| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Performance monitor | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ativafit X8 Check Discounted Price | L:27.9" W:15.75" H:44.1" | 250 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, SCAN, Goals | 90 days |
The Ativafit X8 is one of the x-type folding upright bikes released at the beginning of 2020. It has a larger seat than other similar exercise bikes, such as the Exerpeutic 575 XLS, or the Efitment B019. It’s definitely not a commercial-grade bike, but for home use, it can definitely help you shed some pounds or burn your daily amount of calories to stay in shape.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 27.9L x 15.75W x 44.1H inches (71L x 40W x 112H cm)
- Assembled weight: 27.5 lbs (12.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Handlebar: Non-adjustable
- Seat: 2-way adjustable
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Performance monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, goals, scan
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: 90 days limited
Frame construction
As we’ve mentioned above, the Ativafit X8 upright exercise bike features an X-type frame made of steel 
tubing. It combines oval, cylindrical, and rectangular bars in its construction. The main section of the frame that holds the handlebar and the performance monitor is made of two parallel bars. The other frame part holds the seat tube and the drive system. The two frame parts are connected in the middle, a feature that allows the bike to be folded.
All the steel tubes in the bike’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is metallic gray, this being the only color available for the X8 model. The side covers of the drive and resistance elements are made of durable ABS plastic.
In general, X-type exercise bikes offer excellent portability, and the Ativafit X8 makes no exception. First of all, the bike is not heavy. It weighs approx. 27.5 lbs (12.5 kg) so it can easily be transported and assembled by only one person. Plus, its front base is equipped with a set of transport wheels.
In set up position, the bike doesn’t take too much space. Its footprint is approx. 28″L x 16″W (71 x 40 cm), but front-to-back, the bike is a bit longer. This being said, it’s a good idea to assign a usage area for the bike of at least 60″L x 40″ (152 x 101 cm), for ease of access and unhindered usage. With the frame folded, the bike’s footprint becomes 13.6″L x 15.7″W (34.5 x 40 cm), while its height reaches approx. 52.4″ (133 cm).
Seat and handlebars
The Ativafit X8 is equipped with an extra-large saddle. It is approx. 15″ (38.5 cm) wide, and 11″ (28 cm) long, 
so it provides plenty of contact surface. Although its top is not contoured, it integrates a thick layer of foam cushioning offering superior comfort. Also, its top cover is made of durable vinyl material which is also sweatproof and easy to maintain.
The bike’s seat is only two-way adjustable (up, down). It does not have a horizontal slider for front-to-back adjustment, like the Sunny Health & Fitness Evo-Fit SF-B2969, for example. Its upright post offers several adjustment positions, but the applicable user height range is only 5’0″ – 5’10” (153 – 178 cm). Taller users should still be able to use this bike but may not benefit from a complete leg extension.
Although multiple sources specify a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg) for this Ativafit exercise bike, the manual recommends a maximum user weight limit of only 250 lbs (113 kg). Also, this weight limit pretty much applies only to the seat. Standing on the pedals as it should be possible for many spin bikes, is not recommended for this exercise bike, regardless of the user weight.
The Ativafit X8 folding upright bike features a handlebar assembly similar to the Circuit Fitness AMZ-150BK. It offers a multi-grip design with side grips covered by high-density foam sleeves for extra comfort. Its side grips also integrate metallic pulse sensors and the included fitness monitor does have a pulse reading function.
The bike’s handlebar is non-adjustable. It attaches to the front section of the frame by four screws so you cannot adjust its height or its angle. But on the other hand, due to the four connection points, it offers superior sturdiness and won’t wobble during usage as it is the case for other exercise bikes.
Drive and resistance
Since it’s a bike for light exercise, the Ativafit X8 is not equipped with a heavy flywheel. The exact weight of its 
internal flywheel is not specified, but considering that the bike doesn’t weigh more than 30 lbs, its flywheel probably weighs between 5.5 and 8 lbs (2.5 – 3.6 kg). It is balanced, though, designed for improved motion stability and a smooth pedaling motion.
The bike integrates a manual magnetic resistance system. This means that you don’t need a power cord, an adapter, or an external power source for it. However, it also means that the bike itself cannot automatically adjust the resistance and the included fitness monitor does not have pre-set programs.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake that is connected to the tension knob on top of the front section of the frame through a steel cable. By turning the knob, the brake shifts its position in relation to the flywheel which adds or reduces the pedaling resistance.
There are 8 resistance levels available on the knob. The first levels deliver a light tension, while the top, 7-8 levels give you the possibility to undergo more intense cardio training. But as a general idea, this exercise bike is not exactly meant for highly intense cardio workouts.
The bike is equipped with a durable crankset, but as we’ve mentioned above, it is not meant for standing up on the pedals. The position would be awkward anyway, and there may be stability issues. The pedals are made of durable thermoplastic material with a metallic center and weight elements so they always self-level if you remove your feet from them. They have a textured surface and adjustable straps for improved foot stability.
Last but not least, this Ativafit exercise bike has a belt drive system. This type of drivetrain comes with several advantages. For example, the belt does not require lubrication so you won’t have to take the drive unit apart every month for this. It also generates less vibration than a chain and contributes to the overall smoothness of the ride.
Performance monitor
The Ativafit X8 upright exercise bike is equipped with a performance monitor that offers a few extra features
over a basic model. To begin with, it features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance are shown in kmh and kilometers, while for the pulse reading function, the unit is not telemetric. This means that it can only track your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the handlebar. It cannot communicate with a wireless HR chest strap or armband.
Although the monitor unit does not have workout programs or online connectivity, it allows you to select targets for time, distance, and calories, a feature that basic bike meter units do not have. If a target is set for time, distance, or calories, the performance monitor will countdown from the selected value to zero, and notify you when you complete your goal.
The performance monitor unit is very easy to use. It has three buttons: Set, Mode, and Reset. The Set button is for goal selection. The Mode button gives you the possibility to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view or select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the metrics showing each one for several seconds. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values on the monitor unit to zero.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It begins to count calories, distance, etc, when you start pedaling. It also automatically turns off if it doesn’t detect any activity on the bike for more than four minutes.
One last notable feature with regards to the performance monitor unit included with the Ativafit X8 bike is the device holder. This consists of a small shelf and a large back support that can hold most tablets and smartphones. However, it’s important to mention that the monitor unit does not have any connection ports for your device (no charging port, no AUX).
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s frame and the drive and resistance unit comes pre-assembled. Therefore, all you need to do for assembly is unfold the bike, attach its base stabilizers, the seat, the handlebar, the performance monitor, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes of your time. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides fairly clear assembly instructions.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. All the internal components are pre-lubricated from the factory, and since the bike has a belt drive system, it doesn’t require any lubrication. Thus, for maintenance, all you have to do is wipe the dust from the frame and periodically check for loose parts and bolts.
The Pros
- Fairly sturdy frame – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Small footprint when fully assembled;
- Foldable, great for a small apartment;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front stabilizer;
- Extra-large padded seat with a durable vinyl cover;
- Multi-grip handlebar with pulse sensors;
- Weighted pedals with straps;
- Narrow Q-Factor for zero lateral stress on the knees and ankles;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Performance 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;
- Not for users taller than 5’10”.
Summary
The Ativafit X8 is a foldable magnetic upright bike designed for home use. It features a quiet belt drive system, an extra-large seat, an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, and a performance 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.