Over the last decade, the popularity of at-home cycling has exploded, with brands like Peloton and iFIT bringing the studio cycling experience into people’s homes. But spin bikes aren’t the only home cardio solution — the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 air bike, for example, delivers a different kind of sweat by providing a total-body workout that, like the best air bikes on the market, can help boost strength and cardiovascular health. (1)
The AD7 air bike is forged from corrosion-resistant powder-coated steel, which supports users up to 350 pounds. It also has a belt-drive system that’ll keep your workout as quiet as the wind blowing through your hair and the meek profanities you elicit during interval sessions. Our team of CrossFit coaches and cardio enthusiasts put this bike through the wringer, and while we wouldn’t recommend it for those in search of a Peloton alternative, we think CrossFit athletes and those looking for high-intensity training will appreciate its quiet ride and sturdy build.
Schwinn AD7
Schwinn AD7
The latest variation of Schwinn’s time-tested Airdyne model was designed with longevity in mind. The frame, which comes with a 10-year warranty, is forged from heavy-duty steel with a corrosion-resistant powder coat. The belt-driven flywheel, meanwhile, promises a quieter ride than you’ll find on chain-driven air bikes.
Main Takeaways
- The Schwinn AD7 air bike caters to CrossFit enthusiasts and strength athletes with a set of moveable arms that allow for full-body high-intensity training.
- This bike utilizes a belt-drive system that can be quieter and require less maintenance than chain-driven belts.
- The frame’s corrosion-resistant powder-coated steel construction comes backed by a 10-year frame warranty.
Schwinn AD7 Air Bike Highlights
- Price: $1,299
- Resistance: Air
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Bike Weight: 113lbs
- Dimensions: 53” H x 53” L x 26.5” W
- Display: LCD console
- Drive System: Belt-drive
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year mechanical parts, 1-year electronics, 6-month labor
“Air bikes, a type of stationary exercise bike, utilize fan flywheels to create resistance.” says BarBend’s expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. “The harder you pedal, the harder the work becomes.” The Schwinn AD7 features moving arms and metal pedals that increase the fan’s resistance based on the amount of effort you put in. Built from corrosive-resistant powder-coated steel, the frame can support users up to 350 pounds — roughly 20 to 50 pounds more than some of the best exercise bikes.
There are some plastic parts within the design, which can raise concerns about durability, but our tester noted, “The plastic is thick, so I’m not too concerned about these parts getting damaged — so long as they’re treated with care.”
This is Schwinn’s top-of-the-line air bike, and as such, comfort is key. It comes with an optional air diverter you can attach to the fan to help block the rush of air propelled from the fan’s blades, ideal for cooler months or whenever you want less wind blowing your way.
Additionally, the padded seat has four-way adjustability — up, down, forwards, and backwards, and the heavy-duty rubber handlebars come with multiple grips, allowing users to experiment with their hand placement and wrist position.
The 30-inch large fan is perimeter weighted, a design feature that can help the fan generate more inertia as its blades spin. More inertia equals a smoother ride and a reduction in the effort required to get back up to optimum speeds after breaks in pedaling.
Once up and running — er, riding — our team immediately noticed how quiet this bike was in operation. While fan bikes will never be “library quiet” due to the fan blades smacking up against the air, the belt drive utilized by the AD7 tends to make less noise (and require less maintenance) than the chain drives you’ll find on other air bikes, like the Assault AirBike.
[Related: Assault AirBike Review]
The AD7 costs $1,299 — making it a fair amount pricier than the $800 price tags we’ve seen on the average air bike — but Schwinn works to justify its cost with a console that’s one of the best we’ve tried and tested. The console tracks calories, watts, time, speed, distance, RPM, and heart rate, and there are nine programmable workout options for fat burn, aerobic, and anaerobic training.
Plus, “The screen is brighter and easier to navigate than other air bike consoles, which is definitely a benefit when I can hardly see due to the sweat in my eyes,” noted our tester.
The bike measures 9.25 square feet, with a footprint comparable to the average coffee table. If space is tight, the attached transport wheels make rolling this bike out of the way as easy as saying, “Yes, my love!” when your partner shouts, “Get this bike out of the kitchen!”
Pros
- The Schwinn AD7 uses a belt-drive system, which tends to require less maintenance and is quieter than bikes that utilize a chain-drive system.
- Its sturdy steel construction supports users up to 350 pounds.
- The optional air diverter can keep the fan’s wind from blowing into your face during a workout.
- The multi-display LCD monitor provides nine workout programs and connectivity with some telemetry heart rate monitors.
Cons
- At $1,299, this bike is roughly $500 more expensive than the average air bike we’ve tested.
- This bike uses a good amount of plastic in its design, which can raise concerns about durability if handled improperly in your home gym.
- There’s no media shelf on the console to hold your phone or tablet.
Training with the Schwinn AD7 Air Bike
“Few things get me huffing and puffing more than a for-time workout that includes air bike intervals.” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. “Compared to regular bikes and indoor bikes, air bikes engage more of the body’s musculature due to the moving arms.” Cycling can support your cardiovascular health, mental health, and weight management efforts, but air bikes can also bring strength and endurance gains to your chest, back, and arms. (2)
Our roster is stacked with CrossFit coaches, former college athletes, and road cyclists who know how to avoid crashing into parked cars (unlike myself), and we’ve logged thousands of miles on more than 30 of the field’s top exercise bikes. We rated each on a scale from 1 (that’s bad) to 5 (now we’re talking!) in fields such as durability, tech capabilities, and overall workout experience, all of which helped inform our weeks spent on the Schwinn Airdyne AD7.
Belt Drive System
Our biggest takeaway from our time on the AD7 is just how quiet its belt-drive system is. “A belt drive,” says Capritto, “produces an overall smoother pedaling experience.”
She continues, “Belt drives also require less maintenance than chain drives, and they are quieter. Chain drives, as seen on the Assault Bike series, are noisier and require more frequent maintenance.”
Our tester agreed, “The only noise I heard when riding was from the fan blades pressing against the air.”
[Related: The Guide to CrossFit Gym Etiquette: It’s More Than Just Lifting]
LCD Display
Air bikes tend to come with limited tech capabilities, but the high-resolution multi-display LCD screen is one of the best consoles we’ve seen on any of the air bikes we’ve tried and tested. This screen provides two windows to view calories burned, watts, time, speed, distance, and RPM. It’s not compatible with Bluetooth or ANT+, but the console can read telemetric signals from Polar-compatible 4.5kHZ to 5.5kHz heart rate monitors to provide you accurate tracking.
“The programs and presets on this console are similar to what I’ve seen on other air bikes, like the Assault AirBike, but this LCD display is brighter, which makes checking on my stats while I’m in the middle of a HIIT workout easier,” noted our tester, who scored the monitor a 4.3 out of 5.
Comfort
Unlike previous Schwinn AD models, the AD7 has four-way seat adjustability, allowing for forward and back movement in addition to height adjustments. Per a call with Schwinn’s customer service, we also learned that the AD7 has a more cushioned and comfortable seat than its sibling, the Schwinn Airdyne Pro, which was designed more for commercial than residential use.
The rubber handlebars allow for a variety of handholds and wrist positions to make your workout as ergonomic as possible. Our tester notes, “If your hands are chalked up from doing a CrossFit workout, the handlebars take this well.”
Creature comforts on this bike include an air diverter, water bottle holder, and a small storage compartment for mobile devices. However, we do wish there was a media shelf so we could comfortably watch streaming content on our mobile devices during rides.
What to Consider Before Buying the Schwinn AD7 Air Bike
Before scooping up an air bike, it’s important to note that these user-powered machines aren’t like other exercise bikes. “In addition to the fan flywheel, air bikes are unique in that they feature moving arms, so cycling becomes a full-body workout rather than a lower-body-focused one,” says BarBend’s expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. With that in mind, let’s look at some key factors one should consider when buying an air bike.
Do You Really Want an Air Bike?
Air bikes are a different beast than your typical indoor spin bike. There’s no touchscreen, no motivational content to stream, and no userboard where you can high-five your friends for a job well done. It’s basically just you and the bike, with some programming to help you know when your workout is over.
The moving arms and user-created resistance is ideal for those wanting high-intensity interval training, and when I’ve been forced to use an air bike, the only thought in my head is, “When will this pain and suffering end?!”
Capritto agrees that this bike is for a specific audience. “People looking to build out a CrossFit-style home gym are a good fit for an air bike.” she says. “Additionally, those who are generally interested in functional fitness protocols will probably get a lot of use out of one.“
Drive System
“The biggest thing to consider, in my opinion, is whether an air bike has a belt drive or a chain drive. This is what impacts the exercise experience the most,” says Capritto. Opting for a chain drive bike is likely to save users some cash, but that comes at the cost of convenience and ease of maintenance. “Chains need to be lubricated, usually every couple of months, but that’s not the case with the AD7,” noted our tester.
However, chain drive systems may last longer with repeated use as compared to belt drives. The belt drive is something users don’t tend to have to worry about until it becomes worn down, fails, and requires a replacement. In the event that this happens, replacement belts can be purchased for around $20 — or you may be covered by your warranty if it’s within 2 years of use.
Workout Experience
If you’re looking for a stationary bike with fancy tech capabilities, a touchscreen with integrated programming, and a spin-studio-like experience where you can bust out dumbbell curls while you cycle, the Schwinn AD7 won’t provide it. Air bikes are popular in CrossFit gyms for their ability to provide a quick and intense full-body workout. “I like being able to do intervals with this bike, something like Tabata training, where I’m going hard for 20 seconds then resting for 10 seconds,” noted our tester.
While the tech capabilities are limited to the multi-display LCD screen, users can still choose between nine workout programs like heart rate, intervals, calories, and time trials. These tech capabilities scored a 3.5 out of 5 with our tester.
Users can also opt to pedal, push and pull on the arms, or a combination of both to target their lower body, upper body, or total body for a time-efficient workout.
Footprint
The AD7 takes up 9.25 square feet, which is average for air bikes but larger than the average 8-square-foot upright bike. While the AD7 has transport wheels for easy portability, its built-in fan and steel frame is much too unwieldy to fold, so you’ll want a dedicated area to house your new shiny exercise equipment. You’ll want to triple-measure your home or garage gym to ensure you’ve got ample space.
[Related: The 6 Best Folding Exercise Bikes]
Price
The $1,299 price of the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 — which is often on sale for around $1,000 — is a big ticket purchase when compared to air bikes that tend to cost around $800. For the extra cash, users are getting a top-of-the-line air bike with a belt-drive system, multi-grip handlebars, a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame, and, per our tester, “the best LCD display I’ve seen on any air bike.” Value scored a 4.5 out of 5.
Schwinn AD7 Vs. Other Top Competitors
There are some great air bikes on the market, so here’s a quick spec comparison chart so you can see how some of the top options out there compare.
The Airdyne AD7’s warranty is a home run. The competition doesn’t hold a candle to the 10-year frame, 2-year mechanical parts, 1-year electronics, and 6-month labor warranty that Schwinn offers. Plus, this bike’s console was our tester’s favorite when compared to the rest.
As you can see in the above chart, the AD7 isn’t the only air bike featuring a belt-drive system. The Rogue Echo Bike V3.0 and Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0 also deliver belt-drive systems for around $800 to $900. They also, along with the AssaultBike Elite, support users up to 350 pounds.
[Related: Rogue Echo Air Bike Review]
Price is where the Airdyne bike comes in behind the competition. At roughly $400 to $500 more than other options, this is truly a high-end purchase for those who just came into a small fortune or have been blessed with generational wealth. But, as mentioned, that investment comes with an unmatched warranty to provide peace of mind for years to come.
It’s not the priciest bike on the chart, though. Costing $200 more is the AssaultBike Elite, which demonstrates its added value with Bluetooth and ANT connectivity.
Places to Buy the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 Air Bike
You can purchase the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 air bike directly from the brand’s webpage. Additionally, this air bike is also available from third-party retailers, including Amazon, DICK’S Sporting Goods, and Walmart.
Customer Experience
This bike ships for free from Amazon and we haven’t heard too many complaints about putting it together. One customer review mentioned, “The product works great and [was] super easy to build… I did [it] myself in under 2 hours or so following video instructions.” It’s worth noting that additional reviews mention using YouTube videos to help walk them through the setup process.
If purchasing this from Schwinn’s website, shipping costs an additional $99. Plus, you can add in-home assembly for $149, which pays for a BowFlex technician — BowFlex is Schwinn’s manufacturer — to move your shipment to the room you want the bike, assemble it, and move the empty packaging to your trash bins.
Warranties
The Schwinn Airdyne AD7 is covered by a multifaceted warranty package. According to the brand, this air bike comes with a 10-year frame, 2-year mechanical parts, 1-year electronics, and a 6-month labor warranty.
Company Information
Schwinn Fitness offers a wide range of cardio equipment for both commercial and home use, from air bikes and upright bikes to recumbent bikes and ellipticals. If you need to speak to customer support, you can reach them at 800-556-2896. When I called them, I was able to speak to a living, breathing person within 1 minute and 22 seconds.
In Conclusion
The AD7 is, in our opinion, Schwinn’s best air bike, as we think it delivers a quieter ride and a better monitor than many of its competitors. However, it’s a very specific type of bike for a very specific user. BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC, notes that a bike like the AD7 won’t be right for individuals looking for touchscreens, loads of tech capabilities, or streaming workouts. “Air bikes,” she says, “are pretty niche, mainly serving the CrossFit community… [or] those who are interested in functional fitness protocols.”
While this bike isn’t a budget buy, we think users looking for a heavy-duty full-body cardio workout will appreciate the sturdy build, ease of use, and adjustability that the Schwinn AD7 provides.
FAQs
How much does the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 air bike cost?
The AD7 goes for $1,299, but is often on sale for around $1,000 to $1,099.
Is the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 a good workout?
Boy-oh-boy, talk about a workout! When I did CrossFit, the moment I’d hear we had air bike intervals I’d know I was about to kick my own butt. This bike is often used during sweaty, high-intensity interval rides, and the moving arms help to get your whole body in on the fun. While this bike is great for HIIT workouts, it’s also suited for low-intensity steady-state cardio sessions.
[Related: Everything You Need to Know About LISS Cardio and Why You Should Do It]
What are the benefits of the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 bike?
The AD7 air bike can help build strength and endurance in your upper and lower body. Users can choose to isolate one section by opting to propel the fan with either the moving handles or the foot pedals. While the price is steep compared to the competition, the benefit of this is the hefty warranty that far exceeds that of other air bikes on the market.
References
- Moghaddam, M., Cervantes, M., Cheshier, B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2023). Sprint Interval Training on Stationary Air Bike Elicits Cardiorespiratory Adaptations While Being Time-Efficient. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 37(9), 1795–1801. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004483
- Oja, P., Titze, S., Bauman, A., de Geus, B., Krenn, P., Reger-Nash, B., & Kohlberger, T. (2011). Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 21(4), 496–509. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01299.x
- Schlegel, Petr. (2022). Health benefits of air biking: a systematic review. Journal of Sport and Health Research. 14. 10.58727/jshr.88637.
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