Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Extras |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FR 8000R Check Discounted Price | L:43.5" W:18.5" H:47" | 220 lbs | 6 lbs | Magnetic, 14 levels | Bluetooth, MyCloudFitness compatible, Tablet holder |
The Fitness Reality 8000R is one of the indoor cycling bikes released in 2021. It is almost identical to the Exerpeutic LX 3000. However, it comes with a lighter flywheel, and evidently, it is overall a lighter bike. For reference, this is the Fitness Reality exercise bike part number 2209.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 43.5L x 18.5W x 47H inches (110L x 47W x 119H cm)
- Assembled weight: 62.6 lbs (28.3 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 6 lbs (2.7 kg)
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Magnetic, 14 levels
- Extras: Device holder, Bluetooth, MyCloudFitness compatible
- Warranty: Frame 1 year / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The Fitness Reality 8000R indoor cycling bike features a standard triangular frame made mostly out of oval steel tubing with precision-welded joints. All the steel parts are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this bike, at least for the moment.
Of course, the bike also integrates several parts made of durable ABS material. The most notable ones are the drivetrain cover, the emergency brake cover, the side panels of the flywheel, and a few other small caps. These have a protective and cosmetic role, though, and shouldn’t affect the overall sturdiness of the bike.
The FR 8000R bike is not too large. With all the parts assembled, its footprint is 43.5″L x 18.5″W (110 x 47 cm) but it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it, for easy access. The bike is not too heavy either. Its net weight is only 62.6 lbs (28.3 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Also, with the frame fully assembled it is even easier to relocate as its front base features transport wheels.
One last aspect to mention here regards the bike’s step-up bar. This is the tube that connects the seat tube with the main slanted tube of the frame. Not only that it allows you to perform stretches or spin workouts that require repeated mounting and dismounting, but it also improves the overall sturdiness of the frame. Not all spin bikes have this feature, so it’s a plus.
Seat and handlebars
The Fitness Reality 8000R indoor cycle is equipped with a saddle designed for superior comfort. Its inner shell is made of durable nylon material. It has a generous layer of cushioning and a double-stitched cover made of durable vinyl material. It is also contoured with a large median groove for improved breathability.
The saddle has two suspension springs at the rear, as well. These allow it to flex as you pedal, in order to adapt better to your movement. Plus, it has a collar-type attachment system which renders it easy to replace.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has several adjustment positions while its horizontal slider provides a few extra inches for front-to-back adjustment. The bike’s adjustment range should fit users between 5’1″ and 6’1″ (147 – 185 cm). Also, its user weight capacity is 220 lbs (100 kg).
The bike’s handlebar does not have a front-to-back adjustment slider like the seat. It is only two-way adjustable (up, down). Its height is approx. 47″ (119 cm).
The bike’s handlebar features a multi-grip design. It offers the possibility to adopt an off-road grip, a climbing grip, and a standard grip. It also has a small loop bar in the middle so you can adopt a close parallel grip. Its side grips have PVC foam sleeves for improved contact. However, they do not have pulse sensors.
Drive system
As we’ve mentioned above, the Fitness Reality 8000R is equipped with a 6 lbs (2.7 kg) flywheel. Although it’s not a heavy one, it does have a perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved stability and improved inertia. Even though it does not provide the super-solid momentum of a spin bike with a 40 lbs (18 kg) flywheel, the resistance is pretty decent due to the magnetic brake.
The flywheel is bi-directional. This being said, you can pedal in reverse. This allows you to put some diversity into your workouts, alternate forward and reverse pedaling sessions so you can engage more muscle groups. However, you cannot coast on this bike as would be possible on a road bike. That’s because the pedals will spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The bike is equipped with a belt drive system. It integrates a durable poly-v belt designed for superior traction. Since the transmission is a belt, not a chain, you don’t need to periodically lubricate it. It also delivers a smoother traction than a chain as it generates slightly less vibration when the bike is in use.
Although the FR 8000R is not a commercial spin bike, it is equipped with a durable crankset, featuring flattened long arms. The pedals are made of aluminum alloy so they should be able to withstand pedaling while standing up with no problem. They do not have SPD clips for spin shoes, but they do have toe cages. Also, their threads are standard 9/16, so compatible options are widely available.
Resistance system
The Fitness Reality 8000R indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t need an adapter or power cord for it. But on the other hand, the bike does not adjust the resistance automatically.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake placed at the back of the flywheel and concealed by the belt guard. It is connected to the tension knob placed on the right side of the main frame tube. Therefore, when you turn the knob, the magnets move closer or farther from the flywheel which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
The bike’s magnetic brake has 14 adjustment levels. Although the flywheel is not super-heavy, the resistance is fairly decent. The first level delivers a light pedaling difficulty, great for recovery training or a workout warm-up. Conversely, the 14th level of resistance offers quite a challenge, simulating a steep climb.
The bike is also equipped with an emergency brake. It consists of a felt pad attached to the frame above the flywheel. The pad connects to the knob above the main frame tube. You can press this down to instantly stop the flywheel which can be quite handy especially if you’ve been pedaling at a very high speed.
Bluetooth connection and accessories
The Fitness Reality 8000R exercise bike doesn’t come with a fitness monitor. However, it is equipped with a Bluetooth box which is attached at the base of the bike’s crankset. The Bluetooth module allows you to sync the bike with your smartphone or tablet via the MyCloudFitness app. An RPM sensor is also integrated into the bike. Thus, the app will show your RPM, and based on this, it will also show distance, speed, and calories burned. As we’ve mentioned above, the bike does not have pulse sensors and cannot track your pulse.
The MyCloudFitness app has two versions, basic and premium. The basic version is free. This version only shows your workout metrics and tracks your progress online. The premium version offers many other extra features like coaching videos, training programs led by top trainers, and virtual trails that sync with your pedaling motion.
The Bluetooth unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are included.
In terms of accessories, the bike comes with an adjustable tablet holder. It can accommodate tablets up to 7 3/4 (~19 cm) wide. It is also angle-adjustable, allowing you to perfectly position your tablet or smartphone in order to view your workout stats if you’re working with the MyCloudFitness App. The bike does not include a bottle holder.
Assembly and Maintenance
The Fitness Reality 8000R exercise bike requires some user assembly. Although its main body comes pre-assembled, you will still have to attach the two base stabilizers, the seat, the handlebars, the pedals, and the device holder. The task is pretty straightforward, though. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions, and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, you only have to keep the bike clean. It is recommended to wipe the sweat that may fall onto the frame at the end of the workout. The drive system and the brake do not require lubrication.
The Pros
- Pretty sturdy construction – can support users up to 220 lbs;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on both base bars;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Cushioned and contoured saddle;
- Multi-grip, padded handlebar;
- Maintenance-free belt drive;
- Aluminum alloy pedals with toe cages;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for enhanced inertia;
- Frictionless magnetic resistance (14 levels);
- Bluetooth connectivity;
- Free (basic) MyCloudFitness for online progress tracking and workout goals;
- Angle-adjustable and size-adjustable device holder;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the necessary tools for the assembly are included;
- Batteries for the Bluetooth unit are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- No pulse sensors.
Summary
The Fitness Reality 8000R is an indoor cycling bike made for home use. It is equipped with a 6-lb flywheel, a 14-level magnetic resistance system, and a 4-way adjustable seat. It also integrates a Bluetooth module so you can sync it with the MyCloudFitness app. It’s a bike designed for spin workouts, light to intense cardio training, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss.