For anyone wanting to experience the ultimate HIIT workout session, this article on the best airdyne bike will be your guide. But before we jump into the details, see the list of the current Schwinn Airdyne Models available for purchase.
What is An Airdyne Bike?
AirDyne is a registered trademark of Schwinn, and only their products can be called Airdyne. Airdyne bikes feature a giant fan that is controlled through a moving handlebar or the pedals.
The first Schwinn Airdyne model was produced in 1979 and was at the time known as the Schwinn Airdyne ergoMetric Exerciser AD2-0. It featured the unique dual motion action air bikes are known for and was powered using a chain drive system to the large metal fans.
After the 1979 release, Schwinn has since improved on the delivery of their models year after year. Schwinn has released at least six known models of the Air-Dyne bike: the AD2, AD4, Airdyne Evo Comp, AD6 and lastly the Airdyne Pro or AD7.
The newer models available are the Airdyne AD2, AD6 and Airdyne Pro(AD7) and feature an all-new design. One thing to note is that they’ve switched over from the all-metal design with chain drives to mostly plastic and a belt drive system.
This change has a lot of benefits from lower-cost, a more modern look and provides an overall quieter experience. On the downside, the new Schwinn Airdyne models may have durability issues.
So if you are a fan of the old metal design and want a bike with incredible durability, we recommend the Assault Airbike Classic or Elite.
We’ve also made an in-depth comparison of the Assault bike vs Airdyne bikes that highlights the differences between both models.
Our Top Recommendation for Best Airdyne Bike!
- Progressive wind resistance for infinite levels of challenge
- Comfortable, adjustable seat
- Perimeter weighted fan for easy start up and a smooth ride
- High resolution multi-display console tracks calories, watts, time, distance, speed, RPM and heart rate
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3 Best Airdyne Bike Models
Now that you know the basic history of Schwinn Airdyne bikes we can jump straight into which model is the best airdyne bike. There aren’t many models to choose from so we’ll go over the options available for purchase and highlight the essential points.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Schwinn Airdyne AD7 | • High-Resolution Multi-Display Console Tracks Calories • Comfortable, Adjustable Seat • Progressive Wind Resistance | |
 | Schwinn Airdyne AD6 | • Quiet, Frictionless Fan • Self-balancing foot pedals • Single-Stage Belt Drive Keeps | |
 | Schwinn Airdyne AD2 | • Bio connect LCD console tracks speed • Progressive wind resistance • Synchronized arm and leg motion |
1. Schwinn Airdyne AD7
Not many air bikes can compare to the Schwinn Airdyne Pro. As it features all the top of the line specifications. The Schwinn Airdyne AD7 provides the best low impact, calorie-burning, and actual muscle-building workout you’ll ever experience.
Durable is The Schwinn AD7
Unlike the older mostly plastic Schwinn airdyne models, the AD7 provides insane levels of durability and sturdiness that is very similar to the vintage Schwinn airdyne or an assault bike. The AD7 or Airdyne Pro is built to take the most intense workout sessions thanks to its solid heavy-duty steel construction. The materials of the bike are double-coated with a moisture repellent solution to last through years of sweat showers. To top it off the bike comes with a wide footprint and measures 55 x 26 x 53 inches while weighing 113 lbs. Plus with wide stabilizer feet, you’ll never feel this bike swaying during your HIIT workouts. Moreover, the Airdyne AD7 supports a maximum user weight of 350 lbs!
Functionality of The AD7
Functionality is also excellent with the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 bike. It features a quiet single-stage belt drive system that offers excellent power transfer and little maintenance. Plus with the large 26 blades perimeter-weighted fan you can expect your sessions to be of the highest quality possible. The bike features a multi-display LCD that tells you time, distance, speed, calories, RPM, and watts. Also, it comes with built-in HIIT and cardio workouts that you can work out with for maximum gains. This model airdyne bike also features telemetric heart rate technology, which will give you a near accurate estimation of your heart rate while you exercise.
Comfort of The Schwinn AD7
The AD7 does a lot in regards to comfort; however, this will vary between users. We found the comfort level of the bike excellent thanks to the four-way adjustability of the seat. We didn’t like the seat of the bike very much, but by purchasing the Bikeroo bike seat cushion, you can transform the comfort of the seat.
Price
The price point of the AD7 bike was also in line with all the competing bikes. And considering the build quality and features the bike comes with we were delighted with the price we got. To see the price we got on the Schwinn AD7. click here.
Warranty
Lastly, the warranty on the bike was a little shorter than we expected but considering that it uses premium quality materials we aren’t expecting any issues. It features a 5-year warranty on the bike’s frame, one year for electrical parts and 90 days for labor.
Pros & Cons of The Schwinn AD7
Pros
- It has a massive 26 bladed fan that provides infinite resistance levels.
- The bike has a heart rate telemetry system to track your BPM.
- It has a single-stage belt drive that outputs low noise levels.
- The AD7 can support users of up to 350 lbs.
- It comes with an excellent warranty.
- This model is the most durable Schwinn Airdyne model available.
- The seat has 4-way adjustment.
- It has a multi-grip handlebar.
- This AD7 bike is the best airdyne bike for CrossFit to date.
Cons
- The backlight of the display isn’t the best so it can be hard to see most times.
2. Schwinn Airdyne AD6
The Schwinn AD6 is another excellent Schwinn Airdyne product model that features just enough performance, durability, and price that it ranks among the top air bikes. The bike features a reasonably large LCD that reads out essential performance metrics such as time, distance, calories, RPM, watts, and your pulse.
With the Airdyne AD6 bike, you get Schwinn’s signature air resistance fan powered by a quiet single-stage belt drive system. The belt drive system on the AD6 is paired with self-balancing pedals that will always be in the right position. Additionally, the AD6 features air vents that channels air up to you and helps in keeping you cool while you workout.
Comfort is also excellent with the AD6 airdyne bike thanks to the extra padded seat that offers vertical adjustment. The bike also includes an easy to reach bottle holder so you can stay hydrated during your workout sessions. Furthermore, this model provides the option to purchase and install a reading rack as an additional accessory. With all these features, there is hardly anything not to love about the AD6. However, there was one thing we didn’t like which we want to point out. The seat can only be adjusted vertically. Thankfully they’ve made up for it in the price and warranty of the product.
The bike comes with a 15-year warranty on the frame, three years warranty on parts, two years for electrical components, and six months of labor warranty. This warranty is one of the best we’ve seen on any fitness equipment, so we feel safe recommending the Schwinn AD6.
Pros & Cons of Schwinn Airdyne AD6
Pros
- The bike allows additional accessories like a Wind Screen and reading rack.
- It features an extra padded seat that is perfect for optimal comfort.
- The AD6 uses a silent Single Stage belt drive system.
- It has Telemetry heart rate monitoring.
- This model supports a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs.
- It has an excellent warranty.
- The Schwinn Airdyne AD6 has transportation wheels that make it easy to move it around.
Cons
- The seat can only be adjusted vertically
3. Schwinn Airdyne AD2
The AD2 is Schwinn’s beginner-friendly air bike model for those persons that have never used an airbike. It features everything a typical airbike has to offer with some improvements. The AD2 model is a mostly plastic airdyne bike with only the frame and handlebar featuring a heavy-duty steel material.
With the Schwinn Airdyne AD2 exercise bike, you get an easy to use LCD that displays speed, RPM, distance, time, and calories in large easy to read texts. The bike also includes a quiet single-stage belt drive system that powers a smaller fan than the other airdyne models.
Moreover, this model also supports a max user weight capacity of 250 lbs.The most significant advantage this model has over the other Airdyne models is the lower retail price. It also has the same level of warranty that the AD7 has, which is five years for labor, one year for parts and electricals and 90 days on labor.
Pros & Cons of Schwinn Airdyne AD2
Pros
- It is the most affordable Airdyne bike.
- The single-stage belt drive makes it very quiet and suitable for home use or apartments.
- Schwinn’s AD2 model comes with an easy to read LCD.
- This model has a satisfactory warranty period.
Cons
- This model supports a max of 250 lbs user weight.
- The LCD doesn’t have a backlight, so it will be hard to read in dark rooms.
What is The Difference Between Schwinn Airdyne Pro Vs AD7?
The Schwinn Airdyne Pro and the AD7 are listed as two separate models online. However, there is not much of a difference between the AD7 vs Airdyne Pro models except for a little more durability in the crank system and warranty. The warranty of the AD7 does not cover the use of the bike in commercial settings. One other difference between them is that the Airdyne Pro costs more than the AD7.
Should You Get a New or Used Schwinn Airdyne Bike?
If you are considering whether to get a new or used Schwinn Airdyne bike, there are several things you need to consider. The first is that most used Schwinn bikes will often come with problems and find replacement parts can prove challenging. You should also consider the cost and warranty you could get if you opted to purchase a new Assault bike instead of a used Schwinn Airdyne.
However, if you have found a decent used model online for a very low price, then it should be fine to purchase. Most Airdyne bikes have an impressive build quality and durability. So buying used should be no problem. However, we always recommend purchasing a brand new bike over a used one.
Schwinn Airdyne History
Schwinn has been one of the leading manufacturers of bicycles and exercise bikes for over 100 years. They have produced a host of different models and have had massive success with their Airdyne lineup.
The Bottom line
Our favorite Schwinn Airdyne bike model is the Schwinn AD7 or Airdyne Pro. We recommend that bike over most other air bikes available for purchase today. It features incredible durability and comes in at an excellent price point that beats most of the competition. If you want a cheaper alternative, we recommend the assault bike classic. It features a sturdy build and has all the functionality that the AD6 has for about the same price or cheaper. We hope this article answered all your questions and helped you in deciding on which bike to buy. If you have any questions, go ahead and leave us a comment and we’ll be happy to help!