FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar 2.0 vs. 3.0 Review

The FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage Bar is one of the many fitness equipment designed for people living a sedentary life. Most especially for those that work on a computer behind the desk for hours without having the time for exercises or workouts.

Just like there are different types of fitness equipment for regular indoor workouts such as treadmills, TreadClimbers, Elliptical Trainers, Stationary bikes, etc, so also there are different types of fitness equipment for folks living a life behind a desk due to the nature of their work.

Aside from the FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with a Massage bar, there are other types such as the Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical, the under desk treadmill, the under desk exercise bike, and more.

The FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike has the 2.0 and 3.0 versions. These two versions share a lot in common but as anyone would expect there are differences that make the FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar 3.0 the upgraded version with some additional features.

The FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike 2.0 and 3.0 are both entry-level and affordable foldable bikes but the latter is slightly expensive than the former.  You may not be able to tell them apart as they look so much alike but the difference is on the desk design and the user weight capacity and everything else is the same.

FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar 2.0

The 2.0 version is a very compact and foldable bike with a semi-recumbent bike seat. It is durably built to support up to 250 pounds/113 kg maximum user weight capacity. It has a desk with a drawer integrated into it specifically for stuff like a computer, magazine, and other things you may want to place on it. The drawer is for keeping small things like remote control, phone, earphone, etc.

This bike provides you with the opportunity to work both the upper and the lower body as it has resistant bands that are used to exercise the arms. The adjustable armrest with padded and contoured massage roller provides the support and comfort your arms require while typing on your computer.

In a nutshell, this bike is designed to provide you with comfort and convenience as you workout to improve your physical health while working at the same time.

Click right here to have a peek at the price of the FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar 2.0 on Amazon.

FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar 3.0

The 3.0 version is in many ways similar to the 2.0 version except for the desk design and the maximum user weight capacity it supports.

This version is integrated with a desk that has a built-in tablet holder and easy access storage tray at the top instead of a drawer like the version 2.0. The desk is obviously for a laptop, magazine, etc while the storage tray is for the storage of your tablet, pens, MP3, and other small stuff.

The innovative built-in tablet holder is designed to be propped up from the desk if you wish to use your tablet instead of a laptop while working out.

This bike supports up to 300 pounds/136 kg maximum user weight capacity.

Click right here to have a peek at the price of the FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar 3.0 on Amazon.

The Frame and Construction

The FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar 2.0 and 3.0 have the same frame design except that the v3.0 supports 300 pounds/136 kg maximum user weight capacity while the v2.0 supports just 250 pounds/113 kg.

The bikes have a space-saving design because they are first of all very compact and second of all foldable. The frames are made of solid and quality steel.

Folks with space problems won’t have an excuse not to work while working out. You could literally put it away out of sight because it can fit in a standard closet or be leaned on a wall since it is foldable.

The overall assembled dimensions for both bikes are 28 inches long by 16 inches wide by 45 inches tall. In other words, a workout area of 2.4 feet long by 1.5 foot wide will suffice; however, consider adding an extra clearance of at least 1 foot at the rear and on each side of the bike for safety and convenience.

They are also lightweight machines of 45 pounds/20 kg that could be easily moved by almost anyone with the aid of the transport wheels that are integrated at the rear base. That said, the weight also complements its overall stability.

For maximum stability, they have rounded stabilizer bars at the front and rear bases with rubber caps on each end that help them sit well on the floor.

You may place the bike on 24 inches by 46 inches protective rubber mat to prevent wobbling that might be caused by an uneven floor and also protect the floor from being damaged. However, some users never used this and it did not damage or make the bike any less stable.

The frame is finished with anti-corrosive and scratch paint that protects it from rusts and scratches and makes it lasts longer.

The Seat and the Pedals

These bikes are integrated with a semi-recumbent seat that allows you to lean backward while working and working out. Although, the backrest is kind of too short and some users think it is not comfortable and it does not have sidearms as well.

The seat is padded and contoured with the intention to provide maximum comfort but again, just as aforementioned, it may not be that comfortable for you especially if you are on the big side. Therefore, you may try to use a gel seat cover which is often sold optionally together with the bike but if it doesn’t work then you may try replacing the saddle entirely with another of your choice.

This could be tricky to change since the saddle connection mechanism is a bit different from other seats but you could use the FitDesk Universal Saddle Adapter to fit in any type of saddle you wish to use on the bike.

Another option is to get another Desk Exercise Bike with a good seat such as the Exerpuetic WORKFIT 1000 Desk Station.

The seat on the v 2.0 and v 3.0 is adjustable; it could be adjusted vertically, i.e. upward/downward, and could accommodate users between the heights of 4.10 feet to over 6 feet.

The pedals that are supplied with these bikes have an anti-skid design with safety adjustable straps and can accommodate any shoe or standard gym shoes. They secure your feet while pedaling and give you better footing and total control of your ride.

In case you are wondering if they could be switched for another set of pedals, the answer is yes because they have the standard 9/16 inches threads that could fit most pedals.

The Desk and Massage Rollers

V 2.0 Desk and Massage Rollers

The desk on the FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar v2.0 is slightly different from that of the v 3.0.

Typically, the V 2.0 has a sliding desk with a storage drawer for storing stuff like pens, music players, earbuds, and many more while the top is for a laptop or magazine. The desk’s dimensions are 16 inches by 19 inches with a non-slip surface.

The adjustable desk allows you to adjust it to your preference so that you can work and workout with comfort.

The adjustable arms with massage rollers that are padded and contoured are designed to provide support and comfort for your arms while multitasking.

The V 3.0 Desk and Massage Rollers

Instead of a desk and a drawer the V 3.0 features 16 inches by 19 inches non-slip adjustable desk surface that accommodates laptops, magazines, and more. It also features a built-in tablet holder and easy access storage tray right at the top of the desk.

The tablet holder can be propped up if you wish to use a tablet device and underneath the tablet, the holder is the storage kit designed with convenience. The desk has enough space to accommodate an Android phone by the side.

Similar to the desk on the V 2.0 this also has adjustable armrest with padded and contoured massage rollers for relieving typing strain and provides support and comfort to the hands.

The Drive

The FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar 2.0 and 3.0 feature a belt drive system. This drive provides quiet and smooth pedaling experience and as a result, could be used in a home with the family and neighbors living in close proximity without having to be worried about disturbing them.

The drive consists of a small high-velocity flywheel, a twin belt, the pulley, and the crank arms; together they provide outstanding riding experience.

Finally, this drive does not need any maintenance because it is pre-lubricated by the manufacturer thus does not require further lubrication.

The Resistance

The FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with massage bar 2.0 and 3.0 feature a magnetic resistance system with 8 levels.

The workout challenge provided by the resistance may not make a strong or a professional athlete to blink but it is enough to keep you in shape while carrying out your task behind the computer.

It is also very quiet and smooth during operation because it uses a magnetic pad that does not necessarily make direct contact with the flywheel in order to generate resistance but the magnetic field does.

To increase the resistance simply turn the tension knob control that is connected to the resistance mechanism clockwise to any level of your preference and you can also decrease the resistance by turning it anticlockwise.

These bikes do not only allow you to engage the lower body muscle groups but also the upper body as well due to the integrated resistance bands for the arms, therefore, if you feel like not doing anything else or working on the computer with your hand you can use the resistance bands to exercise the arms which impacts the shoulder muscles and the abdominals as well.

The bike gives all-round cardio that could stir up all the muscle groups in the body.

The Console

The FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar 2.0 and 3.0 feature a basic console that is designated on the top of the desk, a perfect position for clear viewing of the display.

The monitor allows you to track time, mileage, and calories burned.

The monitor is very easy to operate and read and has good readability, however, it is not backlit therefore its clarity could diminish when used in a poorly lit room.

As you may have observed, it does not display heart rate data because the function is not included in the bike. However, if you wish to track your heart rate you may purchase an external HR chest strap or wristwatch or better still may consider purchasing another desk exercise bike with heart rate such as the Exerpeutic WORKFIT 1000.

The console is powered by 1 AA battery and it is included in the package.

Accessory

The FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar 2.0 and 3.0 have a storage place for small stuff like phone, earbuds, MP3, remote control, etc.

While it has an additional built-in tablet holder for placing a tablet.

You may purchase the FitDesk extension kit which is only compatible with the V 3.0. This increases the desk size by 2x allowing you to use a mouse and it includes a built-in drink holder which is great.

The extension kit is awesome with easy clip design and no hardware required.

Storage

The FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar 2.0 vs. 3.0 are pretty easy and convenient to store because they are compact and foldable and even lightweight with transport wheels for portability.

These attributes highly make either of bikes very practical for everyday use and storage. Not only do they provide you with convenience and a productive healthy lifestyle but also occupy less space.

The space-saving design leaves you with a lot of storage options, for instance, you could decide to prop it up against the wall or put it away in the closet or even leave it on the workout area if you don’t see a reason why it should be packed up somewhere else.

Approval Rating

The approval rating of the FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar 2.0 vs. 3.0 is outstanding. Given the fact that the 2.0 was around since 2013 and later joined by 3.0 and with over one thousand four hundred Amazon customer reviews they still manage to keep an average approval rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.

This is a feat and indicative of how popular the bikes are.

There are of course some negative reviews but obviously, they are insignificant. The major problem or complaint is probably the seat.

Pros/Features Overview

• It is affordable
• Frame made of steel thus sturdy and durable
• Supports 250 (V 2.0) and 300 (V 3.0) pounds maximum user weight capacity
• Great stability with integrated front and rear rounded stabilizer bars
• The operation is very quiet and smooth
• A dynamic belt drive system
• Manual magnetic resistance system with 8 levels provide a wide range of challenging workouts
• Feature resistant bands for upper body cardio
• Feature non-slip desk with sliding drawer and storage kit
• Feature space-saving design (compact and foldable)
• Low maintenance
• Easy to assemble
• The seat is adjustable thus accommodate users between 4.10 feet to over 6 feet
• Pedals have anti-skid design and feature safety adjustable straps for securing the feet in place
• Feature LCD monitor that tracks mileage, calories, and time
• The pedals could be swapped with another set of pedals of your choice

Cons

• The seat is not very comfortable but could be improved by using a gel seat cover or by swapping with another
• No heart rate data; If you wish to observe your heart rate you may have to purchase an external HR chest strap or wristwatch or better still purchase another desk exercise bike that has the heart rate function
• No water bottle holder

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Product Dimensions and Specifications

V 2.0

• 28’’ Length
• 16’’ Width
• 45’’ Height
• Supports 250 pounds/113 kg maximum user weight capacity
• Sliding drawer for storage
• Non slip adjustable desk with dimensions of 16 x 19 inches
• Adjustable armrest with padded and contoured massage rollers
• Weight: 45 pounds/20 kg
• Adjustable semi-recumbent seat
• Resistance: Manual magnetic resistance with 8 levels
• Drive: Belt
• Console: LCD monitor displays mileage, time and calories
• Design: Compact and foldable
• Transport wheels

V 3.0

• 28’’ Length
• 16’’ Width
• 45’’ Height
• Supports 300 pounds/136 kg maximum user weight capacity
• Storage kit
• Non slip adjustable desk with dimensions of 16 x 19 inches
• Adjustable armrest with padded and contoured massage rollers
• Weight: 45 pounds/20 kg
• Adjustable semi-recumbent seat
• Resistance: Manual magnetic resistance with 8 levels
• Drive: Belt
• Console: LCD monitor displays mileage, time and calories
• Design: Compact and foldable
• Transport wheels
• Built-in tablet holder

Warranty

• 1 Year on Parts and Labor

Shipping, Assembly, and Maintenance

Shipping

The FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar is shipped in a box with dimensions of 46 inches by 20 inches by 9 inches and weighs about 59 pounds.

Free shipping is provided by Amazon for residents across the United States and delivers within days from the day of order.

Assembly

The FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar does not come fully assembled but partially assembled. The major components are already assembled. You only need to attach the stabilizer bars, the seat post, the seat, the desk, the pedals, and the console.

An instruction manual is included which could walk you through the process of assembly. You must also have a wrench to help with the seat bolts.

It will take about an hour, more or less, to completely put it together depending on how good you are with your hands.

You may also opt for expert assembly if you don’t want to deal with the assembly yourself but that comes with additional cost.

Maintenance

The FitDesk Desk Exercise Bike and Office Workstation with Massage bar is basically a low maintenance machine because it features a magnetic resistance and belt drive systems that do not require any lubrication or adjustments.

You should always examine the bike before use for any loose, worn, or broken part to avoid further damage to the bike and accident. Fix any problem accordingly and contact the vendor/manufacturer if necessary.

Conclusion

In our opinion, we think this is a very good bike considering the price. The manufacturer tried to include all the necessary features possible to make it effective and enjoyable so that users could work on the computer and yet perform cardio workouts.