Written by: Jake Jaworski
Intro
Considering the price, built quality, space needed and overall performance, it’s not difficult to say that the Rogue Echo Bike is the best cardio option for most of the home gym population.
For someone that lives a busy life, the ability to get in a quick workout at a moment’s notice is a luxury. Whether you have 15 minutes before your next Zoom call or half an hour until it is time to leave for the kid’s soccer game, the Rogue Echo Bike is likely your best option.
This is why an air bike is the number one choice for many home gym owners. It has the ability to spike your heart rate within a brief period of time. It’s excellent for HIIT, CrossFit workouts, and warming up. It’s up to you to determine the intensity (the harder you pedal, the harder it gets), but an intense air bike workout will leave even professionals gasping for air, legs burning, and your full body in PAIN.
Primary SPECS & Performance
When in use, this tool is as stable as it gets with its bulkier frame and rubber leveling feet that seem to suck it to the floor. There is absolutely no wobble or swaying like you may find when using the Assault Bike. In general, the built quality of this unit is outstanding. It’s constructed of steel and includes a textured black powder coat finish.
It includes a height of 52.75,” length of 58.8,” width of 29.9, and is127 lbs. It is bulkier than some of the other air bikes on the market but still a much smaller footprint than a treadmill. Depending on preference and/or your size, this may be a benefit or not. For “average size humans,” this should be okay. The adjustable seat includes 8 height and 5 front/back settings. The size may take some getting used to if you’re used to using other air bike models. An Assault Bike may be a better option for those that consider themselves “petite.”
💨💨💨💨💨 WHOOSH! The Echo Bike is so smooth. The belt drive system of the Rogue Echo Bike is much quieter than the Assault Bike and other chain bikes/rowers, which makes it a much better option for most home gym owners that are working out while others in the house are sleeping. In addition, this belt drive system will likely require zero maintenance ever as opposed to chain drives that may fall off or need lubrication over time. For those that use chain-driven bikes at their “other gym,” you may not realize that their gym owners are likely doing some maintenance on these regularly that isn’t necessary with the Echo Bike.
The blades on the Echo Bike are large. It’s harder to rev up than most other air bikes and slows down quicker. It’s not really possible to “coast” on this bike while the calories are still going up.
Additional Important Features
While it is robust, it’s still pretty painless to maneuver around with two wheels on the back.
The seat is firm and comfortable enough.
The rubber handles are large and easy to grip.
Metal petals work as advertised and will hold up for a very long time.
The monitor is solid. It measures 6.375″ x 6.375″ and is easy to read. It is straightforward to operate and tracks calories, RPM, can connect with heart rate monitors like your watch, provides custom workouts, and allows for you to create your own. It is not Bluetooth compatible, which would help take this to the next level.
Add Ons
The add-ons all provide value at a fair price point. Depending on your preference, these would make a nice edition for most.
- The wind guard reduces the wind blowback, which can be extremely helpful during winter workouts or for those that want to sweat.
- It’s nice to be able to have the ability to watch something with the phone holder.
- The water cage helps to keep any basic water bottle near you at all time.
Who is it not for?
While it’s possible on an Echo Bike, those who want to primarily perform “steady state” cardio would be better served with a rower or stationary bike.
Some Survey Data
- Nearly 2/3 voted that the Rogue Echo Bike is the “Best Value Piece of Cardio Equipment You Can Get.” – May 2020
- “What’s your Favorite Piece of Cardio Equipment?” This was asked as a #sundaysurveydiscussion. There weren’t a ton of instructions, so the answers varied. Still, the number one mentioned item was…. the Rogue Echo Bike, which is impressive because those without specific brands mentioned were just added as categories.
- Wind guards for fan bikes or no?? While 22% say they don’t know, there were slightly more voters for the wind guards than not.
Conclusion
The Rogue Echo Bike is arguably the best value cardio piece of equipment on the planet. It’s an absolute beast and priced reasonably. It’s smooth, stable, quiet, and extremely challenging. Whether you want it for HIIT, CrossFit, or just something you can always count on for a quick but brutal workout, the Echo Bike would be the best option for many. Plus, it’s going to last nearly a lifetime without much maintenance needed.
