REP Air Strive vs Concept2 BikeErg vs Zwift Ride: Which Exercise Bike Is Best?

REP Air Strive: Best for HIIT and Strength Conditioning

The REP Air Strive is the bike I'd choose if I wanted cardio to feel like an extension of my strength training. If you've attended CrossFit or HIIT classes, you'll recognise the concept from air bikes such as the Rogue Echo and Assault Bike.

Its main differentiator is REP's Variable Pitch Resistance (VPR) system, which allows you to adjust the resistance of the fan blades while maintaining a relatively consistent cadence.

That makes it particularly useful for intervals and sprints. You can jump on, adjust the resistance and start training without logging into software or changing into cycling shoes. The centrally positioned VPR adjustment handle is also much easier to reach during training than the side-mounted damper on the Concept2.

What I liked

The hands-on experience was excellent. The bike feels premium, the monitor is bright, and the resistance system genuinely adds something for people who want demanding conditioning workouts.

I can see it being particularly useful for somebody lifting four times a week who wants to incorporate short, hard cardio sessions without making cycling a separate hobby.

The drawbacks

The biggest limitation is its size. The Air Strive is longer, wider and heavier than the other two bikes, to the point that I couldn't fit it into my 4 × 3 metre home gym. That's why my original review footage was recorded at the REP showroom.

It does have transport wheels, but you'll still need to account for its relatively bulky footprint.

It's also a newer product, so I can't comment on its long-term durability. And while you can lower the resistance for longer rides, I'm not convinced many owners will choose it primarily for that purpose.

My verdict: An excellent option for strength-focused home gyms where high-intensity conditioning is the priority, provided you have enough space.

Concept2 BikeErg: Best for Zone 2 Cardio

The Concept2 BikeErg is almost the opposite of the Air Strive. It's straightforward, dependable and exceptionally easy to use, without making much of an event out of the experience.

For me, it's best suited to Zone 2 cardio and longer intervals. I would regularly use it while watching football or a documentary, and we originally had ours positioned in front of the television for exactly that reason.

What I liked

The BikeErg is a dependable machine that has required very little maintenance during my ownership. It's easy to get started, and the adjustable damper allows you to change the riding feel without navigating software or workout programmes.

It's also convenient in a shared home gym. The ratchet-style seat adjustment is quick, and transport wheels make it relatively easy to move around.

The drawbacks

My main criticism is that I find it rather uninspiring. Cardio isn't something I naturally look forward to, and riding the BikeErg often felt more like an obligation than something I actively wanted to do.

It can certainly handle demanding intervals, but the damper's position on the side of the flywheel makes changing resistance less convenient than on the Air Strive.

My verdict: A compelling choice for people who want consistent aerobic training, simplicity and dependable equipment. It's just not particularly exciting.

Zwift Ride: Best for Indoor Cycling and Structured Training

The Zwift Ride offers a fundamentally different experience because you're buying into a combination of hardware and software.

Instead of simply pedalling while watching your power output, you can explore virtual routes, race against other cyclists and complete structured training sessions. There's also ERG mode, where the software controls resistance, and testing options such as FTP ramp tests.

For somebody who enjoys cycling, there's considerably more to engage with than a conventional exercise bike.

What I liked

The biggest difference for me is motivation.

On the Concept2, I might plan an hour's workout while watching a documentary. If that documentary finished after 50 minutes, I'd often get off the bike.

With Zwift, I'm much more likely to complete the hour. Whether it's a virtual race or a particular route, having something to finish encourages me to keep going, even when the workout becomes uncomfortable.

I've found that Zwift pushes me harder for longer because I'm genuinely engaged with the experience.

The drawbacks

There's more preparation involved than with the other bikes. You need to log in, select a workout or virtual world, and ideally use cycling shoes if you want to get the most out of it.

Adjusting the bike between users is also a nuisance. There are three adjustment points, and although Zwift includes the tools and clear markings, switching between riders is less convenient than on the other machines.

You'll also need to account for the ongoing subscription if you want access to the virtual cycling experience.

My verdict: The most engaging bike of the three and the one I personally enjoy most. It's particularly appealing for cyclists and people who struggle to stay motivated with conventional indoor cardio.

Footprint, Noise and Practicality

The Zwift is relatively narrow, but the KICKR trainer at the rear is heavy and doesn't have wheels, so it's better suited to a permanent setup.

Both the Air Strive and BikeErg are easier to reposition, although the Air Strive occupies considerably more space.

Noise is another consideration. The Zwift is generally the quietest because it doesn't use an air-resistance flywheel, although its trainer can continue making noise after you stop pedalling. Both fan-based bikes get noticeably louder as you increase your effort.

If you're sharing the bike with somebody else, the quick seat adjustments on the REP and Concept2 are also appreciably more convenient.

Value for Money: Are They Worth £1,200?

All three were similarly priced when I made the comparison, but the value proposition is quite different.

The Concept2 offers straightforward, dependable cardio with minimal ongoing maintenance. The REP Air Strive adds its VPR resistance system, which I think is worth paying for if you regularly do high-intensity conditioning.

Zwift, meanwhile, offers the most immersive training experience, although that comes with an ongoing software cost.

At this price point, I wouldn't make the decision based on relatively small differences in purchase price. I'd focus on which machine you'll actually use consistently.

Which Exercise Bike Should You Choose?

I think the decision comes down to three fairly distinct types of home-gym owner.

The strength-focused lifter — REP Air Strive

If you lift four times a week and want short, demanding conditioning sessions, I'd choose the Air Strive. It's designed for exactly that type of workout, and the VPR system makes resistance adjustments particularly convenient.

The consistent cardio trainer — Concept2 BikeErg

If your goal is regular Zone 2 cardio and longer intervals, the BikeErg makes a lot of sense. It's straightforward to use, requires very little preparation and is perfectly suited to riding while watching television.

The cycling enthusiast — Zwift Ride

If you enjoy road cycling, want structured indoor training or find virtual competition motivating, I'd choose Zwift. It's also the closest experience to road cycling of these three machines, which is why we originally purchased ours for my wife's triathlon training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which exercise bike is best for a home gym?

It depends on your training. I'd choose the REP Air Strive for HIIT and strength conditioning, the Concept2 BikeErg for Zone 2 and longer intervals, and the Zwift Ride for structured cycling and virtual racing.

Is the REP Air Strive better than the Concept2 BikeErg?

For demanding intervals involving frequent resistance changes, I prefer the Air Strive. For straightforward aerobic training, the BikeErg is a particularly strong option.

Is the Concept2 BikeErg good for Zone 2 cardio?

Yes. This has been one of my main uses for it. The simple operation and adjustable damper make it well suited to longer, relatively steady workouts.

Is the Zwift Ride worth the subscription?

For me, yes. The virtual cycling experience is what makes the bike so engaging. However, if you mainly want easy cardio while watching television, you may not benefit from those additional features.

Which exercise bike is quietest?

The Zwift Ride is generally the quietest during normal riding, although the trainer can make noise when spinning down. Both air-resistance bikes become louder as your effort increases.

Final Verdict

The REP Air Strive, Concept2 BikeErg and Zwift Ride are all compelling options, but they suit very different types of home-gym owner.

I'd choose the REP for short, intense conditioning alongside strength training, the Concept2 for uncomplicated aerobic work, and the Zwift for structured indoor cycling.

Personally, I'm keeping the Zwift Ride because I find it considerably more engaging than the BikeErg. But that doesn't make it the best option for everybody.

Ultimately, the most important consideration isn't which bike has the best specifications. It's which one makes you want to train.

Based on my hands-on experience with the three bikes featured in my September 2026 YouTube comparison. The Concept2 BikeErg and Zwift Ride were used in my home setup, while the REP Air Strive was tested at the REP showroom. This article may contain affiliate links, which help support Jay Gym Guides at no additional cost to you.