Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Apps | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diamondback 910UB Check Discounted Price | L:39" W:23" H:58" | 325 lbs | Eddy current | 35 | Frame: lifetime Parts: 3 years Electronics: 3 years Labor: 1 year Wear items: 90 days |
When it comes to choosing an upright bike, many users compromise and go with one of the cheapies. There are, of course, affordable upright bikes that also offer quality and sturdiness, but those aren’t too many. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a model pretty close to the commercial quality upright bikes, one that you should definitely consider researching, is the Diamondback 910UB.
Although it’s not an exercise bike that can supply spin workouts, it’s actually one of the most solid upright bikes out there, and can indeed offer consistent cardio workouts. Along with an excellent aerobic training setting, this bike is quite an inclusive one. It comes with an impressive array of workout programs, and can definitely help you keep in shape or regain shape.
In this post, we’ll put the magnifying glass on all the bike’s features and functions. Therefore, if you’d like to specifically know something about it, you should be able to find that piece of information about it in this review.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 39L x 23W x 58H inches (99L x 58.4W x 147.3H cm)
- Net weight: 91 lbs (41 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 14 lbs (6.3 kg)
- Weight capacity: 325 lbs (147.4 kg)
- Handlebar: Angle-adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: Weighted, with straps
- Resistance: Eddy current, 32 levels
- Console: 35 workout apps
- Extras: Bottle holder, cooling fan, sound system, USB port, reading rack
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts & electronics 3 years / Labor 1 year / Wear items 90 days
Frame
High-tensile steel tubing is used for the main parts of the frame, but some of the shrouding parts that cover the drive and resistance systems of the machine, are made of plastic. The plastic parts are molded of solid, chemical resistant PVC and ABS. All the steel parts are coated with industrial-grade powder paint, enabling the frame to maintain its fresh looks for many years of use.
Overall, the bike is not very large in comparison to other fitness equipment. In fact, it’s a fitness machine that can fit well even into a small room, taking only 39″L x 23″W (99 x 58.4 cm) of floor space.
This upright bike features elegant design lines. Its bases are slightly curved inwards, towards the frame. This particular aspect doesn’t specifically enhance the overall stability of the machine, but due to its 108 lbs of weight, this particular bike is pretty stable. In other words, it shouldn’t wobble, rock or tip, even if you engage into a more demanding workout. Also, it’s sturdy enough to support 325 lbs of user weight.
The frame does not feature a folding design. However, the front base is equipped with transport wheels which ease the relocation of the machine. Both bases have stabilizing feet, promoting maximum stability even if the surface on which the bike is placed is not even. Also, since the stabilizers feature rubber caps, flooring shouldn’t sustain any damage. However, it’s recommended that the bike is placed on a mat.
Seat and handlebars
The seat supplied with the 910UB Diamondback bike is not extremely comfortable, such as in other upright models. It’s actually a Velo saddle, with a construction closer to the one of a spin bike seat. Although it has a contoured design and it’s quite a bit wider than an indoor cycle saddle, it’s rather hard. But this can nonetheless be remedied with a gel cover seat. On the other hand, the seat offers superior micro-adjustability. It’s 4-way adjustable, vertically and fore-to-aft. It can accommodate users between 5’2″ and 6’5″ (157.5 – 195.5 cm). Both seat bars are squared, in order to prevent misalignment during workouts. Also, it features oversized adjustment knobs, easy to grip and turn.
The bike’s handlebar feature’s a multi-grip and ergonomic design. Not only it’s covered in rubber foam material for a firm and comfortable grip, it also features elbow rests, to maximize comfort. Two other important aspects to mention regarding the handlebar of the 910UB are the angle-adjustability and the pulse sensors. The whole handlebar assembly can be tilted forward and upward giving you the possibility to find the most adequate position for your current training routine. There are actually 4 heart rate grip sensors on the handlebar, 2 on the transversal bar, and 2 on the ends. These sensors are quite quick in picking up your pulse, and the console is highly accurate with the tracking of your heart rate, in comparison to other console units supplied with other upright bike models.
Drive system
The 910UB model features a belt drive system, involving an industrial power belt, resistant to stretching, maintenance free, designed for heavy-duty use. The bike’s flywheel is not extremely heavy like in spin bikes, but at 14 lbs of weight, it’s actually pretty heavy for an upright cycle. Therefore the pedaling motion is pretty smooth, and given the existance of a belt instead of a chain, it’s also really quiet. Actually, this machine is great for apartment use.
The crankset is a 3-piece part, with solid, steel-made crank arms. But even so, it’s not recommended to engage in full, stand-up exercising routines as it may not last as long as the crankset of a spin bike. The pedals are pretty sizeable, with a flat, compact design, made of durable plastic materials. They’re weighted, and feature adjustable straps to prevent foot slippage during more consistent workouts.
Resistance system
This upright exercise cycle is equipped with an eddy current brake. This means the bike requires to be connected to a power circuit in order for you to benefit from the resistance. Resistance adjustment is done from the bike’s console. Also, if using any of the onboard programs, the bike automatically adjusts resistance, depending on the selected program.
It features 32 levels of resistance, which is pretty impressive for an upright bike. However, the highest level of fitness may not be a challenge for a professional cyclist. This is after all a bike for light and medium training. The top resistance settings are challenging enough though, to provide a consistent aerobic workout.
Since the resistance system involves an eddy current brake, and evidently a magnetic brake pad, the resistance generating elements do not come in contact. This results in virtually no wear and tear to these parts. Also, there isn’t any dragging noise such as the one present in bikes with friction brakes.
In case you’re wondering, the bike does not incorporate a self-generating power mechanism. It comes with an adapter, which requires being connected to a 120V nominal power circuit.
Console
The console supplied with the 910UB is quite an inclusive piece of equipment. First of all, it includes multiple accessories, not just the LCD performance monitor. The bottom part of the console features two small speakers and a 2-speed fan. Of course, these are not exactly top notch systems, but in case you don’t want to exercise with earbuds in your ears you can connect your smartphone, iPod or MP3 player to it, and the fan can supply you with a little bit of cooling.
The top part of the unit has a media bay compatible with Apple iPhones and iPads, which also incorporates a USB charging port. However, depending on the version of the media device that you’re using, it may or may not connect to the charger. For example, iPad Air units are too thin to fit.
Apart from the top docking port for Apple devices, the console unit of the Diamondback 910UB cycle also has a foldable book or magazine support on the sides of the unit.
The console is angle adjustable as the handlebar. It features a LED-backlit display, which offers excellent readability. The keys on the console also have backlight, indicating the active and non-active keys for the current workout. It monitors calories, watts, distance, RPM, speed, total time, segment time, heart rate. Of course, it also indicates the current resistance system. There’s the option for introducing your age and weight for a more accurate calorie burn reading. Also, you can set up a time goal for your workout. The default values for age, weight, time and resistance are 35 years, 150 lbs (68 kg), 30 min, level 1. Both English and metric units are available.
The console unit makes available 35 onboard workout programs, including Interval x6, Strength x6, Hill x6, Fat Burn x3, Random x5, Lap x2 (5k and 10k), Custom User x2, Heart Rate x2, Manual x1.
One important aspect regarding the console that has to be mentioned here, is the fact that it has no internal battery for data saving. Differently put, you will have to keep the bike plugged in at all time in order to keep your workout data. If unplugged, the console is reset back to the default values.
Assembly and Maintenance
Tools and assembly manual are provided with the package. Overall, the assembly is not particularly complicated, doesn’t require any extraordinary mechanical skills. It might take a while, as there are many bolts, nuts and small parts to attach. But as a general idea, the main parts that you need to connect with the main body of the bike are console mast and console, handlebar, seat bar and seat, bases of the frame, and pedals.
For maintenance, all you have to do is keep the bike clean, wipe any perspiration that might fall onto the frame, as it might stain the paint, and from time to time check and re-tighten the bolts if it’s the case.
The Pros
- Durable frame, able to support up to 325 lbs of user weight;
- Elegant design lines;
- Small footprint, adequate for small rooms;
- Superior microadjustability – 4 way adjustable seat, angle adjustable handlebar;
- Grip heart rate sensors within the handlebars;
- Elbow rests;
- Automatic, eddy current brake;
- Quiet, smooth drive;
- 32 levels of resistance;
- 35 on-board workout applications;
- English and metric units on the console;
- Media bay compatible with Apple devices;
- USB charging port;
- Sound system compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones and tablets;
- 2-speed cooling fan;
- Book/magazine support;
- Bottle holder, bottle included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Basically maintenance free;
- Great warranty package.
The Cons
- Not an extremely comfortable seat;
- Fan isn’t too powerful.
- Lack of an On/Off switch; and to keep your workout data, you have to keep the machine plugged in at all times;
- Power cord rather short – only 6′ (1.8 m).
Summary
The Diamondback 910UB is quite a complete upright exercise bike, available at a medium range price. Solid frame, superior adjustability, plenty of resistance for a consistent workout, an impressive workout app package and plenty of amenities put a lot of quality within this model. It’s an excellent fitness machine for medium and light cardio, great for muscle toning, stamina building, and weight loss, a bike with an outstanding price/quality ratio.