Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stamina 15-4831 Check Discounted Price | L:56" W:26" H:33.5" | 250 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | 7 programs | Frame: 3 years Parts: 90 days |
Although the Stamina released the 15-4831 bike a few years ago, it’s still available to this day. It’s a magnetic exercise bike made for home use, with a frame construction and seat adjustment similar to the Body Champ BRB852. However, as opposed to many other entry-level bikes with manual resistance, this one offers several workout programs.
Technical Details & Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 56L x 26W x 33.5H inches (142L x 66W x 85H cm)
- Assembled weight: 70 lbs (31.7 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: 7 programs
- Warranty: Frame 3 years, Parts 90 days
Frame
The Stamina 15-4831 features a two-piece frame. The rear part which holds the seat connects to the front part with the drive and resistance elements. The connection bar of the rear part has 7 holes to which you can lock it in order to obtain a longer or shorter setup for the bike.
The maximum length of the unit is 56″ (142 cm), while its width is 26″ (66 cm). It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side of the bike, and at least one foot of clearance at the front and rear, for safe operation and ease of access.
The bike’s frame is made of steel tubing, with the exception of the front covers which are made of ABS material. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is dark gray. There is also a version of this bike (the 4825 model) which has a silver paint finish.
The frame has a step-through design. This can be a plus for users with certain disabilities as it permits an easier access to the seat.
The fully assembled unit isn’t extremely heavy but does weigh approx. 70 lbs (31.7 kg). It has a low center of gravity and adjustable rear stabilizers. These being said, the unit offers plenty of stability. Also, its front base is equipped with transport wheels, so its relocation shouldn’t be too difficult once it is assembled.
Seat and handlebars
The Stamina 15-4831 recumbent exercise bike does not have an adjustment rail for the seat, such as the ProForm 235 CSX or the Marcy NS-40502R. Its seat is directly welded to the rear section of the frame. However, as we’ve mentioned above, the whole rear section of the bike can be locked closer or farther from the pedals. It has 7 adjustment positions, and therefore, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm). It’s also durable enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113.3 kg).
The seat is designed for optimal comfort. Both the backrest and the bottom part have approx. 2″ (5 cm) of foam padding. Their upholstery is made of heavy-duty vinyl material. They’re also contoured in order to provide a better anatomical posture and lumbar support.
Although the bar of the backrest is made of two pieces, it is not adjustable. The top section with the pad enters the lower section and connects to it via two bolts. Also, the backrest does not recline.
This Stamina exercise bike only has one set of handlebars. They are non-adjustable, directly attached to the seat. Their handles are rubberized in order to provide a better grip and comfort. They integrate contact pulse sensors made of stainless steel material so that the console can monitor your heart rate.
Drive and resistance
The bike’s internal drivetrain features a durable V-ribbed rubber belt. This being said, its transmission does not require any lubrication. It also delivers a very smooth and quiet pedaling motion, with zero vibration.
The weight of the internal flywheel is not specified, but considering the weight of the bike, it probably doesn’t exceed 20 lbs (9 kg). It’s a balanced flywheel, designed to provide a steady momentum and a comfortable pedaling feel.
The internal metallic flywheel integrates the unit’s resistance mechanism, which consists of a small magnetic brake. The brake system is attached to the knob on top of the front section of the bike. To increase the magnets’ pull, you have to turn the knob clockwise. This will result in a higher pedaling difficulty. Conversely, by turning the knob counterclockwise, the pull of the magnetic brake is decreased which results in a lesser pedaling difficulty.
The Stamina 15-4831 recumbent bike offers 8 levels of resistance. However, it’s a bike made of light to medium intensity workouts, so it doesn’t provide a super-intense pedaling difficulty even if you select the 8th tension level. On the lowest settings, the resistance is very light, offering great conditions for recovery training, or for users with certain disabilities.
Evidently, since the machine’s resistance system requires manual action, you don’t have to connect it to a wall socket in order to benefit from the resistance adjustment. Also, the console does not control the bike’s resistance in any way, and it is battery-powered.
The bike features a durable crankset with solid steel arms. Its pedals are made of durable nylon material, featuring a ribbed surface to maximize foot adherence. They also have integrated weight elements so they always turn face-up when you remove your feet from them. They do not have straps.
Console
The console included with the Stamina 15-4831 offers quite a few more features than a completely basic unit. To begin with, it has an LCD display which can track time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse. It also has a Scan Mode, 7 workout programs and goal settings.
The unit is equipped with a multi-function button. By pressing Mode repeatedly, you can select any of the workout metrics to be shown on the display, or you can select the Scan Mode which rotates all the metrics, showing each one for 5 seconds.
The 7 workout programs are Manual (P0), Fat Burn (P1), Max. Fat Burn (P2), Aerobic (P3), Hill (P4), Interval (P5), and Mountain (P6). In order to access a program, you have to use the Mode function until you select the PGM section, then use the Set function and the Up/Down functions to set up the program.
During the manual program, the console just tracks your workout metrics, indicating your speed, calories burned, distance traveled etc. During any other program from P1 to P6, it indicates your target speed for each segment of that program, prompting you to pedal faster or slower, according to the requirement of that program section. Each program can be adjusted during the Set Up mode. Also, you can adjust the resistance as you like during each program.
As we’ve mentioned above, the console is battery-powered. It uses two AA batteries, which are not included. It’s powered-up when you press the Mode function or when you begin pedaling. It also automatically shuts off after 3 minutes of inactivity on the bike.
There are two more aspects with regards to the bike’s console that we must mention here. One, the speed and distance are shown in MPH and miles; you cannot select metric units for their display. Two, the console is not telemetric; it can only track your pulse through the integrated contact sensors. It does not work with ANT or Polar HR chest straps.
Assembly and Maintenance
Some assembly is required for this Stamina exercise bike, but most of the frame is pre-assembled. You only have to add the base bars, the seat, the backrest, the front mast, the console, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The owner’s manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and well-drawn schematics. Also, all the tools needed for the assembly are included.
For maintenance, you only need to periodically inspect the machine for loose parts and re-tighten them if necessary. Also, it is recommended to keep the unit clean, and once you have finished your workout, to wipe off any sweat that may have dropped on the frame.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame, capable of supporting users up to 250 lbs;
- Adjustable rear stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
- Foam-padded and contoured seat for optimal comfort;
- Length-adjustable frame;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system;
- Adjustable resistance offering distinctive 8 levels;
- Weighted pedals;
- Exercise meter that can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- 6 workout programs on the console, plus the Manual mode;
- Lightweight, easy to handle;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little to no maintenance required.
The Cons
- No front handlebars;
- Batteries for the console are not included;
- No tablet holder;
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The Stamina 15-4831 is a recumbent bike made for home use, featuring a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 distinct levels. It has a comfortable, contoured seat, and a length-adjustable frame. Its console tracks the most important workout metrics and also offers 6 workout programs. In all, this exercise bike is great for light to mid-range cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, recovery training, and weight loss.