The rower has been the only machine used in an online stage of the CrossFit Games season. Its debut was in 2014 during 14.4 of the CrossFit Open.
However, no other machine has been programmed in the Open, Quarterfinals or Semifinals despite the Assault/Echo Bike, Ski Erg and C2 Bike coming into the fray.
But that could be changing in 2027…
Ian Koch, Founder of Surfside, an adventure-based addiction recovery and CrossFit affiliate, emailed Dave Castro this week asking if the Echo Bike would ever be seen in the CrossFit Open or Quarterfinals.
Surprisingly, Castro responded, “open [sic] probably not, quarterfinals maybe”
Of course, Dave’s answer doesn’t say whether it could be seen in Quarterfinals programming in 2027, but for him to answer makes you wonder if he’s been thinking about how to incorporate the Echo Bike in a virtual competition.
While the rower, especially the Concept2 Rower, has been a staple in CrossFit gyms for years, the adoption of the Assault Bike was a bit slower. Add in that garage gym owners back in the day likely did not have an Assault Bike, it was no surprise that it was never programmed in the Open.
Rogue then made it even more difficult when it introduced the Echo Bike in late 2017. With the Assault Bike and Echo Bike’s different feel and calculations of calories, it was no surprise that Castro and CrossFit avoided adding it into one of the virtual qualifying stages.
Obviously this would not be the official notice that we could see an Echo Bike coming next year, but don’t be surprised if Dave Castro and CrossFit make an announcement in the coming month or so that an Echo Bike will be needed for those looking to advance past the 2027 CrossFit Open.
