Air bikes like the Rogue Echo used to be the indoor bike superstars, but fancy indoor cycling bikes like the Peloton Bike have stolen the spotlight.
Sure, air bikes might be pretty low tech, but they’re also an amazing tool for getting a total-body cardio workout FAST. They cost less than the other guys too.
The Rogue Echo is one of the best in its class and has a ton of loyal fans. Here’s everything you need to know about it before you put the pedal to the metal.
Pros and cons of the Rogue Echo Bike
Before we dive into the deets, here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons.
Pros
- Full-body cardio. Because an air bike has movable handlebars and pedals, it makes for an amazing full-body cardio workout.
- Sturdy and durable. The steel frame is sturdy and stable, and the coated finish is super-duper durable.
- Smooth ride. The belt-drive system is smoother and quieter than the chain-drive systems in other air bikes.
- Maneuverable. This thing is pretty easy to move around (thanks, wheels!).
- Tracks your stats. The LCD console measures distance, heart rate, and calories burned.
- Workout options. You can choose the interval setting or a custom, targeted workout.
Cons
- Lots of moolah. It’s def on the pricey side for an air bike.
- Large and in charge. The footprint is pretty big, so it’s not great if you’re tight on space.
- Lacking resistance options. It doesn’t have adjustable resistance, so you’ll need to rely on your own power to kick up your intensity.
- Too tall. Some reviewers say it’s not ideal for folks on the shorter side — they have trouble reaching the pedals.
- Low tech. Rogue doesn’t offer any streamable classes, and the Echo doesn’t have any smartphone connection capabilities.
Rogue Echo Bike deets
To start, this is an air bike, which is a little different from the type of indoor bicycles people have been raving about over the last couple of years.
Like all stationary bikes, an air bike is an amazing way to get a low impact cardio workout. But it’s different from other stationary bikes because it has movable handlebars (in addition to pedals, obvs), so riding it is a total-body workout. An air bike also has a big fan as a front wheel, which controls your resistance.
As with an air or water rower, the level of resistance depends on how hard you work. The faster you pedal and push/pull the handles, the higher the resistance. This makes an air bike super ideal for high intensity interval training (HIIT) and tabata-style workouts.
So while riding an air bike makes for a wild total-body cardio workout, it def has a different feel than bikes like the Peloton or Echelon because it doesn’t have built-in resistance levels or allow for super-quick pedaling.
Now that we’re air bike experts, here’s a top-to-bottom rundown of what the Rogue Echo Bike offers (plus some things it could improve on).
Cost
The Rogue Echo Bike costs about $800. The company also offers compatible heart rate monitors and upgrades that range from $40 to $80. (FYI: These prices don’t include tax.)
While this isn’t the most expensive stationary bike on the market, it’s not the cheapest either. To put it in perspective, Peloton bikes start at $1,895, while the Lanos Folding Exercise Bike is only $200.
Rogue doesn’t offer in-house financing. But you can apply for a monthly payment plan through a third-party company like LeaseProcess or Rigquipment Finance.
Psst: Look out for sales. Rogue offers specials throughout the year, so you can snag a better deal.
Specs, features, and accessories
If the Rogue Echo Bike had a resume, this is what it would say:
Bike specs
- weighs 127 pounds (lbs.)
- total footprint 44.5 inches (in.) x 23.75 in.
- belt-driven steel fan
- textured powder coat finish
- has wheels for easy moving
- 1.5 in.-diameter rubber grip handles
- metal pedals with rubber leveling feet
- battery-powered LCD console that measures distance, heart rate, and calories burned
Add-ons
- Wind guard. This plastic shield helps reduce air blowback (though a breeze does sound kinda nice, no?).
- Phone holder. The plastic mount screws onto the mast of the bike to cradle your cell.
- Bottle cage. The mounting is preinstalled, so it’s easy to pop into place. It holds most standard 16.9-ounce water bottles.
- Turf Tire and Handle Kit. Even though the bike comes with wheels, this kit is designed to make it even easier to move around.
Capabilities
- 350-lb. weight capacity
- LCD display NOT Bluetooth-compatible
- adjustable seat with five front-to-back settings and eight height settings
- can connect to Rogue’s Polar T10 Heart Rate Sensor and the Polar T31C Heart Rate Sensor
Rogue classes and entertainment options
Rogue doesn’t offer any streaming classes. You can totes follow along with other stationary bike classes on your TV, phone, or tablet, but air bike resistance doesn’t work the same way as the resistance on other kinds of stationary bikes, so it might be tough.
Reminder: The LCD screen can’t connect to Bluetooth.
What reviewers say
The Rogue Echo is a fan fave for a reason. But there are some potential probs to keep in mind. Here’s what reviewers have to say.
The bike
Overall, users are very happy with the quality and feel of this bike. Many note that the seat is comfy even on longer rides. Folks are also stoked that the belt-driven steel fan offers a cooling effect.
The most common complaint is the size of the bike. Shorter folks say they have a tough time reaching the pedals. Some also say the handlebars could use a glow-up — multiple reviewers say they’re too rigid and the grip is uncomfortable.
Assembly
Reviewers say assembly is a snap. The bike comes partially assembled. The parts you have to DIY are simple, thanks to the step-by-step instructions.
Bonus: Rogue gives you all the tools and accessories you need to put it together.
Customer service
Customer service reviews are hit or miss. Some peeps rave about fast shipping and super solid service reps. But others claim they received faulty equipment and had 0 luck getting a replacement or refund.
PSA: These reviews are for Rogue as a whole, not just the Rogue Echo Bike.
Rogue company policies and reputation
Here’s what you can expect if you invest in the Rogue Echo bike:
- Warranty. The Rogue Echo comes with a 2-year warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials. There aren’t many reviews that mention any issues with this warranty policy (which is def a good sign).
- Shipping. Your bike will arrive in a big box. The good news: Shipping is free in 48 states (sorry, Alaska and Hawaii 😔 ). The bad news: Some reviewers say it took more than a month to arrive.
- Trial period. Rogue currently doesn’t offer an at-home trial period. But you might get lucky and find a model at your local gym that you can give a whirl.
- Return policy. Rogue offers a 30-day return policy, but the item has to be in perfect condition and sent back in the original packaging. So be careful with that box cutter, fam.
Is the Rogue Echo Bike right for you?
Still not sure if this bike is bae? Here are some things to consider to help you decide.
It’s an air bike
First things first: Do you want an air bike? Remember that air bike resistance is based on your personal power rather than built-in resistance settings. So it’s def a great full-body workout, but it’s a different kind of workout.
If speed is your thing, you might be better off with an indoor cycling bike designed for higher pedaling speeds.
Oh, and an air bike makes a lot of noise because it has a huge fan attached to it.
Pricey
At around $800, this bike is def an investment. If you know you’re going to use it on the reg, it’s prob worth it. But if you’re not sure how it’ll fit into your life (or your living space), you might want to go with a less pricey option — or take your $800 and opt for a bike with a few more techy features.
Construction
This bike is built to last. The reinforced steel construction will help you stay stable throughout your ride. There are also rubber leveling feet under the base tubes to help the bike stay level so you’re not wobblin’.
It also features a steel fan belt-drive system, which is supposed to be smooth AF compared with the chain-drive systems on other bikes. Belt-drive systems are also hella quiet, so it won’t disrupt the other folks in your house.
Low tech
If you’re all about that touch-screen life, then this bike isn’t for you. The LCD screen is high quality but pretty basic. Also, it’s not compatible with smartphones or other devices, so the big fan as a front wheel is your only entertainment.
No cycling classes
Even if you stream a Peloton or iFit cycling class on your TV, the resistance/cadence levels won’t be the same on an air bike. If being able to take any classes is a big deal to you, this guy might not be the one.
Size and weight
The Rogue Echo clocks in at around 127 lbs., so it’s def a bit heavier than some other stationary bikes. Thankfully, it has built-in wheels that make it easier to move around. But keep in mind that the footprint is 44.5 in. x 23.75 in., so it might not be the best if you live in a smaller space.
Rogue Echo vs. other popular bikes
Not sure if Rogue is the one? Here’s how it stacks up to other popular air bikes.
| Rogue Echo | SCHWINN Airdyne Pro Exercise Bike | Assault AirBike Classic | Marcy Exercise Upright Fan Bike | |
| Price (approx.) | $800 | $1,000 | $700 | $380 |
| Dimensions | 52.75 H x 58.875 L x 29.875 W in. | 55 H x 26 L x 53 W in. | 59.95 H x 23.34 L x 50 W in. | 45 H x 25 L x 47.5 W in. |
| Seat adjustments | manual | manual | manual | manual |
| Weight | 127 lbs. | 113 lbs. | 95.64 lbs. | 79 lbs. |
| Weight capacity | 350 lbs. | 350 lbs. | 350 lbs. | 250 lbs. |
| Dual-action arms | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Water bottle holder | yes (but you have to buy it separately) | yes | no | no |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Auxiliary port | no | no | no | no |
| iPhone or Android capabilities | no | no | no | no |
| Phone holder | yes (but you have to buy it separately) | yes | no | no |
Want more indoor bike options?
Check out our reviews of other popular indoor bike brands:
The bottom line
When it comes to air bikes, the Rogue Echo Bike boasts beaucoup perks. Its sturdy steel construction should stand the test of time. Users also love that it offers a smooth, quiet ride (well, as quiet as an air bike can get with all that wind 💨 ).
The downside is that it’s pretty bulky and not ideal for tight living spaces. Another potential prob is the height settings — users who are under 5 feet 5 in. say it’s hard to reach the pedals.
If you want to give this bike a go, Rogue offers a 30-day return policy. You can also check out local gyms to see if they have a model you can take for a test ride.
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