Concept2 BikeErg Review 2024: The Non-Traditional, But Excellent Air Bike

The Concept2 BikeErg is just as good as the Concept2 Rower and SkiErg. To put it plainly, nobody is creating conditioning equipment with the attention to detail, quality, or performance of Concept2. The BikeErg is a shining example of what a company can do when they focus on quality over quantity of products.

In this Concept2 BikeErg review, we’ll examine exactly what makes this stationary bike so great and why we believe it would be a great fit in many people’s home gyms. And just because we like this bike, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things we’d like to see improved. You’ll get a true look at the good, bad, and the ugly.  

Why You Should Trust Us

We not only look at a specific product in and of itself when writing a review, but we also compare it to other similar models. That’s why you’ll see the Concept2 BikeErg put up against some of the best air bikes on the market, such as the Rogue Echo and the Schwinn Airdyne Pro. 

We do this because what works in our garage gym may not be the best fit for you, so we like to provide options. And we make sure that our team of expert product testers—filled with certified personal trainers and CrossFit coaches——actually evaluates every product we write about, so you can get the most thorough and unbiased review possible. 

No Arms, No Problem

Concept 2 BikeErg

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Product Highlights

• Priced in the low $1,000s
• Uses air resistance via an adjustable damper
• High-performing PM5 monitor 
• Highly adjustable 
• Chain-free belt system that decreases need for maintenance

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable and performs well year after year
• PM5 performance monitor is among the best
• Seat, handlebars, and pedals are interchangeable with standard bicycle parts
• Damper adjusts airflow
• Frame uses a black powder coat
• Self-tensioning polygroove belts that provide a quiet ride
• Extremely light at only 58 lbs
• Adjustable handles and seat

Cons

• Seat cannot adjust forward and back
• Some find the seat uncomfortable
• Height of the seat post has been known to not go low enough for some users

Bottom Line

After using the Concept 2 BikeErg over the course of two years in a variety of workouts from sprints to long-distance bikes, we highly recommend it to anyone wanting an air bike. Although we like air bikes with arms, we actually prefer the BikeErg and have found it to be great for general fitness as well as simply blowing up the quads. The BikeErg is a Concept 2 product; we think that speaks for itself.

A Quick Look at the Concept2 BikeErg

The release of the Concept2 BikeErg was a big deal when it came out in 2017. For those unaware, Concept2 is a company that has been dedicated to rowing since their founders, Peter and Dick, nailed a bicycle to the floor and attached a handle to the free end of the chain. 

They’ve gone on to create many different iterations of their rowing ergs (erg is short for ergometer, which means an apparatus that measures work expended during exercise), and with each improvement have created something that every other company is simply trying to mimic.

In fact, Olympic rowers use Concept2’s Model D rowing machine because it’s the best at simulating the push and pull of actual water. So, it’s safe to say they’re really good at rowers. 

Concept2 began releasing different products in recent years, such as the Concept2 SkiErg, but they were always focused on creating a few products and making them the best, rather than making hundreds of different ones like their competitors. 

So when they released the BikeErg, there was a lot of anticipation and excitement to see if it would deliver. Almost five years later, it’s pretty safe to say it did just that. 

Coop’s Tips

• This feels more like a road bike than a traditional air bike, which may be an adjustment for some
• The seat, handles, and pedals can be switched out for ones of your preference

Concept2 BikeErg Video Review

Is the Concept2 BikeErg Worth It?

With so much anticipation, it would be easy for the BikeErg to come up short. But, in defying the odds, the BikeErg exceeds expectations. 

Well, let’s actually break that down a little bit. Air bikes are widely used in the CrossFit world, but this isn’t a piece of equipment made with CrossFitters in mind. It’s actually more suited toward cyclists. 

One of the reasons for this is because the arms don’t move the way they do on air bikes; they’re adjustable, but you can’t really get the same full-body workout you could on an Echo, AssaultBike, or Airdyne. 

This, however, means you’re going to get the cardio and lower-body workout of a lifetime.

GGR Senior Editor Amanda Dvorak, CPT, rated the value 4.5 out of 5 stars due to the bike’s solid construction and exercise performance. “If you’re looking for an exercise bike that provides more of a challenge than other bikes, I highly recommend the Concept2 BikeErg. Plus, it will likely last forever in a home gym, so you won’t have to worry about replacing it,” she says.

Concept2 BikeErg Specs

Workout Experience With the Concept2 BikeErg 

If you look at the front of the bike, there’s the all-too-familiar fanned flywheel and damper that has caused many soul-crushing, floor-hugging naps. The damper on the BikeErg truly is special when compared to other fan bikes.

Similar to shifting on a bicycle, the damper can make it feel like you’re strolling downhill or trudging up a steep vertical cliff. The damper setting affects how much airflow is allowed into the fan, and though it’s similar to what’s used on the Rower and SkiErg, each turn of the damper wheel causes a much more dramatic change to the feel of the ride than on Concept2’s other ergometers.

Someone who cycles often will likely be used to a large number of shifting options, but the general consumer likes simplicity. The damper Concept2 uses on the BikeErg is customizable enough to satisfy the enthusiast, yet simple enough to encourage the average user to jump on for a good sweat.

The internals of the BikeErg are yet another thing that places the BikeErg above traditional air bikes. If you’ve consistently used an air bike, you may have realized their shortcomings in quality control and complexity.

The BikeErg uses polygrooved belts, rather than the traditional chain seen on AssaultBikes and most Schwinn Airdynes (excluding the Schwinn Airdyne Pro), which makes for a quieter ride. 

The BikeErg’s belts are also self-tensioning, which means you should rarely, if ever, have to open up the chassis (aka there’s less maintenance involved, which increases the bike’s life expectancy). 

Schwinn previously used a chain drive system before moving to belt drive, and I’m glad to see Concept2 insisted on the same.

In addition to the belts, the BikeErg utilizes a clutch that allows the flywheel fan to continue turning despite the pedals stopping. If you’ve ever done intervals with another person on an air bike, you know how frustrating it is getting on and off due to the pedals having to continue progressing. This is a big advantage of the BikeErg, and I hope Schwinn and Assault take notice.

It’s All in the Legs

One of the biggest differences between the Concept2 BikeErg and most other air bikes is that the handles don’t move. So even though it utilizes air resistance, it’s more like an indoor cycling bike than an air bike. 

This means you’ll be using a lot more lower-body movement than you would on an Echo Bike. Kate Meier, Senior Director of Content for GGR—plus CrossFit coach and weightlifting coach—personally prefers the traditional air bike experience over the BikeErg. 

“Your legs might like the BikeErg more, especially because you have some control over how hard you have to pedal,” she says, “but in terms of fitness, I think the Echo or the Assault Classic air bike are better. Way more of a burn, and so much more painful.” 

Kate did warn that you’ll feel your quads burn on this thing, but overall it’s a little easier than the competition. 

“You have to work a lot harder on the Echo for a calorie than you do on the BikeErg,” she says. 

But again, that comes down to preference. Kate’s very much into CrossFit, whereas some of our writers like the classic cycling experience a little more. 

Monitor

The BikeErg utilizes the PM5 Performance Monitor, which is the same thing used on the SkiErg and RowErg. It tracks metrics such as pace, watts, cadence (RPM) and calories. All of this information is stored in its memory, or you can use a removable USB stick to upload to your computer.

 Also, if you’d like, the BikeErg connects to most wireless heart rate belts.

Pedals

The middle of the frame has two crank arms with black metal pedals. These can be changed out with any pedals you’d like, including clipless. We would’ve liked to see some sort of easy pedal replacement system to go from platforms to clipless depending on the workout; the current system prevents you from changing pedals very often. But, this isn’t too big of a deal for most people.

Seat and Handlebars

Air bikes offer adjustable seats, but they’re usually not intuitive or quick to change. The BikeErg makes it so adjustments are a breeze. Adjusting the height of the seat is as simple as pulling up or flipping a lever and sliding it down. 

The handlebars do the same and can go up, down, forward, and backward. This allows for three points of quick adjustment for a tailored ride.

The various adjustments are done through anodized aluminum tubes that slide well and stay in place.

“The adjustments are also numbered, which I love,” adds Amanda Dvorak, GGR senior editor and certified personal trainer. “If you share your bike with other users of different body types, you can easily remember which numbers you need to set the seat and handlebars to for each of your workouts.”

Construction and Durability

The build of the BikeErg is as good as we’ve come to expect from Concept2. Starting at the feet, the frame sits on four pegs that screw into the feet for adjustability based upon the slope of the floor the bike is resting on. This is standard for air bikes, and I’m glad to see they’ve included them in the BikeErg.

To keep the bike grounded and stable, Concept2 uses steel feet that are bolted to the frame. On the front feet are two roller hockey wheels that are larger than what is used on the rower and provide for easy maneuvering.

Despite the feet being steel, the rest of the frame is actually lightweight, welded aluminum. This combination of steel and aluminum allows the bike to be stable enough for powerful sprints and light enough for easy movement and storage. 

The aluminum frame is given the signature black powder-coat look that is hard-wearing and easily resists corrosion.

Footprint and Portability

The BikeErg tops the scales at only 68 pounds. The lightweight nature of the machine, in addition to the smooth caster wheels it comes with, help make it easy to move around your home gym. 

“Most healthy individuals should have no problem moving this thing around. It rolled really easily on turf and rubber gym flooring, and because it’s lightweight, it’s not cumbersome to wheel around,” Amanda says.

As far as air bikes are concerned, the BikeErg is pretty compact: It’s 48 inches in length and 24 inches wide, and at the seat’s highest point it’s 41 inches high. It should fit in most people’s home gyms, or even apartments, with no problem. 

Aesthetics 

Despite the BikeErg having a great color scheme, it’s not the most aesthetic piece of equipment in the gym. The housing that covers the internals could be a bit sleeker, however this is the least important part of the bike. Looks are very subjective, whereas quality and performance are not.

Customizations

Cyclists who want to customize their rides will love the Concept2 BikeErg. The seat can be replaced, as can the handlebars and the aforementioned pedals. I haven’t changed mine much because I find the handlebars and the seat are comfortable and versatile, while the pedals are simple metal platforms perfect for use in metcons.

Technology Benefits and Conveniences

The Concept2 BikeErg’s monitor has Bluetooth connectivity and can be used with the company’s free app, ErgData, or third-party apps like Zwift. 

“Connecting the bike to the ErgData app is really simple. You just have to open the app on your phone, make sure the bike’s monitor is ‘discoverable,’ and you’re good to go,” Amanda adds.

Suggested Improvements for the Concept2 BikeErg

Despite the Concept2 BikeErg being a fantastic machine, there are some things we’d like to see improved.

The first thing is the aesthetics. While the looks of a machine are very much secondary to the performance and construction, we can’t help but think it could be made to look more appealing to the eye.

The second improvement we’d like to see is a way to adjust the damper on the handlebars. Bikes use gear shifters on the handlebars, so you don’t have to bend down. One way it could be added is through the use of electronics, although that would take away from the simplicity and durability of Concept2 machines. 

These are minor improvements, which speaks to how great the Concept2 BikeErg is.

Concept2 BikeErg vs. AssaultBike Pro

AssaultBike Pro

AssaultBike ProX

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Heavy-duty fan bike
• 330-lb user weight capacity
• Belt-drive system
• 11 adjustable height settings
• 6 front-to-back settings
• Padded seat
• LCD display
• Work/rest LED lights
• Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable, heavy-duty steel frame
• Belt-drive system
• Sealed bearings in each pivot point for smooth ride
• Adjustable seat options
• Financing available
• Low-impact workout
• Scalable to various fitness levels
• Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

• Reportedly poor customer service
• Relatively large footprint

Bottom Line

The AssaultBike ProX offers a heavy-duty steel frame, belt-drive system, and seat adjustability to fit most home gym owners. The fan design also makes it scalable to every fitness level.

First off, the BikeErg is not a typical air bike, which is immediately evident when you realize there are no handles. However, despite it being different from the typical air bikes we see, that does not mean it’s any less effective. 

The goal of the original air bike design is to provide both a stimulus to the upper and lower body. One thing that is often overlooked, however, is the fact that the majority of users spend most of their effort pushing the pedals instead of the arms.

The Concept2 BikeErg does receive its resistance from air, but it has an entirely different feeling from the AssaultBikes. I say this because the damper has a wide range of resistance levels, from feeling like an AssaultBike to an exercise bike with lots of resistance.

One of the biggest things that separates Concept2 from the AssaultBikes is that the former uses a belt drive, rather than the chain drive. Belt drives just allow for quieter operation and require less maintenance over time. 

Concept2 BikeErg vs. Schwinn Airdyne Pro

Schwinn Airdyne Pro

Schwinn AD7 Airdyne Pro Air Bike

GGR Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• Powerful solid steel cranks
• Doubled-coated steel body construction
• 9 programmable workout options
• Multi-grip handle bars
• Oversized, padded seat

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Quiet and low-maintenance belt drive system
• Best monitor on any air bike we’ve tested
• Has heavy-duty rubber grips and pedals
• Solid steel construction
• Responsive ride

Cons

• Made with lots of plastic, which reduces noise but isn’t durable
• Fan guard and other accessories cost extra
• Price is over $1,000

Bottom Line

The Schwinn Airdyne AD7 is one of the quieter air bikes on the market, thanks to its low-maintenance, belt-drive system. Priced over $1,000, this bike has a great monitor and is a durable option.

The Concept2 BikeErg is roughly $200 more than the Schwinn Airdyne Pro, and whether it’s worth that cost is going to be up to you. If you’re simply looking for a challenging cardio workout and want a durable machine, then Concept2 is the winner. The self-tensioning belt and higher-quality build will serve you well. 

But if you have a focus in CrossFit, you’ll want to pick Schwinn—or our next option. Concept2 BikeErg vs. Rogue Echo Bike

RELATED: How to choose an exercise bike

CrossFit’s Official Air Bike

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.

Again, if you’re a CrossFitter you can’t do much better than the official air bike of the CrossFit Games. The Concept2 is built more for a general audience than those who are looking to excel in a specific sport, but you really can’t go wrong between either of these bikes. 

Customer Experience 

Concept2 can be reached via an online form on its website, and has options for international customers as well. They can also be reached through email, telephone, or social media. 

Returns, Financing, Warranty

Concept2 offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try out the BikeErg for a month and see if you like it. If you don’t, you can return it for a full refund. 

The frame is covered by a five-year warranty, and all parts come with a two-year warranty. 

Concept2 does not offer any financing options on its products. 

Ordering and Assembling the Concept2 BikeErg

Ordering the Concept2 BikeErg was simple through the company’s website. My neighborhood UPS Driver pulled up and with a half-friendly/half “why do you receive so many heavy packages” honk and beckoned me to help him with the box.

Thankfully for him, I love getting packages and have no problem helping him out. After dragging the box into the garage, I looked on with wonder at all the meters that were to come.

I quickly disassembled the flesh-colored corrugated fiberboard shell that wrapped the bike, and after smashing the foam to bits and tearing the saran wrap with the same intensity a showman does in slicing a phonebook in half, the partially constructed BikeErg appeared.

With the quick turn of a wrist using Concept2’s diamond driver (that’s also branded with Concept2’s logo) and a handful of stainless steel screws, the Concept2 BikeErg was assembled and ready to punish anyone’s central nervous system who underestimates it.

Customer Reviews

Concept2 doesn’t have any customer reviews listed on its website, but the BikeErg is available on Amazon and it has a 4.9 average rating with more than 260 reviews as of this writing. Of those, more than 90 percent are 5-star reviews. 

Many people compared it to a Concept2 rower, in terms of functionality and durability. 

The few negative reviews centered around the bike arriving with some damage, or instructions missing from the box.

Final Verdict of Our Concept2 BikeErg Review

Concept2 has proven time and time again that they know how to build a high-quality machine, and they’ve done it again with the BikeErg. Although it’s not your typical air bike, the BikeErg has just about everything you’d want in a good piece of cardio equipment: quiet operation, durable construction, and a stellar workout experience every time you hop on it. 

To reiterate, this bike wasn’t built for anyone interested in CrossFit. This is for the people who are into cycling, want to improve their cardiovascular fitness, or want a high-quality machine that will last in their home gym for many years. 

Concept2 BikeErg Rating

Full Rating

Concept2 BikeErg

Can a company known for its rowers make a good exercise bike? Our Concept2 BikeErg review will let you know our thoughts.

Product Brand: Concept2

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 1379

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.88

Concept2 BikeErg FAQs

Coop Mitchell

Cooper Mitchell ("Coop') is the creator of Garage Gym Reviews. He's produced more content on home gyms and training equipment than likely anyone else in the world and is recognized as the foremost expert in the space. When not writing about barbells, squat racks, and other pieces of equipment, he can be found eating tacos and reading biographies on dead people. Coop has been featured in prestigious publications such as The Art of Manliness, Starting Strength, Men's Health, Business Insider and many others.

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