1/11/2010

Stamina 7250 Magnetic Fusion Recumbent Exercise Bike Review

I was surprised there were no existing reviews for this bike, and in fact I was reluctant to purchase it for that reason, but I'm so glad I did! It's exactly what I was looking for. I'll break down the details in depth for anyone considering this bike:

Delivery - The package did arrive a bit banged up, but all the parts were there and nothing was damaged. It is heavy though... my dad brought it over for me and it took both him and another man to get it up the stairs to my apartment on a dolly.

Assembly - My dad (a mechanical engineer) assembled it for me and it did take about two hours. Mind you this was at a leisurely pace while simultaneously watching a movie. It wasn't terribly complicated, just time consuming. The parts all seem to be of high quality and heavy weight.

Appearance - I love the way this bike looks! It has a more sleek design than most. It fits perfectly in my small apartment living room and isn't even an eye-sore. Technically you need about 4.5' (length of base) x 2.5' (width of widest point, the lower handlebars) of floor space. I also love the walk-thru design, it makes getting on and off less cumbersome.

Functionality - It has plenty of variety in it's programs. I especially like that it has two programs which automatically adjust resistance based on your heart rate (the heart-rate monitors are located in the handlebars). The monitor is bright, easy to use, and has all the features you would want to monitor your progress. I also like that it shows which stage of the program you are in. The column flashes depending on which stage of resistance you are at and you can see how many more columns of resistance levels are left to go. This helps keep you motivated; kind of like seeing the hills and valleys approach as you ride a normal bike. You can also manually adjust the pre-programed workouts to suit your needs. The seat is comfortable; not sitting-in-a-recliner comfy, but certainly adequate for a bike. I'm 5'8" and this bike adjusts to fit me perfectly, with room to spare in either direction for other height ranges. The bike seems very stable, has a water bottle holder (w/ bottle) and weighted peddles with optional straps.Also, this bike is partially recumbent which I find way more comfortable than either an upright or a fully recumbent bike.

The Workout - The best part... this bike is virtually SILENT! I am amazed at how quite it is! I don't think someone in another room could hear it, let alone my scary, hearing-sensitive downstairs neighbors (big plus!). If you're concerned about noise than this bike is for you! I can watch my tv at the same volume I would if I were just sitting on the couch. I worked out for 30 minutes today on the "Interval" setting and was able to work up a good sweat, felt the burn, and my bum and back stayed comfy the whole time. Its great to peddle away, watch your favorite show, and before you know it your workout is done!

All in all - LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!

Product Description
Combining the feel of an upright bike with the comfort of a recumbent, the Stamina 7250 Magnetic Fusion provides a smooth, quiet magnetic resistance and fingertip tension control. And thanks to the comfortable, ergonomic design, you'll exercise longer and more effectively. You can even monitor your heart rate with pulse sensors built right into the handrails.



The Stamina 7250 exercise monitor. See larger image for more features. Control workout intensity with advanced, easy-to-use electronics including 10 preset programs. You can even choose heart rate programs that adjust your workout to keep you within the target heart rate zone. The advanced, two-color, backlit InTouch Monitor clearly displays workout time, RPM, heart rate, calories burned, distance, resistance level, and speed so you can track your progress with every stride.

The seat slides at a 45 degree angle so your feet, legs, and hips are aligned to give you power on the downstroke and the upstroke for the best cycling workout possible. Other features include an easy walk-through design, adjustable locking slide seat, water bottle holder with bottle, and weighted pedals with eight-position adjustable strap.

Features and Specifications

  • Smooth, quiet, magnetic free wheel resistance system
  • 10 preset programs as well as manually adjustable resistance
  • Choose heart rate program that adjusts your workout to keep you within your target heart rate zone
  • Large, two-color, backlit console for easy reading displays workout time, RPM, heart rate, calories burned, distance, resistance level, and speed on one screen
  • Push button control to change programs, adjust speed and resistance on the fly
  • Pulse sensors built into handrails to monitor and stay within target heart rate zone
  • Adjustable seat with 45-degree leg angle to reduce stress on hips and joints
  • Aluminum seat rail with rollers for smoother seat adjustment
  • Comfortable, padded, oversized molded seat and seatback
  • Weighted pedals with adjustable foot straps work legs on upward and downward strokes
  • AC adapter, no batteries needed
  • Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
  • Warranty: 5 years on frame, 90 days on parts
  • Dimensions: 53 x 24 x 51 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 7250 Magnetic Fusion Recumbent Exercise Bike

No comments:

Post a Comment