Ativafit R8 Upright Bike | 3 Position X-Type Folding Frame

The Ativafit R8 Upright Bike features an X-type folding frame with three-position settings. These are semi-recumbent, upright, and folded. In addition, the bike locks in either of these positions by the small adjustment bar under the seat. Furthermore, the frame and seat have a maximum user weight limit of up to 250 lbs (113 kg).

The R8 has eight manual magnetic resistance levels, so you can adjust the level according to your needs, making it perfect for cardio workouts. In addition, the resistance bands included with the bike allow you to target the biceps and triceps while maintaining a full range of motion.

The Ativafit R8 upright bike has a fitness monitor that effectively tracks your time, speed, distance, odometer, calories burned, and pulse. Holding the integrated HR pulse sensors in the front handlebars (besides the fitness monitor) provides the pulse reading function. Unfortunately, the monitor is not telemetric and cannot sync with a wireless HR chest strap or armband.

The R8 features a comfortable seat and backrest covered with durable vinyl material that helps relieve pressure points in the tailbone due to exercising. Although the entire seat is adjustable, unfortunately, the backrest has no reclining function and does not adjust independently from the rest.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: Ativafit R8 Upright Bike

Price: For a great deal on this bike, merely go here on Amazon

Warranty: 90 days 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 upright dimensions: 27.8L x 14.9W x 45.6H inches (68L x 38W x 116H cm)
• Assembled folded dimensions: 12.2L x 14.9W x 53.1 inches (31L x 38W x 135 cm)
• Assembled semi-recumbent dimensions: 29.9L x 14.9W x 41.7H inches ( 76L x 38W x 106 cm )
• Assembled weight: 41.89 lbs (19 kg)
• Maximum weight limit: 250 lbs (113 kg)
• Handlebar: Non-adjustable
• Seat: 2-way adjustable
• Resistance: Manual magnetic, eight levels
• Fitness Monitor: Time, speed, distance, odometer calories, pulse, goals, scan
• Extras: Device holder, resistance bands for arm exercises
• Warranty: 90 days limited

R8 Frame Construction

Like the other Ativafit X8 and F8, the Ativafit R8 upright bike also has an X-type frame. In addition, however, its structure has three position settings. These are semi-recumbent, upright, and folded—the bike locks in these positions by the small adjustment bar under the seat.

The bike features a steel tubing frame. The more significant frame consists of two parallel oval bars, while the shorter part of the structure holds the seat and the rectangular resistance system. The base bars and the handlebars are cylindrical. All the steel tubes in the bike’s construction have a corrosion-resistant black paint finish.

This exercise bike has resistance bands for arm exercises, which is a plus. Many other folding upright bikes do not have this feature. Each band features a standard D-handle with a foam grip.

It’s also important to note that the resistance bands are attached to the frame’s front section and go through small pulleys. Thus, it results in smoother usage and better control.

The bike doesn’t require much usable space. Once assembled and set to the semi-recumbent position, its footprint is 29.9″L x 14.9″W x 41.7″ H (76 x 38 x 106 cm). It is also advisable to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe usage and ease of access.

With the frame folded, the bike’s footprint reduces to 12.2″D x 14.9″W (31 x 38 cm), while its height increases to approximately 53″ (135 cm). Thus, it is storable in a closet or a corner of the room without requiring too much space.

It is also reasonably light, weighing approximately 42 lbs (19 kg) with all the parts assembled. In addition, its front base stabilizer is equipped with two small transport wheels, facilitating its relocation.

Seat and handlebars

The Ativafit R8 upright bike features a semi-recumbent frame position, so its seat has a backrest. The seat and the backrest integrate a thick layer of foam cushioning covered with durable vinyl material, which is also sweatproof. In addition, the seat is relatively large, approximately—10.5″ (27 cm) wide, and contoured to provide plenty of contact surface and optimal comfort.

The bike’s seat assembly is two-way adjustable (up, down). In addition, its vertical post has several adjustment positions. Therefore, this bike’s applicable user height is between 5’0″ and 5’10” (153 – 178 cm). Also, the seat and the whole frame support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg).

One last aspect to note here about the seat regards its backrest. Although the entire seat is adjustable, the backrest does not have a reclining function and is not adjustable independently from the rest of the seat. However, it folds over the seat pad to provide better storage possibilities.

The bike comes equipped with two sets of handlebars. One connects to the front section of the frame and the other to the seat assembly. The front handlebars have a multi-grip design and integrate metallic HR pulse sensors.

The seat handlebars attach directly to the frame without integrated HR pulse sensors. Both handlebars sets have high-density foam sleeves for improved comfort. Unfortunately, they both are non-adjustable.

R8 resistance and drive

The Ativafit R8 upright bike has a manual magnetic resistance system. Therefore, you don’t need an adapter or an external power source. Unfortunately, on the other hand, the fitness monitor does not adjust the resistance automatically.

The bike’s main resistance elements are an internal magnetic brake that connects to the tension knob on the front part of the frame via a steel cable. When you turn the knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the internal flywheel, increasing resistance.

Conversely, if you turn the knob counterclockwise, the brake moves away from the flywheel, reducing the magnetic field’s intensity and pedaling difficulty.

The bike offers eight distinct tension levels. The first level delivers a light pedaling difficulty, great for muscle toning or recovery training. However, on the other hand, the 8th level of resistance provides a more incredible pedaling difficulty and simulates a hill climb. But as a general idea, this bike is for light cardio workouts, not for spin workouts or high-intensity workouts.

The Ativafit R8 exercise bike has a sturdy 3-piece crankset featuring crank arms similar to road bikes. The pedals are made of standard thermoplastic material with a metallic core. In addition, they have a textured surface and adjustable straps so you can secure your feet on them if necessary. Furthermore, they are also weighted, so they always turn face-up if you remove your feet from them.

Like most other exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the R8 bike features a belt drivetrain. However, it uses a durable poly-v belt that’s resistant to stretching. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about periodic drivetrain lubrication, and the pedaling motion is smooth and almost entirely silent.

Finally, the internal flywheel is not too heavy, so the momentum is not comparable to the inertia generated by a spin bike flywheel. Its exact weight is not specified, but since the bike is reasonably light, its flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 10 lbs (4.5 kg).

Fitness monitor

The Ativafit R8 upright bike has a fitness monitor similar to the F8 model. In addition, it features an LCD that tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. Unfortunately, the speed and distance are only in kilometers per hour, and there is no option for changing them to mph and miles.

The pulse reading function is hand grip only. The monitor does not sync with a wireless HR chest strap or armband. You must hold on to the integrated HR pulse sensors, which reads your pulse.

Unfortunately, the fitness monitor does not have pre-set programs or online connectivity and is not compatible with any fitness apps. However, it does have a goal-setting function. You select a workout goal for time, distance, or calories burned, and it will count down from the specified value until it reaches zero.

The monitor features three buttons – Set, Mode, and Reset. The Set button accesses the goal-setting function. The Mode button allows you to select the workout metric you want to view on the LCD or the Scan Mode so that the monitor will display each metric for a few seconds. Finally, the Reset button allows you to clear all the values on the monitor to zero.

The battery-powered monitor requires two AAA batteries that do not come with the bike. It starts tracking when you press one of the buttons or when you begin pedaling. In addition, it also has a self-shutdown function, automatically turning off after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.

R8 Assembly and Maintenance

The bike’s frame comes pre-assembled and in the folded position. However, several parts do require user assembly. You will have to unfold the mainframe and attach the two base stabilizers, the seat, the backrest, the handlebars, the pedals, and the fitness monitor.

Therefore, it shouldn’t take more than an hour of your time. In addition, all the necessary tools for the assembly come with the bike. Also, the manual provides clear, step-by-step assembly instructions.

For maintenance, you only have to clean the bike, wipe the sweat droplets that may fall on the frame at the end of the workout, and periodically inspect the bike to ensure all its parts hold tight in their places and function properly. The internal components do not require lubrication.

Pros

• Fairly sturdy frame – supports riders up to 250 lbs;
• Small footprint;
• Foldable, great for a small apartment;
• Three available positions for the frame (semi-recumbent, upright, and folded);
• Transport wheels included;
• Comfortable, large seat, offering 2-way adjustability;
• Multi-grip handlebar with high-density foam sleeves for improved comfort;
• Pulse sensors integrated into the front handlebar grips;
• Heavy-duty crankset with weighted pedals;
• Smooth and quiet operation;
• Eight levels of magnetic resistance;

  

• Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
• Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
• Device holder integrated into the monitor;
• Resistance ropes with D-handles included;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance is required.

Cons

• There is no bottle holder;
• A tablet placed on the device holder may cover the fitness monitor LCD;
• The fitness monitor LCD does not have a backlight.

Ativafit R8 Upright Bike Summary

The Ativafit R8 is a folding exercise bike made for home use. It features a 3-position frame (semi-recumbent, upright, folded), a large seat with a padded backrest, and eight magnetic resistance levels.

Furthermore, it also comes equipped with a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, pulse, and two resistance bands for arm exercises. Moreover, it’s an affordable exercise bike for light cardio training, muscle toning, 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.