| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Performance monitor | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ativafit R8 Check Discounted Price | L:29.9" W:14.9" H:45.6" | 250 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, SCAN, Goals | 90 days |
The Ativafit R8 is a folding upright exercise bike similar to the Leikefitness X 2200 as it has the same 3-position adjustable frame. However, it comes with a slightly better fitness monitor which offers the possibility to select goals for your workouts. It also has resistance bands for arm exercises, like the Echanfit 2901 model.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 29.9L x 14.9W x 45.6H inches 76L x 38W x 116H cm)
- Assembled weight: 41.89 lbs (19 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Handlebar: Non-adjustable
- Seat: 2-way adjustable
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, odometer calories, pulse, goals, scan
- Extras: Device holder, resistance bands for arm exercises
- Warranty: 90 days limited
Frame construction
Similar to the other Ativafit X8 and F8 that we’ve already covered here, the Ativafit R8 model also has an X-type frame. However, its frame has three position settings. These are semi-recumbent, upright, and folded. The bike can be locked in one of these positions by the small adjustment bar under the seat.
The bike’s frame is made of steel tubing. The larger frame part consists of two oval parallel bars, while the shorter part of the frame that holds the seat and the resistance system is rectangular. The base bars and the handlebars are cylindrical. All the steel tubes in the bike’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this bike (at least for the moment).
This exercise bike is equipped with a set of resistance bands for arm exercises. This is a plus, as many 
other folding upright bikes do not have this feature. Each band features a standard D-handle with a foam grip. Also, it’s important to mention that the resistance bands are attached to the front section of the frame and go through a set of small pulleys. This results in smoother usage and better control.
The bike doesn’t take too much usage space. With all the parts assembled, and with the frame set to the semi-recumbent position, its footprint is 29.9″L x 14.9″W (76 x 38 cm). However, the bike itself from front to back is a bit longer, approx. 34 – 35 inches (86 – 89 cm). It is also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for unhindered usage and ease of access.
With the frame folded, the bike’s footprint is reduced to 12.2″D x 14.9″W (31 x 38 cm) while its height becomes approx. 53″ (135 cm). This being said, it can be stored in a closet or a corner of the room without taking too much space. It is also fairly light; with all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 42″ (19 kg). Plus, its front base stabilizer is equipped with two small transport wheels which facilitate its relocation.
Seat and handlebars
The Ativafit R8 exercise bike features a semi-recumbent frame position, so its seat is equipped with a
backrest. Both the seat pad and the backrest integrate a thick layer of foam cushioning. Their top covers are made of durable vinyl material which is also sweatproof. Also, the seat pad is fairly large, approx. 10.5″ (27 cm) wide and contoured so it provides plenty of contact surface and optimal comfort.
The bike’s seat assembly is two-way adjustable (up, down). Its post has several adjustment positions. This being said, the applicable user height for this bike is between 5’0″ and 5’10” (153 – 178 cm). Also, the seat and the whole frame should be able to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg). Several other sources specify a maximum user weight limit for this bike of 265 lbs (120 kg), but the official Ativafit website specifies a capacity of 250 lbs (113 kg) for all three current X-type frame exercise bikes.
One last aspect to mention here about the seat regards its backrest. Although the whole seat is adjustable, the backrest does not have a reclining function and does not adjust independently from the rest of the seat. However, it can be folded forward, over the seat pad, to provide better storage possibilities.
The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One is attached to the front section of the frame, the other to the seat assembly. The front handlebars have a multi-grip design. They also integrate metallic pulse sensors. The seat handlebars attach directly to the seat frame. They do not have sensors. Both handlebars sets have high-density foam sleeves for improved comfort. Also, they are non-adjustable.
Resistance and drive
The Ativafit R8 semi-recumbent folding exercise bike is equipped with a magnetic resistance system. It is
not motorized, though. This means that you don’t need an adapter for it, or an external power source. But on the other hand, the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The main resistance elements of the bike are an internal magnetic brake which is connected to the tension knob on the front part of the frame by a steel cable. When you turn the knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the internal flywheel which increases the resistance. Conversely, if you turn the knob counterclockwise, the brake moves away from the flywheel which reduces the intensity of the magnetic field and the pedaling difficulty.
The bike offers 8 distinct tension levels. The first level delivers a light pedaling difficulty, great for muscle toning, or recovery training. The 8th level of resistance, on the other hand, provides a higher pedaling difficulty and simulates a hill climb. But as a general idea, this is a bike for light cardio workouts, not for spin workouts or high-intensity workouts.
The Ativafit R8 exercise bike is equipped with a sturdy 3-piece crankset featuring crank arms similar to road bikes. The pedals are pretty much standard upright bike pedals, made of hard thermoplastic material with a metallic core. They have a textured surface and adjustable straps so you can secure your feet on them if necessary. They are also weighted so they always turn face-up if you remove your feet from them.
Like most other exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the R8 bike features a belt drivetrain. It uses a durable poly-v belt resistant to stretching. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about periodic drivetrain lubrication and the pedaling motion is very smooth and almost completely silent.
Last but not least, the internal flywheel is not too heavy, so the momentum cannot be compared to the inertia generated by a spin bike flywheel. Its exact weight is not specified, but since the bike is fairly light, its flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 10 lbs (4.5 kg).
Fitness monitor
The Ativafit R8 exercise bike is equipped with a fitness monitor similar to the one on the F8 model. To 
begin with, it features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance are shown in kilometers per hour and kilometers. There is no option for changing them to mph and miles. The pulse reading function is grip-contact only. The monitor unit cannot communicate with a wireless HR chest strap or fitness band. It can only read your pulse if you hold on to the integrated sensors.
The fitness monitor does not have pre-set programs, online connectivity, and it is not compatible with any fitness app. However, it has a goal setting function. You can select a workout goal for time, distance, or calories burned and it will countdown from the selected value until it reaches zero.
The monitor unit features three buttons – Set, Mode, and Reset. The Set button accesses the goal setting function. The Mode button allows you to select the workout metric that you want to view on the display or select the Scan Mode so that the monitor will roll the metrics on the display showing each one for a few seconds. The Reset button allows you to clear all the values on the monitor to zero.
The unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are not included. It starts tracking when you press one of the buttons or when you begin pedaling. It also has a self-shutdown function; it should automatically turn off after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s frame comes pre-assembled and in folded position. However, several parts do require user assembly. You will basically have to unfold the main frame, attach the two base stabilizers, the seat, the backrest, the handlebars, the pedals, and the performance monitor. This shouldn’t take more than an hour of your time. All the necessary tools for the assembly are included. Also, the manual provides clear, step-by-step assembly instructions.
For maintenance, you only have to keep the bike clean, wipe the sweat droplets that may fall on the frame at the end of the workout, and periodically inspect the bike to make sure all its parts hold tight in their places and function properly. The internal mechanism does not require lubrication.
The Pros
- Fairly sturdy frame – supports riders up to 250 lbs;
- Small footprint;
- Foldable, great for a small apartment;
- Three available positions for the frame (semi-recumbent, upright, and folded);
- Transport wheels included;
- Comfortable, large seat, offering 2-way adjustability;
- Multi-grip handlebar with high-density foam sleeves for improved comfort;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the front handlebar grips;
- Heavy-duty crankset with weighted pedals;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder integrated into the fitness monitor;
- Resistance ropes with D-handles included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- A tablet placed on the device holder may cover the monitor display;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor display.
Summary
The Ativafit R8 is a folding exercise bike made for home use. It features a 3-position frame (semi-recumbent, upright, folded), a large seat with padded backrest, and 8 levels of magnetic resistance. It is also equipped with a performance monitor that can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse, and two resistance bands for arm exercises. In all, it’s an affordable exercise bike, great for light cardio training, muscle toning and weight loss.