Aviron Fit Bike review – better than Peloton?

The Aviron Fit Bike may be the most innovative exercise bike released since Peloton first released its bike many years ago. Considering its highly adjustable ergonomic set-up, the innovative electromagnetic resistance design, and focus on game-based workouts, there is no other bike that feels quite like this.

Is the Aviron Fit Bike better than Peloton? That will likely depend on whether you prefer games or instructor led classes. But for those who do prefer games, with its consumer friendly membership, and huge assortment of options, Aviron feels like the much better choice.

A quick overview of the Aviron Fit Bike

At a distance, the Aviron Fit Bike looks fairly standard for a modern indoor bike. Take a closer look, however, and it quickly becomes apparent there is a whole lot of innovation going on here. In many ways, from its more modern ergonomic design with a five-way adjustment system, to its more responsive electromagnetic resistance, the Aviron Fit Bike feels like a step forward in exercise bike design.

Though the biggest reason to choose this bike over other options, is for what Aviron calls its mission to “end boring workouts”. Not only are there hundreds of game modes, entertainment options, and classes to choose from, but it is the consistent updates and depth to all of this that hooks you to keep coming back for ‘one more’.

Aviron Fit Bike: Video Review

Subscribe to Connect The Watts for more connected fitness news, updates, tips, and guides.

Aviron Fit Bike: Specs

Display	4-Way Pivoting 22″ HD Touchscreen
Sound	2 x 10 watt front-facing speakers
Resistance	16 levels of Electromagnetic Resistance with both automatic and manual adjustments
Bike Type	Free Wheel with Commercial Grade Chain
Footprint	3.5′ L x 2′ W
Weight	139lbs
Max User Limited	350lb max weight 5′ 1″ to 6′ 8″ max height
Pedals	Toe cage (SPD clips optional)
Included Additions	Dual Water Bottle Holders, Dumbbell Rack
Warranty	10-Year Frame, 1-Year Parts (optional Lifetime Extension

Aviron Fit Bike: Design

Size and Ergonomics

While its space efficient 3.5′ L x 2′ W footprint is pretty typical for an exercise bike, the Aviron Fit Bike’s reinforced steel body allows for more stability than most. This extra stability enables users up to 350lbs to get a stable ride (the Peloton Bike in comparison only supports up to 275lbs).

Even more impressive here is the five-way adjustment system (most bikes like Peloton only have three). Not only can the handlebars and seat be both adjusted up, down, forward and back, but the handlebars’ tilt can also be adjusted to any angle. I’m mentioned before that Aviron’s Rower allows for the most adjustability among its competitors, and it seems they kept the same design philosophy when creating the Fit Bike.

The small downside here, is that while Aviron allows for more adjustability, it is a bit more limited than some others in the heights that are supported. Aviron says the Fit Bike can best support heights of between 5’1″ to 6’8″, which unfortunetly excludes some of those on the shorter side.

Electromagnetic Resistance

Most high-end exercise bikes move a magnet to adjust its resistance (Peloton, NordicTrack, etc…) The only problems with that are that it takes a little time for the resistance to adjust, and there are more moving parts that can be damaged when moving the bike.

So instead of typical magnetic resistance, Aviron went with what is called ‘Electromagnetic Resistance’. In this case, the magnet never has to move and so it allows for instant resistance adjustments as well as decreased likelihood of breakdown over time (this is also in part why Aviron can offer an optional lifetime guarantee while other options like Peloton don’t).

While I love the feel to and speed at which the electromagnetic resistance can adjust, it does come at a little cost. In order to compensate for the quick adjustments and torque, the Aviron Fit Bike uses a free wheel design (discussed in depth next) which makes the bike louder than regular magnetic resistance.

Free Wheel Design

With a more typical ‘Fixed Wheel Design’ (ex. Peloton), the flywheel is linked and synched with the pedals. The drawback of which is that it can limit you to more gradual changes to cadence, and can be a bit more dangerous when you need to stop quickly.

Aviron’s Fit Bike, instead utilizes a “Free Wheel Design’, so that the spin wheel can continue without the pedals being synched. So here, you have a bit more flexibility to speed up, slow down, or even coast, making it feel more like a real bike.

However, there are two downsides to this free wheel design. One is because a free wheel needs to be supported by a chain, and so it creates more noise than bikes like Peloton. It’s not a lot of noise (it’s more quiet than a regular bike), but it is definitely noticeable. The other downside is that the chain makes it harder to smoothly ride ‘out of the saddle’ (ie. standing up). So with the Aviron Fit Bike, it feels more like a bike trainer where the emphasis is on always riding in the seat.

Touchscreen and Extras

Also included with the Aviron Fit Bike are:

• Rotating 22″ HD touchscreen
• 2 X 10 watt front facing speakers
• 2 water bottle holders (can also hold your phone)
• 2 x Toe-cage pedals (can be upgraded to dual-sided pedals with SPD clips)

Aviron Fit Bike: Membership

Another big positive Aviron has going for it, is with how they have crafted a more consumer-friendly membership.

For a price as low as $24 per month (if billed annually), the cost for an Aviron membership is significantly lower than most other options. Comparing Aviron to Peloton, which costs $44 per month, you are looking at a cost savings of $240 per year.

And if you choose to cancel or pause your membership, Aviron will still allow you to track your workouts and earn badges through unlimited profiles. This may not sound like a big deal until you realize Aviron is one of the ONLY connected fitness companies to allows this (Peloton, iFIT, Hydrow, etc… disable all of these features if you discontinue their membership).

However, it should to be noted that if you already have a membership through the Aviron Rower and want to add the Fit Bike to your home, you will have to pay an additional $10 per month.

Games

While I think everything I’ve mentioned prior to this point has its importance, it is this category of games and experiences on Aviron that are easily its biggest selling point.

And when it comes to games, Aviron has really begun to nail it over the past few years. With now dozens of different game types, from battling wave after wave of pirate ships, to rescuing burning buildings in fire trucks, to shooting down hordes of aliens, there is a lot to choose from. Not to mention that most game modes have their own leveling and progression systems, allowing you to unlock new levels and abilities.

Most recently added is a new game mode called Skyquest which allows you to fly in a massive multiplayer open world to explore various routes, and aim for bonus rings and high score among dozens of others.

On top of all of this, no matter what mode you are in, you will continue to both level up your overall account, and earn ‘experience coins’ for every minute you bike. These coins can be used to unlock additional bonuses such as new backgrounds or avatars for each game.

Since there is always something new to try out or unlock (new workouts are released every month), it all culminates into making your workout with Aviron feel very rewarding.

Multiplayer

While every game mode can be played solo, most of them also allow for multiplayer.

Aviron has a ‘Group Lobby’ where you can see what everyone else is doing (unless they have their session set to private) and can jump in with anyone at anytime. Checking out the group lobby is actually one of my favorite ways to choose a workout, because many of these game modes are even more fun when you are part of a group.

There is also an area on Aviron called the “Time Machine” where you can check out all of the recent workouts you or any of your friends of completed. From here, you can challenge you or your friend’s score (you will see a ‘ghost’ version of their avatar when you do a workout like this). At the end, if you do end up beating a friend’s score, they will be notified and have a chance to retake it to see if they can also beat you. A great option if you and your friends are competitive!

Classes

Now just because Aviron specializes in games, doesn’t mean they ignore instructor-led classes completely. In fact, the Aviron Fit Bike is being launched with quite a few (I believe over 50) classes.

The quality of these classes are also quite good. The instructors and music aren’t on the same level as Peloton, but it is definitely better than some others (for example, I think these are better than Apple’s Fitness classes).

While I wouldn’t choose Aviron if all you wanted were instructor-led classes, I think it’s great that they have stepped up their production here, allowing members to further mix up how they workout.

Entertainment and Scenic Options

Aviron also allows you to connect to and view a wide range of streaming services while you workout. With options like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, YouTube and Paramount+, it makes it easy to catch up with a show or movie while you get in a sweat.

And like I mentioned previously, even workouts while watching a show can help you level up your account and earn experience coins. So even with these entertainment options, you still feel like you are making meaningful progress.

Additionally, Aviron also includes dozens of scenic rides that you can choose from. These scenic routes speed up and slow down relative to your biking speed, making them feel more immersive than traditional scenic ride videos.

Music

While each game mode has its own music track, you will probably get sick of listening to the same songs after a while. Luckily, Aviron has integrated with Spotify so you can listen to your own music (or podcast) while you workout.

Additionally, the volume of music can be adjusted separately from the game sounds. So you can find the perfect mix that works with your set-up, whether you are using the included speakers or are listening in through headphones.

More

While I’ve listed a lot of what is available with the Aviron membership, I’ve also skipped over quite a bit. There is (my favorite) lane-based “Power Play” mode, to “Guided Workouts”, and even a “Pros vs Joes” mode that allows you to take on scores from elite athletes.

The overall take here is that there is always something new to explore or earn, and (to me) that is that is the most compelling reason to go with Aviron over others.

Aviron Fit Bike – Final Thoughts

There is a lot to consider here, but I think ultimately for most of us it comes down to the games. If you like games – if you like playing with friends – if you like competition – if you like being entertained while you workout – if you like working towards new rewards – then you will love the Aviron Fit Bike.

Suggested Articles:

• Aviron finds rhythm with new iOS app, partners with Concept2
• Aviron Go Rower review – has the Concept 2 met its match?
• Aviron Strong Series Rower – in-depth review