The Tunturi Competence F20 Upright Bike offers all the benefits of high-quality training in the comfort and convenience of your home. You can’t go wrong with a customizable workout and fit. Moreover, the F20 is the perfect companion for anybody trying to reach their fitness potential. The F20 is a robust & durable machine, and it has a maximum user weight of 297 lbs (135 kg).
The 20 lb (9kg) flywheel and choice of 8 different resistance levels ensure that you will always be able to challenge yourself with this bike. In addition, the F20 magnetic brake system makes the bike much quieter than most bikes on the market. It also means you will not have to worry about replacing brake pads.
The 5.5″ LCD backlit display is the center of the F20’s creativity. The screen is easy to read because of the big, precise numbers and shows your time, distance, RPM, speed, calories, and pulse. Tunturi F20’s fitness monitor is as easy to use as possible. You can track your heart rate with hand sensors or an optional chest belt.
The comfort saddle is vertically and horizontally adjustable. The comfort pedals have flexible and durable foot straps, and you can alter the tilt of the handlebars to ensure you are entirely comfortable with your perfect fit. Tunturi always works on improving training results, safety, and, above all, fun.
Learn more in my complete review below!
Product: Tunturi Competence F20 Upright Bike
Price: For a great deal on this bike, merely go here on Amazon
Warranty: 3 years
My rating: 8.5/10
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: 39″L x 23″W x 62″H (99L x 59W x 157H cm)
- Assembled weight: 81 lbs (36.8 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 20 lbs (9 kg)
- Weight capacity: 297 lbs (135 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: Weighted, with straps
- Resistance: Magnetic, eight levels
- Fitness Monitor: Time, distance, RPM, speed, calories, pulse, goals, BMI, Recovery, SCAN
- Warranty: 3 years
F20 Frame construction
Like many other upright bikes, the Tunturi Competence F20 is not a very large unit. With the frame fully set up, it is approx 39″ (99 cm) long and 23″ (59 cm) wide. Its highest point is the top of the handlebar and can reach approx. 62″ (157 cm) above floor level. Thus, the bike shouldn’t need a usage area larger than 100″ x 70″ (254 x 178 cm).
The bike’s construction combines steel and ABS elements. The mainframe is made of ovalized and cylindrical steel tubing, while the flywheel covers and several other surfaces are durable ABS plastic. In addition, all the steel bars feature a corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant paint finish; the color used is black, which is the only color available for this model.
Although this exercise bike is not extremely heavy, it still weighs approximately 81 lbs (36.8 kg). Thus, it is more than twice the weight of an average mountain bike. Therefore, the unit provides excellent stability. Plus, its base bars have adjustable stabilizers with rubber pads that deliver a good grip on the floor.
The bike is relatively easy to move and handle once assembled. Its front base features two transport wheels which facilitate its relocation if needed. However, it’s important to note that this exercise bike does not fold in any way. If you’re looking for a foldable upright bike, you might want to look at the XTERRA FB150.
Seat and handlebars
The Tunturi Competence F20 features a 4-way adjustable seat. Its vertical post offers the possibility to adjust it up and down, featuring several adjustment positions. Also, the horizontal slider of the seat provides a few inches of extra front-to-back adjustment.
Therefore, the bike should accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension during pedaling.
The bike’s saddle has a standard, collar-based attachment system. Therefore, if you ever need to replace it, compatible options are widely available.
This seat is superior to others in terms of comfort as it integrates a decent cushioning layer. In addition, its surface is contoured, and its upholstery is a reliable, double-stitched vinyl material. Also, the whole seat assembly will support users up to 297 lbs (135 kg).
This Tunturi exercise bike comes with a multi-grip handlebar, fully covered by a layer of rubber foam to provide a secure grip. In addition, its lower section features stainless steel pulse sensors so that you can monitor your heart rate during each workout session.
The bike’s handlebar is adjustable as well. It is attached to the front mast via a large knob, which you can easily untighten and retighten if you want to adjust the handlebar’s angle.
F20 Drive System
First, it has a belt drive system using a poly-v belt, which delivers a smooth and almost silent motion. Second, like any other exercise bike belt drivetrain, it does not require lubrication.
The bike’s internal flywheel weighs approximately 20 lbs (9 kg). It is perimeter-weighted, providing consistent momentum and a steady pedaling motion. It also reverses pedaling, which is quite a plus as you can put some diversity into your workouts. The console continues to measure your distance traveled, calories burned, and the other metrics when you pedal in reverse.
The bike comes with a durable crankset. Its arms are steel, while the pedals are a solid nylon material with a metallic core. However, this is not an exercise bike made for spin workouts, so even though the pedals and cranks can support you while standing up, this conditioning is not advisable. Like most upright bikes, the Tunturi F20 Competence is for seated workouts.
The included pedals don’t have SPD clips for spin shoes but do have adjustable straps. They also integrate weight elements, which enable them to turn upright every time you remove your feet from them.
Resistance System
The Tunturi Competence F20 has a manual magnetic resistance system. In other words, it does not have an internal motor, it does not require a connection to a power source, and the console does not control its resistance.
The internal brake mechanism is entirely mechanical. A magnetic bracket is attached to the tension knob on the bike’s front mast via a steel wire.
The bike’s resistance knob has eight tension levels specified on it. The internal magnetic brake moves closer to the flywheel by turning it clockwise, which results in more incredible pedaling difficulty. The 1st level of resistance offers a light pedal tension, which can be great for anyone who needs recovery training. Conversely, the 8th tension level simulates a climb and offers the possibility to undergo more intense cardio training.
F20 Fitness monitor
It has a 5.5 LCD divided into six separate windows to show most of the workout metrics at once. The fitness monitor tracks time, distance, RPM, speed, calories, and pulse.
You can select any of these metrics to show on the top larger window or the Scan Mode, which will cycle all the parameters in the whole window showing each one for a few seconds. Finally, you can use the integrated sensors or a 5 – 5.4 kHz wireless chest strap (not included) for pulse reading.
Like most non-motorized upright bikes, the fitness monitor of the F20 does not have preset programs. However, it has a Recovery function and a Body Mass Index calculator. The Recovery function measures the time your heart requires to bring your pulse to be healthy after the workout.
The result will give you a rating between F1 (Outstanding) and F6 (Poor). This way, you can give an idea of your current fitness level. In addition, the BMI function determines your body fat percentage based on your height, weight, gender, and age.
Goal functions are also available. For example, you can select a target value for time, distance, and calories. Once a target goal is set, the monitor will display the remaining amount to the chosen goal as you exercise.
The monitor is straightforward to use. Its Mode button has a double function. You can press it to enter setup mode and then turn it to select values. The Body Fat Index and Recovery features have their keys and are Reset and Total Reset buttons.
The fitness monitor is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries. To turn it on, you can press its Mode button or begin pedaling. It also has a self-shutdown function, which will initiate no input on the bike for four minutes.
Amenities
The tablet holder is one amenity to mention here regarding the bike’s fitness monitor. This element is between the LCD and the keypad of the monitor. It is large enough to accommodate any tablet or smartphone. However, since the unit is battery-powered, it does not have a USB charging port for your device. It also does not have a sound system or a cooling fan.
F20 Assembly and Maintenance
The base frame of the bike with all the drive and resistance parts comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only need to attach the base bars, the pedals, the console mast, the seat post, the seat, and the fitness monitor.
You will also need to connect the tension cable to the knob and the sensor cables to the console. The manual provides clear instructions, and all the necessary tools come with the bike, so the task shouldn’t take more than one hour.
Once assembled, its maintenance doesn’t require much. You’ll have to remove the dust, keep liquids away from the console, and check for loose bolts and parts before each workout.
Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 297 lbs;
- Rubberized, adjustable stabilizers on both base bars;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Multi-grip and angle adjustable handlebar;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Cushioned and contoured saddle for optimal comfort;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for a steady pedaling motion;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Quiet belt drive;
- Zero friction magnetic resistance;
- Eight resistance settings;
- The fitness monitor that can track time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse;
- The monitor can also read pulse from a 5 – 5.4 kHz wireless HR transmitter;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Recovery and BMI functions;
- Tablet holder included;
- The bottle holder comes included;
- Little maintenance is required;
- Easy to assemble;
- Decent warranty.
Cons
- No backlight on the fitness monitor LCD;
- A tablet placed on the holder will cover the fitness monitor LCD;
- An HR chest strap does not come with the bike.
Tunturi Competence F20 Summary
The Tunturi Competence F20 is a mid-range home trainer upright bike. It features a manual magnetic resistance system with eight available settings. It offers superior micro-adjustability, comfort, and sturdy construction and can support users up to 297 lbs.
It’s an exercise bike for light to medium intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, calorie-burning, stamina development, and recovery training. Moreover, it’s not one of the most affordable units in this feature range but does offer excellent quality for the price.
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 note you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could risk your health and safety 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.
Thanks for this comprehensive review. It’s a handy guide and information for those who are interested in exercise equipment. Phenomenal, it included detailed pros and cons, amenities, and other information needed to a buyer, I would recommend to my friends to read this site for a more efficient workout.
All the best,
Gina
Thank you, Gina
You went into detail, which is what I need for a machine such as this. I have a younger brother who is into anything to do with any wheels. He was riding his bike for 25 miles a day until he was hit by a car and broke his collar bone. Now he does the stationary exercise while watching the bicycle races on television. { I think he is fantasizing he is in the race}; however, I will pass your website on to him. He is probably in need of a new machine by now and would appreciate your insight and research. Very good.