Well, do you want to get a little sportier this year? We took a close look at the F-Bike from Wellactive. This is our exercise bike test!
No one gets me on a bike in this cold. Hats off to everyone who pedals regularly even now. I'd rather make myself comfortable and train in the warm.
An ergometer is a wonderful idea for staying and getting fit at home. If only it didn't take up so much space and get in the way.
There is a solution to this challenge. A folding exercise bike saves a lot of space and can be easily stored.
Find out here whether it's really worth buying and whether it's actually good to train on. We have tested the F-Bike from Wellactive.
Table of contents
Here's more info about the F-Bike from Wellactive!
But let's start with the most important question.
What is an F-Bike anyway?
The abbreviation F-Bike stands for fitness bike. It is a small exercise bike for the living room. Like a normal bike, you will find pedals, a seat and a handlebar.
Unlike a bicycle, however, you have the advantage that you cycle on the spot. So nice and warm and independent of the weather. You can watch TV or listen to music at the same time.
With an F-Bike you can train in a way that is easy on the joints. It is therefore perfect for beginners and those returning to the sport.
Exercise bikes are great for cardio workouts. They improve your endurance and help you get rid of those pesky love handles.
What are the benefits of cardio training?
What are the advantages of a folding exercise bike
After work, a quick trip to the gym. You forgot your clothes at home. And to make matters worse, the bikes are all occupied or sweaty? That does not have to be.
When you get a foldable F-Bike, you decide when and how often you exercise. You don't have to share the fitness equipment with others.
But you can also do that with a normal ergometer, right? You're right about that. But do you have enough space for a normal exercise bike?
The big advantage over conventional ergometers is that you can easily stow them away. After the workout, fold it up and put it in the storage room, on the wall in the living room or in the study.
And when you feel like working out again, grab it and flip it open in just two easy steps.
How to get started with sports - The best tips for beginners!
Unlike a conventional exercise bike, the folding model is much cheaper.
It all sounds good, doesn't it? But is the purchase of an F-Bike really worth it? We put the F-Bike from Wellactive to the test.
Our big F-Bike test - The first impression
Let's start with the scope of delivery and the setup. After that you will find a test report about the first workout.
At under 100 euros, this folding exercise bike from Wellactive is a real bargain. The fitness bike is designed for a maximum load of 100 kg.
The build
There is a huge plus point for the bike's weight. It is delivered in a cardboard box that weighs just over 15 kg in total. So it can easily be carried and set up by one person.
If you open the box you will find inside:
- The F-Bike
- A German instruction manual
- Everything you need to build
- and two AAA batteries for the LCD display
Batteries? Yes, you need them for the display. The big advantage is that you don't need a power outlet to start training. If the weather is nice in spring, you can easily set up the F-Bike on the balcony or in the garden.
The assembly instructions are very easy to understand and can be easily done even by non-technicians.
Once you've assembled the F-Bike - which took two of us 20 minutes, by the way - you can start training.
About the equipment
You can adjust the seat to your body size. However, it can also be easily adjusted higher or lower afterwards with a few simple steps.
The lowest seating position is 88 cm, the highest 97 cm. So for those who are between 1.60 and 1.90 tall, this fits wonderfully.
The towel holder at the back of the bike is also handy if you want to pedal at full throttle.
The Wellactive F-Bike is equipped with 8 resistance levels. Beginners start with the easiest level and can turn the difficulty up step by step. This is done by pressing a button on the LCD display.
Grab your training shoes and slip into the non-slip pedals. On the pedals are used loops that help you not slip off. By the way, you can also adjust the loops to your feet.
The display
The training computer provides you with all important training data such as time, speed, calories burned, distance, heart rate display.
Calorie consumption is measured via sensors attached to the handles. As soon as you place your hands on them, you can read your pulse, calories, etc. on the display.
Here's more info about the F-Bike from Wellactive!
The most important technical details
So much info, right? Well, don't worry. Here's a quick overview so you don't forget anything.
- Seat: Height adjustable from 88 cm to 97 cm
- Resistance levels: 8
- Display: LCD, works via batteries
- Size erected: 92 x 46 x 112 cm
- Size folded: 68 x 46 x 126.5 cm
- Maximum user weight: 110 kg
- Weight: 15,5 kg
- Flywheel: 1.5 kg
So you can really lose weight with cycling!
How the Wellactive F-Bike performs in the test
Well then, let's get started! Let's go for the first workout! 😀
Since there are small rubber covers on the feet, the fitness bike can't slip or damage your floor. So you don't need to put a training mat under it.
I open the F-Bike. I switch on the display and quickly adjust the seat to the right size before the workout. Only two steps are needed to do this. You can adjust the height at the back of the seat. Fully motivated, I sit down on the folding exercise bike.
You cannot adjust the handle of the device. But you don't have to. I lean forward to grab the two holders and automatically assume a very straight posture.
Even though you might think that a foldable exercise bike is not very stable - I can't confirm that. You feel very safe on the F-Bike. It also does not wobble.
I slip on my training shoes and start pedaling.
The fitness bike does not creak, it is very quiet and easy to use.
While pedaling, I change the difficulty level.
I can see the calories burned on the display. They are measured via hand sensors attached to the handles.
I'm curious about that. Calorie meters built into exercise equipment are often very inaccurate. To check this, I have my fitness tracker record the workout at the same time.
And the result agrees.
The only small drawback is that the seat becomes uncomfortable after 30 minutes. And that's despite the fact that it is very well padded. You probably have to get used to it. But that is also the case with normal cycling. Instead of sore muscles, I have the day after the first rides of the season rather problems to sit. You understand what I mean :)
After the workout, I fold up the F-Bike. It is then just 68 cm wide and can be easily stored in the box.
Overall, the device is very quiet, lightweight and easy to use. Perfect for beginners and returners to the sport!
Here's more info about the F-Bike from Wellactive!
How to get fit with an F-Bike
Cycling is a wonderful sport. It's easy on your joints and your back. It strengthens your cardiovascular system. And at the same time helps you build muscles.
Don't worry: you won't get enormous thighs from it. Quite the opposite. The legs will be toned and you can burn body fat with it.
After all, if you have muscles, you consume more calories. And that's true even when you're resting. So even when you're lying on the sofa. In short: muscles help to get rid of unpopular fat pads.
The best way to lose weight in the long run is a mix of endurance and strength training. A bike trainer combines these two options.
Because you can choose the resistance levels yourself, the workout can be easily adapted to your fitness level.
So how about
- 2x per week 45 minutes with medium difficulty
- 2x per week 20 minutes with higher resistance
With the longer workout you strengthen your endurance. And with the shorter workout with more resistance you do something good for your muscles.
As with all sports, stick with it and set aside fixed training times. You should pedal at least 3 times a week to notice progress.
Our conclusion
Wellactive's F-Bike is an affordable exercise machine that can fit in any living room. Even a small apartment can be transformed into a fitness room with a foldable exercise bike.
This way you can easily do something for your health. It's simply the most fun at home. :)
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