The Ativafit F8 Upright Bike features an X-type folding frame design that is sturdy and stable, with a maximum user weight capacity of up to 265 lbs (120 kg). In addition, the space-saving folding capabilities make the workout bike the perfect choice for those who do not have much room.
Effectively track your fitness progress using the featured multi-function digital fitness monitor. The easy-to-read LCD tracks time, distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse. The monitor is not telemetric, so you’ll need to hold the integrated HR pulse sensors in the handlebars to track the pulse. Measuring your pulse is an essential tool for exercising correctly and efficiently.
The Ativafit F8 upright bike comes equipped with 8-levels of manually adjustable resistance to meet your exercise intensity requirement. In addition, the R8 features a belt drivetrain for smooth and quiet operation. Thus, you can watch television or listen to music while using it.
Learn more in my complete review below!
Product: Ativafit F8 Upright Bike
Price: For a great deal on this bike, merely go here on Amazon
Warranty: 1 year limited
My rating: 8.75/10
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure
Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 26.2L x 15.8W x 45.7H inches 66.5L x 40W x 116H cm)
- Assembled weight: 34.2 lbs (15.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Handlebar: Non-adjustable
- Seat: 2-way adjustable
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, eight levels
- Fitness Monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, goals, scan
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
F8 Frame Construction
The Ativafit F8 exercise bike features an X-type frame with two main parts. The part with the seat also supports the bike’s drive system, while the part with the handlebar consists of two long parallel bars. The two frame parts connect in the middle, allowing the bike to fold up.
Like most other upright bikes with an X-type frame, the Ativafit F8 is a fairly small unit. With all the parts assembled and the frame unfolded, its footprint is approx. 26.2″L x 15.8″W (66.5 x 40 cm).
However, the bike is a few inches longer (approx. 34″). Therefore, assigning a usage area with at least two clearance feet around the cycle is also advisable for easy access and safe usage.
The bike’s frame is steel tubing, combining cylindrical, rectangular, and oval tubes in its construction. All the steel parts have a durable paint finish, are resistant to corrosion, and are gray. The only notable plastic parts in the bike’s construction cover the drive and resistance elements.
The fully assembled bike is not too heavy. It only weighs 34.2 lbs (15.5 kg). Thus, one person can carry and build the bike. In addition, its front base stabilizer has small wheels for easy relocation.
Seat and handlebars
The Ativafit R8 comes equipped with a reasonably large seat, approx. 12″ (31 cm) wide, providing plenty of contact surface. Its shell is a sturdy plastic material, while its top cover is a thick layer of high-density foam.
The seat is only two-way adjustable (up, down). However, its post features several adjustment positions. Therefore, the bike should comfortably accommodate users between 5’0″ and 5’10” (153 – 178 cm).
Taller users should still use this bike but may not benefit from a complete leg stretch during pedaling, even with the seat set to its highest position. Also, the bike has a maximum user weight capacity of 265 lbs (120 kg).
The bike comes equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. Its side grips feature thick sleeves of high-density foam material for improved comfort. They also integrate stainless steel HR pulse sensors, and the included fitness monitor has a pulse reading function.
The bike’s handlebar does not offer any adjustability. For example, you cannot adjust its height or angle. It inserts into the two bars of the front frame section and is secured via four bolts. Therefore, it won’t wobble or move, as is the case for specific exercise bikes where the handlebar attaches with only one or two screws or a collar system.
F8 resistance and drive
The Ativafit F8 folding exercise bike features a manual magnetic resistance system. Unfortunately, this means that the cycle does not adjust the resistance automatically. But on the other hand, you don’t need a power adapter or an external power source.
The bike’s main resistance element is an internal magnetic brake connected to the tension knob on the front part of the frame through a steel wire.
Therefore, when you turn the knob, the brake changes its position to the internal flywheel, increasing or decreasing the workout load.
The bike makes available eight resistance levels, distinguished by the tension knob. The first level delivers a relatively light pedaling difficulty, great for recovery training or muscle toning. The 8th level of resistance is considerably more pedal tension; however, it still doesn’t offer a super high difficulty level.
The internal flywheel isn’t hefty. Its exact weight is not specified, but considering that the bike’s whole weight is less than 35 lbs, the weight of the flywheel probably doesn’t exceed 10 lbs (4.5 kg).
The flywheel is perimeter-weighted for improved inertia. It is also bi-directional. Therefore, you can pedal in reverse to add diversity to your workouts. However, coasting is not possible on this bike.
Like most other exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the Ativafit F8 features a belt drivetrain. However, this drive system has several advantages over a chain drive. First of all, it generates less vibration, providing smoother pedaling. And second of all, you don’t have to lubricate it.
The bike comes equipped with a sturdy 3-piece crankset with solid steel arms. However, it is not for standing up on the pedals or spin workouts since it’s an upright folding bike. The pedals are made of durable thermoplastic material with a metallic center.
They are weighted, so they always turn face up when you remove your feet from them. In addition, they have a textured surface and adjustable straps for improved foot stability.
Fitness monitor
The Ativafit F8 upright bike includes a fitness monitor that offers several more functions than a basic model. For example, it has a pulse reading and target setting functions.
However, it does not have pre-set programs and is incompatible with fitness apps. It also has a device holder with a small shelf at the bottom of the monitor to place your smartphone or tablet.
The fitness monitor features an LCD (without a backlight) that tracks time, distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse. It is not telemetric, though. Unfortunately, it can only read your pulse if you hold on to the HR pulse sensors integrated into the bike’s handlebars. Also, speed and distance are in metric units with no option for Imperial units.
The monitor is straightforward to use. It has three buttons – Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to select the workout metric you want to see on display, or the Scan Mode, which rotates all the metrics keeping each one on display for approx. 6 seconds.
The Set button allows selecting workout goals for time, distance, and calories burned. The monitor will count down from the specified value until it reaches zero. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values to zero.
The fitness monitor is battery-powered and requires two AA batteries, which do not come with the bike. It starts when you pedal or press one of the buttons and automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the bike for more than four minutes.
F8 Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s frame and its drive system come pre-assembled. So you only need to attach the two base stabilizers, the handlebar, the seat, the fitness monitor, and the pedals.
Consequently, it shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. All the necessary tools come with the bike, and the manual provides precise assembly instructions.
Once assembled, its maintenance doesn’t require much. All you have to do is keep the frame clean, wipe any sweat droplets that may fall on the frame at the end of the workout, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts and retighten or replace them as needed. The internal components do not require periodic lubrication.
Pros
- Fairly sturdy frame with a maximum weight limit of 265 lbs;
- Small footprint;
- Folding frame, great portability;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front stabilizer;
- Large padded seat;
- Multi-grip handlebar with pulse sensors;
- Weighted pedals with straps;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse;
- Goal selection function for a time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the necessary tools for the assembly are included;
- Little maintenance is required.
Cons
- The fitness monitor LCD does not have a backlight;
- A tablet placed on the device holder will cover the fitness monitor LCD;
- It’s not for users taller than 5’10”.
Ativafit F8 Upright Bike Summary
The Ativafit F8 is a foldable magnetic upright bike designed for home use. It features an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, a large saddle, a multi-grip handlebar, and a fitness monitor that can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse.
Moreover, it’s an affordable exercise bike for light cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.
Please remember to consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could put your health and safety at risk or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.
I like the aesthetics of this upright bike. It looks fantastic, so tall and elegant. But what I like the most is that You can easily store it away. The fitness console is not a big deal. But if it can track distance, calories, and pulse, then it satisfies me. Thank you for this excellent review.
Hi Ann, thanks for stopping by. This Ativafit bike is being easy to store after use is an excellent feature. It’s also perfect for light cardio training. You are welcome, and if I can be of any assistance, please let me know. I’m always happy to help.
Kind Regards, Robert
I love exercising. It makes me feel better, and I have more energy. The Ativafit F8 is excellent for cardio training, and overall it is reliable and stable. It has it all. I love this bike. The bike has eight levels of magnetic resistance, and the multi-functional digital fitness console tracks time, distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse. You can watch tv or listen to music without the bike being loud. The seat comes with a reasonably sized Super Cushion and is adjustable, up and down. Getting cardio exercise per day is good for your heart and well-being.
Thank you for sharing.
Hi Dorothy, thanks for stopping by and sharing. I’m glad that you like the Ativafit F8 upright bike, and I agree to get cardio training daily is excellent for health and well-being.
Kind regards, Robert
The Ativafit F8 exercise bike folds up so neatly that it seems to be the perfect solution for anybody with limited space but also wants to work out at home. Moreover, with an overall weight of only 15.5 kilos, even a woman living alone will be able to build the bike by herself.
The magnetic resistance system means you don’t need to lubricate it and pedaling is smoother. I checked availability on Amazon, as it falls within my budget, but unfortunately, it is not currently available, which is a pity.
Hi there, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. Would you please let me know if I may further assist you with exercise equipment? I’m always happy to help.
Kind regards, Robert
I had a right pedal bolt break. What is the thread size for replacement?
Hi Tim, unfortunately, only Ativafit parts will work. Go to Ativafit.com and on the bottom right side of the page it a chat icon. Click on it and tell them what you want, give them your email address and they will send you instructions. The parts are free but there is a shipping charge.
Kind regards, Robert
Thank you for your review of the Ativafit F8 Upright Bike.
I like the idea of a workout bike that can be folded and put away after use. I live in an apartment, so space saving is critical, hence why this bike appeals to me.
Holding the handlebars for a pulse check seems pretty standard to me. But, I honestly did not know there was another way to measure pulse on a workout machine.
I do not like that the warranty is limited and only 90 days.
However, the quiet operation is a plus. I like watching TV shows while doing my cardio. Therefore, I would not need to use headphones.
Thanks again for all of this excellent information. You have helped me with my decision.
Hi Ashley, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. Would you please let me know if I may further assist you with exercise equipment? I’m always happy to help.
Kind regards, Robert