STORE FINDER
STEPR Is the Official Air Bike Partner of DEKA U.S.A
ABOUT DEKA
DEKA is built to be more than just a race. It's a ten zone fitness format open to everyone, from first timers to elite athletes, with every result measured the same way. DEKA also runs arena events in major venues around the world.
Deka's affiliates have also helped expand their reach. According to DEKA, more than 600 affiliate gyms now run events worldwide. Since DEKA launched in 2020, those gyms have held over 8,000 events across 15 countries on five continents. From home grown to global, we're excited to be a part of it.
What DEKA and STEPR announced
DEKA is the decathlon of functional fitness and hybrid racing, built around ten standardised zones. Here is what the press release says:
- STEPR is the “Official Air Bike Partner of DEKA U.S.” through the 2027 season.
- STEPR is the Presenting Sponsor of DEKA Zone 7, meaning DEKA FIT athletes compete on STEPR machines.
- STEPR gets visibility across DEKA’s website, emails and social channels, plus course signage and live announcements.
- STEPR is positioned to become a preferred equipment provider for DEKA affiliated gyms.
See the announcement: DEKA’s press release | our LinkedIn post | STEPR on Instagram
Ten zones, number 7 is ours
The Greek word deka means ten. DEKA FIT puts a 500 m run before every zone, for 5 km of running in total. Here are the zones, per Spartan:
| Zone | Task | Our take |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 RAM alternating reverse lunges | The opener |
| 2 | 500m row | Legs, meet arms |
| 3 | 20 box jumps or step overs | Your choice of height |
| 4 | 25 med ball sit-up throws | Core, with a ball |
| 5 | 500m ski erg | Pull |
| 6 | 100m farmer’s carry | Grip check |
| 7 | 25 cal air bike | Our Bionic Bike Burner |
| 8 | 20 dead ball wall overs | Don't let good form waver |
| 9 | 100m tank push or pull | Heavy final push (or pull) |
| 10 | 20 RAM burpees | The finish line is right there |
Want the full Zone 7 breakdown? Read our Zone 7 guide.
Why this partnership matters
One standard. DEKA describes itself as universally accessible and objectively measurable. That depends on every athlete facing the same equipment.
A path for affiliate gyms. DEKA has more than 600 affiliate gyms, which have held over 8,000 events across 15 countries since 2020. This partnership gives gym owners a direct route to the equipment standard used in competition.
A strong endorsement. Yancy Culp, Spartan DEKA Co-Creator and Senior Director, said STEPR’s “focus on innovation and durability makes them an ideal partner as we continue to standardize and elevate fitness competition across the U.S.”
A proving ground. Our co-founder and CMO Hayden Thorneycroft said: “DEKA is the ideal proving ground for the STEPR BIONIC BIKE XL VPR. We’re proud to be the Official Air Bike of DEKA and to give competitors and DEKA Affiliates access to what we believe is the world’s best air bike.”
Who this is for
DEKA competitors
You will meet the BIONIC BIKE XL VPR at Zone 7 at DEKA FIT events. Training on the same machine means no surprises on race day. See why the bike was built for DEKA.
Coaches
A bike with adjustable air resistance lets you set the load, not just the pace. Culp named power, anaerobic and aerobic capacity and lactate threshold as the qualities it helps coaches train. Learn how it works in our VPR explainer.
Home gym athletes
You do not need a race entry. The BIONIC BIKE XL VPR is available to buy, and our Store Finder shows your nearest retailer.
Watch the bike at DEKA
Yancy breaks down the bike. DEKA co-creator Yancy talks through what he sees in the Bionic Bike.
The bike at a DEKA event. Full body conditioning under pressure.
More from the floor. The bike live in action at DEKA.
Check out more DEKA & VPR event footage, available here on our Instagram.
FAQ's
What did DEKA and STEPR announce?
DEKA named STEPR the Official Air Bike Partner of DEKA U.S. through the 2027 season in a multi-year deal announced on October 20, 2026. STEPR is also Presenting Sponsor of DEKA Zone 7.
What is DEKA Zone 7?
Zone 7 is the 25 calorie air bike zone in the ten-zone DEKA format. STEPR is the Presenting Sponsor of Zone 7, and DEKA FIT athletes compete on STEPR machines.
Which STEPR bike is used at DEKA?
The STEPR BIONIC BIKE XL VPR is the featured air bike. Spartan’s approved equipment page lists it for Zone 7.
How does the partnership help DEKA affiliate gyms?
It positions STEPR as a preferred equipment provider for affiliates, giving gym owners a direct route to the equipment standard used in competition. Affiliates can email Spartan for equipment discount codes.
Do I have to race DEKA to buy the BIONIC BIKE XL VPR?
No. The bike is available to anyone for home or gym training, and you can buy online or find a retailer with our Store Finder.
Explore the Full STEPR Range | Find out about VPR Technology | FREE STEPR Matchmaking Quiz | Discover More STEPR Blogs and Helpful Tips | Invest in STEPR
[Or Click the Button Below to Shop Now]
STEPR Blog posts
Win a $3,300+ Home Gym Set Up With Any STEPR Purchase (48hrs left)
Win an $8,000 Sisu Sauna With Any STEPR Purchase This October Only
Any STEPR purchase this month enters you into the draw for a Sisu barrel sauna worth over $8,000. Here is who this giveaway is built for and how to train and recover with both.
Every Question You Have About the STEPR TREAD Answered
Back to School: How Parents Are Reclaiming Their Fitness With the School Run
The Equipment System Cameron Hanes and Joe Rogan Actually Workout With
Joe Rogan called it "the Echo Bike, but times two." Now Cameron Hanes is training with STEPR VPR™ in a hypoxic wellness studio. Here is what they are using and why the world's most relentless athletes keep choosing it.
Why STEPR Expanded our Range and Built on What Already Works
STEPR was built on a simple premise: the most effective training modalities already exist. The question was never "what to invent from scratch" it was "how do we bring genuine innovation to what already works". Here is why the range looks the way it does.
Home Cardio Machines: Why Value Beats Price Every Time
Why the Stair Climber Is the Hybrid Athlete's Secret Weapon
STEPR Community Surpasses 500 Million Steps: A Milestone Worth Celebrating
Why the UFL Chose STEPR to Train Its Professional Athletes
The 45-7-6 Stair Climber Workout: What the Science Says
