Inside the household of the best exercise bikes, air bikes could possibly be that annoyingly bold sibling — actually intense and greatest in small doses. And at air bike dinner, the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike is eyeballing the pinnacle of the desk. For years, that seat has been occupied by time-tested fashions just like the Rogue Echo Bike and Concept2 BikeErg. However alas, a brand new challenger has emerged. Our tester and air bike connoisseur has lengthy favored the Echo, however after their time on the Thrasher, they’re starting to query actuality.
“After a lot time on the Echo, I can’t consider the rest even comes shut,” they are saying. “However they’re so related, it’s tough to decide on.” With related heavy-duty metal builds and practically an identical value factors, you’ll need to look intently to separate the 2. After doing precisely that, our workforce thinks the Thrasher is a superb choice for anybody in search of a rock-solid air bike with a number of deal with angles who might not be planning on shifting it a lot. For all the small print, try our full Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike Assessment — plus, to see how we take a look at all our merchandise like this one, jump over to the BarBend equipment testing methodology.
Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike
With a heavy-duty metal construct and belt-drive system, this quiet and sturdy air bike can get your coronary heart pounding. Vulcan additionally features a coronary heart fee monitor and water bottle with the bike.
Fundamental Takeaways
- Because of its metal construct, our tester says this heavy — very heavy — air bike provides unimaginable stability.
- The Q issue (the width between the pedals) could also be a bit too vast, creating an uncomfortable gait for some athletes.
- Our tester loves various their grip with the a number of deal with angles.
Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike Specs
| Value | $899.99 |
| Weight Capability | 350lbs |
| Product Dimensions | 55″ H x 44” L x 24” W |
| Product Weight | 137lbs |
| Drivetrain | Belt |
| Guarantee | 2-year |
When you might survey CrossFit gyms and different sweat factories, we suspect that many would enlist a Rogue Echo or AssaultBike (or a fleet of them) for HIIT exercise bike workouts. “For thus lengthy, the Rogue Echo Bike has been on the high of my record, however the Vulcan has me questioning that,” admits our proud air bike nerd. Nonetheless, given the standard of the construct and a handful of considerate design options, it’s straightforward to see why Vulcan might quickly be scorching on the path of the Echo.
“I feel the closest comp for the Thrasher is the Rogue Echo Bike,” our tester says. “They’re each made of professional quality metal, use belt drives, and have common displays. Plus, they’re each priced proper round $900.” On this planet of air bikes, there are principally two classes — belt drives and chain drives. “A belt drive produces an total smoother pedaling expertise,” says BarBend professional reviewer Amanda Capritto. “Belt drives additionally require much less upkeep than chain drives, plus they’re quieter.”
Supporting that belt-drive system is a sturdy — which can be placing it mildly — metal body. The professionals and cons are in all probability apparent — it’s extremely secure, however a bear to maneuver. Vulcan does present a monstrous deal with on the again to elevate and roll the bike and, at 137 kilos, you’re going to wish it. “I like wheeling an air bike out within the driveway on good days, however doing that with the Thrasher will not be ultimate,” our tester says. Together with the Echo (123 kilos), this is among the heavier bikes we’ve examined. So, hold its heft in thoughts when you’ll want to maneuver it round a lot.
On the finish of the day, our tester is torn concerning the Thrasher coming for the Rogue Echo. “I really feel bizarre even saying this out loud, however I feel if I used to be selecting proper now between the 2, I’d get the Thrasher,” they are saying.
[Related: Rogue Echo Bike Review]
One caveat for our workforce is the Echo Bike’s confirmed observe file of sturdiness. Whereas the Echo Bike has been round since 2017, the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike is solely a more moderen entry into the market. “The Vulcan simply hasn’t been as extensively utilized in gyms just like the Rogue has. However from utilizing it myself and from what I see when it comes to the construct, I believe that it’s going to stand the take a look at of time,” they add. “It hasn’t had the time to show it but.”
Execs
Belt-drive system is quiet and sturdy
Included coronary heart fee monitor and water bottle
Cons
Design could also be too vast for some riders
Costly in comparison with chain-drive air bikes
Who Ought to Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike
In the case of air bikes, BarBend professional Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC, highlights who might most profit from bringing one house. “Individuals trying to construct out a CrossFit-style house gymnasium are match for an air bike,” she says. “Moreover, those that are usually interested by practical health protocols will in all probability get a variety of use out of 1.” The Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike is definitely one of many best exercise bikes under $1,000 when it comes to sturdiness, but it surely might not be a match for everybody. Take a look at who we predict may need to add the Thrasher to their house or storage gymnasium.
Beneficial for:
- CrossFit athletes trying to tackle WODs or circuit coaching at house
- Customers who need to push the depth of their exercises and want a secure air bike
- Those who choose belt-drive air bikes over chain-driven fashions
Not Beneficial for:
- Anybody who must relocate their air bike usually
- These in search of immersive touchscreens to stream digital exercises
- Somebody with a restricted funds of lower than $1,000
Our Expertise Coaching With the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike
With a lineup filled with CrossFit coaches, licensed private trainers, and triathletes, the BarBend workforce is aware of the best way to spot the best air bikes. For every of the 12 fashions we’ve personally examined, we assign scores of 1 (boo) to five (hooray) throughout classes like sturdiness, stability, tech capabilities, and extra. After years of coaching on air bikes from high manufacturers like Rogue, Assault, and Concept2, see what our workforce discovered from our time aboard the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike.
Sturdiness
“This is among the heaviest air bikes on the market, which is usually a good factor and a nasty factor,” our tester says. “Clearly, that makes the Thrasher stout. Particularly for quick-burst intervals the place you’re placing in max effort, you need your bike to be as stable as a rock.” At 137 kilos, the Thrasher is perhaps as stable as a mountain. For context, the Rogue Echo is extensively thought of one of many beefiest air bikes on the market and it’s solely 123 kilos. One other heavy bike, the Bells of Metal Blitz, weighs in at 118 kilos. So yeah, hefty.
“The Thrasher is constructed to be tremendous sturdy and it looks like Vulcan has additionally priced it to compete with the opposite heavy hitters just like the Echo Bike.” After diving into the nitty gritty of the development, we’re additionally impressed by Vulcan’s consideration to element. “In fact the body is sturdy, however even the connection factors — handles, arms, pedals — are all made from heavy elements which can be simply high-quality,” our tester explains, ranking each its sturdiness and stability 5 out of 5.
After testing so many air bikes, we’ve gotten used to a tiny little bit of wiggle and wobble alongside that chain of connection factors, however that’s not the case on the Thrasher. “Whenever you drive the deal with and pedals, there’s simply no give like I typically really feel on different bikes.”
Portability
The evident draw back to that supercharged metal construct turns into obvious when it is advisable relocate the Thrasher. “The general weight is superb for stability, however not superb for portability,” our tester notes. “Vulcan did put an enormous deal with on the again, so at the least they attempt to assist us out.”
One perk for storage gymnasium house owners, like our tester, is the flexibility to roll their air bikes into the driveway to chop down on reverberating noise whereas getting some recent air. “The wheels are tremendous, however not something just like the turf tires on the Titan Fan Bike,” they are saying. “Rogue sells greater tires for an additional $90, however Vulcan doesn’t even supply them.” The heavy weight mixed with the comparatively small entrance wheels means it doesn’t precisely slot in with the best portable exercise bikes. As a result of we discover shifting the Thrasher Air Bike round to be slightly tough, it earns a rating of three.5 out of 5 for portability.
[Related: Titan Fan Bike Review]
Belt Drive
BarBend professional and CrossFit coach Amanda Capritto is well-versed in air bikes and with regards to selecting one to convey house, one characteristic stands out. “The most important factor to think about for my part is whether or not an air bike has a belt drive or a sequence drive. That is what impacts the train expertise essentially the most,” she says.
One other plus for belt drives is their longevity. “I get why some bikes use a sequence — they’re inexpensive — however they’re noisier and you need to preserve them,” our tester explains. “Belt-drive methods last more they usually’re method quieter.”
Because you’re powering an enormous fan as you pedal, any air bike will probably be louder than even the best magnetic exercise bikes. However, utilizing a belt as an alternative of chain can drastically cut back the noise brought on by the clanging and creaking of the steel. “The Thrasher is de facto quiet for an air bike and that’s simply one other indication of how well-made it's,” our tester provides, ranking the belt-drive system on the Thrasher a 4 out of 5. “The belts are just like the belts in your automobile. Certain, they might break, but it surely’s extremely uncommon. In my storage gymnasium, it’s belt drives solely.”
The Q Issue: Not All It’s Quacked Up To Be?
Whether or not it’s stationed in your storage or out on the highway, the Q issue on any bike refers back to the lateral distance from the surface of 1 crank arm to the opposite. (1) “Think about wanting down at your self on a motorcycle,” our tester explains. “On a mountain bike or highway bike, that distance (the gap between your toes) needs to be about six inches.”
Nonetheless, on a variety of air bikes, that distance tends to be wider, which may have an effect on your gait throughout stationary bike workouts. Generally, the nearer the Q issue is to an precise bike, the higher. In any other case, that wider-than-natural stance can have you ever waddling like a duck — get it? Quack issue? (No, actually. I didn’t make that up.) “The Q issue completely issues, and on the Thrasher, it is extremely vast,” our tester says. “This factor is constructed like a hoss, however that stout construct additionally makes it wider than most air bikes.”
OK class, seize your calculators. The Thrasher’s Q issue is 9.875 inches, so in comparison with the roughly 6-inch distance on a highway or mountain bike, that’s an enormous distinction — about 39% wider. Now, most air bikes are often wider than actual bikes, however not by this a lot. “On the Rogue Echo Bike, that distance is 8.125 inches,” our tester says. “So doing the mathematics, the Thrasher’s Q issue is about 13% wider than the Echo.”
That mentioned, our tester does respect that Vulcan appears to compensate for the width of the bike. “They use these flat steel plates on the cranks, which does assist. The Q issue is simply too vast — level clean,” they provides. “However I do suppose they make the very best of it by utilizing these plates as an alternative of some type of knob joint you may see on different air bikes.”
Monitor
Air bikes won't ever be mistaken for the best exercise bikes with screens, however actually, that’s not their bread and butter. “I feel the Vulcan monitor is alright, but it surely’s not my favourite one I’ve used,” our tester says. “The gold customary is the Concept2’s PM5 monitor, however total, displays on air bikes are fairly meh.” Tech capabilities earn a 3 out of 5 from our workforce.
The Thrasher’s Bluetooth monitor does have fast buttons that allow you to hop proper into various intervals, in addition to goal packages for energy, time, distance, and coronary heart fee. Vulcan additionally throws in a appropriate coronary heart fee monitor with the bike.
There's a small shelf to put your cellphone, however for our tester, it’s not positioned nicely. “It’s good to have a cellphone holder, but it surely’s proper on the backside of the display,” they are saying. “So when you put your cellphone there, you'll be able to’t see all these exercise metrics.”
Adjustability and Ergonomics
Not like many different fashions — even a few of our faves just like the Rogue Echo — the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike has a number of handlebar angles, which our tester definitely appreciates. “I actually don’t get why this isn’t customary throughout air bikes. Having totally different handles is such a simple add, so I’m glad to see it on the Thrasher,” they are saying. “I can seize it horizontally at two totally different heights, plus I like utilizing the impartial grip after I go all out.” Accounting for the Q issue we chatted about earlier, our workforce lands on a 4 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics.
One space the place the Thrasher does resemble many air bikes is the vast, adjustable seat. “Personally, I sort of choose a saddle, however I've to say this seat is tremendous comfortable,” our tester notes. “There’s a ton of padding, however most significantly, the positioning may be adjusted to suit nearly anybody.” The seat top adjusts from 31 to 43 inches excessive (off the bottom), plus it has 12-inch horizontal vary, permitting you to slip ahead or backward. “The very best factor about it's that the horizontal adjustment is spring-loaded, which helps you to modify the seat size with out having to hop off the bike,” our tester provides.
What to Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike
In line with BarBend professional reviewer Amanda Capritto, air bikes just like the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike might or might not be the type of exercise bike that matches your most popular model of coaching. “Air bikes are fairly area of interest, primarily serving the CrossFit neighborhood,” she says. “They're nice for high-intensity coaching in addition to sluggish, regular restoration work.” Listed below are a number of issues to make earlier than shopping for the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike.
- Belt-Drive or Chain-Drive: Air bikes use certainly one of two mechanisms to energy the fan — belts or chains. Chain-driven bikes are usually cheaper, however Capritto explains why. “Chain drives are noisier and require extra frequent upkeep,” she says. Before you purchase the Thrasher, make it possible for the quieter exercises and fewer repairs are well worth the larger value.
- Conveniences: We love that the Thrasher features a cellphone holder — nonetheless ill-placed it might be — and a water bottle holder, however do not forget that there’s no wind guard. In actual fact, you'll be able to’t even buy one individually from Vulcan. Maintain that in thoughts when you plan on tackling out of doors exercises throughout chilly climate.
- Value: The Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike prices about the identical because the Rogue Echo Bike (round $900), however there are many fashions that may be had for much less. Whereas many inexpensive air bikes make the most of chain drives, you could find high-quality fashions from Titan Health or Assault Health for roughly $700.
- Tech Capabilities: Not like the best exercise bikes with virtual courses, air bikes are geared towards high-intensity exercises that aren’t well-suited for streaming. “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),” Capritto says. The LCD show on the Thrasher reveals your metrics and provides sprints, intervals, Tabata, and focused programming, however understand that you gained’t be getting a cutting-edge show.
Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike Vs. Rivals
The Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike is shortly gaining floor on a few of our workforce’s favourite air bikes, together with the Rogue Echo Bike. We’ve laid out all the small print on a handful of highly-rated belt-driven air bikes, in addition to one with a sequence drive to supply some readability on what else is on the market. You’ll discover the belt-driven choices are a bit pricier, however the Bells of Metal Blitz 2.0 might prevent round $100 in comparison with the Thrasher and Echo. In the meantime, the chain on the Assault AirBike might require some upkeep, but it surely weighs much less and provides an extended guarantee. Take a look at the chart under that will help you evaluate the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike with three others we’ve personally examined.
| Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike | Rogue Echo Bike V3.0 | Bells of Metal Blitz Air Bike 2.0 | Assault Health AssaultBike Basic | |
| Value | $899.99 | $895 | $799.99 | $699 |
| Weight Capability | 350lbs | 330lbs | 350lbs | 300lbs |
| Product Dimensions | 55″ H x 44” L x 24” W | 52.25’’ H x 55’’ L x 29.5’’ W | 51’’ H x 53’’ L x 23’’ W | 50’’ H x 50.95’’ L x 23.34’’ W |
| Product Weight | 137lbs | 123lbs | 118lbs | 95.6lbs |
| Drivetrain | Belt | Belt | Belt | Chain |
| Guarantee | 2-year | 2-year | 2-year | 5-year body, 2-year non-wear elements |
Ordering and Assembling the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike
Whenever you order the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike, you’ll have the choice to increase your guarantee for $89, plus you’ll get free transport.
Locations to Purchase the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike
You possibly can order the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike immediately from vulcanstrength.com.
Model Repute and Buyer Critiques
Vulcan Energy producers all kinds of gymnasium gear. Their best barbells, rowing machines, and extra are favorites among the many BarBend workforce. “I’ve used a ton of Vulcan items of apparatus, however they actually fly a bit below the radar,” our tester says. “They don’t have the identical degree of selling as different huge manufacturers, however they make a ton of fine gear.”
On the Vulcan web site, buyer opinions common 4.9 out of 5 stars, with one five-star overview studying, “The belt-driven drive is a superb characteristic (very quiet). The small footprint permits for it to be positioned in the lounge. Wonderful construct high quality (it is extremely heavy and arrives by way of freight on a pallet) as it's clearly meant for business gyms. Meeting was comparatively straightforward.”
Warranties
Together with your buy of the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike, you’ll get a restricted 2-year guarantee. You may also buy an prolonged guarantee for $89 at checkout.
Last Ideas on the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike
Whenever you’re attempting to construct out a house gymnasium, you undoubtedly want to maximise house. “Air bikes type of scream ‘storage gymnasium!’ as a result of they pack a variety of punch into a comparatively small machine,” our tester says. The extremely heavy-duty metal construct of the Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike will really feel proper at house among the many best squat racks and barbells. As one of many heaviest air bikes we’ve ever examined, stability is unlikely to be a priority — even at max effort.
If you will get previous the comparatively bland monitor and don’t want a fan guard, we predict Vulcan’s entry into the air bike market might quickly problem established heavy hitters just like the Rogue Echo Bike or AssaultBike. Choosing a belt-drive system reduces the noise and upkeep of chain-driven choices, however raises the value. All in all, our workforce of licensed air bike nerds thinks that the Thrasher is nipping on the heels of the highest canine within the house.
Vulcan Thrasher Air Bike Assessment FAQs
What are the disadvantages of the air bike?
The air resistance system on these bikes are best-suited for the quick-burst, heart-pounding interval exercises widespread in CrossFit gyms or as a part of different circuit coaching packages. They are usually louder than most cardio machines, plus they usually characteristic easy displays for monitoring your metrics as an alternative of huge touchscreens on magnetic train bikes.
Is the air bike good for weight reduction?
Firing up high-intensity exercises on an air bike is definitely a great way to burn energy, however when you’re trying to begin a weight reduction program, extra have to exit than are available in. “Whenever you’re in a calorie deficit,” BarBend professional reviewer Gabrielle Fundaro explains in her article on the subject, “you shed some pounds as a result of your physique has to launch the power saved in your physique fats in an effort to meet your power wants.”
Is driving an air bike good train?
“Air bikes make for a implausible exercise! Few issues get me huffing and puffing greater than a for-time exercise that features air bike intervals,” says BarBend professional reviewer Amanda Capritto. “They're nice for high-intensity coaching in addition to sluggish, regular restoration work. As a result of many supply shifting arms, they'll additionally incorporate upper-body coaching on the similar time. The character of the fan flywheel implies that the one limitation in resistance and pace is the exerciser themself.”
References
- Nehr, Z. (2021, July 30). What's Q-factor and does it matter to you?. cyclingnews.com. https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/what-is-q-factor-and-does-it-matter-to-you/