Concept2 BikeErg – Our Review

For years, the Concept2 BikeErg has kinda been that “little brother” that you see around a bit, especially if you’re in a more…I don’t know…”serious” gym that has all the gear, but who is definitely not as flashy as its more popular “big brother” (the Concept2 RowErg).

…until now.

2025 not only marked the first time the BikeErg was ever featured in individual competition at the CrossFit Games, but it’s also the first time the BikeErg was present, while the RowErg was not…

So who’s the “flashy” Concept2 machine, now?!

While the BikeErg wouldn’t be our recommendation as a first or primary cardio machine (for most people), it certainly has a place in just about anyone’s “armory” of fitness gear. Let’s take a look at what makes it tick so you can determine whether or not you should get one to keep your rower company (you do already have a rower…right…?)

Assembly

The BikeErg isn’t the easiest Concept2 machine to put together…but it’s also not all that difficult to assemble, either.

Due to having probably ~2.5 times as many pieces to worry about than the Concept2 RowErg, by default it takes longer (more stuff to “inventory”, more screws, bolts, etc. to worry about) to put the BikeErg together. Also, its heavier weight and slightly more complicated process adds time to the assembly process.

…all of this is to say that I am really not a handy guy and was able to put mine together (almost totally) by myself in a little over an hour (if you are at least a reasonably handy person, I’m sure you’re laughing at me now!) I do contend that if I had an extra hand the entire time, I coulda shaved at least 20 minutes off the process (thankfully Mel showed up at the end to help!)

Overall, putting together the BikeErg isn’t the most seamless process, but it isn’t one that is really frustrating, either. I assume that the majority (~80 percent) of people are handier than I am and if I didn’t want to quit or break something, you should be fine.

Assembly: 87.5

Compatibility

When we talk about cardio machine “compatibility”, we’re almost always talking about how “compatible” the machine’s tracking system is with either the calorie or distance counting (sometimes even the wattage counting) CrossFit workouts. If you don’t do CrossFit or care about this, I don’t know what to tell you, but it’s a very important category for many people.

While the BikeErg isn’t something you see programmed nearly as much as rower, Echo Bike, or arguably even the SkiErg, it is nevertheless a staple in CrossFit workouts. As it is always mentioned specifically by name, it is the compatible option for CrossFit.

Pretty much nobody is going to take your scores/times seriously if you use something other than a BikeErg when it is called for in a workout. With this in mind, you can rest assured that unless you’re in some weird, local competition where the organizers don’t want to put out for BikeErgs, you’re always going to be in line with what everyone else is using.

Compatibility: 100

Functionality

If you have any experience with any of the other Concept2 gear items, you probably are familiar with the much of the interface and general manner in which these machines, to include the BikerErg, operate.

Like the more popular RowErg, the BikeErg presents zero barrier to entry; it is easy to simply sit on the bike and immediately start pedaling. However, for the best experience, riders can spend a few seconds adjusting such things as the seat height, handle positioning, and damper (essentially resistance settings).

To be honest, while it is very easy to adjust each of these areas, actually determining the most ideal settings for you and your riding style takes a bit of use and experimentation…arguably significantly more than what the RowErg requires. However, this is only really necessary for more advanced users.

Once these areas are taken care, it’s simply a matter of pedaling, whether for calories, distance, or wattage. It is easy to select between these performance metrics on the input screen and to select between different workout programs (Ex. biking for distance intervals or with a specific calorie goal in mind), viewing previous sessions’ stats, or to simply “Just Bike”.

As you can probably imagine, the BikeErg is almost purely a lower-body focused cardio machine. Unlike the RowErg or a machine like the Rogue Echo Bike (both of these involve significant upper body involvement), the BikeErg replicates…well…biking. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, but it just makes for less of a “full body” cardio experience.

Because resistance is ultimately created by the rider, the BikeErg is excellent for novice and advanced riders, alike as they can challenge themselves to the best of their own abilities. Also, unlike the rower or more intense fan bikes, the BikeErg allows for much more of a “casual ride” experience when “max cals!” or “speed intervals!” just isn’t in the cards that day.

Overall, the BikeErg functions pretty much exactly as you would expect it to and despite it offering a number of on-screen menu options, it is easy enough for anyone to use. We knock it a few points since it lacks top-end functionality of some other machines, and because determining personal settings/adjustments is more time-consuming that with other machines but otherwise, it’s difficult to find anything about it to be down on.

Functionality: 90

Programs/Tech

I know that there are a lot of companies/brands that try to, like, make working out “fun” (or something weird like that) by adding a bunch of programs or other interactive elements to their machines. These days, this is usually accomplished by offering an app to sync the machine with.

Concept2 is no stranger to this…even if the BikeErg’s compatible programs may not be the most popular among seasoned riders.

ErgData is Concept2’s own program that allows users to access BikeErg-specific WODs while also offering a platform to save user data and the ride on a virtual course/”loop” with other connected riders in real time. I haven’t personally used these features, but they sound interesting.

The BikeErg is also compatibile with third-party apps like Zwift, TrainerRoad, Rouvy and (the aptly named) Sufferfest although of these, Zwift is the only one that gets consistent praise from users (app issues are commonly reported with the others). Thankfully, Zwift’s “virtual worlds” and group event participation offerings likely make it the best of the bunch.

Concept2’s official app isn’t quite as robust as some of the other machine/brand-specific cardio machine apps we’ve come across, but it functions well and combined with Zwift (as well as the BikeErg’s ability to sync with tracking apps like Strava, Garmin Connect, Fitbit, and TrainingPeaks) ensure that it’s more than sufficient in this area for even hardcore tech-heads.

Programs/Tech: 95

Noise

I never really paid much attention to how much noise the BikeErg makes until I got a hold of my own and started training in my relatively (~400 square feet) small home gym space. For some reason, I kinda just assumed that it was this quiet machine that made some nice, unbothersome white noise…

…but it doesn’t, especially if you’re pushing at all beyond more or less a warm-up pace.

I’m really not a headphones guy, especially when I’m training (I won’t get into my whole “ear sweat” issue…but yeah) and if I have a metcon with the bike, listening to loud music is pretty much my only option. I like to listen to news, podcasts, etc. when lifting, but can’t hear anything from my computer’s built-in speakers on the Bike.

The good news is, there isn’t a constant rattle of a chain (like on a rower or a chain-drive fan bike like the Assault Bike) and the noise is pretty much constant (kinda like white noise…but not), but it is decently loud. It’s also distracting enough that you’ll likely annoy people in the next room (but probably not upstairs if you’re in the basement) if you set yours up in the office or something.

Overall, the BikeErg isn’t the loudest piece of cardio equipment out there, but it isn’t as quiet as you’re probably imagining.

Noise: 80

Price

As far as true alternatives to the Concept2 Bike Erg that utilize air resistance and at least a somewhat legit ergometer system, the options are few and far between, Surprisingly, despite the BikeErg being the most expensive (besides curved treadmill options) of the classic CrossFit cardio machines, it is a bit cheaper than its closest peers.

At $1100, it’s not an inexpensive machine, but considering the likes of Wattbike and RP3 are all well over $2000 (with some models approaching and even exceeding $3000), it doesn’t seem all that bad, in comparison!

Of course, there are always going to be those obscure, off-brand options from retailers you really gotta seek out (or peruse Temu to find), but for the most part, the BikeErg holds up pretty well in this category.

Price: 95

Customer Reviews

When it comes to the “Big 4” of the (main) CrossFit cardio machines, the BikeErg (as well as the Concept2 SkiErg) definitely play second fiddle to the RowErg and Echo Bike.

(I’m pretty sure it’s because the BikeErg seems “too easy” while the SkiErg comes off as being too hard, but who knows).

While you find reviews for the Rower and Echo Bike numbering in the thousands, you can only find a few hundred for the BikeErg on Rogue (I’ve been unable to find another site with a significant number of reviews in one place). With just over 200 reviews, the sample size isn’t yuge, but I think it’s sufficient.

Probably the best news is that only 10 of the (current) reviews are 3-star reviews or lower with the most consistent complaints discussing clanky pedals, squeaks, and the like. I have personally experienced these things with my bike so I can attest that these are valid (at least anecdotally). How bothersome they are…up to the reviewer.

At the end of the day, you got a cardio machine with a 4.8-out-of-5 collective review score (coming from a third-party platform, at that). Not bad at all…

Customer Reviews: 96

Customer Service

To be honest, I ordered all of my (current) cardio machines from Rogue. None of these (except for my Rogue Echo Bike) were direct from the manufacturer, to include the BikeErg. However, I think it’s important to give some perspective into what it’s like to deal with Concept2’s customer service personnel (if you do decide to order from Rogue, do so with confidence: they’re good).

Regarding Concpet2, I’ve been extremely impressed with both their responsiveness and knowledge of their products, but also with how easy it is to contact them. Their main site has a chatbox that is constantly staffed by humans.

Go figure!

I posed a few different unrelated questions to the representative (who I looked up and verified to be a real-life person) who quickly gave me legit, non-automated answers.

I know that this isn’t an extensive interaction, but this experience, combined with products’ 30-day money-back guarantee and 2/5-year warranties has me impressed with the company and their commitment to customer service.

Customer Service: 100

Who is the Concept2 BikeErg really for?

The BikeErg probably isn’t going to be any cardio enthusiast’s first choice for a training machine. It also probably isn’t going to be the first thing that comes to mind for actual cyclists.

Those glaring endorsement aside, let’s take a look at who will actually appreciate this machine (the most):

CrossFitters who already have a rower

Never say never, but I seriously doubt that the BikeErg is going to make its way into the CrossFit Open. However, it does make a lot of appearances in CrossFit programming, whether you’re doing classes in your local box (…and if this is the case, I guess you don’t need one of your own…) or are following something like Sentinel Training or HWPO on your own.

To that, the head programmed of Sentinel Training Taylor Self had this to say about prioritizing CrossFit cardio machine purchase (in the context of discussing his Machine Conditioning Workouts book):

So if you already have a rower…now you know what you need to get next…

Cyclists…who don’t want to go outside every day

To be honest, I’m not all that knowledgeable about the world of “cycling”. However, I do know that the BikeErg can be a decent, albeit very imperfect, substitute for a road bike. With the multitude of damper settings that can mimic different gears, terrain resistance (sorta), etc. it’s not a bad option on rainy days or days when you just can’t bring yourself to head outside.

Not a first cardio machine

The Concept2 BikeErg isn’t cheap enough, mainstream enough, nor is it functional enough for the full body to be an option for those who are looking to get the most bang for their buck.

You won’t use it in the Open, it doesn’t work your arms at all (like a rower does), and although it is inexpensive compared to other bikes in its class, there are plenty of less expensive (and very good) cardio machine options.

Maybe if you’re a serious cyclist, it could be a good, first machine option, but for everyone else, this is more of a niche, second (or third) machine purchase option.

How we tested the Concept2 BikeErg

As you might expect (if you read the previous section, that is) I haven’t had a BikeErg for as long as I have had other popular CrossFit Cardio machines (ex. RowErg, Rogue Echo Bike). However, I have certainly used different BikeErgs a lot over the years (particularly from late 2023-late 2024 when I used one on a ~weekly basis at my local “functional fitness” gym).

I got my own BikeErg in early 2025 and, since then, have used it probably ~3 times bi-weekly. This has included more traditional CrossFit metcons with biking components as well as more dedicated conditioning WODs that have included only cardio machines, and, in some cases, only the bike.

So…I can’t speak as well to the BikeErg as I can to the Concept2 RowErg or even the Echo Bike…but I’ve definitely put in the time on this beast.

Concept2 BikeErg Alternatives

The Concept2 Bike Erg..won’t work for everyone, but an excellent option for many…

Throughout this review, I know that it may have seemed like we were a bit…down on the BikeErg. While I will never put it in the same category as its much more popular brethren, The Concept2 RowErg, it has an appeal that makes it worth a second look to anyone who is on the fence with picking up another larger, cardio machine.

Emphasis on another.

We’re hard-pressed to think of too many situations where the BikeErg would be our first choice as a primary machine. Many will argue that people who want a less intense, legs only cardio experience would appreciate it…but for this crowd, I’d suggest simply opting for a less expensive exercise bike that doesn’t allow for much intensity.

With that being said, the BikeErg is excellent for what it is and is almost a “must-have” item if you’re a serious CrossFitter (who doesn’t want to always default to the rower) or cyclist (who needs something for non-outdoor cycling days). For those who think “I already have a fan bike; how much different can it really be?” I can assure you that it’s very different.

Ultimately, it’s not a very good “starter”, but it is an excellent “6th man” (I don’t know much about basketball; I hope that analogy makes sense!)