| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Performance monitor | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ativafit F8 Check Discounted Price | L:26.2" W:15.8" H:45.7" | 250 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, SCAN, Goals | 90 days |
The Ativafit F8 is a portable exercise bike made for home use. In terms of features, it is similar to the X8 model that we’ve already reviewed here. However, this model has a slightly smaller seat and a monitor with a different design. It’s also a bit smaller than the X8 model.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 26.2L x 15.8W x 45.7H inches 66.5L x 40W x 116H cm)
- Assembled weight: 34.2 lbs (15.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Handlebar: Non-adjustable
- Seat: 2-way adjustable
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, goals, scan
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: 90 days limited
Frame construction
The Ativafit F8 exercise bike features an X-type frame that consists of two main parts. The part with the
seat also supports the bike’s drive system, while the part with the handlebar consists of two long parallel bars. The two frame parts are connected in the middle and allow the bike to be folded.
Similar to most other upright bikes with an X-type frame, the Ativafit F8 is a fairly small unit. With all the parts assembled and with the frame unfolded, its footprint is approx. 26.2″L x 15.8″W (66.5 x 40 cm). However, from front-to-back, the bike is a few inches longer (approx. 34″). It is also recommended to assign a usage area with at least two feet of clearance all around the bike for ease of access and safe usage.
The bike’s frame is made of steel tubing. It combines cylindrical, rectangular, and oval tubes in its construction. All the steel parts have a durable paint finish, resistant to corrosion. The color used is gray, this being the only color available for this bike. The only notable plastic parts in the bike’s construction are the covers of the drive and resistance elements.
The fully assembled bike is not too heavy. It only weighs 34.2 lbs (15.5 kg). This being said, it can easily be carried and assembled by only one person. Plus, its front base stabilizer is equipped with a set of small wheels for easy relocation.
Seat and handlebars
As we’ve mentioned above, the Ativafit F8 upright exercise bike is equipped with a smaller seat than the
X8 model. It still is a fairly large seat, though, approx. 12″ (31 cm) wide, so it provides plenty of contact surface. Its shell is made of a sturdy plastic material while its top cover is made of a thick layer of high-density foam.
The seat is only two-way adjustable (up, down). Its post features several adjustment positions. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 5’10” (153 – 178 cm). Taller users should still be able to use this bike but they may not benefit from a full leg stretch during pedaling even with the seat set to its highest position. Also, the bike is rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 250 lbs (113 kg).
The bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. Its side grips feature thick sleeves made of high-density foam material for improved comfort. They also integrate stainless steel pulse sensors and the included performance monitor has a pulse reading function.
The bike’s handlebar does not offer any adjustability. You cannot adjust its height or angle. It inserts into the two bars of the front frame section and is secured to them via four bolts. Therefore, it won’t wobble or move as it is the case for certain exercise bikes on which the handlebar is attached with only one or two screws, or with a collar system.
Resistance and drive
The Ativafit F8 folding exercise bike features a manual magnetic resistance system. This means that the
bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically. But on the other hand, you don’t need a power adapter or an external power source for it.
The main resistance element of the bike is an internal magnetic brake connected to the tension knob on the front part of the frame through a steel wire. Therefore, when you turn the knob, the brake changes its position in relation to the internal flywheel which increases or decreases the workout load.
The bike makes available 8 resistance levels which are marked on the tension knob. The first level delivers a fairly light pedaling difficulty great for recovery training or muscle toning. The 8th level of resistance, although it provides considerably more pedal tension, it still doesn’t offer a super high level of difficulty, but you still get the sensation of a hill climb.
The internal flywheel isn’t extremely heavy. Its exact weight is not specified, but considering that the whole weight of the bike is less than 35 lbs, the weight of the flywheel probably doesn’t exceed 10 lbs (4.5 kg).
The flywheel is perimeter-weighted for improved inertia. It is also bi-directional. Therefore, you can pedal in reverse if you want to put some diversity into your workouts. However, coasting is not possible on this bike.
Like most other exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the Ativafit F8 features a belt drivetrain. This type of drive system comes with several advantages over a chain drive. First of all, it generates less vibration, so it provides smoother pedaling. And second of all, you don’t have to lubricate it.
The bike is equipped with a sturdy 3-piece crankset with solid steel arms. However, since it’s a folding upright bike, it is not meant for standing up on the pedals or spin workouts. The pedals are made of durable thermoplastic material with a metallic center. They are weighted, so they always turn face up when you remove your feet from them. They have a textured surface and adjustable straps for improved foot stability.
Fitness monitor
The Ativafit F8 upright exercise bike includes a fitness monitor unit that offers several more functions
than a basic model. For example, it has a pulse reading function and also a target setting function. However, it does not have pre-set programs and it is not compatible with any fitness apps. It also has a device holder that consists of a small shelf placed at the bottom of the unit, so you can place your smartphone or tablet on it.
The fitness monitor unit features an LCD display (without backlight) that tracks time, distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse. It is not telemetric, though. This means it can only read your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the bike’s handlebars. Also, speed and distance are in metric units.
The monitor unit is very easy to use. It has three buttons – Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to select the workout metric that you want to see on the display or select the Scan Mode which rotates all the metrics keeping each one on the display for approx. 6 seconds. The Set button offers the possibility to select workout goals for time, distance, and calories burned. If a goal is selected, the monitor will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values to zero.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries which are not included. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you press one of the buttons, and automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the bike for more than four minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s frame and its drive system come pre-assembled. You only need to attach the two base stabilizers, the handlebar, the seat, the fitness monitor, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.
Once the bike is assembled, its maintenance doesn’t require much. All you have to do it keep the frame clean, wipe any sweat droplets that may fall on the frame at the end of the workout, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts. The internal parts do not require periodic lubrication.
The Pros
- Fairly sturdy frame with a maximum weight limit of 250 lbs;
- Small footprint;
- Folding frame, great portability;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front stabilizer;
- Large padded seat;
- Multi-grip handlebar with pulse sensors;
- Weighted pedals with straps;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Goal selection function for time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the necessary tools for the assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the monitor’s display;
- A tablet placed on the device holder will cover the unit’s display;
- Not for users taller than 5’10”.
Summary
The Ativafit F8 is a foldable magnetic upright bike designed for home use. It features an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, a large saddle, a multi-grip handlebar, and a fitness monitor that can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It’s an affordable exercise bike, great for light cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.