| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tunturi F20-R Check Discounted Price | L:66.2" W:25.2" H:48" | 297 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Calories, Speed, RPM, Pulse, Goals, Scan, BMI, Recovery | 3 years limited |
The Tunturi F20-R is one of the recumbent exercise bikes from the “Competence” series. It’s a mid-range trainer made for home use. In terms of specs and features, it can be compared to the Efitment RB034, but it’s considerably heavier. Also, its console offers BMI and Recovery functions.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 66.2L x 25.2W x 48H inches (168L x 64W x 122H cm)
- Assembled weight: 113 lbs (51.4 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 20 lbs (9 kg)
- Weight capacity: 297 lbs (135 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: Weighted, with straps
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, distance, speed, calories, pulse, goals, BMI, Recovery, SCAN
- Warranty: 3 years
Frame
The Tunturi Competence F20-R features a steel construction, combining rectangular with ovalized bars for 
superior sturdiness and aesthetics. There are also several ABS parts in its construction, such as the covers of the drive system and the covers at the base of the seat. However, these only have a protective role. Each and every steel tube is coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this unit.
The bike features a step-through design. This can be quite a plus for users with certain disabilities or elderly users as it allows a much easier entry and exit.
Compared to other recumbent bikes for home use, such as the Sunny SF-RB4616 or the Joroto MH20, this Tunturi exercise bike is slightly larger. It measures 66.2″ (168 cm) in length and 25.2″ (64 cm) in width. It is also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access and safe operation.
The fully assembled unit is not exactly light. It’s approx. 113 lbs (51.4 kg), which is more than three times the weight of the average mountain bike. All this weight delivers excellent stability for the unit. On top of that, both its base bars are equipped with adjustable stabilizers. These have rubberized pads in order to provide a superior grip on the floor.
Despite the bike’s weight, its transport isn’t too difficult once it is assembled. Its front base is equipped with a set of caster wheels which facilitate its relocation. By lifting it by its rear and using the wheels, you won’t have to handle more than 30% of its total weight.
Seat and handlebars
The Tunturi F20-R recumbent bike is equipped with a seat designed for superior comfort and support. Both its
backrest and bottom section integrate a thick layer of foam padding. They’re also contoured to provide better positioning for the user. Their upholstery is made of durable, double-stitched faux leather.
The bike’s seat is attached to a fairly long oblique rail which offers more than 10 adjustment positions. This being said, the bike can accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension. Also, the seat and its rail are rated for a weight capacity of 297 lbs (135 kg).
The seat’s adjustment system involves a turn-knob situated on the right side. Therefore, it is not recommended to adjust it while seated, to make sure the knob is inserted into the right notch.
In case you’re wondering, the backrest does not adjust independently from the seat. It does not recline, nor it is height adjustable. It is directly attached to the metallic frame of the seat and only moves forward or backward along with it.
This Tunturi exercise bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One is attached to the front mast and one to the seat assembly. The front handlebar is curved towards the user; it’s easy to reach and you can comfortably use it without having to adopt an awkward posture as for other recumbent exercise bikes.
The seat handlebars incorporate metallic pulse sensors. By holding on to them, the console can monitor your pulse and run its Recovery function at the end of the workout.
Both sets of handlebars feature a layer of high-density rubber-foam material to provide a secure grip. They are non-adjustable. However, since the seat handlebars are directly attached to the seat’s frame, they will move along with the seat on its rail when you adjust its position.
Drive and resistance
The Tunturi F20-R Competence recumbent bike integrates a fairly heavy flywheel. It weighs approx. 20 lbs (9 kg) 
which is heavier than for most recumbent bikes for home use. It has a perimeter-weighted design; it provides a smooth motion and a consistent momentum. It’s also bi-directional, which means that it allows pedaling in reverse. However, you cannot coast on the bike. When pedaling in reverse, it retains the resistance and the console continues to count your main workout statistics.
The resistance system is manual magnetic. This means you don’t have to connect the bike to a wall outlet or to any other power source. The only power source required is two AA batteries for the console.
The unit’s resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake attached to the flywheel assembly. It is connected to the dial on the front mast of the bike through a steel wire. Therefore, when you turn the dial clockwise, the brake will move closer to the flywheel and increase the magnets’ pull.
There are 8 tension levels marked on the resistance dial. The first one delivers little resistance, which makes it adequate for users who require recovery training. Conversely, the 8th level of resistance provides superior cardio training possibilities.
Like most other recumbent bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the Tunturi F20R features a belt drive system. This being said, you don’t have to worry about lubricating it. The pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet, and there is considerably less vibration than for a chain drive.
The bike is equipped with a fairly large internal pulley. Its crank arms are steel made and feature large comfort pedals. They have weight elements so they always turn face-up if you remove your feet from them. They are also equipped with adjustable straps so you can secure your feet on them if needed.
Console
As we’ve mentioned above, the Tunturi F20-R Competence has a manual magnetic resistance system. Therefore,
the console does not play any role in its resistance adjustment. Also, it does not adjust the resistance automatically. It has a 5.5 LCD display divided into several sub-sections in order to show most of the workout metrics at once.
The console tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse. You can select any of these metrics to be shown on the top larger window, or you can select the Scan Mode which will cycle all the metrics in the top window showing each one for a few seconds. For pulse reading, you can either use the integrated sensors or a 5 – 5.4 kHz wireless chest strap (not included).
The console does not have preset programs like the ProForm 235 CSX, for example, but does offer goal settings for time, distance, and calories. If you select a goal for any of these metrics, the remaining value until you reach that goal will be shown on the display.
Recovery and BMI functions are also available. The Recovery function measures the time required by your heart to bring your pulse to normal after the workout. Based on the result, it will provide you with a rating between F1 (Outstanding) and F6 (Poor). This way you can make an idea of your current fitness level. The BMI function is basically a Body Mass Index calculator. Based on your height, weight, gender, and age, it will determine your current body fat percentage.
The console unit is very easy to use. Its Mode button has a double function. You can press it to enter setup mode, and then turn it in order to select values. The Body Fat Index and Recovery functions have their own keys, and there also are Reset and Total Reset buttons.
As we’ve mentioned above, the console requires two AA batteries. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you press the Mode button. It also has a self-shutdown function which initiates after 4 minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Last but not least, the bike’s console integrates a tablet holder which is divided into two small trays under the main display of the unit. However, it does not have any USB docking ports or Bluetooth to sync the console with your tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s drive and resistance elements are already assembled and attached to the front part of the main frame. The base frame of the seat with its slider is also pre-assembled. Therefore, you only have to attach the base bars, the seat, the backrest, the seat handlebars, the front mast, the console, and the pedals. This may take up to an hour of your time. However, the task is far from being complicated. The manual provides very clear assembly instructions. Also, all the tools needed for the assembly are included.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. Basically, you only have to keep the unit clean, keep liquids away from the console, and periodically check for loose or broken parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy, steel frame – 300 lbs capacity
- Adjustable, rubberized stabilizers on both bases;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
- Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Front handlebars included;
- Cushioned and contoured seat;
- Multiple adjustment positions for the seat;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system;
- Adjustable resistance offering distinctive 8 levels;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Exercise meter that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
- Body Mass Index function;
- Recovery function;
- Tablet holder included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little to no maintenance required;
- Decent warranty.
The Cons
- A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the console display;
- No bottle holder;
- HR chest strap is not included;
- The display does not have backlight.
Summary
The Tunturi F20-R Competence is a recumbent bike made for home use, featuring a manual magnetic resistance system, a comfortable seat, and a console that tracks the most important workout metrics. It also has a BMI and a Recovery function. It’s a great exercise bike for light to mid-range cardio training, recovery training, muscle toning and weight loss. You can burn up to 4-500 calories per session on it, depending on the tension settings used. In all, it’s a fairly decent trainer, offering excellent value for the price.