| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Amenities | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FitDesk v2.0 Check Discounted Price | L:28" W:16" H:45" | 300 lbs | Magnetic | Desk, Storage drawer, Resistance bands, Massage rollers | 1 year limited |
Being productive and exercising are two things that usually don’t go together. However, there are fitness machines that actually combine the two concepts. And the FitDesk v2.0 is one of them. This exercise bike is a folding upright bike, similar to the Exerpeutic 500 XLS for example, however as opposed to this bike, it incorporates a desk for your laptop, in order to supply a working setting along with the workout setting.
This exercise cycle offers quite an impressive array of features. But before presenting each one of them, there’s one important aspect to be clarified. The FitDesk v2.0 that we’ll describe here is the part number FDX 2.0-003. This comes with several improvements over the previous models, also being the most recent model.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 28L x 16W x 45H inches (71L x 40.6W x 114H cm)
- Desk surface: 16L x 19W inches (40.6L x 48.2W cm)
- Assembled weight: 47 lbs (21.3 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable, with backrest
- Pedals: With straps
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness meter: Included
- Other accessories: Storage drawer, massage rollers, resistance bands
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame
The FitDesk v2.0 upright bike features a lightweight frame. When fully assembled, the bike weighs only 47 lbs (21.3 kg), which makes it really easy to transport. On top of that, the rear base of the frame integrates caster wheels, in order to facilitate the relocation of the fully assembled bike.
The bike’s frame is made of solid steel tubing, and can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg) with no problem. It consists of two main pieces which connect at the middle. All steel parts are double coated with anti-corrosive paint, which renders it virtually rust-free.
The bike has a really small footprint, taking only 28″L x 16″W (71 x 40.6 cm) of floor space. The desk is a few inches wider than its bases though, with a width of 19″ (cca 48 cm). Along with the small footprint also comes a folding design. The bike can actually be folded vertically, in order to save more space or to fit in a closet.
The bike’s front and rear stabilizers feature round plastic caps, with a flattened base. However, these caps are non-adjustable. Therefore, in order to maximize the bike’s stability, it’s best to place it on an even surface, carpet, or on a rubberized mat.
Seat
The seat supplied with the FitDesk v2.0 desk exercise bike is 11″ (28 cm) wide, definitely not a slim model like in indoor cycling bikes, such as the Bladez Fusion GS II or ASUNA 4100. 
Although it’s not made of memory foam, it does incorporate thick cushioning, which evenly distributes your weight. It’s also contoured, in order to adapt perfectly to your body.
A backrest part is also supplied with this bike. The backrest is padded, but incorporates slightly less padding than the saddle itself. It stands approx. 9″ (23 cm) above the saddle, supplying an excellent lumbar support. And this being said, the seat assembly offers all the comfort that you can expect from the seat of an upright bike.
The seat is 2-way adjustable (up/down), offering several adjustment holes. An extension for the seat post is also supplied with the FitDesk v2.0 FDX 2.0-003, which enables it to actually fit users between 4’10” and 6’2″ (147 – 188 cm). The earlier models did not come with this accessory, thus not being able to offer the complete comfort and leg extension to users taller than 5’10” (178 cm).
Desk and handlebar assembly
Since this exercise bike integrates a desk, its handlebar assembly is rather different from other similar bike models. The handlebar is actually designed as a support for the desk. 
However, this desk support features a transversal bar which you can hold on to as you pedal. This bar is equipped with rolling massage arm rests, and has 3 position settings. In other words, you can adjust the angle of the whole bar, for the position that you find most comfortable.
The desk that fits on top of the handlebar is wide enough to hold just about any laptop. It’s 16″ (40.6 cm) long, and 19″ (48.2 cm) wide. Its position is also adjustable, as it can slide onto its support closer or farther from the user. The desk offers an anti-slip surface, and also features a strap that you can use to secure your laptop in place.
Drive system
The FitDesk v2.0 does not have an extra heavy flywheel like spin bikes, for example. But its flywheel is heavy enough to supply the required stability, and perimeter weighted, promoting a smooth ride. The crankset is a sturdy piece, finished with solid steel crank arms. However, the bike is not made for stand-up cycling routines. The cranks would probably be able to hold the user in a complete, stand-up climbing workout, but due to the frame construction, this would require a rather awkward posture. Differently put, it’s a bike meant for seated pedaling only.
Like most upright bikes with a magnetic resistance system, this model features a quiet belt drive, using a heavy-duty, stretch-resistant v-belt.
The pedals feature a simple design, with a rugged surface to provide a superior to your shoes. They’re also weighted, and include adjustable straps.
Resistance system
Just like the Exerpeutic 1200, this upright bike model uses a manual magnetic resistance system, involving a magnetic pad connected to the tension knob on the frame, via a stainless steel wire. As you turn the knob, the position of the resistance pad adjusts, closer or farther in relation to the flywheel, thus modifying resistance. The bike does not involve any motors, and is not required to be connected to a power circuit.
There are 8 distinctive resistance settings marked on the knob. But as a general idea, this bike is made for light to medium cardio workout routines. The top resistance settings will make you sweat, but for a seasoned cyclist they’re hardly a challenge. This is actually a bike meant to help you keep your muscle tone, and maintain your cardiovascular system in good shape. It’s not for intense spinning workouts, or strength training.
Fitness meter
The meter unit supplied with this bike is a basic one. It indicates the most important values 
that almost anyone using a bike would like to know. These are: time, speed, distance, and calories, also having an odometer function, indicating the total distance traveled.
The meter is pretty easy to use. It automatically turns on when you begin pedaling or when pressing one of the 3 buttons: Mode, Set and Reset. With the Mode button you can surf through the values, with the Set button you can lock any of the values on screen, while with the Reset button, evidently you can reset any of the values to zero. The meter also features a SCAN mode, function that cycles through the values indicating each one for a few second, then moving to the next.
The fitness meter use two AA-type batteries.
Other accessories
There are several accessories included with the FitDesk v2.0 desk exercise bike, and several more accessories optional. Among the included ones we can number the desk storage drawer, which is pretty handy if you need to keep certain small objects with the bike, such as earbuds,
MP3 player, remote control, or keep your smartphone at hand as you ride. Another one is given by the resistance bands which attach to the seat bar of the bike. These bands can diversify your workout routines by a lot, providing extra workouts for the arms and upper body. And finally, the one accessory that we’ve already mentioned, consists of the rolling massage arm rests.
Some of the optional (not included) accessories, available for this bike, are a set of lateral extensions for the desk, one with a molded cup holder, the other with a mouse pad, a universal saddle adapter, and a water bottle holder that attaches to the main frame tubing.
Assembly and Maintenance
The drive and resistance mechanisms come already attached to the bike’s frame, and the two main pieces of the frame are already connected. Thus, for assembly you’ll have to attach the base stabilizers to the frame, the seat post, seat and backrest, the desk support and the desk itself, pedals, and finally connect the meter wires and mount the meter. The tools required for the assembly are included, as well as the owner’s manual which will guide you through the assembly steps.
Maintenance is basically inexistent. For this matter, you have to keep the bike free of dust and moisture, and from time to time re-tighten the bolts if it’s the case. The internal parts of the bike shouldn’t require any greasing for a long period of time.
The Pros
- Simple design, solid frame, able to hold users up to 300 lbs;
- Small footprint, ideal for small rooms, offices, or even office cubicles;
- Space-saver, folding design;
- Integrated desk, fore to aft adjustable;
- Strap for fixing your laptop to the desk;
- Storage drawer included;
- Integrated rolling massage arm rests;
- Cushioned, large seat for maximum comfort;
- Included seat extension for taller users;
- 2-way seat adjustability;
- Lumbar support;
- Resistance bands for arms and upper body workouts;
- 8 distinctive and calibrated levels of magnetic resistance;
- Fitness meter included;
- Smooth and quiet drive system;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little to no maintenance required.
The Cons
- An open laptop on the desk will block the view of the fitness meter
. - Basic fitness meter, no goal settings, no fitness programs.
Summary
If you’re looking for a way to stay productive while exercising, the FitDesk v2.0 desk exercise bike is definitely one fitness machine to put on your list.
Although it doesn’t supply the workout possibilities of a spin bike, this cycle will definitely help you accelerate your metabolism, improve your cardiovascular shape, bolster your stamina and tone your muscles. And not only your leg muscles, your arms and upper body too, as it includes resistance bands for extra workouts. Evidently, by helping you burn more calories during your working hours, it will also help you lose weight.
The bike excels in ergonomics as it supplies a cushioned, wide seat with lumbar support, and arm massagers. It’s also space-savvy, featuring a small footprint and a folding design. Last but not least, even though it’s not the most affordable bike, due to the fact that it offers an impressive array of features and great quality, we can safely say that the FitDesk v2.0 offers excellent value for the price.