Stamina 1350 Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike Review

I bought this bike as cheaper alternative to the much more expensive retail exercise bikes on the market. The product description and price tag for this particular bike is exactly what I was looking for. However, I am now experiencing some buyer's remorse for going so cheap on price.

To elaborate, this bike when it works is great. It is comfortable, quiet, and the digital monitor is nice. However, I guess I was unlucky and got a factory dud. After just one exercise routine the digital monitor stopped working when you started/stopped pedaling. You could reset it and it still not activate once you started pedaling. At this point I almost decided to send it back, but I decided to open up the case and take a peek inside. What I found was the little magnetic pickup had moved out of position and was too far away from the magnet that's attached to the pulley. It wouldn't trigger. The sensor itself is glued to a flimsy piece of plastic covered in a protective gel and held to the frame by a single screw. I tightened up the screw and it started working again, but only temporarily. The vibration of using the bike moved it out of place again and the monitor stopped working.

This time I decided to tear it down again and fix it myself instead of going through the hassle of sending it back for an exchange. I had to drill and additional hole higher up on the frame to mount it properly and closer to the magnet. I then screwed it down with the original screw and put some CA adhesive on the plastic where it touches the frame. Now it works perfectly. Rock solid, but after my own toil.

It is a less than ideal situation when you purchase a brand new product then have to tear it down and practically rebuild it. That is why I am giving this bike a 2 star rating. Outside of that it works great and is nice and quiet.

The manufacturer of this bike needs to re-engineer the magnetic pick up sensor and how it's mounted on the frame. Everything from it's location and use of better materials needs to be addresses. The flimsy and pliable piece of plastic is deplorable. Spend and extra $5 and add an additional screw for more secure mounting purposes and a much thicker and stiffer piece of plastic that contains the sensor. Because my bike was obviously affected by the vibrations that occurred during shipping.



Product Description
Enjoy an effective low-impact aerobic workout in your home with the Stamina 1350 recumbent stationary bike--a great tool for increasing your metabolism for more efficient calorie and fat burning without the impact on your joints. It's designed to put you in a semi-reclined position so you work all the major muscles in your hips, thighs, and buttocks.

The Stamina 1350 features an adjustable heavy-weighted flywheel resistance and belt drive train, so your bike pedals smoothly at any resistance level. The oversized foot pedals hold your feet securely, and the seat is padded and adjusts to fit most any size of rider. The tension knob can be adjusted anytime to increase or decrease the intensity.

The Stamina 1350 recumbent is easy on the joints. See a larger image with more features. The large easy-to-read monitor with scan keeps you motivated during your workout by displaying speed, distance, time, and calories burned with one-button control. The scan mode lets you track your progress without pushing buttons during your workout. The walk-through design makes getting on and off the bike safe and easy.

Features and Specifications

• Comfortable, padded upholstered vinyl seat with multiple seat positions and handrails
• Stamina InTouch monitor with large, easy-to-read numbers
• Monitor tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and scans with simple, one-button control
• Oversized, weighted pedals
• Leveling stabilizer caps
• Rolls for easy storage
• Maximum user weight: 250 pounds
• Warranty: 1 year on frame, 90 days on parts
• Dimensions: 50 x 24 x 33.5 inches (LxWxH)

About Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Despite the competition from trendy new fitness inventions, exercise bikes continue to be popular options for home exercise. They offer the same aerobic benefits of riding a bicycle at any time, in any weather, without leaving the comfort and safety of home. Exercise bikes don't take up much space, require little or no balance or coordination, and can provide an effective workout for all levels of users, from beginners to serious competitors. While the same could be said for a number of other types of home fitness equipment, the exercise bike is one of the few that allows you to watch television or read a magazine while you work out.

The term recumbent literally means "lying down." Exercising in a recumbent or reclining position allows the user to have full ergonomic back support, without causing strain on the arms, neck and shoulders, all of which can be common effects of using an upright bicycle. For many people, having convenient access to quality exercise equipment is critical to sticking with a long-term exercise program.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stamina 1350 Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike