Diamondback 1260Sr Recumbent Bike Review
The Diamondback 1260Sr Recumbent Bike offers comfortable rides with a wide range of challenge levels and interactive training connectivity.
Diamondback 1260Sr Recumbent Bike Specs
| Rating | 7 |
|---|---|
| Type | Recumbent |
| Console display | LED |
| Resistance | 32 Levels |
| Seat type | Adjustable |
| Programs | 15 |
| Flywheel | 25 lbs. |
| Weight capacity | 350 LBS |
| Dimensions | 67" L x 30" W x 48" H |
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews
Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Diamondback 1260Sr
At ExerciseBike.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of exercise bikes so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the exercise bikes we review. We install them, ride them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every exercise bike we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles riding. We listen and record the sound of the unit, try out all aspects of the console and try the bike’s features.
Every exercise bike we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think.
Our reviewers are exercise bike and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at exercise bikes, has been on this bike, and you can trust his opinion on all of the bikes he reviews.
Now discontinued from production, the Diamondback 1260Sr remains available for sale at online retailers and as a clearance model in some brick-and-mortar stores. If you happen to find one, keep in mind this is still a very comfortable recumbent bike built to light-commercial standards. I really liked this model when it was in production and see now reason to discount it as a potential used model. As well as being suitable for general cardiovascular training, strength training, and calorie burn, it’s ideal for gentle rehabilitative exercise. Although the sturdy frame can handle intense workouts, it was designed with comfort in mind. There’s adjustability at every angle, and a range of other comfort features built in. Highlights include 32 levels of quiet magnetic resistance from a 25-pound flywheel, wireless heart-rate-monitoring capability, and Bluetooth connectivity for audio and linking your bike to a variety of fitness apps. Here are some of the main pros and cons of the Diamondback 1260Sr.
The Great
- Smooth and Quiet: The 1260Sr has 32 levels of smooth and quiet magnetic resistance, enough to keep most trainees challenged as they progress.
- Comfort: This bike was built for comfort. It has a chair-like seat which offers good lumbar support and overall stability. It also has an easy step-through frame. All aspects are adjustable, from the handlebars to the seat to the toe straps. There’s also rear handlebar controls for you to adjust the resistance without reaching for the console.
- Exercise Data: Although it’s not a fancy screen, the LED display still tracks, displays, and saves all your essential workout stats. This includes WATT output, RPM, calories, time, distance, load, speed, and heart rate.
- Interactive Training: The 1260sr can connect to any BLE FTMS compatible app or wearable technology. BLE FTMS can connect to Apple iOS and Android, enabling third-party fitness apps such as SPIVI, Zwift, Rouvy, and Myzone. This means you can keep on top of your stats in your favorite apps and track your progress.
- Controllable: The 1260Sr console can automatically adjust the resistance throughout WATT and heart-rate-controlled workout programs. This allows for optimal training sessions. Note, the console can only take control of the bike’s resistance in these specific onboard programs. Third-party apps cannot control the bike’s resistance as you may have seen on some other smart trainers. In a Zwift ride, for example, the app can’t automatically change the resistance to match the varying terrain of the virtual ride.
- Preset Fitness Programs: The console features 15 preset workouts. This includes 12 preset programs, unlimited custom-user programs, heart-rate-controlled training, watt, fitness test, and more. It has a one-click resistance dial so you can amend your resistance without disrupting the flow of your workout.
- Wireless Heart-Rate Monitoring: As well as heart-rate contact sensors, the 1260Sr has a Polar compatible wireless heart-rate receiver for you to use with your own chest strap (not included). This is especially useful in the heart-rate-controlled workout programs.
- Bluetooth Audio: The 1260Sr’s onboard speakers are Bluetooth enabled. You can also plug in your iPad, iPhone, iPod or other mp3 device to stream your favorite workout playlists.
- Tablet Holder: The 1260Sr has a tablet holder so you can dock your device securely for interactive training. It also has a USB charging port so you can keep them fully charged.
- Water Bottle Holder: Keep your water within arm’s reach in one of the cup holders on the bike’s seat sides.
- High Weight Capacity: Built to light-commercial standards, the 1260Sr can hold up to 350 pounds.
- Warranty: Like all Diamondback bikes, the 1260Sr has a good enough warranty for its price point. It includes five years of coverage for the frame and braking, three years for the parts and electronics, and a year of labor. Wear and tear items are only covered for 90 days.
The Not-So-Great
- Not for Shorter People: Diamondback recommends this bike for people who are 5’3″ to 6’7″. Those who are 5′ 2″ and under may feel that the pedals are placed too far away.
- Assembly: We’ve noted that in customer reviews, although assembly is meant to be ‘light’, this isn’t always the case. It could easily take a few hours to assemble, and may need a couple of people to help as the bike needs to be moved into odd positions.
- Large Size: Recumbent bikes tend to take up more floor space than upright bikes. The 1260Sr is 67″ by 30″.
- Bring Your Own Tech: The LED display is fine for tracking your basic workout stats, but if you want to train interactively you’ll have to bring your own tablet.
- Discontinued Model: As a discontinued model, getting parts and service might be a challenge.
Who Should Ride the Diamondback 1260Sr Recumbent Bike?
Recumbent bikes are suitable for a wide variety of users by nature. They are designed for comfort. The 1260Sr’s adjustability at all angles, variety of challenge levels, and light-commercial quality means that it will suit most trainees. It’s good for anyone looking for a low-impact workout. You could use this bike for rehab training, if you experience chronic pain, or if you simply want a bike that’s easy on the joints. And because it’s up to light-commercial standards, it can still deliver a challenging workout. Its capability for interactive training, wireless heart-rate monitoring, and smart training (in its WATT and heart-rate programs) also makes it a safe bet for those looking for a more tech-savvy workout. These features make it a good choice for anyone who likes to keep on top of their stats using fitness apps. Just keep in mind that you have to bring your own tablet and wireless chest strap for this.
The Bottom Line
The Diamondback 1260Sr is a solid recumbent bike choice in its price category. Its variety of comfort features make it a good option for those who want to train for rehab, or anyone who wants a low-impact workout that can still deliver a punch. As it’s up to light-commercial standards, it can still handle an intense workout. It’s a bike that can keep up with you as you progress. The interactive training option allows you to take a break from the 15 pre-programmed workouts and mix up your fitness routine. This feature along with the wireless heart-rate monitoring capability and Bluetooth audio brings this bike up to scratch for 2020. Just keep in mind that it’s most comfortable for people who are average and taller heights, and best value for those that would take advantage of these tech-savvy extras. Browse more Diamondback exercise bikes and compare the models on our site.
Diamondback 1260Sr Recumbent Bike Specs
| Rating | 7 |
|---|---|
| Type | Recumbent |
| Console display | LED |
| Resistance | 32 Levels |
| Seat type | Adjustable |
| Programs | 15 |
| Flywheel | 25 lbs. |
| Weight capacity | 350 LBS |
| Dimensions | 67" L x 30" W x 48" H |
