| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Drive system | Console programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stamina 345 Check Discounted Price | L:37.4" W:19.7" H:50.1" | 250 lbs | Eddy current, 16 levels | Dual belt | 1 manual, 12 pre-set, 4 HRC, 1 Watt, Recovery, BMI, Goals |
The Stamina 345 is one of the upright exercise bikes released by Stamina Fitness in 2020. It’s basically the upright version of the Stamina 845 recumbent bike. It’s a mid-range bike made for home use but offers automatic resistance and pre-set workout programs.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 37.4L x 19.7W x 50.1H inches (95L x 50W x 127H cm)
- Assembled weight: 72 lbs (32.6 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Seat: 4-way Adjustable
- Resistance: Eddy current, 16 levels
- Console: 19 programs, 4 user profiles, recovery
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The Stamina 345 upright bike features a steel frame with a small footprint, great for apartment use. With all the
parts assembled, the bike is approx. 37.4″ (95 cm) long, and 19.7″ (50 cm) wide, while its handlebars reach approx. 50.1″ (127 cm) above floor level. It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance all around the bike, for ease of access and safe usage.
The bike is not super heavy. Its net weight is approx. 72 lbs (32.6 kg) so while still boxed, it can be carried by only one person. Once out of the box and assembled, the bike is even easier to move as its front base stabilizer is equipped with a set of transport wheels. Also, the rear stabilizer features a set of polygonal caps that rotate and can act as levelers.
The bike’s frame combines oval, rectangular, and cylindrical tubes in its construction for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. All the steel parts are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, the only exceptions being the seat post which is chrome-plated.
The main body of the bike with all the drive and resistance elements is protected by a set of large guards made of durable thermoplastic material. The small guard at the base of the front upright bar of the machine also integrates a bottle holder.
Seat and handlebar
The Stamina 345 upright exercise bike includes a pretty standard saddle. Its internal shell is made of durable 
nylon material while its top cover is made of high-density gem. The saddle is a bit larger than the average bike seat. It has a bit of contouring for improved breathability.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers 7 adjustment positions while its horizontal slider adds a few extra inches of front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension. Taller persons should still be able to use this bike but they may not benefit from a complete range of motion. Also, the seat is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 250 lbs (113.3 kg).
The bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. Its side grips are fairly long and have an inner curvature at the front. They are coated with a layer of PVC foam material for improved contact. They also integrate pulse sensors and the included console can track your pulse.
The handlebar is angle-adjustable. It attaches to the front post of the bike with a small knob that allows you to easily untighten it, adjust its angle, and re-tighten it in its place. However, the upright post does not offer any adjustability.
Resistance system
The Stamina 345 upright bike is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means that you 
must connect it to an external power source in order to power up the console and adjust the resistance. A standard US-type 3-prong adapter is included with the bike. Its output is 9V / 500 mA.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake and a small servo motor that connects it to the console. Thus, when you adjust the resistance from the console, or when one of the programs automatically adjusts the resistance, the motor moves the brake closer or farther from the flywheel. This increases or decreases the pedaling load.
Needless to say, the main advantage of a magnetic brake is that the tension elements do not touch. Thus, the pedaling motion is very smooth, with zero drag, and whisper-quiet as well. Also, the wear-and-tear of the brake is virtually zero.
The bike offers 16 levels of resistance. The 1-3 difficulty levels offer light resistance, great for recovery training or a light warm-up. The 7-10 levels are great for toning leg muscles and improving strength and stamina. And finally, the 10-16 levels allow you to achieve a higher calorie burn and an increased cardiovascular rate in a shorter period of time.
Drive system
The internal flywheel of the Stamina 345 exercise bike is perimeter-weighted. This type of construction is meant
to improve inertia and add stability to the pedaling motion. Its exact weight is not specified, but considering that the overall weight of the bike is less than 75 lbs (34 kg), the flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg). The flywheel is also bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want.
The bike is equipped with a dual belt drive system. One belt connects the crank pulley to an intermediary smaller pulley, while the second belt connects the flywheel to the intermediary pulley. This type of dual belt drive improves motion stability as well, and also adds a bit of difficulty to the ride.
The integrated belts have a poly-v design for improved traction. Evidently, since there is no chain involved, the unit’s drive system does not require periodic lubrication.
The bike features a set of large crank arms which are concealed by two large discs made of thermoplastic material. The pedals are plastic-made as well. They have a textured surface and adjustable straps for improved foot stability. They are also weighted, so they always self-level if you remove your feet from them.
Even though the bike’s crank assembly is pretty durable, the bike is not made for pedaling while standing up or spin workouts. Even if it may hold you with no problem, this type of workouts is not recommended as it may damage the internal parts and result in much higher wear and tear for the pedals.
Console
The Stamina 345 is equipped with a mid-range console. It features a multi-window LCD display with blue LED
backlight for improved readability. It tracks time, speed, RPM, distance, calories, watts, and pulse. Speed and distance are shown in English units (mph and miles). The pulse reading function is grip contact only. In order for the console to read your pulse, you have to hold on to the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars. The console cannot read the pulse from a wireless transmitter.
The console is not compatible with any fitness apps and does not have Bluetooth connectivity. However, it has plenty of programs to keep you motivated. To begin with, it has a Manual Mode which allows you to adjust the resistance as you like during the workout. The next 12 programs are pre-set. These adjust the resistance automatically. They have different layouts and cover various types of workouts. There’s also a Watt Control program. And finally, there 4 heart rate programs, three pre-set for 55%, 75%, and 90% heart rate, while the fourth is custom.
The console offers target setting functions for time, distance, calories, and watts. If you select a target for time, distance, and calories, it will count down from the selected value until you reach zero and complete your current goal. The watt target is a bit different. If you choose a watt target, the console will automatically adjust the resistance in order to keep you close to the selected target watt.
A Body Fat function and a Recovery function are also available. These have quick access keys on the console. The Body Fat function calculates your Body Mass Index based on your data input (age, gender, height, weight). The Recovery function counts your pulse at the end of the workout and determines your fitness level rating it between F1 – excellent, and F6 – poor.
Assembly and Maintenance
The base body of the bike comes pre-assembled. The drive and resistance elements are already in place, attached to the main frame, and concealed by the plastic guards. You only need to attach the two base stabilizers, the seat post, the seat, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the console, and the pedals. This may take more than an hour of your time, but the process is fairly simple. Also, the manual provides clear assembly instructions, and all the tools for it are included.
The bike’s internal parts are pre-lubricated from the factory and should not require any maintenance for a long period of time. Therefore, in terms of maintenance, you only have to keep the bike clean, wipe the sweat that may fall onto the frame at the end of the workout, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Elegant design;
- Large padded seat, four-way adjustable;
- Angle-adjustable handlebars;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebars;
- Weighted pedals, with adjustable straps for extra stability;
- Motorized magnetic resistance – 16 levels;
- Multi-function console with a backlit LCD display;
- 12 pre-set programs;
- 4 HRC programs;
- 2 user profiles;
- 1 Watt program;
- Body Fat and Recovery functions;
- Goal settings for time, distance, watts, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Basically maintenance-free;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the necessary assembly tools are included;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No online connectivity;
- No Bluetooth function;
- A tablet placed on the device holder may cover the console display.
Summary
The Stamina 345 is an upright bike made for home use. It is equipped with a 16-level motorized magnetic resistance system, a 4-way adjustable seat, and a console with multiple workout programs. It’s an exercise bike for users of all levels, for light to intense cardio training, recovery training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.