| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness monitor | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stamina 15-0340 Check Discounted Price | L:44" W:25" H:45" | 250 lbs | Manual mangnetic, 8 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, RPM, Calories, Scan, Goals | Frame: 1 year Parts: 90 days |
Although the Stamina 15-0340 is one of the recumbent bikes released in 2017, it is still available at the moment. It’s a foldable bike, but offers considerably more features than other folding X-type cycles, such as the ShareVgo SXB1000, or the LifePro X-FlexCycle. For example, its front handlebar is both angle and height-adjustable. It also integrates an arm exerciser with a strap-type resistance.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 44L x 25W x 45H inches (112L x 63.5W x 114H cm)
- Assembled weight: 53 lbs (24 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Seat: 2-way adjustable
- Handlebars: 4-way adjustable, with upper exerciser
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, total distance, RPM, calories, scan, goals
- Extras: Audio fitness app
- Warranty: Frame 1 year / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The Stamina 15-0340 recumbent exercise bike features a steel frame combining rectangular and cylindrical tubes in
its construction. All the steel tubes are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is gray, this being the only color available for this Stamina exercise bike model.
The frame consists of three main pieces. The main piece holds both the seat and the magnetic resistance system, the rear support piece consists of two parallel bars for improved sturdiness, while the front piece consists of the main upright bar and the arm exerciser. Both the pedal magnetic resistance system and the arm exerciser have casings made of thermoplastic material.
The bike is not too large compared to other recumbent bikes. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 44″ (112 cm) long, and 25″ (63.5 cm) wide, while its highest point (the top of the fitness monitor) reaches approx. 45″ (114 cm) above the floor level. It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance all around the bike when using it, for easy access and correct usage.
The unit is also foldable. The rear base section locks into position via a removable pin, the front upright bar with the arm exerciser folds back, while the backrest folds forward over the seat. In the assembled position, the bike’s dimensions are approx. 30″L X 25″W X 52″H (76 x 63.5 x 132 cm).
Like most other folding exercise bikes, the Stamina 15-0340 is not too heavy. Its net weight is approx. 53 lbs (24 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Also, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved as its front base features a set of small wheels.
Seat and handlebars
The Stamina 15-0340 recumbent bike is equipped with a pretty comfortable seat. Both its backrest and bottom pads
integrate a thick layer of foam cushioning. Their covers are made of durable vinyl material which is moisture-proof and easy to maintain. The bottom cushion is approx. 14″ (35.5 cm) wide, and 10″ (25.4 cm) deep, so it provides plenty of contact surface.
The seat is two-way adjustable (up, down). It only has four adjustment positions, but the bike should be able to accommodate comfortably users between 4’9″ and 6’2″ (145 – 188 cm). It is also sturdy enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg). It’s also important to mention here that the backrest is non-adjustable. It does not recline backward, and you cannot adjust its height. However, it does fold forward over the seat for better storage possibilities.
The bike has a set of handlebars attached to the seat. The distance between the two grips is approx. 18″ (46 cm). They do not have pulse sensors or other controls, but their grips feature PVC foam sleeves for improved contact.
The front section of the bike does not have a conventional bike handlebar, but an arm exerciser that can be rotated similar to the pedals. Its grips also have PVC foam covers and feature large oval knobs on their ends.
The whole front assembly is angle-adjustable. There is a small lever at its base which you can press with your foot in order to adjust the front mast back and forth. The arm exerciser is also attached to a small post with four holes so you can adjust it up and down. The adjustment is done via a small knob.
Resistance systems
As we’ve mentioned above, the Stamina 15-0340 exercise bike features two resistance systems. The main resistance
system for the pedals is manual magnetic. This means you don’t need a power adapter for the bike, or an external power source. But on the other hand, the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The pedal resistance system consists of a magnetic brake that hugs the flywheel and is attached to the tension knob under the seat. As you turn the knob, the magnets cover a smaller or larger portion from the flywheel which decreases or increases the pedaling difficulty. Needless to say, the main advantage of the magnetic brake is that the magnets don’t touch the flywheel, there is no internal friction, and the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet.
The pedal resistance system has 8 different levels. The first level offers a pretty light pedaling difficulty, which is great for recovery training or warming up. Conversely, the 8th level does provide a distinguishable increased pedal tension, giving you the possibility to reach a higher cardiovascular rate in a shorter period of time.
The arm exerciser is equipped with a strap resistance system. It consists of a small brake drum with a strap attached to the tension knob on top of the casing. When you turn the knob clockwise, the strap tightens on the resistance drum which results in a greater rotating difficulty. This particular resistance system does not have pre-determined settings. You simply tighten the internal strap until you get the desired difficulty.
Drive system
The Stamina 15-0340 recumbent exercise bike has a thin internal flywheel. Its exact weight is not specified, but since
the bike’s whole weight is only 53 lbs (24 kg), the flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 15-20 lbs (6.8 – 9 lbs), or even lighter. It is balanced, though, for a smooth pedaling motion.
The flywheel is also bi-directional. This means you can pedal in reverse if you want. However, you cannot coast on this bike as would be the case for a road bike. The pedals will spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning, and the resistance remains the same whether you pedal backward or forward.
The bike has two internal pulleys and two belts. This dual-pulley and dual-belt system also adds consistency to the ride. The belts have a poly-v structure for improved traction. They also deliver a smoother traction than a chain because they don’t generate as much vibration. Also, you don’t have to worry about their lubrication.
The bike’s crankset is pretty sturdy featuring two short steel arms. Needless to say, since it’s a recumbent bike, it is not meant for standing up on the pedals. The exact Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is not specified, but it is pretty narrow. This means that your feet are positioned naturally on the pedals so you won’t have to deal with extra lateral stress.
The pedals have a simple design. They don’t have weight elements or straps. They have a metallic axis with a casing made of durable nylon material. The casing is also textured in order to provide a better grip.
Fitness monitor
The Stamina 15-0340 recumbent bike includes a fitness monitor. The unit is not too fancy but does offer a few extra
features over a basic unit. To begin with, it is equipped with an LCD display divided into three sub-sections. To top section indicates speed for either hand exerciser or pedals, the mid-section shows the elapsed time, while the bottom section covers calories, RPM, distance, and total distance.
The unit does not have a pulse reading function and the bike does not have any pulse sensors. Speed and distance are shown in English units (MPH and miles). There is no option for setting them to metric units.
The monitor unit does not have Bluetooth or pre-set workout programs. However, it does offer the possibility to set a workout goal for time, distance, or calories. If a goal is selected, the unit will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero.
The monitor unit is easy to use. It has four buttons; these are Mode/Reset, Set, Hand, and Foot. The Mode/Reset button allows you to select a workout metric on the bottom display or the Scan Mode which rotates distance, odometer, RPM, and calories. It also covers the unit’s reset function (press and hold to clear all the values to zero). The Set button covers the goal setting function. And finally, the Hand/Foot buttons allow you to swap between the hand exerciser and the pedals. For example, if you select Hand, the monitor will indicate the speed, calories, etc. when using the hand exerciser. If you select Foot, the monitor will show the metrics for using the pedals. The only metric that remains constant whether you’re using the hand mode or the foot mode is Time.
The monitor unit requires two AAA batteries which are not included. It starts up when you begin pedaling and also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the bike for more than four minutes.
As we’ve mentioned above, the monitor unit does not have Bluetooth so you cannot sync it with your phone. However, there is a QR code included with the bike which you can scan with your phone to install the müüv app. This is a smart audio coaching app that helps you move 500+ minutes per month with the right mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility for a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the base stabilizers, the seat post, the seat, the backrest, the seat handlebars, the arm exerciser unit, the fitness monitor, and the pedals. This may take more than an hour of your time, but the manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included. Also, the müüv app has an assembly video.
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 250 lbs;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear base;
- Arm exerciser with adjustable strap resistance;
- Angle and height adjustability for the front section of the bike;
- Padded seat and backrest, for optimal comfort;
- Adjustable seat;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system (8 levels);
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and RPM;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Lightweight, easy to handle;
- Easy to assemble;
- Free access to the müüv app for audio coaching;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The console doesn’t have backlight;
- No pulse reading function;
- No Bluetooth connectivity.
Summary
The Stamina 15-0340 is a folding recumbent bike made for home use. It is equipped with an 8-level magnetic resistance, an arm exerciser with strap resistance, a comfortable seat, and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It’s a pretty sturdy bike, great for light to medium-intensity cardio training, recovery training, muscle toning, and weight loss.