| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Drive system | Console programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stamina 15-1345A Check Discounted Price | L:50" W:20.25" H:42" | 300 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Belt | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Pulse, Goals, Scan |
The Stamina 15-1345A is one of the recumbent exercise bikes released in 2019. It’s also referred to as Stamina 345 recumbent bike, and should not be confused with the Stamina 345 upright bike. It’s a fitness machine made for home use, similar in terms of features to the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4876.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 50L x 20.25W x 42H inches (127L x 51W x 107H cm)
- Assembled weight: 57.5 lbs (26 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, pulse, scan, goals
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 1 year / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
Although the Stamina 15-1345A features a two-piece frame, it has a different construction than the Marcy NS-716R. 
The frame itself is non-adjustable; the two pieces connect in the middle by several screws. However, the bike’s seat does offer adjustability.
The frame combines rectangular, oval, and cylindrical steel tubes in its construction. All the steel parts are coated with a rust-resistant paint finish. The color used is gray, this being the only color available for this bike, at least for the moment. Also, the bike’s body integrates several plastic parts. The most notable ones are the covers of the drive and resistance elements.
The bike is not too large. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 50″ (127 cm) long, and 20.25″ (51 cm) wide, while its highest point (the top of the console) reaches approx. 42″ (107 cm) above the floor. It is also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the bike for ease of access and safe usage.
The frame features a step-through design. This can be a plus for users with certain disabilities. The gap between the bike’s drive unit and the seat offers better entry and exit possibilities and not all recumbent bikes have this feature.
Last but not least, this Stamina exercise bike is not too heavy. Its net weight is approx. 57.5 lbs (26 kg). Thus, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Plus, its front base has a set of small wheels so the bike can easily be moved once it is fully assembled.
Seat and handlebars
The Stamina 15-1345A recumbent bike is equipped with a fairly large seat, similar to the one on the Stamina 1346 model.
Its bottom pad is approx. 14″ (35.5 cm) wide so it provides plenty of contact surface. Both the backrest and the bottom pad integrate 2″ (5 cm) of foam padding for improved comfort. Also, their covers are made of durable vinyl material which is also moisture-proof and easy to maintain.
The backrest of the seat does not have a reclining feature and does not adjust independently from the rest of the seat. However, the whole seat assembly is adjustable. Its base rail offers an adjustment span of several inches. Differently put, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’1″ and 6’4″ (155 – 193 cm). It is also durable enough to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One attaches to the seat, the other to the front mast of the bike. The front handlebars curve up and integrate metallic pulse sensors. Therefore, if you hold on to them, the bike’s monitor can track your pulse.
The seat handlebars do not integrate sensors. They attach directly to the seat frame. Both handlebars feature long PVC foam sleeves in order to provide an improved grip. They are non-adjustable and connect to their corresponding frame pieces via screws.
Resistance system
The Stamina 15-1345A is equipped with a standard manual magnetic resistance system. This being said, you don’t
need an adapter or an external power source for it. But on the other hand, the bike does not adjust the resistance automatically and the monitor unit does not have pre-set programs.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake integrated into the bike’s flywheel unit and connected to the tension knob. Thus, when you turn the knob, the brake changes its position moving the magnets closer or farther from the flywheel. This increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
The main advantage of the magnetic brake is that the magnets don’t touch the flywheel. Therefore, the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. Plus, there is no wear-and-tear on the brake.
The bike makes available 8 levels of resistance. The first tension setting provides a pretty light difficulty level great for beginners, warm-ups, or recovery training. The 8th level of resistance delivers considerably more resistance, great for anyone who wants to quickly achieve a high cardiovascular rate or perform a more consistent workout.
Drive system
Like most other exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the Stamina 15-1345A features a belt drivetrain. It
uses a durable poly-v belt made for improved traction. As opposed to a chain drive, it does not require periodic lubrication. It also generates less vibration than a chain drive and contributes to the overall smoothness and quietness of the ride.
The bike is equipped with a pretty sturdy crankset. But nonetheless, since it’s not a spin bike, it’s not made of standing on the pedals; it is meant for seated workouts only. The crank arms are cylindrical and chrome-plated. The included pedals are made of durable thermoplastic material. They are equipped with adjustable straps for improved foot stability during pedaling. They are also weighted, so they always self-level if you remove your feet from them.
The bike’s internal flywheel has a balanced structure for improved motion stability. Its exact weight is not specified, but it is not super heavy. Considering that the bike’s net weight is only 57.5 lbs (26 kg), the flywheel probably does not weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg).
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse if you want, so you can always put some diversity into your workouts. Coasting is not possible, though. And when pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant, given by the selected tension level.
Fitness monitor
The Stamina 345 recumbent bike includes a fairly basic fitness monitor. It features an LCD display that tracks time,
distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It is not telemetric, so it can only track your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the bike’s handlebars. It also does not have an RPM function. Also, speed and distance are shown in English units (mph and miles). There is no option for setting them to metric units.
The bike does not have pre-set programs, Bluetooth connectivity, nor it is compatible with any fitness apps. However, you can create workout goals for time, distance, and calories. If a goal for any of these metrics is selected, it will show the remaining value until the goal completion.
The bike’s fitness monitor features three buttons. These are Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to select any of the workout metrics to view on the unit’s display or select the Scan Mode. When this mode is selected, all the metrics rotate in a sequence, each one appearing on the display for a few seconds. The Set button allows you to select workout goals, and finally, the Reset button gives you the possibility to clear all the values on the display to zero.
The unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are not included. It automatically turns on when you begin pedaling (or you can wake it up by pressing one of the buttons). It automatically turns off to save battery after 4 minutes of inactivity on the bike. It also integrates a device holder which consists of a small shelf situated below the LCD display.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s resistance system comes pre-assembled and attached to the front part of the frame. The rest of the parts do require user assembly, though. You will have to connect the seat frame section to the front frame section, add the two base stabilizers, the front mast, the front handlebars, the fitness monitor, the pedals, and the seat with its handlebars. This may take more than an hour of your time but the manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, you only have to keep the bike clean and wipe the sweat that may fall on the frame at the end of your workout. The internal parts do not require lubrication. It is also recommended to periodically inspect the bike to make sure that all the parts are functioning properly, and all the bolts hold tight in their places.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel frame – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear base;
- Step-through frame design;
- Pulse sensors;
- Front handlebars included (other bikes don’t have this feature);
- Padded seat and backrest, for optimal comfort;
- Adjustable seat;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system (8 levels);
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Lightweight, easy to handle;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The console doesn’t have backlight;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The Stamina 345 recumbent bike is a fitness machine made for home use. It features an 8-level magnetic resistance system, an adjustable seat, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It is a pretty standard recumbent bike, great for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, recovery training, stamina development, and weight loss.