
Introduction
When it comes to the number of bikes available on the market today, none are as misunderstood as the air bike.
We’ve all heard of road bikes, mountain bikes, indoor cycle bikes, fixies, recumbent, and many, many more, but if you asked most people what an air bike is, they probably couldn’t tell you.
Well, I’m here today to answer the questions, what is an air bike? What’s the difference between an air bike and an indoor spinning bike? And how to choose the right bike for your needs.
In a hurry? See the main differencies
What Is An Air Bike And A Spin Bike?
Before we compare the Air Bike and the Spin Bike, let’s take a look at what these bikes are.
Air Bike

Whereas your traditional cycle has pedals connected to two tires, the air bike’s pedals are connected to a huge fan at the front of the bike.
One of the main differences between a conventional bike and the air bike is that the handles move on the air bike. So, in fact, the faster you pedal and push the bars, the more challenging the workout becomes.
So instead of using the traditional flywheel, the air bike utilizes the wind resistance created by the fan to provide resistance to your workout. Again, the harder you push, the more challenging it becomes, and in my opinion, air bikes are one of the best full-body workout machines out there, if not the best.
One significant bonus is that the fan’s air helps cool the user down while working up a sweat, allowing you to push harder and workout longer.
Spin Bike – Indoor Cycle

An indoor cycle or spin bike does actually go by a few different names, such as stationary bike, exercise bike, and even exercycle. It’s crucial here that we understand that when referring to “spinning,” we refer to Mad Dogg Athletics, who is the trademark owner.
In essence, they are a bike without wheels. They are equipped with everything you’d expect from a traditional bike; saddle, pedals, handlebars but with one glaring feature missing; no tires.
The indoor bikes are specifically designed for people to workout inside without leaving their homes or offices. It’s important to note here that even your regular road bike could now be referred to as an “indoor bike” due to the introduction of smart trainers like the Wahoo Kickr Snap; simply pop it on the trainers, and away you go.
Indoor bikes or any bike, to be honest, offer an excellent workout because of the low-impact they have on the body; this also makes them a perfect choice for those undergoing rehabilitation.
Fan Bike vs Spin Bike / Indoor Cycle: Differences
Air Bikes: Pros & Cons
Indoor Cycling Bikes & Spin Bikes: Pros & Cons
Wheel Or No Wheel?
Obviously, the first difference to point out is that the air bike has a massive fan at the front where you’d typically expect to see a wheel. The fan’s most significant advantage is that the resistance levels are unlimited, meaning that no matter what fitness level you are, the air resistance provided by the fan works to provide a great workout.
Indoor spin bikes have a flywheel that can range from 10kgs to 20kgs; the heavier the flywheel, the smoother and quieter the riding experience.
Frame
Both of these bikes are always well built, but as with anything generally, the more expensive the cycle, the better the quality.
The air bike, in particular, is solid and sturdy, and that’s because it has to withstand the upper body motion of pushing and pulling the handlebars. These bike frames are durable and heavy.
Indoor Spin bikes are much the same; the more expensive the bike, the better the quality and durability. Many expensive spin bikes also come with an impressive 10-year frame warranty.
Handlebars
The handlebars on the air bike move; yes, you heard right, they move, which is why the air bike offers such a challenging total body workout.
The handlebars are perfectly positioned, and they enable you to both push and pull.
Obviously, on the standard spin bike, the handlebars don’t move; their significant advantage is that they are ergonomically designed and provide the rider with several comfortable positions, great on long rides.
How To Choose The Best Bike For You?
So, at the end of the day, how do you choose the best bike for you? There are so many factors to consider when it comes to choosing the bike that’s best for you.
The obvious question to ask is, what are your goals? Are you trying to lose weight? Getting ready for a race or simply just wanting to stay fit and healthy. In my opinion, there is no doubt that the air bike provides the best overall workout.
The bike allows for a complete total body workout, and you can burn an insane amount of calories in a limited amount of time. Not only that, the air bike conditions your upper body muscles, including shoulders, triceps, biceps, pecs, and most importantly, your core.
The spin bike is excellent for those who are looking for a complete cycling experience. You can download third-party apps that allow for such a realistic training experience to be well worth the money.
The Spin bike provides the rider with a workout that, although not as challenging as the air bike, still offers the user an excellent training experience. However, they can be pretty expensive, so this is a factor that you must consider.
If you’re not concerned with budget, then I would strongly recommend a spin bike as it just provides for a much more enjoyable experience overall. On the other hand, if you’re strapped for time and cash, then the air bike is your best friend; you’ll be amazed at how good a workout you can get with limited time.
Conclusion
When choosing the right bike for you, certain factors need to be considered, such as current fitness levels, future fitness goals, budget, size of your home gym, and many others.
So there is no “correct” answer. However, if you’re looking for a total full-body workout, I strongly recommend the air bike; in as little as 20 minutes, you can get excellent training that conditions your entire body. On the other hand, if your looking for workouts to be a little bit more low-key, then the traditional stationary bike is best for you.
Either way, you’ll get a great workout, and the most important thing is that you’ll be well on your way to healthier better you.
Good luck!!