Concept2 BikeErg Review: This Concept WON Us Over

Dimensions/Storability

The Concept2 BikeErg is a lightweight and portable exercise bike. It weighs only 68 lbs. The dimensions of the BikeErg are 48” L x 24” W. It has transport wheels that allow the user to roll the bike from place to place.

Because it’s so light, the Concept2 is really easy to move around. It’s probably one of the easiest that I’ve used.

The front transportation wheels are pretty large, which helps when moving, too.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

PM5 Monitor

If you’re a Concept2 Rower purist, you’ll recognize the PM5 monitor. The PM5 on the BikeErg has been adjusted for cycling to show metrics like your time, distance (in meters), pace, calories, watts, and RPMs. For those who are more familiar with consoles on indoor cycling bikes, this monitor will probably be a little different than what you’re used to.

The pace is displayed as your time per 1000 meters.

The PM5 offers a Just Ride mode, as well as onboard workout programs that you can customize depending on your goals. You can set goals based on distance, time, and calories, as well as customize intervals. You race against a pace bike and compete in races. The races take place through the ErgRace app, and you can keep track of your rankings in the Concept2 Logbook.

The PM5 monitor is Bluetooth enabled to connect to apps like Zwift. You can also download the free ErgData app to keep track of your workouts and use the ErgRace app and Logbook. The PM5 does have a USB port, so you can upload your workout data on a USB flash drive, too.

Overall, the PM5 is a simple console, but it has a lot more to offer than you’d expect from a monitor on a bike. With all the workout options, you definitely have ways of keeping your workouts structured.

Console

The PM5 console is battery-powered so you don’t need to worry about plugging the Concept2 in. It’s also backlit which makes it handy to use when you don’t have much overhead light.

Everything is easy to see on the console.

The buttons on the side and bottom of the display screen are pretty easy to navigate. The “Units” and “Display” buttons change the metrics that are shown on the screen when you’re riding. Connecting your device to the console is easy, too, with the “Connect” button.

The PM5 monitor is adjustable to tilt up and down. There’s also an included device holder that’s adjustable depending on the size of your phone or tablet.

It’s designed to hold your device by clipping either side.

The device rack is really helpful if you want to connect to Zwift or watch something while you ride.

Unfortunately, the BikeErg doesn’t come with a water bottle holder. This isn’t a huge deal because you can purchase one for $4.50 from Concept2. What a deal, right?! A heart rate monitor will also need to be separately purchased in order to see your heart rate on the screen. Other than the device rack, there isn’t any storage offered.

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Build Quality

When it comes to construction, Concept2 has really nailed creating incredibly durable equipment. The BikeErg is what we expect from the brand. Since it doesn’t require an outlet to use, you can place the Concept2 BikeErg pretty much anywhere. The BikeErg does make some noise, however, which I’ll get into below.

The BikeErg is rated to handle up to 300 lbs, which is decent. 350 lbs is the highest that we usually see on exercise bikes like the NordicTrack S22i and the AssaultBike Elite. The BikeErg should handle users up to that capacity.

Frame

The frame is surprisingly lightweight. That is due to the aluminum frame. The bike itself weighs only 68 lbs. The first time I moved it, I was a little shocked because the BikeErg is not a dainty bike by any means, and other spin bikes and air bikes weigh a lot more.

Concept2 is onto something with this frame.

Regarding the sturdiness, the BikeErg is solid and feels (and looks) like the bike version of their beloved rower. The BikeErg doesn’t have any adjustable leveling feet to help plant it to the floor, but we didn’t experience any unsteadiness or rocking when riding.

Another aspect of the frame that I really like is how adjustable it is. It has four adjustment points, although in order to move the saddle forward and back and to change its angle, you’ll need to use a wrench of your own. This isn’t the most practical when you’re in a rush or need to adjust the seat in the middle of your ride.

However, I don’t think most users will need to adjust the seat forward or back because of the large range that the handles move. Also, the range that you can adjust the seat laterally isn’t very large.

We measured the reach, which is the distance between the stem of the handles to the nose of the saddle when the handles are moved all the way forward and back. It measured 16″ – 23″, so you have about a 7″ range to work with when just moving the handles horizontally.

The leg span is 29.5″ – 39″. This is your inseam length, and it’s measured from the top of the saddle to the top of the lowest pedal when the seat is all the way up and down.

We like the adjusting mechanism, too.

You can adjust the handles when riding, and you can raise the seat simply by pulling it up. Our reviewers are 5’1″ to 6’5″, and we’re all able to get good bike fits on the Concept2 BikeErg. Being the shortest reviewer, I use the handles positioned all the way back and the seat a couple of notches above the lowest setting.

Our 6’5″ reviewer has a little room to move the seat up, too.

So, users who are slightly shorter and taller than our height range should be able to fit on this bike. The handles adjust plenty low and high, depending on your riding preference, too.

Saddle

The saddle is narrow and lightly padded, so it can accommodate riding for longer periods of time. Wider seats, often found on traditional air bikes, are best for shorter durations. The positioning on the saddle is like riding an indoor cycling bike where you’re tipped a little more forward rather than sitting up a little straighter on your glutes on air bikes.

I will say the saddle isn’t very comfortable, but most saddles on spin bikes aren’t. It’s just something you get used to after the first few rides.

This saddle can be swapped if you find it to be uncomfortable, though.

Flywheel

The flywheel on the BikeErg is a fan, so technically, this is an air bike, although it performs a bit differently than the AssaultBikes and Airdynes that we’re accustomed to at the gym.

This fan can be found on Concept2 Rowers and SkiERG.

The fan works to create tension against the pedals. Inside the fan are blades that move when you’re pedaling. When those blades move, the air is sucked in from the vents on the outside of the flywheel. This creates resistance for the blades to move against.

Since the Concept2 is an air bike, it does make noise. It isn’t as loud as AssaultBikes, but it isn’t silent like most indoor cycling bikes, either. The Concept2 BikeErg will excel in garage gyms and some areas of the home. If you’re planning on using it in a shared space with housemates or in an apartment, you might want to consider a magnetic exercise bike.

Since the BikeErg uses air resistance, it provides an unlimited amount of tension to pedal against. So, the harder you pedal, the more resistance you’ll have to work against. Magnetic spin bikes with adjustable resistance have a max level, so if you’re looking for a bike that offers more tension and power, the BikeErg is for you.

Instead of specific resistance levels, the BikeErg has a damper to adjust how much/little air gets sucked into the fan. It’s located on the side of the flywheel with ten different levels. One is like riding on a flat road and allows in the least amount of air, while level ten lets in the most amount of air and feels like you’re pedaling up a steep hill.

The damper is like changing gears or resistance levels on a bike.

However, we wish that the damper could be adjusted on the console or handlebars. It is kind of a pain to have to reach down to the low-positioned flywheel every time you want to adjust it.

Resistance Performance

The BikeErg is great if you’re looking for a quality cardio machine that will primarily work your legs. The BikeErg provides a steady burn for your legs. Since the resistance offered is unlimited, cyclists who want the most tension should look to this bike. Just know that if you’re an indoor cycling enthusiast, the BikeErg will feel different and take some getting used to.

If you’re a lover of Concept2, then the BikeErg is for you; it’s the bike version of their other equipment.

Something to note: The fan blows air on you while you are pedaling. This is typical for air bikes, but we wish it came with a removable wind guard. If you’re using the BikeErg in a cold room or garage, you’ll feel even colder when you first start pedaling. Alternatively, the breeze that the fan provides is nice when you’re hot and sweaty.

The biggest difference I found between spin bikes and the BikeErg is pedaling out of the saddle. If I try to keep the same cadence and effort from sitting to standing, I’ll get “dead air” in the fan and feel inconsistency with the pedal stroke. In order to stand up comfortably, you’ll need to either increase the damper setting, increase your pace and intensity, or both.

The BikeErg can be used for short intense intervals, steady-state cardio, and long-distance rides. You can use it to warm up before a lift session, too.

Drive System

A really nice component on the BikeErg is the self-tensioning Polygroove belts that connect the pedals to the fan. Instead of a chain drive system that is found on AssaultBikes, the belts make for a quieter and smoother pedal stroke. They also require little to no maintenance. The belt helps make the stroke feel closer to a spin bike; however, the BikeErg is different.

The big reason why the BikeErg doesn’t feel like the Bowflex C6, Peloton, or NordicTrack Bikes is because it has a clutch. The clutch works to allow the fan blades to keep spinning inside the fan when you stop pedaling. This is just like riding a road bike when you stop pedaling and coast.

Traditional indoor cycles are designed to require a brake to stop the flywheel and the pedals at the same time. When you slow and stop pedaling on these bikes, the flywheel stops, too. When you stop pedaling on the BikeErg, the fan slows down and eventually stops if you don’t resume pedaling.

The pedals that are included with the Concept2 are simple, flat metal pedals.

The pedals have grips so you can use them with any type of athletic shoe. For long rides and more stability during sprints and standing out of the saddle, we recommend swapping them for clip-ins to use with cycling shoes or purchasing the toe clips attachment that fits over the toes of your shoes.

The q-factor (distance between the pedals) is 155 mm. The q-factor affects the alignment of your hips, knees, and ankles when riding, too narrow or too wide can put a strain on the joints. The BikeErg is within the range that is considered optimal for most riders. The crank length is 170 mm which is considered to be a good length for most users, too.

Handlebars

Air bikes have moving handles that work your upper body as well as your lower body. The BikeErg primarily works your lower body like an indoor cycling bike. I’m sure you can see that these handlebars resemble indoor and road cycling bikes. I’m impressed that they offer different grip options, as well as drop bars.

The handlebars are what make the BikeErg very different from traditional air bikes.

These handles aren’t the most padded that we’ve used. They feel pretty firm, but they have a gritty texture, so your hands shouldn’t slip.

Warranty

Concept2 offers a 5-year frame warranty and a 2-year parts warranty with the purchase of the BikeErg. This warranty is on the lower end than what we see from other brands for exercise bikes.

Should You Buy the Concept2 BikeErg

We consider the Concept2 BikeErg to be a kind of hybrid bike. It’s an air bike because it has an attached fan that offers an unlimited amount of resistance. However, it focuses on working, or rather “burning,” your lower body. For indoor cycling enthusiasts, the Concept2 might take a little getting used to.

However, cyclists and crossfitters alike can expect an intense cardio workout where short interval training, as well as long-distance riding, is possible, depending on your goals and preference. Those who love Concept2 Rowers and the SkiErg can expect the same quality, intensity, and durability and even use the same PM5 monitor on the BikeErg.

Concept2 has nailed making simple, straightforward cardio equipment that can handle anything you put them through, and the BikeErg is no exception to this standard.

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Concept2 BikeErg Q&A / FAQ

Is the BikeErg a good workout?

The Concept2 BikeErg is a great workout because it has unlimited resistance. Even experienced cyclists can achieve a good workout on the BikeErg.

Can you use Zwift on a Concept2 BikeErg?

Yes, you can use the Zwift on the Concept2 BikeErg. The PM5 console pairs with a variety of apps via Bluetooth.

What is a Concept2 BikeErg?

The Concept2 BikeErg uses studio cycling and upright geometry as well as powerful air resistance. It has a 10-level damper to control the air flow to the fan. The frame is very lightweight and easy to move around. The saddle and handlebars are very adjustable to accommodate users of various statures.

How much does a Concept2 BikeErg weigh?

The Concept2 BikeErg weighs 68 lbs.

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