The Stamina 15-4600A is a budget-priced recumbent exercise bike aimed at novice users and those who are looking to only occasionally exercise at home; if you demand a regular vigorous workout from this bike, you likely will be disappointed. While the Stamina 15-4600A does deliver a sturdy, comfortable enough ride, it features only eight resistance levels, none of which will test experienced exercisers.

Despite its budget price, we find the Stamina 15-4600A to be solidly constructed; its heavy-duty steel tubing makes for a wobble free ride. The wide pedals and well-padded seat are comfortable, and the recumbent design of the bike offers plenty of lower back support. We are also impressed with the quiet operation of this exercise bike; the magnetic resistance works smoothly and quietly enough to allow you to enjoy exercising in front of the TV without having to crank up the volume and disturb your neighbors or other members of your family.

As you would expect from a budget-priced exercise bike, the 15-4600A lacks any programmed workouts. The electronic monitor is battery powered and displays basic functions such as distance, speed, calories burned, exercise time and RPM. Resistance is adjusted by simply dialing a knob to one of eight different settings. Even at the highest resistance setting, experienced exercisers will struggle to obtain a challenging exercise routine. The 15-4600A also lacks any kind of heart rate monitoring, so in order to work out within your target heart rate zone, you'll need to obtain a separate device or monitor your heart rate manually.

This model features integrated transport wheels, which allows you to easily move the bike in and out of storage. With its compact design and small footprint, this bike can even be permanently situated in a bedroom or living room without taking up too much space. The limited warranty offered by Stamina on this exercise bike covers parts for only 90 days, which might give an indication of the long-term reliability of this unit.

For the budget-conscious exerciser who is just starting a routine or who intends to use the bike for only occasional workouts at home, the Stamina 15-4600A offers a comfortable but unchallenging ride.


Pros: Inexpensive, magnetic resistance, quiet operation, sturdy design
Cons: Highest-level resistance offers only limited challenge for experienced users, no programmed workouts, no heart rate monitor, long-term reliability is a question

Warranty
5 years, frame; 90 days, parts