| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Programs | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AFG 2.0 AR Check Discounted Price | L:63" W:26" H:53" | 300 lbs | Eddy current, 10 levels | 7 | Frame: Lifetime Brake: Lifetime Parts: 3 years Labor: 1 year |
The AFG 2.0 AR recumbent bike features a more “classic” design, unlike the AFG 4.0AR that we’ve previously reviewed. It’s a mid-range exercise bike, without too many fancy features. But does offer a programmable console with various pre-set programs to keep you motivated. It’s not a commercial bike, but does have a sturdy construction.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 63L x 26W x 53H inches (160L x 66W x 135H cm)
- Assembled weight: 121 lbs (58 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 17.6 lbs (8.0 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: With adjustable straps
- Resistance: Motorized, 10 levels
- Console: 7 programs
- Amenities: Sound system, USB data port, tablet holder
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Brake lifetime / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year
Console unit
The AFG 2.0 AR recumbent bike comes with a fairly simple, but programmable console. The unit features three LED displays. The left display indicates time, speed and heart rate, the right display shows distance traveled, calories burned and the selected resistance level. The middle
display puts into view the profiles of the selected workout program. For the left and right display, the workout metrics rotate continuously, showing each one of them for several seconds. However, this scan function can be stopped by pressing and holding the ENTER button for 4-5 seconds.
The bike’s control unit is not telemetric. Therefore, it can only monitor your pulse if you hold on to the EKG pulse sensors integrated into the seat handlebars. It cannot read your pulse through a Polar HR chest strap.
The console unit doesn’t have online or Bluetooth connectivity. However, it does have several preset programs. The first program is the Manual program which gives you the possibility to adjust the resistance freely as you pedal. The other programs are Intervals, Weight Loss, Rolling Hills, Cadence, Random, and Custom.
The console is easy to operate. Each program has its own key. There’s a Stop key which allows you to pause your workout if you have to; this is also a great function to use if you alternate bike workout sessions with other exercising. The Back, Enter and Arrow keys in the middle serve for creating a program or adjusting settings. And finally, the controls on the side of the console allow you to quickly select the desired resistance setting, but controls for gradual resistance adjustment are also available.
Resistance and drive
As we’ve mentioned above, the AFG 2.0 AR recumbent exercise bike features a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means that it requires being connected to a power circuit in order for the console to become operational, and the resistance can only be adjusted from the console. A 12V AC adapter is included with the bike.
The resistance system consists of a small motor and a magnetic brake. As you select a certain resistance setting from the console, the motor will automatically adjust the brake in order to generate more or less resistance. Also, if you use one of the preset programs, the bike will auto-adjust the resistance, in accordance with the current segment of the workout.
The bike makes available 10 resistance settings. The first 1-3 resistance levels provide light workouts, perfect for recovery training, or warming up. The top 8-10 resistance settings, however, give you the possibility to achieve a more intense muscle burn.
Since it’s a magnetic recumbent exercise bike it features a belt drive. The integrated belt is stretch-resistant and made to last for many years of use. It doesn’t require lubrication or maintenance and provides a very smooth and quiet workout.
The integrated flywheel is fairly heavy for a bike of this caliber; it weighs 17.6 lbs (8 kg), which means that it delivers a decent momentum. Most of its weight is incorporated in its perimeter, which results in a smooth pedaling motion and pedaling feel.
One of the specific features to this bike is the FreeSPIN™ technology which allows you to coast. This comes with a series of advantages. For example, you don’t have to worry about injuries in case you want to stop pedaling; the pedals will stop spinning when you stop, even if the flywheel will continue to spin. Also, in case you have been pedaling too fast during one of the workout intervals and ended up with a very high muscle burn, you can alternate the workout with coasting sessions.
The crankset is durable, featuring solid steel crank arms. However, this bike is not meant for spin workouts or standing up on the pedals. This may result in damage to the internal components. Also, standing up while pedaling would be very awkward as this is, after all, a recumbent bike, meant only for seated workouts.
The supplied pedals are weighted, self-leveling, which means that they assume the upright position all the time. They feature a non-slip surface, their core is metallic, and they’re equipped with adjustable straps. Their threads are standard 9/16, so in case you want to replace them, compatible options are widely available.
Seat and handlebars
This AFG exercise bike is equipped with an ergonomic seat, with a contoured surface, which integrates a generous layer of foam padding. The backrest features the same padding and both these parts have a durable vinyl upholstery. 
The seat is adjustable. It’s mounted on a metallic frame and glides on an oblique rail. The whole seat assembly is designed to support riders up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
The backrest is attached directly to the seat and cannot be adjusted independently from it such as for the LifeSpan R3i, for example. Adjusting the seat is done with ease via the lever situated on the right side. Its adjustment span can accommodate users between 5’0″ – 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm).
The AFG 2.0 AR has two sets of handlebars, one attached directly to the metallic frame of the seat, and one placed on the console mast. The seat handlebars integrate pulse sensors, so in case you want to keep an eye on your heart rate you can hold on to them. Both sets of handlebars are fixed; the ones attached to the seat cannot adjust independently from the seat. Both handlebars are covered with a thin layer of high-density foam in order to provide a secure and comfortable grip.
Frame construction
The AFG 2.0AR recumbent bike features an all-steel frame coated with corrosion-resistant powder finish; the color used is white, this being the only color available for this bike.
The frame has a step-through design for an easy entry and exit. It’s fairly heavy, though; the fully assembled bike weighs ~121 lbs (~58 kg). However, this weight adds to its overall stability. And on the other hand, moving the bike isn’t too difficult as its front base is equipped with rotating caps, which act as transport wheels.
The rear base is equipped with adjustable stabilizers. Therefore, you should be able to perfectly level the bike on any type of flooring.
The bike isn’t extremely large but does take some space. With the frame fully assembled it’s 63″ (160 cm) long, and 26″ (66 cm) wide. On top of that, it is recommended to assign a workout space of at least 80″ x 50″ (203 x 127 cm) for it, in order to operate it safely, without any hindrance, and make sure you don’t have any difficulties during entry and exit.
Assembly and Maintenance
The assembly process is not too complicate as most of the bike comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the bike’s base tubes, the seat, the console mast, the console and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. All the tools required for the assembly come with the package. Also, the included manual provides very clear, step-by-step assembly instructions.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. Basically, you just need to keep the bike clean, and periodically conduct an inspection for loose bolts and parts. The internal parts are pre-lubricated with industrial quality lubricants and shouldn’t require any further lubrication for a long period of time.
The Pros
- Solid construction, similar to commercial grade bikes, with a user capacity of 300 lbs;
- Adjustable rear stabilizers;
- Front transport wheels;
- Ergonomic, seat with thick cushioning and a large backrest providing excellent lumbar support;
- Handlebars on the seat and the console mast;
- EKG pulse sensors integrated into the seat handlebars;
- Long adjustment span for the seat, the bike being able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″;
- 10 levels of resistance;
- Smooth and quiet drive;
- FreeSPIN drive technology, allowing you to coast;
- 6 pre-set workout programs plus the manual program;
- Weighted pedals, with adjustable straps for extra stability;
- Bottle holder included;
- Basically maintenance free;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No sound system;
- No online connectivity;
- No cooling fan;
- Console is not telemetric.
Summary
The AFG 2.0 AR is a recumbent exercise bike designed for home use, which offers a range of features a bit richer than the basic models. It comes with a programmable console with 7 programs. It has a sturdy frame construction that can support users up to 300 lbs. It uses an eddy current, motorized magnetic resistance system, and has FreeSPIN technology which allows you to coast. It’s an excellent bike for interval training, endurance development, light to medium cardio workouts and weight loss. And finally, it’s a bit more expensive than other recumbent bikes in this range of features but does offer excellent quality for the price.