Rogue Echo Bike Review

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In this article we’re going to present our hands-on review of the Rogue Echo Bike.

We believe the Rogue Echo bike is the best air bike option for anyone in the market for a new air bike in 2022.

Why? That’s what we’ll talk about here.

Rogue Fitness Echo Bike - The best assault bike for CrossFit and metcon workouts (also called an airbike). "Overbuilt" is a good adjective to describe the Rogue bike.
Rogue Fitness Echo Bike – The best assault bike for CrossFit and metcon workouts. “Overbuilt” is a good adjective to describe it.

Here’s a preview of the gear we’re going to be covering in this review.

Rogue Echo Bike In the market for the best fan bike / air bike? Get the Rogue Echo Bike. It's overbuilt and super-sturdy - which is great for high power output workouts. But it's also smooth and quieter than other air bikes that use a chain (The Echo has a belt instead.)
Echo Bike Wind Guard Too much breeze from the fan? Get the Wind Guard. It's effective - but is it better than duct tape? Maybe not - but it does look better and is less messy.
Echo Bike Phone Holder The official Phone Holder form Rogue is robust and will fit even really big phones - like the iPhone Max XS.
Polar T31C Heart Rate Sensor The Polar T31C Heart Rate Sensor is compatible with the Rogue Echo Bike - and it should work automatically. The regular (non-coded) T31 model of the Polar heart rate sensor will work as well. The Echo bike will not work with Bluetooth devices like the iPhone and Android - unfortunately.
Polar T10 Heart Rate Sensor The Polar T10 Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitor is a premium product with high accuracy. It supports both Bluetooth and ANT+ connections. Works with the Echo Bike or C2 Rower - and more.
Echo Bike Turf Tire and Handle Kit The Turf Tire and Handle Kit is designed to replace the standard front foot of the unit, adding a new level of maneuverability to this overbuilt 127 LB “stationary” bike.
Shimano PD-RS500 Pedals Want to use pedals with cleats? You can upgrade to the Shimano PD-RS500 pedals that come with come with SM-SH11 Cleats. We did not test this option as generally I do not find this necessary on an air bike.
Shimano PD-EH500 Pedals Shimano’s multi-purpose PD-EH500 is a dual-sided replacement bicycle pedal with an SPD step-in design on one side and a traditional flat platform on the other—instantly adapting your bike to any footwear, and from casual riding to competitive training. Comes with SM-SH56 cleats.
Fyxation Gates Pedal Straps (Red) These are pedal straps. They work with any gates style pedal - like tho stock pedals on the Rogue Echo Bike. These are robust, affordable, and made in the USA. These are red because I like red. Other colors are available.

Let’s take a closer look.

Why a Fan Bike?

First of all – let’s get this out of the way.

A fan bike (or air bike, or “assault bike”) is a wicked metcon workout.

This is NOT like riding a spin bike like the Peloton or Keiser – this is a whole different beast.

“Brutal” is often used to describe them – and many people talk about a love/hate relationship they have with air bikes.

Rogue Echo Bike by the pool
Having the Rogue Echo Bike poolside doesn’t make it any easier.

Why is that? Well, they are very, very hard.

When you crank the pedals and push and pull the levers you are moving the fan – faster and faster.

And it takes a hell of a lot of effort to keep accelerating.

fan blades in the echo bike
The source of your misery? These fan blades.

Is this good or bad?

The air bike is stupendous for HIIT style workouts, like Tabata.

Pedal hard and fast for 20 seconds, then slow or stop for 10 – and repeat 8 times.

If you are truly going “all out” that is one heck of a workout.

There are a lot of fun challenges you can do on these air bikes too.

Like how fast can you burn 50 calories?

Would you believe you can burn 50 calories in under 30 seconds?

Well – some people can anyways – but it’s not a pleasant experience.

Does the Rogue Echo Bike deliver the goods?

Yes, it can be a brutally hard workout.

And to be clear – an air bike (“assault bike”) of any sort is not what you want for LISS – Low Intensity Steady State cardio.

For that, look at a spin bike or a Concept2 Bike Erg.

There’s just too much work involved with the air bike for LISS use.

Having said all this – let’s switch gears now and talk about why we think the Echo bike is the best fan bike for 2019.

Rogue Echo Bike – Overbuilt

Let’s take a brief moment to compare and contrast the Echo Bike to the other bike you’ve likely seen or used at the box or elsewhere.

The Assault AirBike is a good piece of equipment.

It’s a fan bike and as such, it can be used for that brutally hard, HIIT style workout we talked about earlier.

But as you can see, it’s built very light-weight – in comparison to the echo bike.

The Assault AirBike - not a bad piece of equipment.  It's used in the CrossFit games nearly every year - and probably at your local box.
The Assault AirBike – not a bad piece of equipment. It’s used in the CrossFit games nearly every year – and probably at your local box.

And here’s the Echo bike.

The Rogue Echo Bike combines heavy-duty steel, precision engineering, and convenient customization to forge a stronger, sturdier fan bike.

See the difference?

The Echo Bike (which weighs in at 127 Lbs) is made with thick steel tubing that includes 2×3″, 1.25 x 3″, and 1.625 x 3.125″.

Those handles are massive.

Big beefy handles of the Rogue Echo Bike
Echo Bike has very beefy handles. You have to move these.

And so is everything else.

Why does this matter?

Because when you are really rocking and rolling – and trying to hit 800 watts of power (or more) on the air bike you are really going to be working it hard.

And the echo bike will be sturdy and stable throughout.

The Assault AirBike weighs 30% less than the Echo. And while that’s fine when you want to move it around the gym – it’s not as sturdy when you are pedaling hard.

Speaking of mobility – both units have wheels on the front.

So, if you need to move the Echo Bike you can easily do so, despite the bulk.

Rogue Echo Bike has two wheels up front
Use the wheels on the Rogue Echo Bike to move it, just simply tilt and roll.

If you are on a surface where you can’t roll it, that’s another story.

But inside a gym, garage, or CrossFit box, it’s very easy to re-position the Echo – just tilt and roll.

Smooth and Quiet

All that overbuilt-ness makes it a pretty smooth ride too.

But here’s another key feature of the Echo – it doesn’t have a bike chain.

The chain drive on a regular bike is messy – you have to keep it lubricated and that means grease (and the grime that gets stuck in it).

Chains stretch and break over time as well. We want to be riding the bike – NOT working on the bike.

Rogue Echo Bike belt drive unit
The belt drive is within the unit with the pedals. It’s pre-assembled – as is most of the bike. Belt drive is superior to a chain in every way – quiet, smooth, tough, and no maintenance.

And lastly chains make noise – because there’s a decent amount of metal on metal contact happening as the chain slides over the gears.

The Echo bike doesn’t have a chain.

It uses belt drive instead.

Belt drive means quiet(er). The fan still makes noise, but it’s not unpleasant – sort of a nice whooshing nice.

Belt drives require no maintenance.

And breaking a belt drive is unheard of. It just doesn’t happen.

For all those reasons, belt drive is superior. And that is what the Echo Bike has.

Rogue Echo Bike – Even the Fan is Overbuilt

Here’s another interesting face about the Echo Bike – even the fan is overbuilt.

The fan blades are bigger, and there are more of them – as compared to the Assault AirBike

Here’s the fan blades on the Assault Bike. There are 6 of them, and they are approx. 2.75″ wide by about 6″ long.

Assault Fitness AirBike - showing fan blades.
Assault Fitness AirBike – 6 fan blades.
Assault Fitness AirBike - showing fan blades.
Assault Fitness AirBike – showing fan blades.

The Rogue Echo Bike’s monster fan blades have these proportions: 10 blades – 2.75″ wide, 26″ diameter.

(Those numbers are approximate – but close – because I did NOT remove the shroud protecting the blades to make these measurements.)

Rogue Echo Bike Fan - you an also see the foot pegs in this shot.
Rogue Echo Bike Fan – showing the plentiful and large fan blades.

The fan blades are much bigger, and there are more of them.

The Rogue Echo Bike has ten fan blades - and they aren't small.
The Rogue Echo Bike has ten fan blades – and they aren’t small. This makes a difference.

Also consider this – the Echo Bike has those massive steel handles. They are much, much beefier than those of the AirBike.

What does this all mean?

It means it takes more effort to get the Echo Bike moving as compared to the AirBike.

It also means it takes more effort to keep it moving, and more effort to accelerate.

People who have tried both bikes comment that the AirBike is easier.

This is why.

But, let’s remember what we are here for.

You don’t jump on a fan bike to have a good time.

You jump on it to work your ass off.

So does it matter that the Echo Bike is significantly harder than the AirBike?

Not in my opinion.

But hey, if you want an easier time, or find the AirBike more pleasant – go ahead and get one.

Again, it’s not a bad piece of equipment.

Foot Peg of the Rogue Echo Bike
Most fan bikes have foot pegs – so you can rest your legs and use your arms only. This is also unpleasant.

A Few Gripes…

I love my Echo Bike.

I don’t have much to complain about.

But, I do have three things.

First, the LCD display is not backlit. That means it’s hard to see and use in the dark.

You need an external source of light to see when using it at night.

Maybe not a problem in your CrossFit box – but many of us like to use our Echo bikes outdoors – on the porch or garage, for example.

Having a backlit display would make that so much easier.

Echo Bike electronic monitor with LCD
Echo Bike electronic monitor with LCD – could be better if backlit, and if it was bluetooth compatible.

Secondly, it would be nice if the electronic monitor was Bluetooth compatible.

It’s the year 2019 – and throwing a Bluetooth transmitter chip into this unit can’t possibly cost much.

And it would make it so much easier to use with a wide range of electronics that EVERYONE has these days.

But, you can easily use a ANT+ compatible HRM like the Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor.

Lastly, the handles have 1.5″ diameter grips.

This is maybe all part of being overbuilt – but they are just a little too big to be gripped comfortably.

Frankly, it stresses my wrists a bit.

The Rogue Echo Bike has tough, textured rubber handgrips. These won't wear out easily.
The grip part of the handle is 1.5″ in diameter.

I’d prefer something more akin to barbell diameter – like 28.5mm or 29mm” (or just over a 1″ maybe).

It seems like that could be done without compromising the smoothness and stability of the bike.

Rogue Echo Bike Accessory – Seats

In the near future, we’ll review a replacement bike seat for the Rogue Echo bike.

But, for now, let’s talk about the stock seat.

Here it is.

The stock bike seat on the Rogue Echo Bike.
The stock bike seat on the Rogue Echo Bike. It’s big, wide, and fairly comfy.

It’s not bad. At least for the amount of time you normally ride an air bike. It’s not like you are going to go on a 2-hour ride with this thing…

It’s mounted like a regular bike seat.

So, you should be able to replace it with a real bike seat – like the Shimano models of saddle (fancy word for a bike seat.)

The stock seat is mounted just like a regular bike seat - so there are many replacement options.
The stock seat is mounted just like a regular bike seat – so there are many replacement options.

By the way, the height and depth are adjustable.

Here’s the settings.

Height and depth adjustments for the saddle (oops I mean seat)
Height and depth adjustments for the saddle (oops, I mean seat.)

Rogue Echo Bike Accessory – Phone Holder

It’s $5.

For the love of all that is holy – get the phone holder.

Optional phone holder for the Echo bike.
Phone holder mounted on the Rogue Echo Bike. Two screws is all it takes.

It’ll fit most sizes of phones, including the iPhone XS Max.

And, you can then use it with our awesome air bike workouts page.

Use the Fit At Midlife Air Bike Workouts web page along with the Rogue Echo Bike to get an awesome fat torching, lung searing workout anytime.
Use the Fit At Midlife Air Bike Workouts web page along with the Rogue Echo Bike to get an awesome fat torching, lung searing workout anytime.

Rogue Echo Bike Accessory – Pedals

In the near future, we’ll highlight some of the replacement pedal options for the Rogue Echo.

But for now, let’s look at the stock pedals.

Pedals on the Rogue Echo Bike.

Yep, bike pedals.

Rogue Echo Bike Assembly

We have a whole article about how to assemble it – but it’s easy.

They include all the tools you need and the hardest parts are already put together for you.

If you can work a wrench and a screwdriver you can put this together.

Rogue did all the hard work for us – it comes mostly assembled.

Rogue Echo Bike Review – In Summary

A fan bike is a great choice for a garage or home gym – especially for HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts.

But, the equipment is pretty expensive – and hard to find.

We recommend the Rogue Echo Bike.

It’s built super tough, it has near-zero maintenance, it’s quiet (for a fan bike), and it delivers the goods.

A heart-pounding workout is yours for the taking – just jump on and start to pedal (and push and pull).

By the way, you may want to check out ways to make the Echo Bike more comfortable.

You might also be interested in our article on the Concept 2 indoor rower, which is also an efficient, effective, and low-impact total body workout.

Looking for more air bike options? Check out our Best Air Bikes of 2022 article.

PS – If you are local to Rogue you can pick-up a Refurbished Rogue Echo Bike at a healthy discount.

Why Rogue Fitness Products? We’re a Rogue Fitness affiliate – so if you order equipment after clicking the links in this article we receive monetary compensation. But that’s not why we recommend Rogue. It’s because their equipment is tough, durable, well-made, and made in America. Their equipment looks good, and works even better. Their innovative designs and diversity of options make your training better – allowing you to reach your personal goals faster. And that’s why we love them.

Photo and Image Credits

  • The Rogue Fitness logo and some product imagery on this page is property of Rogue Fitness and provided by Rogue Fitness.
  • This website is not affiliated or associated with CrossFit, Inc. CrossFit is a registered trademark of CrossFit, Inc.

12 Comments

  1. Unfortunately – I don’t think there is. The arms are not adjustable in any way (which is one of the downsides of the bike). You could move the seat forward so you are closer – but that’s only going to get you so much. It’s possible to use it without using your arms – legs only – the arms will still be moving though. Hope that helps!

  2. The only place to get a new Rogue Echo Bike is direct from Rogue. You might be able to find one used, but they are very, very rare. I don’t know an ETA of when they’ll have more in stock.

  3. I went to order a Rogue bike, but it says there are none available. There also isn’t any information about when some may be available (Amazon has spoiled me I guess). Do you have in suggestions about finding out when the bikes may be available again or an alternative place to buy them?

  4. Yes, you can stand and pedal , but the handles are likely going to hit you in the hip, or come very close to it (it does for me, I just tried it)

  5. Is it possible to stand in place while using the bike? For short periods of time, I mean. I do that once in a while when taking a road bike upa big hill.

  6. Thanks for the feedback! I use mine outside (Florida) so the breeze comes in handy.

  7. Ive had mine for just under a year now. Love it! Biggest grip is the seat. I cannot get comfortable on that thing. Ive adjusted it every which way it can be, it just will not give me a comfortable ride. Certainly going to replace it soon.. perhaps today since Im thinking about it. 🙂

    It also throws a ton of air. I have the guard, but my workout room is also in our large basement suite/bedroom. The amount of air bothers my wife. She can’t be in the room at the same time.

  8. I purchased an Echo bike about 2 months ago and am I happy! This bike is built like a tank. It is a commercial grade piece of equipment. You can have a good aerobic, steady state long ride on it or you can go for the quick, massive calorie burn. It will easily accommodate both. I’m 6′ 1″ at 200 lbs and when I hammer the cranks this thing doesn’t budge. Don’t hesitate to purchase this beast if you’re looking at air bikes. This IS the one to buy.

  9. Hi Clinton. I’m 6’2″ and I have no issues with it. Having said that, your limb proportions might be a factor. Your best bet might be to find a local box that has one, and “test ride” it just to be sure.

  10. Hi,
    Thanks for the review! Very thorough. Do you know if the Rogue will fit taller riders well (I’m 6’4″)? I worry about the arm handles being too low. The bike looks like a tank though. Would love to buy if it fits.

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