The rower is pretty technical. It takes a while to become smooth. There is a lot more coordination required. You also get an appreciation for those who row.
I have tried a Hydrow rower in store and it was impressive - but I was concerned if the company went bust and stopped supporting the software, would it still work ?
I purchased my Concept 2 about 15 months ago. I absolutely love it and look forward to my workouts every morning 5 days per week. At this point I have logged 1.5 million meters and still going. Mastering the rowing stroke does take some time but once you do master it rowing is much more enjoyable. I may try one of the air bikes some day but for now rowing is king.
Great review, I agree with pretty much everything you said. As someone who regularly uses both here is my two cents. First either one is great. When going hard the rower is harder on your lungs and the air bike your legs. I'll use a tabata as an example. With the rower it will spike my hart rate and my lungs will be burning. On the bike my legs will be on fire but I can still breath. Not that you can't get your heart rate up on the bike or turn up the damper and fatigue your legs on the rower one just tends to be better than the other in those regards. Also I prefer the bike for recovery, I just find it easier to go easy.
I have all 3 of the c2 ergs, and I love each. I wanted to buy an echo bike too, because I think thats also phenomenal, but my wife wanted a treadmill, and so I dont really have much floor space left for the echo bike. If I would have to, I would choose the rower, as thats gives you the most complete workout. That being said, if someone would ask me the question what to buy, I would say the echo bike without hesitation, just because it really is fool proof. No technique and no maintenance needed. And for the record, those who tried rowing, and actually can row wouldnt even ask me what machine to buy, they would have already decided to buy a rower :D
I got the Rogue Echo bike a few weeks ago and man it’s a straight up killer. It gets your heart rate jacked in a few seconds, like 2-4 min on this thing and you more than warmed up. Highly recommend
@@proud-mom Yes it is relatively soft more on the firm side for sure, definitely comfortable to sit on. However, the seat is kind of big so it might take some time to get used to it. Quality-wise, I have no complaints.
@@ryanm8602um the assault bike in this video 🤷♂️ the echo is rogue’s beefed up version of it. They both will rock you, they were both designed by satan himself.
Nice! - I was just given an Air Bike from a friend of the families, it's an older one, and to be honest at first, I kinda laughed at it and didn't really give it a fair chance - was going to just suggest for my dad for basic cardio... but man... I started to get on this thing and REALLY PUSH and start to vary arms/legs intensity and the way i was doing it and it is AWESOME, despite looking like a relic from the 70's, it is now my favorite piece of conditioning gear! - and i'm not typically somebody craving cardio, but this (along with drumming) gets me excited to get my heart rate up! - thanks for the validation, lol! :) cheers
I owned a rower for a year but the transition time to get set up while doing Street Parking (CrossFit style) was to much of a burden. Recently sold it and got an echo bike. Best purchase I have made for my home gym. Easy transition, easy to operate, and really kicks your butt.
My wife and I are fortunate as we have both in our home gym - a Concept 2 rower and and Air Assault bike. I like them both and i feel like it is nice to have a change up with conditioning equipment. I like them both equally but the air bike is best if space and/money are limited as Coop said. When we started our home gym we only an old Airdyne bike we bought off of Craig's List and it worked well for us.
Bought a used airdyne first, then saved up and bought the c2. Love them both. Agreed that an air bike would be the better option for the first price of conditioning equipment.
Just tossing my background in. I am a d1 rowing recruit at the University of Pennsylvania. I have spent countless hours in my rowing machine and in the first 5 months transitioning from strength training to cardio this recent summer, I lost 40+ pounds of fat. The RowErg / original erg does wonders.
Couple of other points about the C2. First, the technique thing is over done, IMO. Watch five minutes of a how to video on youtube (there are lots) and you are good to go for starters. And, for the person looking for conditioning, having top form is not even something to shoot for, IMO. Inefficiency is your friend for cardio. The other point is, the C2 is excellent for both long steady state and HIIT workouts. I think the airbikes are better suited for HIIT, with studio style bikes best for long steady state. The C2 covers both bases, and everything in between. Finally, the C2 better complements lifting, IMO. While people say the rowing movement is "mostly legs" the fact is, a lot of the power comes with the hip hinge, when you go from 1:00 to 11:00 (or vice versa, depending on how you visualize it. Grooving in that hip hinge helps with deadlifts, RDLs, etc. IMO.
That seems a solid argument, can't imagine the air bike being great for longer endurance work. I think the rower can handle longer workouts, tho can't do any super long cardio indoors myself.
We tackled assembling the bike as a family project. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxzg0clhbtRf2gGxPkVETFKJJKGqdsorQu The package is heavy, but I have 2 teen boys that were able to move it. The written instructions were great- we didn't need to watch the videos, but it was good knowing that the option was there if we needed it. After we were able to get it set up, the boys each rode 3 miles and I rode 8 and the bike stayed quiet. The display is easy to reset, and you can put it on whichever setting you are using (time, distance, calories, etc). I will say that my butt is a little sore from the seat, but that could be because I haven't rode in a while. While it is comfortable for me, it was not comfortable with the seat position for my friend (could not move the seat back far enough and he slightly looked like a kid riding a tricycle that he had outgrown). He also said that the seat hurt his manly parts. We are going to look for a different seat that will be compatible with this bike for him.I did purchase the Wahoo Cadence sensor and strapped it to the crank of one of the pedals. This will sync with my Apple Watch, iPhone and will import data in to my Health app. Wahoo does have other sensors available other than cadence. I can also keep either my phone or my iPad on the display and they both feel pretty secure.
Would love to see you do a review of the various high resistance treadmills that simulate sled push/drags like HIITMill X and SledMill. They seem like a really viable option for someone who lives in a place where they don't have the outdoor space for an actual sled or tank sled.
Used them all. Have an Assault Air Bike Pro and it's amazing. Another plus for the Air Bikes is the fact that they require less mobility compared to a rower. Here I'm thinking of people with injuries or just limited range of movement.
But on a rower you don’t HAVE to collapse all the way so even with a rower you can have a limited range of motion and still get a good workout. I would contend that the rower may help you increase your ROM as you warm up and get more limber. The seat is 10 times more comfortable on a rower than a bike too 😂 so for endurance I’d say rower. For HIIT I’d say bike.
Just sold my Concept2 rower and kept the Rogue Echo air bike. The rower added too much lower back fatigue that I couldn't seem to adapt to in my powerlifting programming.
Rower is a lot of technique. It wasn’t worth the risk/reward for me either and that was after I learned how to row as an adult. Very happy with my purchase of the echo.
I have always had lower back issues. I found the rower triggers it unless I remember to keep my posture right. Rather than thinking it was causing my back issues, I used better posture to avoid it so it ended up being beneficial. Everyone will be different though.
From a cost perspective I would suggest starting with the dual action bike because you can pickup a used airdyne cheap on marketplace so what if it's old you are too and I'm not complaining... If you're looking for more steady state and endurance I would suggest a rower or bikeerg/spin... If you're looking for more HIIT I would suggest a dual action bike... My 2¢ likely worth less than 1¢
I lucked out, I put a squat rack, barbell, plates, landmine, dip horns setup together Feb 2020 before home gyms went nuts with lockdowns. My wife was jealous of my semi spur of the moment purchase and she ordered a Peloton. Then her mother wanted a treadmill and wanted to get rid of the C2 she didn't use and unloaded it on us for free around the same time. I already had an adjustable bench and selectech 1090s. It snowballed really quickly into a complete home gym, although I would personally rather have a treadmill than a bike or rower, but with a 2600 sqft basement I will get one eventually, maybe the mother in law will be sick of hers soon!
As a crossfitter, I regularly use an Echo bike, a C2 rower, and a C2 skier. The one I bought and rebuild was a model c rowers from C2. For $250 I upgraded the monitor and handle to the latest, replaced the shock cord, chain, axle, sprockets, guide rollers, foot straps, bearings, and some other plastic pieces just for esthetics. $550 total for essentially a brand new rower that is almost the same as the latest rowerg. I bought an Echo bike later, but plan to sell it to my CrossFit box. I just enjoy rowing more, either just a casual time-killer, a 2k for time, or playing in the EXR app.
Love my Echo Bike (bought 3-4 years ago) but I also have the Ski Row Air (bought 3-4 months ago) and I absolutely love that thing use it almost everyday.
I have a setup in my basement with very a low ceiling. i can't even do a standing overhead press with dumbbells because I would put a hole in it. The rower is the only piece of cardio equipment that works so I would definitely recommend it for people in a similar situation (can't stand it up for storage, though).
I have the Assault Bike Classic and absolutley love it. I actually got it used. The seller busted the cage but the wheel and pedals were fine. The console was believed not to work. I got it for $150 and placed the sensor and it works great.
bought a airdynepro 8 years ago love it never a problem . bought a concept2 rower a year ago also love it . use both witch 1 i ise that day depends on the workout that day .
I was fortunate to get a used Concept 2 back in 2020 and get a lesson from a rowing coach (the husband of my wife's friend). It took a couple of months to get truly comfortable with the motion and make it smooth, but I'm still going (rowing) strong three million meters and 150K+ calories later. I have never been in better shape. The machine is also super durable. My used one had more than six million meters on it (hard meters--it was used by collegiate national champions). I've replaced a few, minor parts with ease over the past three years.
I have the three Concept 2 machines in my basement and use them all, but I'd get the rower and bike before the SkiErg. Main reason, it's easier to watch a show or even listen to music on the bike and rower. For someone starting out, it's just easier to put time on them. The SkiErg, I feel I need to be totally focused on the exercise, and your head is moving around a ton, thrashing about like a freak, but then maybe my technique sucks, lol. The SkiErg does take up almost no space, so that's great. For air bike vs. rower, I think the full body motion you use while rowing is much more natural than the full body motion on the air bike, so I'd absolutely pick the rower over air bike, however I would also consider a stationary bike since it's easy to spend so much time on it. That's the key. Which one are you going to use? Of course each person might be looking for something particular. For a beginner looking to lose weight, I'd say stationary bike. For someone looking to improve cardio with a full body workout, I'd say rower. I feel the SkiErg is a great companion to the rower, but like I said, I'd get that third for most users.
I loved the Concept2 erg! I felt a flow to it, and could easily go for an hour or do sprints. Plus, I loved their online competitions. I had stopped using it and sold it. I was feeling to really exercise again, and I’ve always wanted an air bike, so I bought the Rogue Echo. We’ll see… so far, the seat is so uncomfortable, I’m having a hard time doing it, even for a few minutes. Right now, I’m kinda wishing I bought another Concept2.
I already have a C2 rower. Long term, I'd like a BikeErg, SkiErg, and Echo Bike. First though, I think I'm going for the BikeErg. Do you think that is a good move? I just see it as a bit more versatile than an Echo Bike, so better suited for longer rides but can go high intensity too.
I already have a bike trainer, so I added a rower this time. I initially looked at the Assault rower to match my Air Runner, but actually ended up with a Spirit CRW800. I liked the features and way it felt.
Built my garage gym at the beginning of COVID. All the gym equipment was through the roof. I found a schwinn airdyne practically new on MP for $300. It’s not as over built as the rogue or others but is a solid option.
I started getting a cheap ($330) hydraulic rower and a used exercise bike ($60) a couple of years ago. On their own, they are really boring IMO - but as both the ones ive got have the option to go very low or very high resistance, it allows me to do as high intensity as im comfortable with maintaining for 5 minutes, before i switch to the other for 5 minutes. Using them like this gets a lot less boring than using them separately - and after a couple of rounds on each, 20 minutes feels like it goes pretty fast compared to if i try to do 20 minutes session on just one of them. I still got bored with it after a month or 2 though 😏 I much prefer hiking, and to get my body ready for carrying heavier backpacks, i got myself a 20kg weighted vest and some ankle weights 7 months ago. Using this for going up hills is probably the best workout i have had..! About a month ago, i got a decent selection of dumbbells (from 2 to 15kg), and a few days ago i also got a power tower, so now im starting to feel like my small home gym have some pretty decent potential for a full body workout. Im getting some pulleys and rope in a few days, so then my Power Tower will have the added functionality of a DIY cable station (pretty sure it will work reasonably well)..! Then i just need a bench for sit ups and back extensions, and i will be satisfied ☺
My first conditioning equipment was the echo bike, then I picked up a used skierg locally, now I am considering the rower. Honestly I want to try the crossfit workout acid bath.
I got the base model monorail waterrower last winter. Was the best choice for me. Like you say, gotta get the technique down but once that’s done it’s just more enjoyable for me. I look forward to putting it into my workouts. Quiet and stores upright.
I had an Assault bike (classic). Upgraded to the Echo bike and have ZERO regrets. Also have a C2 rower and I agree with Coopers decision. Bike you can just jump on and go. Up to you if it’s slow steady or HIIT. Rower needs space and technique. Start with a used bike to see if you like it then if you stick to it get a high end Rogue Echo bike.
The gym I belong to has a Schwinn Airdyne. I really like it but have no basis of comparison to other airbikes. Online dealer says the retail is $1099. I was interested in learning a review including a Schwinn but I still found the information on other bikes helpful. Thanks.
I love my C2 row erg. Started rowing at 285 lb. It just worked, no problems despite rowing multiple days per week for the past year. I agree about technique. I ended up working with a coach to tune my stroke, huge help.
Funny, that’s the exactly 2 types of machines that I got at home, also for both functional and reliability reasons. I got a Waterrower and Schwinn Airdyne AD7. They both use belt drive and need zero maintenance. They both work perfectly without the need of any power. Both are very awesome machines
I bought a C2 rower, wife has a knockoff version Peloton + my old iPad for Peloton app experience. I considered the airbikes, but the storage footprint of the rower won out, as well as my wife's desire for a Peloton experience undercut buying another bike style conditioner. Soon after, my brother in law's airbike had to be taken apart after my niece threw up into the fanblade system lol. Not something usually mentioned in reviews, but the cleanup was terrible and they still get a little smell blown on them when they workout...
My airbike broke recently after many many years of use. Decided to buy a WaterRower now that there was ra open spot in the homegym. I lift weights, I mountainbike and have been using airbikes for years. I am way above average when it comes to strenght and cardio in those diciplines. Getting the rower was a super humbling experiences though. I was expecting to just set it up and row for an hour on day 1 "pedal to the metal". After no more than 15 minuts both my traps and and upper thighs were burning like crazy, and after 20 minuts I just decided to call it a day. It's been a long time since I performed below average at anything workout related.
was in 3 gyms didn't like going there, i don't like training at all, but i loved the stairmaster and the C2 rower. gonna save up for a c2 or rogue rower :)
I have three Concept 2 apparatus in my garage as part of home gym, Rowing Erg set for Rowing and the second one has a paddle for dragon boating / outrigger and the Concept 2 bike. Rowers are amazing but I wish Concept 2 had a Wind Bike as I'm over 160-Kg (352-pounds +) so with bike in highest drag the fan free spins when I stand to sprint. I have considered getting the Concept 2 Ski erg as Rowing and Skiing are considered some of the most demanding full body sports (wood chopping , ladder climbing beat them). So in conclusion the rower is amazing as you get fitter, stronger and more efficient with technique it will take everything you can throw at it and more. I think the wind bike would break due to weight an power output especially max output, I easily throw in burst over 1000 watts but that's because size and weight.
When it comes to HIIT, nothing beats my Rogue Echo Bike... however, it simply isn't comfortable for long, steady state cardio sessions. Even though I love my Echo Bike, I would honestly trade it in for an RowErg or SkiErg if I could. To those considering one or the other, if you have issues riding bikes for a long time or if you have a sensitive perineum, do NOT get an Air Bike.
I developed a knee problem...although cycling is Ok. I struggled on my Orbitrek though because of the full weight placed on the knee with the downward rotation. I have just bought a Rower and it's really great. The swap could be a blessing in disguise after recently being diagnosed with high Glucose level as I believe rowing is better for removing belly fat.
Skateboard Rower. I sit on a skateboard bracing my feet against a pipe laid across the open side of my squat rack, using the low cable for resistance. I push backwards with legs and pull with back and arms. I use 2 single hand cable handles so I can externally rotate for the pull like when the oars are in the water. I lower my hands and internally rotate for the eccentric like when the blades are just above the water parallel to the surface. From where I put my 🚣♂️ boat in I need to row a mile on a narrow river before reaching a wide enough area to allow sailing, and my jury rigged handles do better than commercial rowers at training actual rowing. Also, the plate loading has allowed inclusion of heavier training days that have improved my ability to make way against the combination of headwind with incoming tide.
I would have to agree, the Ski over the Assault bike or Rower, the ski is probably the best workout also. Best thing would be to just get an assault bike and the SkiErg 😊
Have both… going back to the original erg n airdyne in the early 80s . Recently upgraded to newest version of Concept and Echo bike..if I could only have one, I’d go with an Echo.
I couldn't decide, I have a C2 Rower and an Assault bike! I have been training 25-30 client hours a week out of my garage and doing my own Crossfit training for the last 2 years. They are both holding up like champs with minimal maintenance.
I have all three and like them: ski, bike, and row. He's right on the technique front, but I think that is worth working on in any fitness routine. Another thing, C2 has great free resources online, daily workouts, calculators, logbook, rankings, challenges, VO2 Max etc...In any case, all three of these can brutalize you, so no worries there!
Got the Spirit AB900 air bike. Used it every day for 1.5 year (30 min / 400 cal - sessions) Imo the two grip options is a must have on an Airbike. Maybe the Schwinn Airdyne AD8 Pro in the future. - Would take an Airbike > Rowing machine any day of the week.
Please do a review of indoor trainers for cyclists... from "smart" trainers to rollers, there is a wide range of products (and costs), and it would be interesting to see how these stand up to a rigorous analysis by GGR. I would tend to believe what Coop says over what appears in the cycling press.
I love rowers, but even with proper technique, they always seemed to work my upper body more. Air bikes seem more perfectly balanced in terms of the workout.
I’m team rower because it’s the first conditioning equipment that I enjoy. But if I have an injury, I love assault bike because I can maintain conditioning and avoid using my injured body part.
I have an Echelon Row Sport, purely for the cost that I got it for. It was the very last display model at Sams Club so I got it for like 25% of the full price.
Thanks so much for making this - RUclips recommended me this video/your channel Definitely subscribed! I've been trying to build muscle/core strength whilst getting in some cardio. I was surprised at how much of an upper body workout an air bike could do. It has given me some ideas! Anyways, thank you and subscribed :)
I have a bad knee and a lot of bikes go too high for me when pedaling causing discomfort so I personally like the rower better. I can go as far as my knee allows when rowing without the pain.
This was awesome! I have a small exercise room on the third floor of my brother in laws run and triathlon store. I'm looking at adding either a rowing machine or the skiing machine. After this, I'll need to look more at the bike. I think I looked a rogue's bike and thought it would be to heavy to get up 3 flights of stairs.
I'm still waiting on a video showing the mod to your Lifefitness cable crossover machine, I saw a tease sneak peak of it in the background of this video!
I just got done making this decision for my home gym. I wanted to add a full body low impact cardio machine that I could use to A) warm up before lifting and B) do some HIIT on my off days. I went with the Marcy air bike for about $340 on Amazon. Way to cheap for COOP to review
Elliptical... personal trainer for 35 years (and nurse). Perceived exertion vs HR. Nothing beats the elliptical. Sounds like you're just talking to CrossFit when you isolate to those two pieces of equipment. Those two are good. I like the Air Bike because of the whole body aspect. I also like the rower, but more for the muscles it works... hard to get a high heart rate without muscle fatigue
Both but the c2 rower came first. Can do steady state but can also turn yourself inside out if you want to. Assault bike is for punchier workouts and less conducive to longer rides. Certainly can be done but the rower has my vote
I own and use both for 8 yrs. C2 rower + Echobike. Airbike IS NOT only for HIIT. That's a lazy crossfit myth I see repeated in the comments here. I think the rower is more beneficial. I love my rower. Rower is the ONLY thing I can do when lumbars get acute. But I use my airbike more than my rower, cuz it's more-movements oriented, so it works for push-pull warmups, LISS, arms only, legs only, sugar burns, easier to watch tv, and footprint in living room is a lot less. Rower technique -- it's not nearly as hard as people say. I and wife took to good rowing technique easily. I've checked our technique against training vids, and we're good. It's not nearly as difficult as many suggest.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I bought a C2 Rower and it changed my life. Lost 50lbs. Best purchase I’ve ever made.
5000m a day with proper dieting. Can’t be beat.
Same here.
You think it's better than an exercise bike
@@AsirIset yes, it's a full body workout unlike a bike that focuses on legs only. I have an airbike and rower and I like the rower more.
@@bwarrior6340 ok nice!
thats impressive. in what time you lost the 50lbs?
Dude is Legendary -he is making video about air bike and rower and saying that he actually uses ski erg😂😂😂
Ski erg is the best
Love the ski erg too! Excellent space saving and you don't have to sit on anything.
Well, he’s definitely not lifting.
@@ryank.1214 The lads deceptively strong in regards to his size, he just doesn't bother with any kind of mirror phys.
I have a air dyne . Excellent cardio bike . Great for the heart .
The rower is pretty technical. It takes a while to become smooth. There is a lot more coordination required. You also get an appreciation for those who row.
@garagegymreviiews your name is a scam
@@stormranger528 all these winners are scam
@@stormranger528 everybody wins
Rowers blow shoulders.
Yeah it is!
Just logged a year with our Hydrow rower. Absolutely love it, and have made it part of the daily routine.
I have tried a Hydrow rower in store and it was impressive - but I was concerned if the company went bust and stopped supporting the software, would it still work ?
I purchased my Concept 2 about 15 months ago. I absolutely love it and look forward to my workouts every morning 5 days per week. At this point I have logged 1.5 million meters and still going. Mastering the rowing stroke does take some time but once you do master it rowing is much more enjoyable. I may try one of the air bikes some day but for now rowing is king.
Great review, I agree with pretty much everything you said. As someone who regularly uses both here is my two cents. First either one is great. When going hard the rower is harder on your lungs and the air bike your legs. I'll use a tabata as an example. With the rower it will spike my hart rate and my lungs will be burning. On the bike my legs will be on fire but I can still breath. Not that you can't get your heart rate up on the bike or turn up the damper and fatigue your legs on the rower one just tends to be better than the other in those regards. Also I prefer the bike for recovery, I just find it easier to go easy.
I have all 3 of the c2 ergs, and I love each. I wanted to buy an echo bike too, because I think thats also phenomenal, but my wife wanted a treadmill, and so I dont really have much floor space left for the echo bike. If I would have to, I would choose the rower, as thats gives you the most complete workout. That being said, if someone would ask me the question what to buy, I would say the echo bike without hesitation, just because it really is fool proof. No technique and no maintenance needed. And for the record, those who tried rowing, and actually can row wouldnt even ask me what machine to buy, they would have already decided to buy a rower :D
I got the Rogue Echo bike a few weeks ago and man it’s a straight up killer. It gets your heart rate jacked in a few seconds, like 2-4 min on this thing and you more than warmed up. Highly recommend
@Plus Ultra is the seat soft?
@@proud-mom Yes it is relatively soft more on the firm side for sure, definitely comfortable to sit on. However, the seat is kind of big so it might take some time to get used to it. Quality-wise, I have no complaints.
my gym doesn’t have it is their any good substitute?
@@ryanm8602use a normal stationary bike and then a rower or a cross trainer so you get both upper and lower cardio
@@ryanm8602um the assault bike in this video 🤷♂️ the echo is rogue’s beefed up version of it. They both will rock you, they were both designed by satan himself.
I have had my c2 for 3 years and never knew you can stand it up to save space. Thanks!!!
Dude! Lol. Did you know you can upload your time to the Concept 2 logbook and get free t-shirts and sweaters at 1, 5, 10 million meters and so on?
Team C2 Row Erg. The build quality is amazing. I love that rowers allow an athlete to train the full range of knee flexion and extension.
indeed, the full range makes the rower better !
@romain2879 And I've had my concept 2 for 20 years. Updated computer, seat and handles. Great piece of equipment and it still kicks my ass.
Nice! - I was just given an Air Bike from a friend of the families, it's an older one, and to be honest at first, I kinda laughed at it and didn't really give it a fair chance - was going to just suggest for my dad for basic cardio... but man... I started to get on this thing and REALLY PUSH and start to vary arms/legs intensity and the way i was doing it and it is AWESOME, despite looking like a relic from the 70's, it is now my favorite piece of conditioning gear! - and i'm not typically somebody craving cardio, but this (along with drumming) gets me excited to get my heart rate up! - thanks for the validation, lol! :) cheers
lol, a scam i presume?, lol
At the home gym we've got an Echo which we use mainly for our anaerobic work, and a Concept2, treadmill and studio bike for our aerobic work.
I owned a rower for a year but the transition time to get set up while doing Street Parking (CrossFit style) was to much of a burden. Recently sold it and got an echo bike. Best purchase I have made for my home gym. Easy transition, easy to operate, and really kicks your butt.
My wife and I are fortunate as we have both in our home gym - a Concept 2 rower and and Air Assault bike. I like them both and i feel like it is nice to have a change up with conditioning equipment. I like them both equally but the air bike is best if space and/money are limited as Coop said. When we started our home gym we only an old Airdyne bike we bought off of Craig's List and it worked well for us.
I recently bought a C2. Great rower. Now I need a garage gym to put it in.
I have both, plus the C2 Ski Erg in my garage gym. Fantastic all 'round.
I have both. I use the airbike almost daily as my warmup. I use the rower only when programmed.
as a collegiate rower, the concept 2 is the only piece of gym equipment I own.
Bought a used airdyne first, then saved up and bought the c2. Love them both. Agreed that an air bike would be the better option for the first price of conditioning equipment.
Concept 2 row-erg The electronics give you all the data you'll need to go from zero to hero.
Just tossing my background in. I am a d1 rowing recruit at the University of Pennsylvania. I have spent countless hours in my rowing machine and in the first 5 months transitioning from strength training to cardio this recent summer, I lost 40+ pounds of fat. The RowErg / original erg does wonders.
What time did you need to get to be a recruit?
@@lennylink8772generally for d1 heavyweight recruits, a 6:20-10 is about right (depending on how good the school is, may be 6:10-00).
Couple of other points about the C2. First, the technique thing is over done, IMO. Watch five minutes of a how to video on youtube (there are lots) and you are good to go for starters. And, for the person looking for conditioning, having top form is not even something to shoot for, IMO. Inefficiency is your friend for cardio.
The other point is, the C2 is excellent for both long steady state and HIIT workouts. I think the airbikes are better suited for HIIT, with studio style bikes best for long steady state. The C2 covers both bases, and everything in between.
Finally, the C2 better complements lifting, IMO. While people say the rowing movement is "mostly legs" the fact is, a lot of the power comes with the hip hinge, when you go from 1:00 to 11:00 (or vice versa, depending on how you visualize it. Grooving in that hip hinge helps with deadlifts, RDLs, etc. IMO.
That seems a solid argument, can't imagine the air bike being great for longer endurance work.
I think the rower can handle longer workouts, tho can't do any super long cardio indoors myself.
We tackled assembling the bike as a family project. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxzg0clhbtRf2gGxPkVETFKJJKGqdsorQu The package is heavy, but I have 2 teen boys that were able to move it. The written instructions were great- we didn't need to watch the videos, but it was good knowing that the option was there if we needed it. After we were able to get it set up, the boys each rode 3 miles and I rode 8 and the bike stayed quiet. The display is easy to reset, and you can put it on whichever setting you are using (time, distance, calories, etc). I will say that my butt is a little sore from the seat, but that could be because I haven't rode in a while. While it is comfortable for me, it was not comfortable with the seat position for my friend (could not move the seat back far enough and he slightly looked like a kid riding a tricycle that he had outgrown). He also said that the seat hurt his manly parts. We are going to look for a different seat that will be compatible with this bike for him.I did purchase the Wahoo Cadence sensor and strapped it to the crank of one of the pedals. This will sync with my Apple Watch, iPhone and will import data in to my Health app. Wahoo does have other sensors available other than cadence. I can also keep either my phone or my iPad on the display and they both feel pretty secure.
Nice write up mate
Do you leave this comment in every airbike video? Like, seriously 😒
Would love to see you do a review of the various high resistance treadmills that simulate sled push/drags like HIITMill X and SledMill. They seem like a really viable option for someone who lives in a place where they don't have the outdoor space for an actual sled or tank sled.
5.5-6k for the Sledmill. Hahaha no thank you. My lord.
Used them all. Have an Assault Air Bike Pro and it's amazing. Another plus for the Air Bikes is the fact that they require less mobility compared to a rower. Here I'm thinking of people with injuries or just limited range of movement.
But on a rower you don’t HAVE to collapse all the way so even with a rower you can have a limited range of motion and still get a good workout. I would contend that the rower may help you increase your ROM as you warm up and get more limber. The seat is 10 times more comfortable on a rower than a bike too 😂 so for endurance I’d say rower. For HIIT I’d say bike.
I have a water rower. Speaking about noise. The water resistance is great compared to the fan.
Just sold my Concept2 rower and kept the Rogue Echo air bike. The rower added too much lower back fatigue that I couldn't seem to adapt to in my powerlifting programming.
Rower is a lot of technique. It wasn’t worth the risk/reward for me either and that was after I learned how to row as an adult. Very happy with my purchase of the echo.
I have always had lower back issues. I found the rower triggers it unless I remember to keep my posture right. Rather than thinking it was causing my back issues, I used better posture to avoid it so it ended up being beneficial. Everyone will be different though.
I do like that Ur pushing and pulling and get the core twisting and minimal lower back drama like with the rower.
From a cost perspective I would suggest starting with the dual action bike because you can pickup a used airdyne cheap on marketplace so what if it's old you are too and I'm not complaining... If you're looking for more steady state and endurance I would suggest a rower or bikeerg/spin... If you're looking for more HIIT I would suggest a dual action bike... My 2¢ likely worth less than 1¢
I lucked out, I put a squat rack, barbell, plates, landmine, dip horns setup together Feb 2020 before home gyms went nuts with lockdowns. My wife was jealous of my semi spur of the moment purchase and she ordered a Peloton. Then her mother wanted a treadmill and wanted to get rid of the C2 she didn't use and unloaded it on us for free around the same time. I already had an adjustable bench and selectech 1090s. It snowballed really quickly into a complete home gym, although I would personally rather have a treadmill than a bike or rower, but with a 2600 sqft basement I will get one eventually, maybe the mother in law will be sick of hers soon!
As a crossfitter, I regularly use an Echo bike, a C2 rower, and a C2 skier. The one I bought and rebuild was a model c rowers from C2. For $250 I upgraded the monitor and handle to the latest, replaced the shock cord, chain, axle, sprockets, guide rollers, foot straps, bearings, and some other plastic pieces just for esthetics. $550 total for essentially a brand new rower that is almost the same as the latest rowerg.
I bought an Echo bike later, but plan to sell it to my CrossFit box. I just enjoy rowing more, either just a casual time-killer, a 2k for time, or playing in the EXR app.
I use a C2 rower and a Rogue Echo bike. Love them both. Hate them both. I get to choose my own way of getting into the pain cave. Recommend both.
Love my Echo Bike (bought 3-4 years ago) but I also have the Ski Row Air (bought 3-4 months ago) and I absolutely love that thing use it almost everyday.
I have a setup in my basement with very a low ceiling. i can't even do a standing overhead press with dumbbells because I would put a hole in it. The rower is the only piece of cardio equipment that works so I would definitely recommend it for people in a similar situation (can't stand it up for storage, though).
I have a Pro Form rower I got from Costco a few years ago and I still love it.
... glad you confirmed my thought process, which started with price, then footprint. great comparison. good stuff
I have the Assault Bike Classic and absolutley love it. I actually got it used. The seller busted the cage but the wheel and pedals were fine. The console was believed not to work. I got it for $150 and placed the sensor and it works great.
Very well thought out breakdown on the two pieces of equipment. Appreciate the advice.
bought a airdynepro 8 years ago love it never a problem . bought a concept2 rower a year ago also love it . use both witch 1 i ise that day depends on the workout that day .
I was fortunate to get a used Concept 2 back in 2020 and get a lesson from a rowing coach (the husband of my wife's friend). It took a couple of months to get truly comfortable with the motion and make it smooth, but I'm still going (rowing) strong three million meters and 150K+ calories later. I have never been in better shape. The machine is also super durable. My used one had more than six million meters on it (hard meters--it was used by collegiate national champions). I've replaced a few, minor parts with ease over the past three years.
I hope you've got your million meter club gear?
I have the three Concept 2 machines in my basement and use them all, but I'd get the rower and bike before the SkiErg. Main reason, it's easier to watch a show or even listen to music on the bike and rower. For someone starting out, it's just easier to put time on them. The SkiErg, I feel I need to be totally focused on the exercise, and your head is moving around a ton, thrashing about like a freak, but then maybe my technique sucks, lol. The SkiErg does take up almost no space, so that's great.
For air bike vs. rower, I think the full body motion you use while rowing is much more natural than the full body motion on the air bike, so I'd absolutely pick the rower over air bike, however I would also consider a stationary bike since it's easy to spend so much time on it. That's the key. Which one are you going to use? Of course each person might be looking for something particular. For a beginner looking to lose weight, I'd say stationary bike. For someone looking to improve cardio with a full body workout, I'd say rower. I feel the SkiErg is a great companion to the rower, but like I said, I'd get that third for most users.
I’m all about that C2 rower. Love mine!
This channel Made me buy an echo bike and a C2. got them both before price hikes.
I’m really looking to add a Bikeerg to the garage. I cycle a lot and it’d be a big help during the winter months.
I loved the Concept2 erg! I felt a flow to it, and could easily go for an hour or do sprints. Plus, I loved their online competitions. I had stopped using it and sold it. I was feeling to really exercise again, and I’ve always wanted an air bike, so I bought the Rogue Echo. We’ll see… so far, the seat is so uncomfortable, I’m having a hard time doing it, even for a few minutes. Right now, I’m kinda wishing I bought another Concept2.
I've owned both and they are both great. I'm a big fan of the C2 bike erg now though and would recommend it highly.
I already have a C2 rower. Long term, I'd like a BikeErg, SkiErg, and Echo Bike. First though, I think I'm going for the BikeErg. Do you think that is a good move? I just see it as a bit more versatile than an Echo Bike, so better suited for longer rides but can go high intensity too.
He told me to get a skierg and I got one. I love it !
I already have a bike trainer, so I added a rower this time. I initially looked at the Assault rower to match my Air Runner, but actually ended up with a Spirit CRW800. I liked the features and way it felt.
I don't get those spirit rowers, the displays suck yet they cost more than a Concept 2.
Built my garage gym at the beginning of COVID. All the gym equipment was through the roof. I found a schwinn airdyne practically new on MP for $300. It’s not as over built as the rogue or others but is a solid option.
I started getting a cheap ($330) hydraulic rower and a used exercise bike ($60) a couple of years ago. On their own, they are really boring IMO - but as both the ones ive got have the option to go very low or very high resistance, it allows me to do as high intensity as im comfortable with maintaining for 5 minutes, before i switch to the other for 5 minutes. Using them like this gets a lot less boring than using them separately - and after a couple of rounds on each, 20 minutes feels like it goes pretty fast compared to if i try to do 20 minutes session on just one of them. I still got bored with it after a month or 2 though 😏
I much prefer hiking, and to get my body ready for carrying heavier backpacks, i got myself a 20kg weighted vest and some ankle weights 7 months ago. Using this for going up hills is probably the best workout i have had..! About a month ago, i got a decent selection of dumbbells (from 2 to 15kg), and a few days ago i also got a power tower, so now im starting to feel like my small home gym have some pretty decent potential for a full body workout. Im getting some pulleys and rope in a few days, so then my Power Tower will have the added functionality of a DIY cable station (pretty sure it will work reasonably well)..! Then i just need a bench for sit ups and back extensions, and i will be satisfied ☺
I own both! Rower first, then airbike!
My first conditioning equipment was the echo bike, then I picked up a used skierg locally, now I am considering the rower. Honestly I want to try the crossfit workout acid bath.
Hopefully, we can introduce a Skiing-form simulatori-type Machine PTS that excites people a little.
I got the base model monorail waterrower last winter. Was the best choice for me. Like you say, gotta get the technique down but once that’s done it’s just more enjoyable for me. I look forward to putting it into my workouts. Quiet and stores upright.
I own a water rower and I'm very happy with it.
Never looked back purchasing a Concept 2. I biked all of my life, so a good change for me.
C2 Rower with EXR software is all I needed.
I had an Assault bike (classic). Upgraded to the Echo bike and have ZERO regrets. Also have a C2 rower and I agree with Coopers decision. Bike you can just jump on and go. Up to you if it’s slow steady or HIIT. Rower needs space and technique. Start with a used bike to see if you like it then if you stick to it get a high end Rogue Echo bike.
The gym I belong to has a Schwinn Airdyne. I really like it but have no basis of comparison to other airbikes. Online dealer says the retail is $1099. I was interested in learning a review including a Schwinn but I still found the information on other bikes helpful. Thanks.
I love my C2 row erg. Started rowing at 285 lb. It just worked, no problems despite rowing multiple days per week for the past year. I agree about technique. I ended up working with a coach to tune my stroke, huge help.
I got hooked on the C2, I row at least 60,000M a week.
Funny, that’s the exactly 2 types of machines that I got at home, also for both functional and reliability reasons. I got a Waterrower and Schwinn Airdyne AD7. They both use belt drive and need zero maintenance. They both work perfectly without the need of any power. Both are very awesome machines
The bike is the way to go. No way rower gets your heart rate higher. Also you can do lower intensity on bike. Coop I concur 👍👌👌
Had a C2 rower and an old Schwinn airdyne. Sold the rower and still rockin’ the airdyne 👍
I bought a C2 rower, wife has a knockoff version Peloton + my old iPad for Peloton app experience. I considered the airbikes, but the storage footprint of the rower won out, as well as my wife's desire for a Peloton experience undercut buying another bike style conditioner. Soon after, my brother in law's airbike had to be taken apart after my niece threw up into the fanblade system lol. Not something usually mentioned in reviews, but the cleanup was terrible and they still get a little smell blown on them when they workout...
that last part just made me vomit a lil thinking about it.
My airbike broke recently after many many years of use. Decided to buy a WaterRower now that there was ra open spot in the homegym. I lift weights, I mountainbike and have been using airbikes for years. I am way above average when it comes to strenght and cardio in those diciplines. Getting the rower was a super humbling experiences though.
I was expecting to just set it up and row for an hour on day 1 "pedal to the metal". After no more than 15 minuts both my traps and and upper thighs were burning like crazy, and after 20 minuts I just decided to call it a day. It's been a long time since I performed below average at anything workout related.
was in 3 gyms didn't like going there, i don't like training at all, but i loved the stairmaster and the C2 rower.
gonna save up for a c2 or rogue rower :)
I got a airbike for the full body aspect, foot print and the ability to do HIIT/SSC. Bought an assault airbike before I learned about belt drives
I have three Concept 2 apparatus in my garage as part of home gym, Rowing Erg set for Rowing and the second one has a paddle for dragon boating / outrigger and the Concept 2 bike. Rowers are amazing but I wish Concept 2 had a Wind Bike as I'm over 160-Kg (352-pounds +) so with bike in highest drag the fan free spins when I stand to sprint. I have considered getting the Concept 2 Ski erg as Rowing and Skiing are considered some of the most demanding full body sports (wood chopping , ladder climbing beat them). So in conclusion the rower is amazing as you get fitter, stronger and more efficient with technique it will take everything you can throw at it and more. I think the wind bike would break due to weight an power output especially max output, I easily throw in burst over 1000 watts but that's because size and weight.
When it comes to HIIT, nothing beats my Rogue Echo Bike... however, it simply isn't comfortable for long, steady state cardio sessions. Even though I love my Echo Bike, I would honestly trade it in for an RowErg or SkiErg if I could.
To those considering one or the other, if you have issues riding bikes for a long time or if you have a sensitive perineum, do NOT get an Air Bike.
I developed a knee problem...although cycling is Ok. I struggled on my Orbitrek though because of the full weight placed on the knee with the downward rotation. I have just bought a Rower and it's really great. The swap could be a blessing in disguise after recently being diagnosed with high Glucose level as I believe rowing is better for removing belly fat.
It’s like u read my mind!!
Been having this dilemma for a while..
Skateboard Rower. I sit on a skateboard bracing my feet against a pipe laid across the open side of my squat rack, using the low cable for resistance. I push backwards with legs and pull with back and arms. I use 2 single hand cable handles so I can externally rotate for the pull like when the oars are in the water. I lower my hands and internally rotate for the eccentric like when the blades are just above the water parallel to the surface. From where I put my 🚣♂️ boat in I need to row a mile on a narrow river before reaching a wide enough area to allow sailing, and my jury rigged handles do better than commercial rowers at training actual rowing. Also, the plate loading has allowed inclusion of heavier training days that have improved my ability to make way against the combination of headwind with incoming tide.
I would have to agree, the Ski over the Assault bike or Rower, the ski is probably the best workout also. Best thing would be to just get an assault bike and the SkiErg 😊
Have both… going back to the original erg n airdyne in the early 80s . Recently upgraded to newest version of Concept and Echo bike..if I could only have one, I’d go with an Echo.
Great video! I have a treadmill and row erg. want to get air bike but need to make room
Coop!!!Merry Christmas. Agree, I am older and the Rouge Echo Bike was a better option.
Have used both and like both but my preference is, by a long way, the rower.
Great advice. Thank you.
I couldn't decide, I have a C2 Rower and an Assault bike! I have been training 25-30 client hours a week out of my garage and doing my own Crossfit training for the last 2 years. They are both holding up like champs with minimal maintenance.
Rower was the best buy I ever made. So much more satisfying than the bike. To each their own but the rower is so much better
for me.
I have all three and like them: ski, bike, and row. He's right on the technique front, but I think that is worth working on in any fitness routine. Another thing, C2 has great free resources online, daily workouts, calculators, logbook, rankings, challenges, VO2 Max etc...In any case, all three of these can brutalize you, so no worries there!
Got the Spirit AB900 air bike. Used it every day for 1.5 year (30 min / 400 cal - sessions) Imo the two grip options is a must have on an Airbike. Maybe the Schwinn Airdyne AD8 Pro in the future. - Would take an Airbike > Rowing machine any day of the week.
Ended up picking an air bike and haven’t regretted it. I didn’t have a ton of space and it just fit better.
Coop I bought the Assault Pro over the C2 and I'm Freaking Loving it.
Please do a review of indoor trainers for cyclists... from "smart" trainers to rollers, there is a wide range of products (and costs), and it would be interesting to see how these stand up to a rigorous analysis by GGR. I would tend to believe what Coop says over what appears in the cycling press.
I got a Marcy Air 1 used for $20 and it’s great!
The concept 2 rower also has a fan and (at least to my ear) makes the same kind of noise as a airbike.
Best is the one you like and therefore will most likely use
I love rowers, but even with proper technique, they always seemed to work my upper body more. Air bikes seem more perfectly balanced in terms of the workout.
I’m team rower because it’s the first conditioning equipment that I enjoy. But if I have an injury, I love assault bike because I can maintain conditioning and avoid using my injured body part.
I have an Echelon Row Sport, purely for the cost that I got it for. It was the very last display model at Sams Club so I got it for like 25% of the full price.
Great video.
I think I’m getting both 😂
Schwinn aerodyne is my favorite. Eye really like the hand position,s game changer fur me
Thanks so much for making this - RUclips recommended me this video/your channel
Definitely subscribed! I've been trying to build muscle/core strength whilst getting in some cardio. I was surprised at how much of an upper body workout an air bike could do. It has given me some ideas!
Anyways, thank you and subscribed :)
I have a bad knee and a lot of bikes go too high for me when pedaling causing discomfort so I personally like the rower better. I can go as far as my knee allows when rowing without the pain.
This was awesome! I have a small exercise room on the third floor of my brother in laws run and triathlon store. I'm looking at adding either a rowing machine or the skiing machine. After this, I'll need to look more at the bike. I think I looked a rogue's bike and thought it would be to heavy to get up 3 flights of stairs.
I'm still waiting on a video showing the mod to your Lifefitness cable crossover machine, I saw a tease sneak peak of it in the background of this video!
I just got done making this decision for my home gym. I wanted to add a full body low impact cardio machine that I could use to A) warm up before lifting and B) do some HIIT on my off days. I went with the Marcy air bike for about $340 on Amazon. Way to cheap for COOP to review
Elliptical... personal trainer for 35 years (and nurse). Perceived exertion vs HR. Nothing beats the elliptical. Sounds like you're just talking to CrossFit when you isolate to those two pieces of equipment.
Those two are good. I like the Air Bike because of the whole body aspect. I also like the rower, but more for the muscles it works... hard to get a high heart rate without muscle fatigue
Both but the c2 rower came first. Can do steady state but can also turn yourself inside out if you want to. Assault bike is for punchier workouts and less conducive to longer rides. Certainly can be done but the rower has my vote
I do have both 😅
Too hard to choose one or another
I own and use both for 8 yrs. C2 rower + Echobike. Airbike IS NOT only for HIIT. That's a lazy crossfit myth I see repeated in the comments here. I think the rower is more beneficial. I love my rower. Rower is the ONLY thing I can do when lumbars get acute. But I use my airbike more than my rower, cuz it's more-movements oriented, so it works for push-pull warmups, LISS, arms only, legs only, sugar burns, easier to watch tv, and footprint in living room is a lot less. Rower technique -- it's not nearly as hard as people say. I and wife took to good rowing technique easily. I've checked our technique against training vids, and we're good. It's not nearly as difficult as many suggest.