Air bikes are now a permanent fixture in many gyms and studios. Using a fan to generate resistance, they offer a simple but demanding full-body conditioning workout.
The REP Strive™ Air Bike Featuring VPR is one of the latest air bikes to hit the market. Ironman and HYROX athlete Zach Yovan tested it on behalf of BOXROX and shared his honest thoughts on its performance.
First Impression
It didn’t take Zach long to notice the Variable Pitch Resistance (VPR). One of the biggest differences compared to other air bikes, he said, was how quickly he could move from a very light resistance to a high-intensity effort using the adjustment lever.
The system allows riders to adjust resistance by changing the angle of the fan blades.
The stylish, minimalistic design makes the Strive™ Air Bike suitable for commercial use and home gyms. Zach was impressed by the varying levels of resistance. He suggested levels 1–3 for low-intensity workouts, 4–6 for fat-burning sessions, and 7–8 for high-intensity sessions.
Product Innovation & Versatility
This was Zach’s first air bike at home, and he was keen to share how impressed he was by the VPR tech. “I loved the way you can transition from a very low level to a high level of performance just with the top lever.” This differs from other fixed-resistance bikes that Zach has used in gyms, which are largely designed for sprints.
The interface tracks distance, speed, time, calories, and power. Zach also highlighted the console as one of his favourite features, saying it displays exactly the metrics he wants during interval sessions, including watts, speed, time and distance.
Zach explained that many of his sessions on the bike involve short, high-intensity intervals lasting between 15 seconds and one minute, making quick access to these metrics particularly useful.
The product is also compatible with heart rate monitors and popular FTMS apps. This is achieved through Bluetooth and ANT+ wireless technologies.
The Magnetic Wind Diverter ensures that this Strive™ Air Bike is usable in all temperatures. You can move the fan cover away from you if you’re too hot or block the cold air by placing it directly in front of you.
Overall Training Performance
Zach described the REP Strive™ Air Bike Featuring VPR as “the best air bike I’ve used to date.” Throughout testing, Zach repeatedly came back to how smooth the bike felt compared to other fan bikes he has used. Combined with the Variable Pitch Resistance system, he felt it offered far greater versatility than traditional fixed-resistance air bikes.
About the Kit
Product Highlights
- Variable Pitch Resistance (VPR): The headline feature, allowing resistance to be adjusted by changing the angle of the fan blades.
- Dual-Stage Belt Drive: Delivers a smooth, consistent ride without the chain found on many traditional air bikes.
- Magnetic Wind Diverter: Lets users increase or reduce airflow depending on the conditions.
- Ratcheting Seat: Allows for quick height adjustments between different users.
- Backlit Console: Displays key workout metrics and supports Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity.
- Multi-Grip Handles & Knurled Touchpoints: Multiple grip positions and textured contact points improve comfort and usability during training.
Value for Money
Zach shared “I give it a five out of five for pricing”. That’s because $1,299 is a realistic price point for a product of such quality. “It’s perfect for a home gym”, as it can easily be moved to the garage, driveway, or backyard. This REP Air Bike has a commercial feel that would traditionally come with a $2,000+ price tag.
What is This Bike Best For?
Zach has already incorporated the bike into his HYROX engine-building sessions. One of his preferred workouts involves running 1km before jumping straight onto the bike to elevate his heart rate before heading back out for another run. According to Zach, this helps recreate race fatigue without placing the same level of impact on the body as repeatedly adding sled pushes, rowing intervals or burpees.
For example, jumping on the bike after completing a 1km run. This doesn’t put an immense tax on the body in the same way a sled push or a row erg would.
Here are three sessions that can be adapted for different fitness levels on the bike.
Workout 1: Beginner Workout
Newcomers to cardiovascular training can complete this workout before or after a resistance session. Aim to break a sweat, but don’t push yourself to the limit.
- 5 minutes at a slow pace
- 15 minutes at a moderate pace
- 5 minutes at a slow pace
Workout 2: Interval Workout
- Round 1: 30 calories for time
- Round 2: 3 minutes at a slow pace
- Round 3: 40 calories for time
- Round 4: 3 minutes slow pedal
- Round 5: 50 calories for time
Workout 3: VO2 Max Workout
This is a short yet demanding workout that includes multiple red-line periods.
- 3 minutes at a slow pace
- 15-second sprint
- 60 seconds at a slow pace
- 30-second sprint
- 90 seconds at a slow pace
- 45-second sprint
Final Verdict
The REP Strive™ Air Bike featuring VPR is a premium machine that stands out for its ability to independently control resistance regardless of pedaling speed. This makes the transition from light recovery rides to high-intensity sprints a breeze.
Our tester, Zach, loved the elegant design and durability, while the quick-adjust seat and multi-grip handles maximize comfort. Compatible with the latest tracking technology, this is the next must-have piece of equipment for any home gym.
““It’s unbelievably smooth… I love the way that you can transition from a very low level to a very high level of resistance just with the lever up top. It’s the best air bike I’ve used”.
