Anybody who’s stepped foot in a CrossFit fitness center has possible been intrigued by the roaring followers, clinking chains, and sweat-drenched riders on the best air bikes. The Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0 can whirr with the very best of them, however in contrast to its chain-driven brethren, it opts for a belt-driven resistance system that may present the identical heart-pounding full-body exercises with much less noise and required upkeep. Does it succeed?
After attempting it out for ourselves, we expect the Blitz 2.0 fills a gap within the air bike marketplace for individuals who love the user-powered really feel of those widespread bikes, however who worth their relations’ and roommates’ eardrums. After cranking out all types of exercises on the Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0, we expect its belt-drive system helps it stand out in a crowded market. Check out our full Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0 Evaluate to search out out if it’s a match in your house, funds, and routine. For extra info on how we check all our merchandise, head over to the BarBend equipment testing methodology web page.
Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0
Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0
Bells of Metal’s Blitz Air Bike 2.0 makes use of a belt-driven operation that is quieter and requires much less upkeep than chain-driven bikes. It additionally supplies a handful of creature comforts, together with rubber hand grips, a detachable fan guard, and a seat with 10 totally different peak changes.
Predominant Takeaways
- Its belt-drive system is quieter and requires much less upkeep than the chain drivetrains on most air bikes.
- Its metal construct makes for a heavy bike — nice for stability, however not nice for mobility.
- Conveniences just like the fan guard, large seat, and bottle and system holders permit for a extra snug exercise.
Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0 Specs
| Worth | $799.99 |
| Weight Capability | 350lbs |
| Product Dimensions | 51’’ H x 53’’ L x 23’’ W |
| Product Weight | 118lbs |
| Drivetrain | Belt |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
| Conveniences | Cellphone and water bottle holder, tech console, rubber hand grips |
Versus the electrical energy powering the resistance techniques of the best magnetic exercise bikes, air bikes just like the Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0 are pushed solely by the consumer. “The character of the fan flywheel implies that the one limitation in resistance and pace is the exerciser themself,” says BarBend professional reviewer and authorized private coach Amanda Capritto. “In comparison with common bikes and indoor bikes, air bikes have interaction extra of the physique’s musculature as a result of shifting arms.”
For those who’re after the full-body exercises provided by air bikes, the Blitz Air Bike 2.0 is an inexpensive possibility, touchdown properly in the midst of the value vary we usually see amongst related fashions. However as our tester notes, there may be one high quality that separates it from many widespread air-powered train bikes. “The spotlight for this bike is definitely what you possibly can’t even see — the belt drivetrain,” they are saying. The large advantage of swapping the chains and sprockets of a chain-drive system with a belt is much less upkeep. “This design merely requires much less upkeep, plus they are usually quieter,” our tester provides.
Don’t get us unsuitable — the Blitz Air Bike 2.0 isn’t silent. For those who’re anxious about napping infants or noise-sensitive neighbors, a magnetic resistance system could be the way in which to go. The user-powered fan is what causes a lot of the racket, however in comparison with the steel clanging of a chain-driven air bike, this one at the very least retains the noise to a minimal.
As Capritto emphasizes, needless to say air bikes are usually greatest for HIIT workouts slightly than endurance coaching or the sorts of digital exercises Peloton apologists rave about. “The more durable you pedal, the more durable the work turns into,” she says. “You’ll see air bikes upon air bikes if you happen to stroll into any CrossFit facility, as this sort of bike is programmed into CrossFit WODs and competitors.”
However for this sort of train, our crew believes the value level is spot on. “The Blitz Air Bike 2.0 is definitely similar to the Fringe Sport Raptor and that one is about $150 to $200 dearer,” our tester says. “So if you happen to’re set on an air bike, you’ll save a bit of money with Bells of Metal.”
Professionals
Belt-drive system is quieter and requires much less upkeep that chain-driven air bikes
Consists of knurled foot pegs, rubber handlebar grips, and fan guard
Heavy-duty metal construct supplies stability
Cons
No Bluetooth or ANT+ compatibility
Heavier-than-average weight makes it annoying to maneuver usually
Quieter than chain-drive air bikes, however nonetheless noisy
Who Ought to Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0
“Individuals seeking to construct out a CrossFit-style residence fitness center are an excellent match for an air bike,” says BarBend professional reviewer and authorized private coach Amanda Capritto. “Moreover, those that are typically excited about practical health protocols will most likely get a number of use out of 1.” Check out who we expect could also be an excellent match for the Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0.
Beneficial for:
- CrossFitters or anybody prioritizing interval exercises
- Individuals with devoted house for his or her air bike
- Those that are set on an air bike, however want to reduce upkeep and noise
Not Beneficial for:
- Athletes wanting a motorbike built-in with one of many best workout apps
- Somebody who wants an prolonged guarantee
- Smaller customers who is likely to be uncomfortable with the broader body
Our Expertise Coaching With the Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0
After testing out over 25 train bikes, the BarBend crew of triathletes, CrossFit coaches, and health junkies know the right way to spot an excellent worth. “Air bikes are distinctive in that they characteristic shifting arms, so biking turns into a full-body exercise slightly than a lower-body-focused one,” says our professional reviewer and authorized private coach Amanda Capritto. So as to add some objectivity to our expertise, we’ve offered rankings of 1 (ugh) to five (yay) throughout a number of classes, together with sturdiness, tech capabilities, adjustability, and extra. Learn on for extra of our ideas on the Blitz 2.0.
Belt-Drive System
Whereas the legs of the consumer energy the resistance fan, a notable design characteristic of the Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0 is its belt-drive system. Similar to mountain bikes or highway bikes, most air bikes use a steel chain to attach the pedals to the fan. As our tester notes, swapping out a clanking chain for the self-tensioning poly groove belt has two enormous benefits.
“In comparison with a chain-drive system, there may be far much less upkeep,” our tester says. “I don’t must lube it up as usually and there are not any chains and sprockets to line up good. That’s why I all the time advocate belt-drive air bikes — they’re merely much less work.”
Avoiding additional upkeep will after all require much less time spent maintaining your bike in prime form, however the belt additionally cuts down on noise. If you’re attempting to work out in a crowded home or would truly like to have the ability to hear the present or podcast you’re listening to, each decibel is valuable. After all, air bikes are sure to generate extra noise than most of the best cardio machines on the market. Nonetheless, the Blitz Air Bike 2.0 avoids all of the metallic clanging and rattling a number of fashions produce — due to that belt-drive system.
Building
“All of the steel parts make this factor heavy and I really like that,” our tester says. Exterior of small parts just like the rubber handles or plastic within the monitor, this high-quality metal bike will get a 4.5 out of 5 for sturdiness from our crew. “Perhaps you’ll wheel your air bike out to the driveway or one thing, however most individuals are most likely parking their air bike in a single spot.”
You’ll respect that additional heft if you actually begin cranking up the depth, so until you intend on persistently relocating your Blitz Air Bike 2.0, the soundness that its development supplies is an enormous plus.
The 350-pound weight capability can be on the top quality we usually see on air bikes (300 to 350 kilos) and one other member of our crew highlighted its stability once they took it for a spin. “At the same time as my physique sways aspect to aspect, this bike is rock-solid,” they are saying. “Throughout high-intensity sprints, I push the arms and pedals as exhausting as I can and I've to say — this factor doesn't budge.”
[Related: Best Exercise Bikes for Heavy People]
That metal construct can be strengthened with a powder coat end to reduce rust and corrosion. After all, all these premium supplies add as much as a heavier-than-average 118-pound body. Whereas we’ve seen air bikes attain as much as 130 kilos, that is actually not the lightest one we’ve used. Due to that, we price its portability 3 out of 5, however once more, until you’re planning on shifting it each time you utilize it, our tester truly thinks its general weight is a optimistic.
“The wheels aren’t dangerous, however enormous turf tires would undoubtedly be perfect for relocating on a regular basis,” they are saying. “However the Blitz Air Bike 2.0’s heavier weight interprets to elevated stability, which I’m all for.”
One other particular callout from our crew was its outsized wind guard. Till you begin pumping the pedals, chances are you'll not suppose a lot concerning the wind the 25-inch fan generates, however our tester emphasised how necessary it may be. “Truthfully, if I do know I’m going to be blasted with air the entire time I’m using, I’ll be much less prone to journey within the winter when it’s chilly.” they notice. “Having this large wind guard reduce down on the breeze from the fan blades simply eliminates an excuse to not exercise.”
Conveniences
Air bikes are typically better-suited for pulse-pounding interval exercises slightly than the steady-state endurance rides afforded by magnetic train bikes. As such, they usually lack touchscreens or health app integration, however as our tester factors out, the Blitz Air Bike 2.0 has loads of considerate design options to boost your exercise. “There isn’t a ton of flash on air bikes, however I do respect the little issues on this one,” they are saying, ranking its conveniences 3.75 out of 5. “Between the rubber hand grips, bottle and telephone holders, and knurled foot posts, Bells of Metal form of went the additional mile.”
Basically the one tech onboard is the small monitor, so this bike’s tech capabilities earn a 3 out of 5 from our crew. Most of the best heart rate monitors want Bluetooth or ANT+ functionality to attach, however this monitor lacks each. It will possibly sync up with any that use analog 5kHz frequency, however that’s about it by the use of know-how.
“Amongst air bikes, the show is a tiny bit bigger than most,” our tester says. “You possibly can monitor metrics like time, distance, or energy, however any techies on the market won't be impressed. However, preset buttons for intervals like 10/20 or customized intervals, plus goal time and coronary heart price? It’s all there.”
Adjustability
General, the Bells of Metal Air Bike 2.0 will get a 4 out of 5 for adjustability as a result of we love the four-way adjustable seat. The seat itself can slide ahead and backward 5 positions, plus the peak can regulate vertically by pulling and snapping within the knob on the again of the shaft.
“It’s form of a small factor, however the seat itself can be a bit wider than most air bikes I’ve used,” our tester notes.
What to Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0
As BarBend professional reviewer Amanda Capritto, a licensed private coach, explains, the target market for air bikes could also be a bit smaller than different varieties. “This isn’t actually a draw back, however air bikes are fairly area of interest, primarily serving the CrossFit neighborhood.” Listed below are a number of key components to contemplate earlier than bringing residence the Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0.
- Belt vs. Chain: The best air bike workouts will generate a good quantity of noise whatever the drivetrain. Nonetheless, the chain-drive techniques on most air bikes require significantly extra upkeep and care than the belt system driving the Blitz Air Bike 2.0. They'll price extra, although, so weigh how a lot effort and time you wish to put into maintaining yours churning easily.
- Worth: Most air bikes land between $700 and $900, so whereas the $799.99 price ticket on this bike is common, take into consideration how a purchase order that enormous will impression your general funds.
- Portability: We’ve discovered that the twin transport wheels are greater than succesful, however at 118 kilos, the Blitz Air Bike 2.0 is usually a ache to maneuver round on a regular basis. Plan out whether or not you’ll be principally parking yours in a single spot if you happen to’ll be lifting and wheeling it round fairly often.
- Tech Capabilities: As Capritto notes, tech-averse air bikes just like the Blitz Air Bike 2.0 are meant for circuits or HIIT exercises as a substitute of digital rides. “These in search of a high-tech bike with a display to stream exercises ought to look elsewhere (particularly into magnetic resistance bikes like these from NordicTrack and Peloton),” she says.
Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0 Vs. Opponents
To provide you a way of what else is on the market on this class, we lined up one other belt-driven air bike, together with two of our top-rated bikes with chain drive techniques. Irrespective of which you go along with, BarBend professional reviewer Amanda Capritto says powering your new bike is as much as. “Air bikes make for a unbelievable exercise,” she says. “Air bikes make the most of fan flywheels to create resistance. They're much like air rowers in that there are not any outlined resistance ranges and the consumer is totally in control of the resistance.”
[Related: Air Bike Vs. Rower]
| Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0 | Fringe Sport Raptor Airbike | Assault Health AssaultBike Basic | Concept2 BikeErg | |
| Worth | $799.99 | $949 | $699 | $1,100 |
| Weight Capability | 350lbs | 350lbs | 300lbs | 300lbs |
| Product Dimensions | 51’’ H x 53’’ L x 23’’ W | 51’’ H x 54’’ L x 24’’ W | 50’’ H x 50.95’’ L x 23.34’’ W | 40.5’’ H x 48’’ L x 24’’ W |
| Product Weight | 118lbs | 130lbs | 95.6lbs | 68lbs |
| Drivetrain | Belt | Belt | Chain | Chain |
| Guarantee | Two years | Three years | 5 years on body, two years on non-wear elements | 5 years on body, two years on elements |
| Conveniences | LCD monitor, telephone and water bottle holders, detachable wind guard, rubber hand grips | LCD console, detachable wind guard, turf tires | LCD monitor, 4 adjustable leveling ft, adjustable seat | LCD monitor, system holder, Bluetooth connectivity, app connectivity |
Ordering and Assembling Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0
After including the bike to your cart, you possibly can calculate the delivery prices by coming into your deal with, however I've excellent news. On the time of this writing, delivery to the contiguous U.S. is free. You may as well examine to see if you happen to qualify for financing by means of Affirm.
There are not any choices for skilled meeting, however our tester says it was simple. “I’ve put a number of these collectively and this was as simple as they arrive,” they are saying. “Simply connect the arms, pedals, monitor, and ft to the body.”
Locations to Purchase Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0
You possibly can snag the Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0 straight from bellsofsteel.us, Amazon, or choose retailers.
Model Popularity and Buyer Critiques
Based in 2010, Canada-based Bells of Metal makes all types of residence fitness center gear. From the best squat racks and barbells to bikes and treadmills, Bells of Metal energy and cardio health gear persistently earns excessive marks from our crew. The Blitz Air Bike 2.0 has earned 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 250 prospects on their web site and the shopper care crew appears to reply rapidly to any points.
Warranties
The 5- to 10-year warranties we usually see on train bikes make the 2 years of protection from Bells of Metal appear fairly weak. Nonetheless, most air bikes we’ve examined provide round 5 years. Given its hefty construct, we rated the Blitz Air Bike 2.0’s guarantee 3.75 out of 5 as we don’t count on many points with this slightly easy machine.
Ultimate Ideas on Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0
For those who love the heart-pounding interval exercises and circuits you tackle at your CrossFit field, you'll have thought of including one to your storage fitness center. After consulting your housemates’ eardrums, although, you'll have modified your thoughts. A staple in functional fitness coaching, air bikes are usually powered by noisy chain-drive techniques that require a number of care and upkeep.
By changing the usual chain with a belt, the Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0 can assist mitigate these two issues. Together with that belt-driven powertrain, we expect the soundness its metal body supplies makes it an excellent possibility for these seeking to recreate the extraordinary exercises they get on the fitness center — so long as you don’t want to maneuver it too usually.
Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0 FAQs
What are the disadvantages of the air bike?
In comparison with conventional train bikes that use magnetic or friction resistance, air bikes are usually noisier and require extra upkeep. That mentioned, since they're user-powered, chances are you'll discover you've extra management over that resistance, making them greatest suited to interval coaching.
Are air bikes value it?
Most air bikes we’ve examined land between $700 and $900. For those who’re paying month-to-month for a CrossFit fitness center membership simply to make use of the air bike, then yeah, perhaps get your personal. However though these bikes present a full-body exercise, it’s as much as determine whether or not the interval and circuit coaching they provide are value the fee.
Are you able to construct muscle with an air bike?
Research counsel that indoor biking can induce muscle hypertrophy and energy positive factors. (1) When you’ll clearly be working muscle teams in your legs no matter resistance kind, many fan bikes, just like the BOS Blitz Air Bike 2.0, additionally characteristic moveable arms that help you work your higher physique whereas using.
References
- Ozaki, H., Loenneke, J. P., Thiebaud, R. S., & Abe, T. (2015). Cycle coaching induces muscle hypertrophy and energy acquire: methods and mechanisms. Acta physiologica Hungarica, 102(1), 1–22.