| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Bike computer | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FitLeader UF4 Check Discounted Price | L:32" W:21" H:51" | 240 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Speed, Time, Distance, Pulse, Calories, RPM, ODO, SCAN | 1 year limited |
FitLeader offers several exercise bike models, the UF series including the upright models. The FitLeader UF4 model is the most affordable of them. Evidently, it’s also the most basic model, being similar in specs with the Marcy ME 708 model. Differently put, it’s a simple upright bike, with 8 levels of resistance, made for light cardio training.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 32L x 21W x 51H inches (81L x 53W x 129.5H cm)
- Assembled weight: 48 lbs (21 kg)
- Supported weight: 240 lbs (109 kg)
- Seat: 2-way adjustable
- Pedals: With adjustable straps
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness meter: Included
- Amenities: Reading rack
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame and other parts
First of all, several other websites describe the FitLeader UF4 upright bike model as “foldable”. That is a description error, as this bike does not feature a folding frame. However, it’s not exactly a large item of fitness equipment. It has a small footprint, taking only 32″L x 21″W (81 x 53 cm) of floor space. In other words, it’s definitely suitable for a small room or 
for small apartments. It’s also pretty light, with a total assembled weight of approx. 48 lbs (21 kg), thus moving it around for storage shouldn’t be a problem. On top of that, the plastic caps of the bike’s front base are also transport rollers, so by leaning the bike forward you can easily roll it to its storage place after you’ve finished your workout. The rear base also features rotating caps, which offer the possibility to stabilize the bike on uneven surfaces.
The bike’s frame is made of steel tubing, being solid enough to support users up to 240 lbs (109 kg). However, the guards of the resistance system are plastic made. All the steel parts of the frame are powder coated with corrosion resistant paint, in black color, this being the only color available for this model at the moment.
This exercise bike features a 2-way adjustable seat (up and down). In case you’re wondering, the saddle cannot be adjusted fore to aft, like for the FitLeader UF2 model. Also, the saddle is pretty basic, but does feature a bit of padding and it’s wider than for most spin bikes, providing more comfort.
The seat post offers an adjustment span of 8″ (20.3 cm), which means the bike can accommodate users between 4’10” and 6’1″ (147 – 185 cm). The seat is easy to adjust, featuring a large knob, easy to grasp and turn.
One last aspect to mention here regards the bike’s handlebar. As opposed to other exercise bike models within this price range, this one comes with a straight handlebar, rather than a multi-grip one. The handlebar is non-adjustable, although various other websites advertise it as adjustable. But on the other hand, it does integrate pulse sensors, and features rubber foam grips.
Drive and resistance
The FitLeader UF4 upright bike features a belt-drive mechanism, using a heavy-duty v-belt. Due to this fact, the bike generates a very low noise level when in use, being almost silent. Also, since it uses a belt and not a chain, transmission is virtually maintenance free.
The bike’s drive mechanism also includes a small, perimeter-weighted flywheel, which promotes a smooth pedaling motion, eliminating the “stair master effect” which may be present in other models when using the highest resistance level.
The crankset is quite durable, integrating solid steel crank arms. However, keep in mind that this is an upright exercise bike. This means it’s designed for seated operation only, and does not support stand-up pedaling routines as spin bikes. The crank arms are finished with heavy-duty, nylon material pedals, with adjustable straps.
When it comes to its resistance system, this FitLeader exercise bike uses a magnetic system. It integrates a magnetic element connected to the resistance knob on the handlebar post, via a steel wire. As you turn the knob, the magnetic element changes its position in relation to the flywheel, intensifying or reducing drag.
This bike features 8 levels of resistance. It’s made for light to medium cardio workouts, and definitely not for strength training, or high intensity spin workouts. The first two levels of resistance offer very little drag, but on the other hand, the top levels can help you break a sweat.
Last but not least, pedaling in reverse on this bike is possible. When pedaling in reverse the resistance is maintained though, coasting not being possible. Also, even if you pedal in reverse, the meter equipped on the bike will continue to track distance traveled, calories burned etc.
Fitness meter
The fitness meter supplied with the FitLeader UF4 model is quite similar to the one on the other models, such as FitLeader UF1. It can display 6 values, including RPM, time, distance, speed, pulse and calories. It also has a SCAN function and an odometer function. The 
ODO(meter) function keeps track of the total distance traveled, while the SCAN function cycles through all the metrics, indicating each one for several seconds. However, you can turn the SCAN function off, and lock only the value that you’re interested on screen to be displayed at all time.
The meter starts when the sensor detects activity on the pedals or when you press the button. It automatically shuts off after several minutes of inactivity. It requires 4-AA type batteries, which are included.
In terms of accessories, there are two to be mentioned. First of all, the whole console assembly integrates a tablet holder, which can also serve as a reading rack, for a book or magazine. And second of all, the bike comes with a bottle holder, which attaches to the main post of the handlebar.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes ready-assembled. In other words, its flywheel, crankset, belt, and the other internal parts come already in their place, and covered by the plastic shrouds. Thus, in terms of assembly, you only need to add the bases to the main body, the seat post, the seat, the handlebar post (connecting the tension wire), the handlebars, and finally the meter with the tablet holder.
Tools for assembly are supplied, as well as a very comprehensive manual.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. All you have to do is check the machine’s joints from time to time and re-tighten them if it’s the case.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction, elegant design;
- Small footprint, perfect for small rooms;
- Ergonomic seat, 2-way adjustable;
- Magnetic resistance, with 8 distinctive settings, for light to medium cardio;
- Handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Angle-adjustable tablet holder;
- Fitness meter included;
- Quiet and smooth drive;
- Easy to put together;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- A tablet placed on the holder will cover the display of the meter;
- Handlebar is quite basic, not a multi-grip one as in other models.
Summary
The FitLeader UF4 is a basic upright exercise bike, designed mostly for light cardio, but on the highest resistance settings, the workout that it provides can nonetheless be classified as medium. It’s a bike with smooth and quiet magnetic resistance, with a small footprint, perfect for apartment use. It’s easy to assemble and transport as it’s far from being a heavy and clunky piece of equipment. The frame construction is solid enough to support users up to 240 lbs. It features a fitness meter and tablet holder. And finally, it’s quite an affordable upright exercise bike, currently available for less than $150.