Rogue Echo Bike Opinions

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Anyone own and have any experience using this air bike? Thoughts on it? Even though cardio sucks and I could just walk and find other means of cardio on the cheap to nothing side of things, I figure in the New England weather such as winters I could use this bike and was thinking of possibly getting one at some point while still looking for a good deal on a C2 Rower additionally.

Thanks in return for any insight on this bike.

[KBKB]

I have no experience with the Rogue Echo Bike, but it appears to be similar in style to that of the Schwinn Airdyne.

This type of bike is great for interval type workouts, but not so great for long steady state workouts.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

KBKB, since it's an interval type bike and has a relatively strong resistance curve due to the fan would this type of bike be good to pair on lifting days (before, or after), or better suited to use on non-lifting days?

[KBKB]

KBKB, since it's an interval type bike and has a relatively strong resistance curve due to the fan would this type of bike be good to pair on lifting days (before, or after), or better suited to use on non-lifting days?

I don't really know the answer to this, but let's go through the cases...

1) As a warm-up for strength training:

If you use that bike for this purpose, you'll definitely want to keep the intensity down so that you don't wear yourself out for lifting.

2) Cardio after strength training:

If you have enough left over so that you're able to do a serious HIIT session after lifting, then it seems to me you didn't put enough into your strength training.

3) Non-lifting days, non-rest days:

I think this is the only option that makes sense for a serious HIIT session.

4) Non-lifting, rest days:

Well, you're not really resting, are you?

- - - - -

Having said all of that, when I was younger, I'd frequently do cardio and strength training on the same day. It's definitely possible, but my opinion now is that it's better to focus on one or the other on a given day and make sure that you have adequate recovery time. But, I'm older now and sort of have to think that way...

[bobcat255]

For some reason there are no deals on the C2 Rowers and they don't depreciate much either. I ended up just buying a new one. It's not worth wasting the time or money on gas looking for a rower to try and save $50. It's great cardio and IMO a better 'full body' involvement than the bike.

Regarding when to use it, that really depends on your programming and your goals. There's no reason to use it prior to training... I guess you can use it after training, depending on what you do. You can do some GPP training on your off-days... as long as the intensity isn't high. Again, depends on your programming/goals.

[Asjogren]

For some reason there are no deals on the C2 Rowers and they don't depreciate much either. I ended up just buying a new one. It's not worth wasting the time or money on gas looking for a rower to try and save $50. It's great cardio and IMO a better 'full body' involvement than the bike.

Regarding when to use it, that really depends on your programming and your goals. There's no reason to use it prior to training... I guess you can use it after training, depending on what you do. You can do some GPP training on your off-days... as long as the intensity isn't high. Again, depends on your programming/goals.

Your right about very few deals on used C2s..It’s insane what some people are asking for these things. I overpaid a bit ($600) for my Model D but I’ve seen them listed up to $900 for a used unit.

I have used mine for a light warm up prior to lifting and it works pretty good for that but Not with any real intensity.

On another note, I just saw that Trak makes a neat swivel double handle attachment for the C2 so you can pull like a normal row and go palms up to get some bicep work..

[bobcat255]

Your right about very few deals on used C2s..It’s insane what some people are asking for these things. I overpaid a bit ($600) for my Model D but I’ve seen them listed up to $900 for a used unit.

I have used mine for a light warm up prior to lifting and it works pretty good for that but Not with any real intensity.

On another note, I just saw that Trak makes a neat swivel double handle attachment for the C2 so you can pull like a normal row and go palms up to get some bicep work..

I'd be much more interested in a good butt-pad option. I don't mind it so much, but I don't row for long periods of time. My wife complains all the time though. I've rigged up some foam, but it's not thick enough.

[daniel327]

My wife complains all the time

What else would you expect?

[Asjogren]

what else would you expect?

lmao

[Asjogren]

I'd be much more interested in a good butt-pad option. I don't mind it so much, but I don't row for long periods of time. My wife complains all the time though. I've rigged up some foam, but it's not thick enough.

For longer than 30-40 intervals, I grabbed a pad off Amazon(2K fit). Good quality but I find it to be too thick.(My wife likes the pad)..I'm thinking on the endurerow seat buts its $120

[kevin3636]

I have the bike and it's great. I've owned the Airdyne Pro previously and prefer the Rogue. I'm sure you have watched reviews and heard it before but it's a beast. I feel it takes more out of me than the Airdyne did, especially in the quads. I prefer the monitor on the Rogue as well. I can't say a negative thing about the Rogue (maybe price?). If you want to do steady state you can but it is definitely difficult for me.

[bobcat255]

What else would you expect?

ROFL... touche. Repped

For longer than 30-40 intervals, I grabbed a pad off Amazon(2K fit). Good quality but I find it to be too thick.(My wife likes the pad)..I'm thinking on the endurerow seat buts its $120

Should I get the pad for her or just go straight for the seat?

[Asjogren]

ROFL... touche. Repped



Should I get the pad for her or just go straight for the seat?

The pad is comfortable and I bet she would like it..straps to the seat so it stays in place pretty good.They do have others that are not quite as thick..I haven't tried the endurerow seat but I'm thinking on getting it..I do feel that im getting used to stock seat since I got the rower. When I first started,it was brutal and ordered the pad within a few days

[rlundregan]

I don't really know the answer to this, but let's go through the cases...

1) As a warm-up for strength training:

If you use that bike for this purpose, you'll definitely want to keep the intensity down so that you don't wear yourself out for lifting.

2) Cardio after strength training:

If you have enough left over so that you're able to do a serious HIIT session after lifting, then it seems to me you didn't put enough into your strength training.

3) Non-lifting days, non-rest days:

I think this is the only option that makes sense for a serious HIIT session.

4) Non-lifting, rest days:

Well, you're not really resting, are you?

- - - - -

Having said all of that, when I was younger, I'd frequently do cardio and strength training on the same day. It's definitely possible, but my opinion now is that it's better to focus on one or the other on a given day and make sure that you have adequate recovery time. But, I'm older now and sort of have to think that way...

I often do just 4-6 minutes of HIIT on my old Airdyne after lifting sessions as sort of a finisher. When I do it consistently 2-3 times per week, I lose a little more flab, and I have a lot more wind to get up one of the steeper hills when I run 2-3 times/week.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

For some reason there are no deals on the C2 Rowers and they don't depreciate much either. I ended up just buying a new one. It's not worth wasting the time or money on gas looking for a rower to try and save $50. It's great cardio and IMO a better 'full body' involvement than the bike.

Regarding when to use it, that really depends on your programming and your goals. There's no reason to use it prior to training... I guess you can use it after training, depending on what you do. You can do some GPP training on your off-days... as long as the intensity isn't high. Again, depends on your programming/goals.

Yeah that's really the dilemma, I usually go all out on my strength training routine with some accessory aesthetics work at the end of those days that I wonder how the interval intensity will hold up post workout...I guess I could pedal slowly with it hahaha, but actually I do usually hold up well (Thankfully) after my training for extra things just don't wanna over abuse my recovery.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Bumping this thread with an update, I decided to take a chance and drop the coin on the Rogue Echo Bike with the cash I saved from flipping.

I also treated myself to a hammer curl/triceps bar from BWTG since I don't have all the room in the world for triceps extensions figured I'd give this bar a try, should be a great combination along with the weighted dips.

[thejosef]

Bumping this thread with an update, I decided to take a chance and drop the coin on the Rogue Echo Bike with the cash I saved from flipping.

I also treated myself to a hammer curl/triceps bar from BWTG since I don't have all the room in the world for triceps extensions figured I'd give this bar a try, should be a great combination along with the weighted dips.

I bought the Echo bike about 3 months ago.. upgraded from the classic Assualt Bike. The Echo bike is better in every single way.. quiet, smooth, belt driven, comfy seat, no creaks or rattles, safer internal rod design (better for kiddos). It's probably the most well made piece of equipment I own. I don't even have room for it, but I'm making it work (have to move it around quite a bit depending on the lift). I "enjoy" it more than my C2 rower, though both are excellent.

Enjoy the bike DVO!

[Deep-Voiced-One]

I bought the Echo bike about 3 months ago.. upgraded from the classic Assualt Bike. The Echo bike is better in every single way.. quiet, smooth, belt driven, comfy seat, no creaks or rattles, safer internal rod design (better for kiddos). It's probably the most well made piece of equipment I own. I don't even have room for it, but I'm making it work (have to move it around quite a bit depending on the lift). I "enjoy" it more than my C2 rower, though both are excellent.

Enjoy the bike DVO!

Excellent! Thanks for the extra low down and confidence on it. I can't wait to start using it, the bike arrived today just as I got home the UPS guy had already dropped it off on the top of the step.

I didn't get to open it yet cause I'm at work, but tomorrow morning I'll make room for it and start putting it together.

I debated on whether the Echo bike, or C2 rower would've been best, but with never using either pieces before, I decided that since I got plenty of lifting equipment to get my lifting in (barbell and cable rows included, although not exactly the same as using the rower I'm sure) that I would definitely appreciate a different element added to my training with wanting a cardio resistance type piece more, so I went with the Echo bike.

[RGrizzzz]

Great feedback everyone! This year's BF purchase will likely be the Echo bike. I have a model C Concept2 rower, and like it for HIIT/cardio, but I want something that hits the legs harder.

[Cleveland33]

Great feedback everyone! This year's BF purchase will likely be the Echo bike. I have a model C Concept2 rower, and like it for HIIT/cardio, but I want something that hits the legs harder.

if rowing isn't hitting your legs hard, you're doing something wrong

[ampire]

if rowing isn't hitting your legs hard, you're doing something wrong

I actually found moving the foot plates helped get more leg drive, it actually took a few seconds off my 500M split. I went down several number holes (heels are now higher and stay in contact most of the time with the foot plate, worth noting that I am using Reebok Nano 2). Then I can really push through my heels out of the catch. I have no issues with knees hitting arms but everyone is built differently. After a warmup, I am able to get the handle really far forward and power out with my legs.

[RGrizzzz]

if rowing isn't hitting your legs hard, you're doing something wrong

I'm rowing more in short quick bursts. Definitely getting the HR up. Maybe my form isn't awesome, but I just watched this form video, and I don't think I'm doing any of that. I'll pay closer attention today, but I don't have mirrors next to the rower.
https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowe.../common-errors

[ampire]

I'm rowing more in short quick bursts. Definitely getting the HR up. Maybe my form isn't awesome, but I just watched this form video, and I don't think I'm doing any of that. I'll pay closer attention today, but I don't have mirrors next to the rower.
https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowe.../common-errors

Try setting up a camera, it helps a lot. Also get some compression shorts or rowing trouser such as JL racing, it helps with uncomfortable seat and I find I get in a better leg drive groove with it.

When you are coming out of the catch, think to drive with your heels as hard as you can.

[Cleveland33]

I actually found moving the foot plates helped get more leg drive, it actually took a few seconds off my 500M split. I went down several number holes (heels are now higher and stay in contact most of the time with the foot plate, worth noting that I am using Reebok Nano 2). Then I can really push through my heels out of the catch. I have no issues with knees hitting arms but everyone is built differently. After a warmup, I am able to get the handle really far forward and power out with my legs.

heels shouldn't come off the plate at all (also you should just ditch the strap completely).

The other thing people struggle with - don't try to muscle the handle with your arms and back - just kinda let it keep moving, you're not going to accelerate it anymore than your legs already have.

[RGrizzzz]

heels shouldn't come off the plate at all (also you should just ditch the strap completely).

The other thing people struggle with - don't try to muscle the handle with your arms and back - just kinda let it keep moving, you're not going to accelerate it anymore than your legs already have.

Focusing on keeping my heels down does involve the legs more, although it tends to slow down the rowing. In scenarios where I want to get my HR up quickly(HIIT workouts), going slower doesn't seem as effective. Will still probably add an Echo bike.

[Cleveland33]

Focusing on keeping my heels down does involve the legs more, although it tends to slow down the rowing. In scenarios where I want to get my HR up quickly(HIIT workouts), going slower doesn't seem as effective. Will still probably add an Echo bike.

Think of it this way - if you were doing cleans and you didn't feel like it hammered your legs

[ampire]

Focusing on keeping my heels down does involve the legs more, although it tends to slow down the rowing. In scenarios where I want to get my HR up quickly(HIIT workouts), going slower doesn't seem as effective. Will still probably add an Echo bike.

Try to keep your SPM (strokes per minute) in the mid 20s and run the damper in the middle, 5 or 6. You are probably rowing at too high a cadence. Lower cadence you will feel more leg drive. Challenge yourself to maintain a decent 500M split time with a low SPM. For training you might row around 24-25 SPM and for a 2K test you might be around 30-32 SPM. If you are doing too high of an SPM, you are not achieving an optimal drive length (moving the flywheel further per stroke).

[Cleveland33]

Try to keep your SPM (strokes per minute) in the mid 20s and run the damper in the middle, 5 or 6. You are probably rowing at too high a cadence. Lower cadence you will feel more leg drive. Challenge yourself to maintain a decent 500M split time with a low SPM. For training you might row around 24-25 SPM and for a 2K test you might be around 30-32 SPM. If you are doing too high of an SPM, you are not achieving an optimal drive length (moving the flywheel further per stroke).

what are you a sadist?

higher cadence might not get the leg drive feel but it does move the flywheel faster and more per stroke.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

I put the bike together today and it's an absolute tank! It's made from 2X3 11 gauge steel like my rack and transports easy with the wheels.

It runs nice and smooth and is a tough and punishing challenge depending on how hard and long you push yourself with it (an excellent and rewarding cardio bike for sure) the belt drive with the sound of the fan is a pleasant air sound and a cool feel in this warm weather and not obnoxiously loud at all.

I manuevered it up two flights of stairs to my done over attic room and put it together there, Rogue included every tool to put it together and the instructions are laid out simple and straight forward with illustrations...I can't speak highly enough of Rogue's quality on their Echo Bike and I highly recommend it for those who want some nice challenging cardio sessions!

The seat is super comfortable and the adjustments are smooth, numbered and lock right in (at about 5'8" I find the lowest seat height to work good for me, I found the seat set forward at 1, or even back at 2, or 3 felt fine for me when pedaling on it).

The pedals have a spikey cleat like style to them which grip the sneaks nicely, but are a bit uncomfortable if pedaling barefoot, or in socks (it's a minor nit-pick cause chances are you'd be pedaling with shoes on anyway).

The arms have a nice durable and thick rubber grip and the bike is an all around full body workout in that of itself if you had to just jump on and get in a quick and effective workout...I can't wait to combine its effects with lifting!

Pics to follow probably tomorrow, I like the bike so much in fact that I went ahead and ordered the Polar heart rate sensor to sync to the console and the phone holder attachment.

[radrd]

Thanks for the impressions. Sounds like a great bike! On spread.