| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness monitor | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stamina 15-0344 Check Discounted Price | L:48" W:29.5" H:52" | 250 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Scan | Strength training system, D-handles, Ankle cuff |
The Stamina 15-0344 is one of the exercises bikes released by Stamina Fitness in 2018. It’s a semi-recumbent bike similar to the ProGear 190 model. However, it comes with an adjustable strength training system for multiple exercises. This feature is quite a plus as it considerably improves the bike’s training possibilities. Not only that you can perform a pedaling workout, but you can also execute bicep curls, chest presses, rows, and more.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 48L x 29.5W x 52H inches (122L x 75W x 132H cm)
- Assembled weight: 48 lbs (21.7 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Seat: 2-way adjustable
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, scan
- Extras: Adjustable strength training system for multiple exercises, D-handles, ankle cuff
- Warranty: Frame 1 year / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The Stamina 15-0344 exercise bike features a frame made of steel tubing. It combines oval, cylindrical,
and rectangular tubes in its construction. All the steel parts in the frame are coated with a rust-resistant paint finish. The color used is light gray, this being the only color available for this bike, at least for the moment.
The frame consists of two main parts. The largest part holds both the seat and the bike’s drive system. The other is basically the bike’s rear stabilizer; it consists of two parallel bars that attach to the middle of the main frame section and provide the bike’s base support.
The fully assembled bike is not too large. It is approx. 48″ (122 cm) long, and 29.5″ (75 cm) wide. However, due to the strength training system, Stamina recommends a usage area for this bike of at least 6′ x 6′ (183 x 183 cm). The bike is also partially foldable, so you can save some space if you are not using it.
The Stamina 15-0344 exercise bike is not super-heavy either. Its net weight is 48 lbs (21.7 kg). This being said, the boxed unit can be carried by only one person. Also, once removed from the box and assembled, it is even easier to move. Its rear stabilizer features a set of small transport wheels.
Strength training system
The Stamina 15-0344 semi-recumbent exercise bike comes with a strength training system which offers the possibility to perform a wide array of exercises. It consists of two arms that attach to the seat’s backrest. There is also a small handle that stands above the joint between the two arms which can provide extra support for various exercises.
The arms of the strength training system are equipped with three sets of pulleys each. Two sets are attached to the top of each arm; these also swivel. The third set is incorporated into the arms, close to their base. Two elastic bungee cords pass through the pulley system of each arm featuring connection points at the top to which you can attach the included D-handles or the ankle cuff.
The strength training system is angle-adjustable. It offers 12 adjustment positions. They lock into position via a pull-pin at the back of the seat. This being said, you can have the pulling handles in a position above your shoulders, laterally for chest presses or fly presses, or in a low position for rows or kickbacks.
The two elastic bungee cords offer three resistance settings for the strength training system. The gray cord offers light resistance, the blue cord offers blue resistance, and you can also attach both cords to each handle for high resistance.
The strength training system offers the possibility to perform quite a few exercises. The list includes chest presses, bicep curls, ab crunches, lateral arm raises, shoulder presses, tricep extensions, chest presses, cable fly presses, rows, kickbacks, and more.
Seat and handlebars
The Stamina 15-0344 semi-recumbent bike is equipped with a comfortable seat. Its bottom pad is pretty large, 
approx. 14″ (35 cm) wide, and 10″ (25.6 cm) deep. It integrates a thick layer of foam cushioning and has a durable vinyl cover which is sweatproof and easy to maintain.
The backrest features a similar construction. The same 1 3/4″ (4.4 cm) of foam padding and vinyl cover. It is a bit narrower than the seat pad, but longer, in order to provide superior lumbar support. Its backbone is steel-made for superior sturdiness.
The seat is two-way adjustable (up, down). Its post has 7 adjustment positions, so the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (153 – 187 cm). It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 250 lbs (113 kg). The backrest does not adjust independently from the seat, though. It does not have a reclining or vertical adjustment function.
The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One attaches to the base of the seat, the other to the backrest. The base handlebars integrate pulse sensors and the fitness monitor has a pulse reading function. The backrest handlebar assembly can serve as support when you perform kickbacks, low rows, or other exercises. Both handlebar sets have thick PVC foam grips for improved contact and comfort.
Resistance and drive
The Stamina 15-0344 exercise bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. Its front base unit
integrates a magnetic brake that connects to the bike’s tension knob at the front, below the seat. When you turn the knob, the magnets change their position in relation to the internal flywheel which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty. The main advantage of this type of resistance is that the brake does not touch the flywheel so the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet.
The bike offers 8 levels of resistance. The first level offers a pretty light pedaling difficulty, which is great for recovery training or warming up. Conversely, the 8th level provides distinguishably more pedal tension, giving you the possibility to reach a higher cardiovascular rate in a shorter period of time.
The weight of the internal flywheel is not specified. However, since it’s a pretty light bike, it probably does not weigh more than 10 lbs (4.5 kg). It has a balanced structure for a smooth and stable pedaling motion. It is also bi-directional.
The bike features a belt drive system. It uses two pulleys and two poly-v belts. This improves the consistency of the ride. Also, since the bike does not use chains in its transmission, you don’t have to take the front unit apart for periodic lubrication.
Last but not least, the bike’s crankset is pretty durable. However, since this is not a spin bike, it is not meant for standing up on the pedals. Its arms are pretty long for an ampler pedaling motion. The included pedals are made of durable thermoplastic material featuring a textured, non-slip surface, weight elements for self-leveling, and adjustable straps so you can secure your feet on them, if necessary.
Fitness monitor
The Stamina 15-0344 exercise bike is equipped with a pretty basic fitness monitor. It does not have 
pre-set programs, or Bluetooth connectivity. It features an LCD display (without backlight) that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It does not have an RPM function, or an odometer function.
The speed and distance values are shown in imperial units (mph and miles). There is no option for setting them to metric units (km/h and kilometers). The pulse reading function is grip only. In other words, the monitor cannot read your pulse from a wireless transmitter. So, if you want it to track your pulse, you will have to hold on to the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars.
The monitor unit features only one (MODE) button. By pressing it repeatedly, you can scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view. You can also select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the workout metrics, showing each one for 6 seconds. The MODE button also covers the unit’s reset function. If you press and hold it for a few seconds, you can clear all the data on it to zero.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries which are not included. It begins recording your workout data when you begin pedaling. It also turns off automatically if it does not detect any activity on the bike for more than 4 minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The base body of the bike with the resistance system comes pre-assembled. The rest of the parts, however, require user assembly. You will basically have to attach the two base bars, the pedals, the seat, the backrest, the handlebars, the strength training system (which also comes pre-assembled), and the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. All the necessary tools are included. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and schematics.
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;
- Semi-foldable design;
- Transport wheels on the rear base;
- Strength training system for multiple exercises;
- 12 angle adjustment positions for the strength system’s arms;
- 3 resistance settings for the strength system;
- D-handles and ankle cuff included;
- Padded seat and backrest for optimal comfort;
- Base handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Backrest handlebar for extra support during kickbacks or other exercises;
- Adjustable seat;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system (8 levels);
- Dual belt drive for improved motion stability;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Multiple possible exercises, including bicep curls, chest presses, tricep extensions, shoulder presses, rows, ab crunches, kickbacks, and more;
- Lightweight, easy to handle;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No workout goal function;
- No RPM function;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor;
- Batteries for the fitness monitor are not included.
Summary
The Stamina 15-0344 is a semi-recumbent bike made for home use. It features an 8-level magnetic resistance system, an adjustable strength system, a comfortable seat, and a fitness monitor that tracks the important workout metrics. It offers the possibility to execute multiple exercises apart from cycling, such as bicep curls, chest presses, tricep extensions, shoulder presses, rows, ab crunches, and more. It is a versatile fitness machine, great for users of all levels, for both strength training and cardiovascular training.