| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Exercise meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diamondback 1260Sc Check Discounted Price | L:59" W:23" H:50" | 300 lbs | 31 lbs | Manual magnetic, 16 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse*, Watts, RPM, Goals, Progress tracking, ANT+ compatible |
The Diamondback 1260Sc indoor cycling trainer can be compared in terms of features and specs to the BodyCraft SPR or the Life Fitness IC4. However, it offers a few extra features. It’s definitely a commercial-grade exercise bike offering the sturdiness and design required by professional athletes. It’s a bike made to support any spin workout featuring superior durability and ergonomics.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 59L x 23W x 50H inches (150L x 58W x 127H cm)
- Flywheel weight: 31 lbs (14 kg)
- Assembled weight: 130 lbs (59 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 16 levels
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, RPM, Watts, pulse, load, goals
- Extras: Tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
The Diamondback Fitness 1260Sc Studio Cycle features a heavy-duty steel frame, with the seat and handlebar posts
and their sliders made of aluminum alloy. The main steel frame is coated with an abrasion-resistant and corrosion-resistant paint finish; the color used is black, this being the only color available for this bike. Of course, the aluminum posts have their natural polish.
The bike’s construction also incorporates several ABS parts. The drivetrain, the resistance system, and the main longitudinal base bar are protected by ABS covers which are already assembled from the factory.
The bike has a V-type frame, similar to the Keiser M3i. This design promotes superior micro-adjustability. Not only that the seat and handlebars have horizontal sliders, but also, if you extend their upright posts, the distance between them also increases.
The Diamondback Fitness 1260Sc indoor cycling bike is slightly bigger than other models. With the frame fully assembled, it is approx. 59″ (150 cm) long, and 23″ (58 cm) wide, while its footprint is 48″L x 22″W (122 x 56 cm). This being said, you will need a usage surface of at least 70″L x 60″W (178 x 152 cm) for it. It is also fairly heavy; it weighs approx. 130 lbs (59 kg). This weight is quite a plus as it plays an important role in the bike’s overall stability.
Speaking of stability, this Diamondback exercise bike has adjustable stabilizers on both its base bars. They have rubberized pads which not only that prevent damage to your floor, they also improve the bike’s grip. Also, the rear base is equipped with a set of wheels while the front base bar features a lifting handle, elements which considerably ease the unit’s relocation. By using the wheels, you won’t have to handle more than 30% of the bike’s total weight when you relocate it.
Seat and handlebars
The Diamondback 1260Sc includes a saddle designed to provide more comfort than the average spin bike seat. 
It is slightly wider and integrates more cushioning. Its top is made of durable vinyl material. It has a central groove to improve breathability. It also has a set of two springs at the rear which allow it to slightly adapt to your movement during each pedal stroke.
The saddle has a standard, collar-based adjustment system. This being said, compatible replacements for it are widely available. Also, the saddle can be slightly tilted forward or backward.
The bike’s seat offers four-way adjustability (up, down, forward, and backward). The upright post has 13 adjustment positions, while the horizontal slider also offers several inches of front to back adjustment. Therefore, the bike is designed to accommodate users between 5’2″ and 6’5″ (157 – 196 cm). Also, the seat assembly is durable enough to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
The bike’s handlebars also offer four-way adjustability, just like the seat. Their upright post offers 7 adjustment positions while its horizontal slider allows about 3″ (~8 cm) of front to back adjustment. The handlebar assembly has a multi-grip design. Not only that it has a loop aero bar in the middle, but it also has drop-down grips, a feature which many other spin bikes do not offer.
The handlebars do not integrate pulse sensors. However, the bike’s exercise meter does have a pulse reading function. We’ll cover this aspect in detail, in the section below. The whole handlebar assembly is fully rubberized in order to provide a better grip.
Drive and resistance
The Diamondback Fitness 1260Sc Studio Cycle is equipped with a mid-range flywheel. It weighs 31 lbs (14 kg) 
and has a balanced design in order to provide a smooth pedaling motion. It has the same black paint finish as the bike but has gray ABS side covers for extra protection.
The flywheel is bi-directional. This means you can pedal in reverse if you want. However, since the pedals continue to move for as long as the flywheel is spinning (either if it is backward or forward), you cannot coast on the bike as on a road bike.
The bike’s drivetrain uses two heavy-duty rubber belts. This being said, the bike’s transmission does not require any lubrication. Also, it delivers a much smoother motion than a chain drive and it is almost completely silent.
Needless to say, the Diamondback 1260Sc indoor cycling bike is designed for spinning workouts. Therefore, it is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset which can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg) with no problem. In case you’re wondering, the crank arm length is 173 mm, while the Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is 187 mm. This is a pretty narrow Q-Factor, designed to eliminate the lateral stress on the knees as it promotes a natural foot positioning on the pedals.
The included pedals are made of aluminum alloy. They have toe cages with adjustable straps on one side and SPD clips for spin shoes on the other side. Also, their threads are 9/16 standard and you can always replace them if you want.
The Diamondback 1260Sc indoor cycle features a manual magnetic resistance system. It consists of a magnetic brake which hugs the flywheel. The brake assembly is connected to the tension dial on top of the handlebar post through a steel cable. By pressing this lever down, the brake covers a larger portion from the flywheel which results in a higher pedaling difficulty.
The bike makes available 16 resistance levels. The first one provides little pedaling difficulty, pretty much based only on the weight of the flywheel. This can be great for anyone who wants to undergo a lighter training regiment or even recovery training. Conversely, the highest resistance level provides quite a bit of pedal tension simulating a steep climb, great for a quick cardio boost.
Exercise meter
The first aspect to mention with regards to the bike’s fitness meter is that there are two ways to power it up. 
It can run on two AAA batteries, but the bike also integrates a small generator which can power up the meter unit when you pedal. If the self-generating function is used, you will have to pedal at over 40 RPM in order to power up the unit. There’s also a self-shutdown function which initiates after 4 minutes of inactivity on the bike.
The meter unit features an LCD display divided into multiple sub-sections in order to show all the workout metrics at once. It tracks time, distance, speed, calories, watts, pulse, and the selected load (or resistance level). For speed and distance you can select either metric or English units. For the pulse reading function, you will have to use a wireless ANT+ chest belt or wristband which is not included; the bike does not have its own pulse sensors.
The meter unit does not have preset workout programs, but you can select workout targets for time, distance, calories, and watts. If a target is selected for time, distance, or calories, the meter will countdown from the selected value until it reaches zero, and will notify you that you have completed your goal. For the Watts target, the console will prompt you to increase the load or RPM in order to remain at the selected value.
A calendar and date function is available on the console unit as well. This must be set up when you power it for the first time. But most importantly, the unit gives you the possibility to record your workout data and pick up from where you left on your next session.
Last but not least, the bike’s meter unit can sync with various smart watches and other activity monitors. It is compatible with various 3rd party apps such as Zwift, MyZone, TrainerRoad, SufferFest, or Kinomap, but in order to sync it with any of these apps you will need an ANT+ bridge device which is not included.
Assembly and Maintenance
Similar to many other spin bikes, the Diamondback 1260Sc is delivered with its main body in one piece. You only have to attach the base bars, the handlebar, the tablet holder, the console, the seat, and the pedals. The included manual provides very clear assembly instructions and a basic toolkit is also included. This being said, the assembly task shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
Once the bike is fully assembled, you don’t have to worry much about maintenance. As we’ve mentioned above, since it has a belt transmission system, it doesn’t require lubrication. So, basically, you only have to keep the bike clean, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts, and re-tighten them if necessary.
The Pros
- Commercial-grade construction – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Professional-looking design;
- Bases with adjustable, rubberized levelers;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- 4-way adjustable seat with extra cushioning, and a central groove for extra breathability;
- 4-way adjustable handlebar with a multi-grip design including drop-down grips;
- Balanced flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion and solid momentum;
- Heavy-duty crank made for spin workouts;
- Dual-sided aluminum alloy pedals with toe cages and SPD clips for spin shoes;
- Narrow (187 mm) Q-Factor, minimizing the lateral stress on the joints;
- Frictionless, wear-free, magnetic resistance with 16 level settings;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive, great for apartment use;
- Fitness meter that tracks time, distance, speed, Watts, RPM, calories, resistance load, and pulse;
- Target settings for time, distance, calories, and Watts;
- Recording function for your workout data;
- The meter unit is telemetric, compatible with ANT+ wrist or HR straps;
- The meter unit is compatible with various fitness apps such as Zwift, MyZone, TrainerRoad, SufferFest, or Kinomap, via an ANT+ bridge;
- The meter unit can be powered via batteries or by your pedaling (self-powered);
- Bottle holder included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Really easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- ANT+ bridge device for online connectivity is not included;
- HR strap or wrist band is not included;
- The meter does not have backlight.
Summary
The Diamondback Fitness 1260Sc is a commercial-grade indoor cycling trainer offering 16 levels of manual-magnetic resistance, superior micro-adjustability, and an advanced fitness meter compatible with apps such as Zwift, MyZone, TrainerRoad, SufferFest, or Kinomap. It’s designed to support any spin workout; it’s equipped with a highly-durable crankset and dual-sided pedals. It’s an excellent bike for intense cardio training, interval training, stamina and leg strength development, and weight loss. And finally, it’s not exactly the most affordable bike, but definitely offers excellent value for the price.