Aviron Fit Bike S Review | It’s All Fun and Games

Dimensions/Storability

Aviron makes sturdy products, and as a result, the Aviron Fit Bike S feels a little heavy but not overly so. It’s 126 lbs, and I have no problem lifting it and rolling it around on its transport wheels as needed. However, I’m rolling the bike on a hard floor. If you store it in a carpeted area, it may be harder to move.

You can put the transport wheels on either stabilizer.

The Fit Bike S measures 62.5” L x 22” W x 60.5” H. Make sure you have extra room around the bike to train safely, too!

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Let’s start with what you get on the Aviron Fit Bike S without paying for an Aviron membership. I think Aviron does a decent job of making its products usable for non-subscribers. You can log into the Fit Bike S and train in the metrics monitor, which shows all your performance metrics. You can also add friends and record your workout history without a membership.

Training with the metrics monitor view allows you to adjust your resistance and see all your performance data.

With an Aviron membership, you get so much more, and it’s what I recommend for training with this bike. Aviron stands out from the competition with its gamified training content. The workouts tap into your desire for fun and leverage it to keep you consistent in your workout schedule.

After the Quick Start (metrics monitor) option, there’s a content type called SkyQuest. I really enjoy this workout format. You can select a course from a variety of options and do infinite laps around it. You use your rpms to adjust the height of a flying vehicle as it cruises through a virtual world. Aim for floating rings to earn points and dodge the storm clouds!

You can control the difficulty of a SkyQuest workout and train for as long as you want.

The next category is called “My Apps.” You’ll find several third-party apps here. The apps include TikTok, Kindle, YouTube TV, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, and Max. You can watch these while you cycle. Don’t let binge watching or doom scrolling cut into your training time anymore: Combine them!

Aviron includes a range of entertainment apps to choose from.

You can also connect your Spotify or Apple Music accounts to the Fit Bike S to listen to your own playlist if you want an alternative to the soundtrack built into the workouts.

Games are a huge deal on Aviron, and none more so than their arcade-style games. Some games are timed, while others run until you lose the game. I revisit the fishing game again and again, but I also really like the pirate ship game, where you pedal harder and faster to shoot cannonballs at your enemies. When you run out of lives, the workout is over.

The Game category of workouts reminds me of mobile games.

Feeling competitive? The competition-style games pit you against other Aviron users, your past self, and AI bots. When I want to do a tough interval workout, I often pick the grand prix or head-to-head competitions with the AI bots. They really test my limits.

I can’t help but always compare the Aviron Competitions with Tron.

My personal favorite game-style games on Aviron are the Power Play games. These workouts allow you to change lanes using your rpms to rack up points. Different workouts have different targets and structures. It’s not all about training harder or pedaling faster, either.

Power Play workouts are the right balance between a traditional workout and a game for me.

Coached workouts are led by Aviron’s trainers. They are arranged in series, which I really appreciate. Other cycling platforms appear disorganized and lack a clear structure, which is crucial for any effective workout program. If you aren’t sure where to start with the Aviron Fit Bike S, I suggest taking the Getting Started series for guidance on setting up your bike.

Next, scenic routes are available on the Aviron Fit Bike S, allowing you to explore real locations worldwide and progress through videos based on your cycling speed. I like these workouts when I need a more relaxed ride or when I’m missing the outdoors. This category is another good example of how Aviron will appeal to many indoor cyclists.

The Pros vs Joes category allows you to try your best to keep up with the pros. The pros are usually athletes from various sports, represented by an avatar on the screen. If you are like me, they will quickly disappear off to the right of the screen as you lag behind. It’s a good target to chase!

Not every workout category on Aviron will be your favorite, but I have to say, the Guided Workouts are growing on me. These structured workouts come in all varieties. Some even incorporate off-bike moves.

Race against the countdown clock to hit the target shown on the screen.

The amount of workout content on the Aviron Fit Bike S is honestly insane. Aviron does a good job of justifying its $29/month price. It’s more affordable than iFIT or Peloton—with one caveat.

If you have another Aviron machine, you have to pay an additional $10/month to add it on. Considering that Aviron has a rower and treadmill in addition to the exercise bike, it could become more expensive than other options.

I’m a huge fan of Aviron. The gamified classes make exercising on the days I’d rather sit around much easier.

Console

The Aviron Fit Bike S has a 22” touchscreen display, which is a great size for an exercise bike. It’s not too big or too small. It’s also easy to reach and interact with from the saddle. The screen tilts and rotates to help with viewing on and off the saddle.

Rotate the screen to view content while doing a workout off the bike.

There are volume controls along the right-hand side of the console. Buttons for adjusting the volume and navigating to the previous screen are located beneath the screen.

Speakers sit along the sides of the screen. I like the volume range and can hear it clearly while I’m training. However, I prefer to pair Bluetooth headphones with the Fit Bike S to train quietly. It was pretty easy to connect my headphones. You can also use Bluetooth to connect a heart rate monitor.

For storage, there’s a phone holder on the left of the frame and a water bottle holder to the right. You also get a wire rack for the optional dumbbells.

Accessories

Aviron offers three packages for the Fit Bike S that include different accessories. The first package is just the bike itself with its touchscreen, of course.

The premium package includes a bike mat, SPD pedals with removable toe cages, the comfortable “cloud” seat, a quick-adjust resistance remote, and Play Headphones. We received this package (except for the Play Headphones) with our bike.

We swapped out the saddle and seat for the more premium versions and put the mat under our bike.

The platinum package includes everything you get with the premium package, plus 3-lb weights and the Aviron Pulse heart rate monitor. We got the dumbbells but not the heart rate monitor.

I think the Fit Bike S only option is perfectly acceptable. That said, each package is a good value, and if the included items appeal to you, go for it! The cloud seat, in particular, is a great option for new cyclists who want a comfortable ride.

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Build Quality

I always expect a solid construction from Aviron, and the Fit Bike S lives up to expectations. The touchpoints are premium and feel durable. It’s a good-looking exercise bike that would make a great addition to a home gym or shared space.

Frame

I think the Aviron Fit Bike S is a nice looking bike with great accessories.

The Fit Bike S has a steel construction with the seat and handlebar posts angled away from each other. This design helps the reach increase for taller cyclists, giving the bike a more comfortable geometry.

At the base of the bike, there are two stabilizers. Each stabilizer has two adjustable feet to keep it level on your floor. With these feet properly adjusted, the bike does not rock at all while you are training. It feels sturdy and durable.

Drive Train

If you are curious about the difference between the Aviron Fit Bike Touring edition and the Fit Bike S, the main difference is the drivetrain. The Fit Bike S has a belt drive instead of a chain drive. It’s quiet, making this the better bike for areas of the home where you don’t want to disturb others.

A belt drive does not require maintenance and feels smoother than a chain drive.

The Aviron Fit Bike S allows for freewheeling, which means the flywheel can move independently of the pedals. Most exercise bikes we test have the pedal motion and the flywheel locked together, which means when you want to slow down instantly, you have to fight the flywheel’s momentum (which can hurt you) or use a brake on the bike frame.

Since the Fit Bike S uses a freewheel design, you can stop pedaling and coast, just like you can on a road bike.

The pedals that come with the bike are flat pedals with toe cages, but we attached the upgraded SPD pedals with removable toe cages.

I found that the pedals and crank arms created a Q factor that was a little wide for me. I feel a bit more comfortable on the Fit Bike Touring edition as a result, but I think many of you will have the opposite experience, so I’m happy that Aviron accommodates such a wide range of statures.

Resistance

You get sixteen resistance levels on the Aviron Fit Bike S, which can produce up to 1500 watts of power output. It’s a tough exercise bike, and I’m not straying to the top levels often (or maybe ever). My only contention with Aviron is that they put a “0” at the end of each level, so level “1” is level “10.” There are still only 16 levels, not 160.

I stick to levels “30” to “60” for most of my rides and use the remote to adjust as needed.

Because of the freewheeling mechanism, the pedaling motion isn’t as smooth as it could be. I think it’s an okay trade. It just means that rising out of the saddle feels a little awkward at times because the flywheel will start spinning on its own if you aren’t consistent enough in your pedaling. If you are a better cyclist than I am, this might not be an issue for you. It’s pretty minor, in my opinion.

A cool thing about the resistance is that it’s not the typical magnetic resistance we see on fitness equipment. It’s electromagnetic, so you don’t have to wait for magnets to move into place like you would on the traditional style. What that means is that the resistance adjustments are very fast, almost instantaneous.

Handlebars & Saddle

Aviron proves itself superior to the competition again by offering an incredible height range for the Fit Bike S. It also has 10 points of adjustment instead of the 6 or 8 points offered by most other bikes. The saddle moves up/down and backward. The handlebars move up/down, forward/backward, and tilt. The only adjustment the Fit Bike S needs is to angle the nose of the saddle.

The handlebars and saddle adjustments are substantial enough to accommodate cyclists from 4’10” up to 6’8”.

Most exercise bikes with touchscreens don’t allow you to shift the handlebars horizontally because of the screen attachment, but this one does! The handlebars have a rubbery texture and are pretty thick but not uncomfortably so.

They are shaped like bullhorns but have an additional horizontal grip.

The saddle that the Aviron Fit Bike S comes with is soft and comfortable. We swapped it out for the premium cloud seat, which is a little wider. I’m considering switching it back because I’ve gotten used to a narrower saddle, but I think the cloud seat is an excellent option for beginners and those prone to saddle soreness.

Regardless of whether you get the standard or upgraded saddle, I think you will like the quality Aviron offers.

Warranty

This is the first Aviron product I’ve reviewed since the brand updated its warranty offering. They now have a 20-year warranty for members who maintain consistent membership to the Aviron platform, so it’s essentially a subscription feature. This warranty covers defects in the materials or workmanship, so it does not cover normal wear and tear.

I think the 20-year warranty is a nice inclusion for loyal Aviron members, but it is not as comprehensive as I would like.

The standard warranty covers the frame for 10 years and parts for 1 year. Labor is not covered. Wear and tear is not covered. I recommend checking out Aviron’s warranty page for a more in-depth look at what is and is not covered by the two warranties.

Should You Buy the Aviron Fit Bike S

The Aviron Fit Bike S is an excellent way to enjoy the fun Aviron training platform while getting in a high-quality cycling workout. Many of us let bingeing TV shows, scrolling TikTok, and playing video games get in the way of our exercise. Aviron targets those behaviors and harnesses them for good. With the apps and games available on the Fit Bike S, you have no excuse.

It’s hard to find an exercise bike that works for everyone. While the Aviron Fit Bike S has its limitations, it comes close. The wide range of content is just one point, too. It also has a 1500-watt top power output, making it suitable for beginners up to advanced cyclists. Then the saddle and handlebars adjust to accommodate a height range from 4’10” to 6’8”. Finally, it has a 350-lb weight capacity.

I’m impressed with the training content and design of the Fit Bike S. If you can commit to the monthly membership fee (which includes a better warranty), this bike is for you!

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Aviron Fit Bike S Q&A / FAQ

Is Aviron a good workout for beginners?

Yes, the Aviron Fit Bike S and Aviron’s other fitness equipment are great for beginners. The Aviron platform entices you to exercise with the onscreen gamified workouts, entertainment, and more. The resistance is light enough at the lower levels for beginners, and the training programs scale down well for those just starting out.

Does the Aviron Fit Bike S work without a subscription?

You can train on the Aviron Fit Bike S without a subscription with the metrics monitor. You can change the resistance and view your workout history. You can also add friends who also use Aviron. You will need a free Aviron account and a Wi-Fi connection.

What heart rate monitors work with an Aviron bike?

Aviron pairs with Bluetooth heart rate monitors. It pairs with Garmin watches, Polar devices, Apple watches, and more.

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