Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tunturi E80-R Check Discounted Price | L:67.3" W:21.3" H:48" | 330 lbs | 31 lbs | Eddy current, 58 levels | 43 programs, Bluetooth, Kinomap |
The Tunturi Endurance E80-R is a light-commercial recumbent exercise bike offering quite a few more features than the E50-R that we’ve already reviewed here. Not only that it has a Kinomap console, but it also offers greater weight capacity, more resistance levels, and superior micro-adjustability. It’s part of the endurance series, next to the C80-R elliptical and E80-Upright bike.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 67.3L x 21.3W x 48H inches (171L x 54W x 122H cm)
- Assembled weight: 137 lbs (62 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 31 lbs (14 kg)
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: Weighted, with straps
- Resistance: Eddy current, 58 levels
- Console: 43 programs, Bluetooth, Kinomap App
- Warranty: Frame lifetime, Parts 3 years, Labor 3 years
Frame construction
The Tunturi E80-R features a steel frame, combining ovalized, rectangular, and cylindrical bars in its construction. It’s a fairly large unit compared to other recumbent bikes. With the frame fully set up, it is approx. 67.3″ (171 cm) long, and 21.3 (54 cm) wide, while its highest point is given by the top of the backrest, which reaches approx. 48″ (122 cm) above floor level. It is also recommended to assign at least two feet of clearance all around the bike for ease of access and unhindered usage.
The bike’s frame has a step-through design. This can be a plus for elderly users or users with certain disabilities. Also, most of the steel bars in the bike’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish with the exception of the seat rail which is chrome-plated.
The Tunturi E80R is considerably heavier than the other Tunturi exercise bikes that we’ve previously reviewed here. It weighs approx. 137 lbs (62 kg), which is more than three times the weight of the average mountain bike. All this weight adds exceptional stability. Plus, both its base bars are equipped with adjustable levelers.
The bike’s frame cannot be folded or stored vertically. However, its front base features a set of wheels which facilitate its relocation once you have finished your workout.
Seat and handlebars
The seat of the Tunturi Endurance E80-R offers superior micro-adjustability. To begin with, the whole seat assembly can slide backward and forward on its rail which has multiple adjustment positions. You can easily lock it in the desired position via the knob on the right side. The adjustment rail is fairly long; thus, the bike can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem.
The backrest offers double adjustability. It has 3 reclining positions, and 5 upright positions. Its adjustment system involves similar knobs as the base of the seat.
The seat pad is contoured and integrates a thick layer of foam cushioning. Its upholstery is made of durable vinyl material. The backrest has a flexible synthetic mesh structure for superior breathability. The whole seat assembly is very sturdy, being rated for a user weight capacity of 330 lbs (150 kg).
This Tunturi exercise bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One is attached to the front mast, the other to the seat assembly. The front handlebars are actually welded directly to the mast; they have a simple design, being curved towards the user. The mast itself is also curved, which places the front handlebar pretty close to the user so you can hold on it without an awkward position as it is the case for other recumbent bikes.
The recumbent handlebars do not adjust independently from the seat. They have rubberized grips and integrate pulse sensors. However, the console not only can read your pulse through these sensors, it also has a built-in HR receiver and can communicate with a wireless strap.
Drive and resistance
The Tunturi E80-R has a considerably heavy internal flywheel for a recumbent bike. It weighs approx. 31 lbs (14 kg), similar to the flywheels of spin bikes. This weight and its perimeter-weighted design lead to a very steady pedaling motion and a consistent pedaling feel.
The bike has an electromagnetic, automatic resistance system. This means it requires an external power source. The resistance adjustments can only be done from the console. Also, some of the workout programs built-in the console auto-adjust the resistance.
The resistance system consists of a magnetic brake and a servo motor. As you adjust the resistance from the console, the motor will change the magnetic pull which results in an increased or decreased pedaling difficulty.
The bike makes available 58 resistance levels. Considering that its internal rotating mass is pretty heavy, the first level of resistance isn’t exactly light. Conversely, if you select one of the highest tension levels, above 55, you can benefit from a very consistent workout, achieve a high burn and a high cardio rate in a very short time.
Most exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system have a belt drive system, and the Tunturi E80-R does not make an exception. It integrates a durable, stretch-resistant belt which delivers superior traction. Since it doesn’t use a chain transmission, you don’t have to lubricate it. Also, the pedaling motion is extremely quiet and vibration-free.
The bike is equipped with a durable crankset, featuring weighted pedals with adjustable straps. Needless to say, it’s not meant for spin workouts, so standing on the pedals is not recommended. Also, pedaling in reverse is possible on this bike; the flywheel is bi-directional. Therefore, you can alternate reverse pedaling sessions with normal pedaling sessions in order to diversify your workouts and focus different muscle groups.
Console
The Tunturi Endurance E80-R is equipped with an advanced console, featuring a 7-inch LCD multi-color display with LED backlight. It offers a wide array of applications. To begin with, it can track all the important workout metrics, including time, distance, speed, calories, watts, and pulse. You can set up goals for time, distance, calories, and select an interval for your heart rate. Both imperial and metric units are available. The unit can monitor your pulse either through the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars or via a wireless chest belt. Plus, it shows your workout summary at the end of each session.
The console is Bluetooth enabled. This means you can sync it with your tablet and track your progress online through various apps. It is also Kinomap enabled. This means it has the Kinomap app built-in so you can ride on a virtual trail of your choice.
There are 43 workout programs built-in the console. The first one is the manual mode, which allows you to adjust the resistance freely as you pedal. There is also 1 Watt program, 1 HR program, 1 Quick Start program, 10 preset programs, 5 T-Ride programs, 3 T-Road programs, 1 Fitness Test, and 20 user-based programs.
The console is very easy to use. It has four side buttons and the center wheel button. Each button covers its own set of functions. Top left covers the backpage and stop program functions, bottom left is the Quick Start button, top right opens access to the Main Menu, while the bottom right button gives you access to the user settings. The center button allows you to scroll through the menus via the rotary function, and make selections by pressing it.
The unit also integrates a tablet holder. It is placed above the controls and can accommodate pretty much any tablet or phone.
Assembly and Maintenance
The core of the bike comes pre-assembled. Differently put, all the drive and resistance elements, as well as the seat rail system are already attached to the main body of the bike. All you have to do in terms of assembly is attach the console mast, the console, the seat, the seat handlebars, the backrest, and the pedals. All the tools required for the assembly are included. The manual provides all the necessary assembly instructions. Therefore, the task shouldn’t take more than one hour.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. Basically, you only have to keep the unit clean, keep liquids away from the console, and periodically check for loose or broken parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy, steel frame – 330 lbs capacity
- Adjustable, rubberized stabilizers on both bases;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
- Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Front handlebars included;
- Cushioned and contoured seat;
- Multiple adjustment positions for the seat;
- Flexible mesh backrest for extra breathability;
- 3 reclining positions for the backrest;
- 5 up-down adjustment positions for the backrest;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Heavy flywheel (31 lbs) for a consistent pedaling motion;
- Eddy current resistance system with 58 tension levels available;
- Advanced bike computer featuring a 7-in multicolor LCD display with LED backlight;
- Bluetooth connectivity;
- Built-in Kinomap app, for virtual trail riding;
- 43 workout programs available;
- Tablet holder included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- An HR chest strap is not included;
- A tablet placed on the holder will cover the console display;
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The Tunturi Endurance E80-R is a magnetic recumbent bike offering 58 levels of eddy current resistance, and a Bluetooth console with 43 workout programs. The console also has the Kinomap fitness app built-in which allows you to ride along virtual trails based on real-world locations. It also excels in micro-adjustability, offering multiple positions for the seat and several reclining positions for the backrest. It’s a sturdy bike, great for light to mid-range cardio workouts, intervals, recovery training, boosting stamina, and weight loss.