Feel like you need to fork out hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a bike to get a decent workout at home? A much more affordable bike might deliver similar results depending on your desired workout intensity. The team at Indoor Cycling Love recently tested the R8 from Ativafit. For the past thirty days, we have utilized every chance we could to test this bike, and in this article, we will share how a bike that costs under $200 has stacked up against our vigorous testing standards.
My Verdict & Pros/Cons
I was excited that I was the team member asked to try the Ativafit R8. I have tried a wide range of fitness equipment throughout my career as a fitness professional. While I love testing the more extensive commercial-grade indoor cycling bikes, trying hidden gems within the industry is always fun. I instantly noticed that this model felt sturdier than others I tried within this segment. Since this model is foldable, it is ideal for apartments or smaller workout spaces. Additionally, unlike larger cycling bikes that usually weigh well-over 100 pounds, this model weighs under 50 pounds making it easy to move.
Provides a smooth and quiet riding experience with its lightweight flywheel and magnetic resistance. It has a sturdy construction and an adjustable seat to accommodate various heights. The console offers a goal function and device holder attachment. Priced at under $200, the R8 offers excellent value for money.
Exclusive 10% Discount: Use the code GBL10 on the checkout!
How We Rated the Ativafit R8
To offer continuity when rating various bike models, we have devised a rating system that helps to provide the best overall picture of how each bike performed, why they are unique, and what you need to know to make the best decision on whether or not they are suitable for you. Our rating system is comprised of eight different categories. Please view our list below to learn more about what we look for in every piece of equipment we test.
Rating System Categories
- Construction Quality & Durability
- Assembly Process
- Comfort & Adjustability
- Support, Financing Options, & Warranty
- Value for Money
First Impression
Main Specs & Features of the Spin Bike
- LCD Monitor
- Bike Footprint: 29.9” L x 14.9” W x 45.6” H
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Bike Weight: 41.89 pounds
- Flywheel Weight: Unspecified
- Height Range: 5’0” – 5’11”
- 90-day Warranty
Main Bike Part Overview
- Frame: Due to this bike’s construction and engineering demands, the frame is constructed from steel tubes.
- Monitor: This model includes an LCD monitor that cycles through various metrics, including distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It also includes a scan and goal setting.
- Saddle: The padded saddle is larger and in line with most recumbent cycles.
- Pedals: The oversized pedals also include shoe straps to help keep the feet in place during the pedal stroke to maximize each workout.
- Resistance: Eight levels of magnetic resistance are offered. This model also includes resistance bands for an upper-body workout.
- Drive: The R8 includes a durable poly-v belt for its belt drivetrain.
- Handlebar: Two sets of handlebars are available due to the various riding positions available for riding in the upright and semi-recumbent positions.
- Flywheel: The weight is unspecified but extremely lightweight as it does not support riding out of the saddle.
Bike Set-Up
This bike comes partially assembled. The foldable frame is assembled, but all other components require attachment post-delivery. An instruction manual and online resources are available for easy assembly.
Detailed Review
Below is our breakdown of how the Ativafit R8 performed against our rating system. Five possible points are available for each category. However, no deductions were made for features not offered with this model.
Riding Experience & Performance 4.5 / 5.0
Smoothness of Ride: Although this model has a lightweight flywheel, the pedal stroke is still smooth. Other models we have ridden with a lightweight flywheel can sometimes feel choppy throughout the pedal stroke, but that was not felt on the R8. The transition of changing of resistance was also smooth.
Noise: The R8 was also very quiet when being ridden. The magnetic resistance and belt drive made it so I could easily watch a show on my tablet without turning needing to turn up the volume to hear it over the bike noise.
Feel: This bike felt like you were riding a much more expensive bike. It was hard to believe that this model was so affordable for the riding experience that it offered.
Performance: This bike is made for rides in the saddle, and for that purpose, this bike performed great. For those upper-echelon athletes, the level at which vigorous workouts can be completed is impacted as it does not allow for training out of the saddle and additional resistance levels.
Construction Quality & Durability 4.0 / 5.0
- Construction Quality: For this price point, the construction quality of this cycle was quite nice. We liked that careful consideration had been taken throughout the process. This can be seen through the sturdiness this piece of equipment offers, although being so lightweight.
- Durability: Most components are durable. We wish the wires behind the console were a little more protected.
Assembly Process 3.0 / 5.0
Since only the frame comes assembled, most bikes require user assembly. Luckily, written and digital resources are available to assist with the assembly process. In addition, all the tools, parts, screws, and bolts were clearly labeled. Nonetheless, the assembly process does take time. It took me about an hour from opening the box until I could sit down for my first ride. Of course, it helped that I had assembled a similar cycle.
Comfort & Adjustability 4.5 / 5.0
- Comfort: The bike was very comfortable, especially in the semi-recumbent position. We loved that the larger seat was highly relaxing.
- Adjustability: The frame offers three notches that transition this cycle from folded to semi-recumbent or upright. The handlebars do not offer any adjustability and are completely stationary. However, the seat does have adjustability to accommodate various heights to find a safe and comfortable riding position.
Monitor Information 4.5 / 5.0
Although the R8 does not offer any integration, we do like that it provides a goal function on the console. This allows users to select a goal from one of the metrics, whether distance or time and the monitor will count down until the goal is reached. The monitor also includes a device holder attachment.
Support, Financing Options & Warranty 4.5 / 5.0
- Support: We were delighted with the level of support we received when we initially had an issue with our bike that was damaged during delivery. The customer service team was excellent. They were quick to rectify the problem.
- Financing: Financing options are not currently offered.
- Warranty: A 90-day limited warranty is offered from the day the bike is received. An additional two-year protection plan is offered for $15.99.
Value for Money 5.0 / 5.0
Priced at just under $200, the R8 offers excellent value at an affordable price. I have purchased plenty of fitness items at this price, and only a few were even close to the level of craftsmanship and quality.
Comparison with Alternatives
Slim Cycle
Bulbhead’s Slim Cycle retails for $199.99 and can be ridden upright or recumbent. This model can accommodate a large selection of riders ranging from 4’11”-6’4” and up to 300 pounds! The Slim Cycle offers eight levels of magnetic resistance and a belt drive system. Resistance bands are also available that spice up each ride with the opportunity to add an upper body workout. A unique feature of the Slim Cycle is that with the purchase of the Echelon App, you can follow along with instructor-led classes on the Slim Cycle. This model also includes a console that tracks basic metrics and heart rate.
We have tried the bike for a few weeks, so you can also read our full review of the Slimcycle.
Yosuda X-Bike Pro
The X-Bike Pro from Yosuda is also a foldable bike with eight magnetic resistance levels and a belt drive. This $199.99 bike also contains resistance bands in a different location than the Slim Cycle and R8. The resistance bands on the X-Bike Pro are tethered to the back foot of the bike and rest on the recumbent handlebars when not in use. This model also includes an LED screen that tracks basic metrics and has real-time pulse rate detection.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B2989
Usually priced at $199.99, the SF-2989 offers riders 16 levels of magnetic resistance. This foldable model accommodates riders with an inseam between 29” and 35.5”. It also includes non-slip handlebars with pulse-rate sensors. In addition, Sunny Health & Fitness offers free online lessons that can be watched with a convenient device holder located above the console.
Verdict
Provides a smooth and quiet riding experience with its lightweight flywheel and magnetic resistance. It has a sturdy construction and an adjustable seat to accommodate various heights. The console offers a goal function and device holder attachment. Priced at under $200, the R8 offers excellent value for money.
Exclusive 10% Discount: Use the code GBL10 on the checkout!
The Ativafit R8 offers a powerful punch for a small price tag. We enjoyed the great workout that this small but robust cycle offered, allowing riders to select their preferred riding position and integrate resistance training into their workout. Depending on what riders are looking for, this workout equipment will check the right boxes for many people looking to purchase equipment in this market.
