you know exactly what we mean). But the Marcy NS-1000 Fan Bike is an exception because the company has proven that it can develop a good exercise bike at a great cost. 

We use good here because in all honesty, this bike is not meant for the serious athlete. If you’re someone who’s just looking to maintain their lower- and upper-body strength and doesn’t want to spend a lot of money, this will do the job perfectly. If you’re training for the CrossFit Games, this simply doesn’t have the durability or capacity to prepare you for that. 

Let’s get back to the positives—unlimited resistance (it goes as fast as you can), a wide and comfy seat, tension control, and a compact footprint. Users also pointed out that while the assembly can be a bit time-consuming, it’s not difficult. 

The handlebars are covered in a rubber that will provide an alright grip, but we wouldn’t use chalk on these the same way we would the Rogue Echo Bike. 

How We Picked and Tested the Best Exercise Bike with Moving Arms

Want to know how we landed on determining the best exercise bikes with moving arms? Here’s a look at our itinerary. 

• Durability: Is the bike built well and do we expect it to last a while in people’s home gyms? 
• Versatility: It goes without saying, but we wanted to make sure each bike could work the lower and upper body effectively. 
• Price: We wanted to give options for those on a budget, and those who just want the best-of-the-best at home.
• Footprint: How big is the bike, and could it realistically fit in most people’s home gyms?  

Why You Should Have an Exercise Bike with Moving Arms 

As certified personal trainer and CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Amanda Capritto puts it, exercise bikes with moving arms are essentially the ultimate exercise machine. 

“While all types of exercise bikes are great for getting in some cardio workouts, exercise bikes with moving arms will always add a little extra oomph to your workout,” she says. “Instead of just working out your legs, your upper body will feel the burn, too—even your core will work harder on an exercise bike with moving arms than on a stationary bike with typical handles. 

“I particularly recommend this type of bike to people who are short on time because this ain’t your average pedaling: In less than 30 (or even 20, if you’re a HIIT fanatic) minutes, you can get a phenomenal workout for all of your major muscle groups,” she adds. 

Best Exercise Bike with Moving Arms FAQs

Anthony O'Reilly, CPT, CNC

Anthony O'Reilly is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and personal trainer whose work has been featured in Muscle & Fitness and BarBend, and previously was an award-winning reporter and photographer for newspapers on Long Island and Queens, NY. After spending most of his life overweight, he dropped 80 pounds and took control of his health and fitness. Outside of work, he still enjoys Little Debbie cakes but offsets them with rigorous hikes and workouts. He's an avid Manchester United supporter, through thick and thin.

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