In contrast to many of the best exercise bikes for dwelling use, the Diamondback 1260sc contains a rear-mounted flywheel paying homage to the workhorse fashions present in high-end spin class studios. Bikes like these are frequent in heavy-usage settings for a motive — they last more. How does a rear flywheel help longevity? By avoiding the drip-drop of sweat from the regular stream of gymgoers or at-home health fans climbing aboard.
Not solely can the 1260sc’s design assist it keep away from the corrosion usually introduced on by perspiration, however its hefty metal construct additionally has our workforce pondering it’s in it for the lengthy haul. After two of our workforce members put it to the take a look at over all types of exercises, we additionally suppose anybody on the lookout for a rock-solid train bike may benefit from the identical kind of spin bike you’ve been coveting out of your cycle class. Take a look at what our testers, together with a licensed private coach, found in our full Diamondback 1260sc overview. And for extra particulars on how we take a look at all of our merchandise, head over to the BarBend equipment testing methodology.
Diamondback Health 1260sc Indoor Cycle
Diamondback Health 1260sc Indoor Cycle
With a rear-mounted 31-pound flywheel, it could assist keep away from corrosion introduced on by moisture from sweat or drinks. The adjustment lever for the 16 ranges of magnetic resistance can permit for easy adjustment and its user-powered design requires no electrical energy.
Predominant Takeaways
- The rear-wheel drive system helps keep away from corrosion over time.
- You’ll be able to observe your metrics on the LCD display screen — however at this worth, we might usually anticipate a touchscreen.
- Per our tester, its heavy flywheel and metal body ought to enhance its long-term sturdiness.
Diamondback 1260sc Specs
| Worth | $1,199 |
| Product Dimensions | 50″ H x 59″ L x 23″ W |
| Show | LCD display screen |
| Product Weight | 130lbs |
| Weight Capability | 300lbs |
| Resistance | 16 ranges of magnetic resistance |
Whenever you step inside a high-end spin class studio for the primary time, it’s possible you’ll be stunned to see some backward-looking train bikes. Most fashions meant in your dwelling place the flywheel within the entrance of the body, however bikes that see fixed use (like these in a studio) are inclined to favor the identical rear-wheel drive design of the Diamondback 1260sc. So, what’s the distinction? Primarily, when a flywheel is situated behind the rider, it could keep away from corrosion or different injury wrought by dripping sweat or condensation dangling from the water bottle holder.
Sounds easy sufficient. However as our tester, a licensed private coach, notes, this metal construct and design is exclusive even among the many best commercial exercise bikes. “The principle factor with the 1260sc is certainly the belt-drive system powering the rear-mounted flywheel. It’s the precise kind you’d discover in a spin class,” they clarify, noting the “sc” within the moniker stands for “studio cycle.” As a result of bikes like this see a lot use in a studio setting, rear flywheel placement permits the mechanics to keep away from as a lot corrosion as attainable.
On the 1260sc, it’s not simply the design that helps it stand as much as a lot use. “General, it appears like one of many sturdiest bikes I’ve used,” they add. “The body is all metal, plus the heavy (very heavy!) flywheel simply creates such a easy experience. Having so many sturdy supplies means it ought to final for a extremely very long time.”
Should you have been taking it for spin in a, effectively, spin class, there wouldn’t be a lot want for an enormous touchscreen to take your eyes off the teacher. Such is the case with Diamondback’s at-home studio cycle. In contrast to different high-end, domicile-focused bikes just like the NordicTrack S22i, right here you’ll discover a easy LCD display screen instead of the flashy shows discovered on the best exercise bikes with screens. “It’s a small, small display screen, but it surely does what it does effectively. It reveals your coronary heart fee, distance, energy, time, watt output, and all the things else you’d want to trace in a exercise,” our tester provides.
After spending a lot time with the Diamondback 1260sc in our facility, our two testers are digging their ft into the toe cages and preventing over who will get to carry it dwelling. “I’m going to attempt to sneak dwelling to my very own storage health club,” certainly one of them says. Learn on to see what else they need to share in our full Diamondback 1260sc overview.
Execs
Rear-mounted flywheel design can enhance longevity
Fast and simple lever-adjusted magnetic resistance
Requires no electrical energy, which is an enormous enhance for environmentally-conscious shoppers
Cons
Costly for an train bike with no display screen
Clicking noise of the adjustment lever could also be distracting
Fewer than common resistance ranges
Who Ought to Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Diamondback 1260sc
Whereas our workforce has beautiful issues to say in regards to the Diamondback 1260sc, it might not be a very good match for everybody. Right here’s a fast have a look at who we expect would possibly most (and least) profit from including this bike to their dwelling health club.
Really helpful for:
- These on the lookout for a studio-level high quality bike that may final
- Anybody who v
- alues a sturdy construct and stability at excessive speeds
- Athletes centered on metrics over streaming exercises
Not Really helpful for:
- Somebody inquisitive about following digital programming from the best workout apps
- Folks that want a rotating adjustment knob as an alternative of a lever
- Customers who could also be working with a restricted price range
Our Expertise Coaching With the Diamondback 1260sc
After saddling up on over 40 train bikes, the BarBend workforce of triathletes, licensed private trainers, and each day commuters know what goes into a high quality mannequin. Two of our testers put the Diamondback 1260sc by means of the wringer, assigning scores of 1 (lowest) to five (highest) throughout a number of classes, like sturdiness, tech capabilities, and portability so as to add concrete rankings to our expertise. Take a look at what they needed to say about their time with this studio-quality train bike.
Metal Construct
All through our time with the Diamondback 1260sc, one factor turned obvious — this factor is rock stable. “The heavy-duty metal body simply feels so sturdy even at excessive speeds,” says our tester. To bolster that metal, Diamondback layered on industrial powder coating that goals to withstand chipping and assist stave off corrosion. Mixed with the strengthened SPD pedals and cranks, our tester charges its general sturdiness 5 out of 5.
At almost 5 ft lengthy and a couple of ft huge, it does eat up a bit extra ground house than your common indoor bike. Should you can think about dropping a typical recliner into your storage health club, that’s about how a lot house you’ll want. (1) The 130-pound weight additionally tracks with high-end bikes just like the Peloton Bike, however so long as you don’t plan on wheeling it round too typically, the added stability could also be a worthy tradeoff.
Whenever you do must roll it out of sight, our tester says that Diamondback gives a useful resolution. “It’s actually not compact,” they be aware, ranking its footprint and portability 4 out of 5. “However I really like that it has a handlebar on the entrance of the bottom. I simply needed to squat down, carry with the bar, and roll it away on the transport wheels. Because it’s heavier than most train bikes, I recognize that they added this.”
Additionally, as a result of it's totally user-powered, you gained’t be tethered to an outlet. “I liked having the ability to simply transfer it into the lounge to observe TV and it additionally reduces noise much more,” provides one other tester, a licensed private coach.
[Related: Best Portable Exercise Bikes]
Rear-Wheel Drive Design
The 1260sc makes use of a real-wheel design that you simply’ll typically see in a spin studio. “There’s a motive that gyms and cycle studios want these and it’s the identical motive I do — no sweat on the flywheel,” they clarify. The bikes in standard studios see heavy, fixed use from many perspiring riders, so to maintain that salty moisture away from the mechanical components of the bike, they have an inclination to favor sturdy bikes that place the flywheel behind the behinds of the customers. (2)
On the Diamondback 1260sc, the flywheel is sort of heavy, weighing in at 31 kilos. On the whole, a heavier flywheel can generate extra momentum, creating smoother transitions between resistance ranges and decreasing the wobbling some bikes expertise at excessive speeds.
Adjustability and Customizations
Virtually the entire best magnetic exercise bikes make the most of the identical resistance system — a metal flywheel with a magnet on both sides. Whenever you enhance the resistance setting, these magnets creep nearer to the flywheel, making it more durable to spin, making you pedal more durable…you get the image. Typically, these settings are managed with a rotating knob just under the seat or digitally by way of buttons on the console.
Not so on the Diamondback 1260sc. Its distinctive system employs a small lever simply beneath the handlebars that merely clicks up or down to change the resistance. “This completely stunned me, however I feel I want this lever to an everyday resistance knob,” our tester says. Within the warmth of a dash or interval exercise, reaching a couple of inches under the handlebars will be a lot simpler than reaching towards your knees to seize and switch the everyday knob. “It modified actual fast, and although it makes a clicking noise, it didn’t trouble me in any respect,” they add, scoring its adjustability 5 out of 5.
So far as the seat goes, our tester says that if anybody’s buns are certified to talk to cushioning, it’s theirs. “I’m fairly well-versed in train bike seats and I feel the 1260sc’s cushioning strikes a very good steadiness,” they are saying, noting that many seats gained’t be precisely comfy. “You don’t need an excessive amount of or too little and that is about nearly as good because it will get.” The seat place can be adjusted vertically and horizontally, accommodating riders — like our 5-foot-9-inch tester — standing between 5 ft 2 inches and 6 ft 5 inches.
Tech Capabilities
Whereas the value tag on the Diamondback 1260sc approaches what we see on among the best exercise bikes with virtual courses, it really makes use of a reasonably easy LCD display screen. It makes use of ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity to sync up with units like coronary heart fee screens or health trackers, and regardless of its lack of digital programming choices, it garners a 4 out of 5 from our tester.
“The digital console is smaller than another high-end bikes I’ve used, but it surely reveals you all the things you want,” they are saying. Maintaining tabs in your time, distance, and energy burned could also be all you want, but when it is advisable recruit your individual display screen for some third-party coaching, you may slot one in above the handlebars. “The truth that the pill holder doesn’t cowl the console additionally lets me see each on the similar time,” our tester provides.
“It’s actually not Peloton-level tech-wise, but it surely reveals me the necessities,” they are saying. It solely takes a couple of faucets and some seconds to attach your individual system, so if you happen to want a digital studio class, at the least you may fireplace up the best cycling apps, like Zwift or Garmin, and observe alongside on a high quality bike.
What to Take into account Earlier than Shopping for the Diamondback 1260sc
As with every train bike, you’ll want to contemplate whether or not what you’re getting from the Diamondback 1260sc is definitely worth the cash and ground house it requires. Take a look at what BarBend knowledgeable reviewer and authorized private coach Amanda Capritto recommends contemplating bringing this rear-wheel drive choice dwelling.
- Rear-Wheel Design: Putting the flywheel within the rear of the body may help scale back corrosion by letting sweat or bottle condensation fall harmlessly to the ground as an alternative of within the mechanics of your bike. Take into account how a lot use your 1260sc would possibly see and whether or not this could be a serious concern for you.
- Resistance Kind: The 16 ranges of magnetic resistance of the 1260sc will be ultimate for constructing momentum and replicating the texture of a highway bike, however as Capritto notes, there are alternate options. “Air bikes are powered by the consumer, with a fan flywheel that creates resistance.” With the consumer’s effort driving the resistance, contemplate whether or not you’ll be doing extra interval-based rides or settling in for a long-distance cardio exercise.
- Tech Capabilities: “For upright bikes, you’ll discover that there are two distinct camps: These with out big touchscreen shows, and people with them,” Capritto explains. Earlier than going with the 1260sc, resolve how necessary its lack of a built-in touchscreen is in your supposed coaching.
- Funds: Whereas the 1260sc could be very steady throughout use, shelling out almost $1,200 is loads for a motorbike with out a lot tech. Take into account how an expense this massive would possibly squeeze into your price range.
Diamondback 1260sc Vs. Opponents
For a little bit of context and a glimpse at what else is on the market, we lined up the Diamondback 1260sc towards two different related fashions — one rear-wheel and one front-wheel. Whereas the Sunny Well being & Health Magnetic Rear Belt Drive Stationary Bike might not match the durability of the 1260sc, it does ring up for about $500 much less. Then, the NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike simply eclipses the value tags of the opposite two, but it surely sports activities an enormous HD touchscreen that streams digital programming from iFIT. Take a more in-depth have a look at the specs on these three high quality train bikes to assist resolve if the 1260sc could also be a very good match for you.
| Diamondback 1260sc | Sunny Well being & Health Magnetic Rear Belt Drive Stationary Bike | NordicTrack Industrial S22i | |
| Worth | $1,199 | $699.99 | $1,999 |
| Product Dimensions | 50″ H x 59″ L x 23″ W | 54.3” H x 53.2” L x 23.6” W | 58” H x 61” L x 22” W |
| Show | LCD display screen | LCD display screen | 22” HD touchscreen |
| Product Weight | 130lbs | 89.3lbs | 205lbs |
| Weight Capability | 300lbs | 300lbs | 350lbs |
| Resistance | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic |
Learn our full Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Bike Review.
Ordering and Assembling the Diamondback 1260sc
Ordering the Diamondback 1260sc is easy sufficient — add to cart, try, and anticipate supply. If it is advisable unfold out your cost, you may apply for financing by means of Affirm to see if you happen to qualify for month-to-month funds as little as $100.
Because of its 130-pound whole weight, our tester recommends enlisting an additional set of arms. “Placing it collectively is definitely fairly easy, however simply bear in mind this factor is heavy,” they are saying, ranking the supply and setup course of 4 out of 5. “About 90% of the bolts are pre-installed, so it’s a easy construct. You'll be able to, although, add skilled meeting for about $250.”
Locations to Purchase the Diamondback 1260sc
You may get the Diamondback 1260sc on their web site or by means of ForceUSA.
Model Repute and Buyer Opinions
Diamondback could also be identified for manufacturing among the best beginner mountain bikes, however the commercial-grade 1260sc can actually cling with prime indoor biking bikes. We love that they provide free delivery on their at-home health gear, as effectively. The shopper rankings on the product web page (which ought to at all times be taken with a grain of salt) common 4.8 out of 5, plus many critiques spotlight the sturdiness of the construct and stability throughout use. To achieve their buyer care workforce, you may go to the contact web page on their web site to e mail or name straight.
Warranties
When bought by means of ForceUSA, you’ll get warranties masking the body (lifetime), shifting components (10 years), and attachments (1 12 months).
Closing Ideas on the Diamondback 1260sc
Give it some thought. The train bikes present in spin class studios see a gradual stream of riders all day, each day. So, they should be constructed to final. The Diamondback 1260sc (“sc” is brief for “studio cycle”) makes use of the identical rear-flywheel design and sturdy metal frames as a lot of these hard-working bikes. Limiting the buildup of dripping sweat within the internal workings of the belt-drive system may help your bike keep away from the corrosion that will put on down the heavy-duty components that make your go-bike go.
It does lack the glitz and glamour of immersive touchscreens that pump out digital exercises, however for critical coaching and a steady experience at excessive speeds, the 1260sc stands out as a approach to carry a studio-quality bike dwelling. Our workforce loves that this environment friendly machine doesn’t require electrical energy — solely the self-generated energy of the rider. Our Diamondback 1260sc overview unpacks all that this high-quality indoor bike brings to the desk, so take a more in-depth look to see if it would be just right for you.
Diamondback 1260sc Assessment FAQs
What's the consumer weight capability on the Diamondback Health 1260sc?
The Diamondback 1260sc helps customers as much as 300 kilos. This rear-wheel studio cycle additionally boasts a metal body with industrial powder coating, in addition to strengthened pedals and cranks.
What's the proper bike body dimension for my peak?
This studio-quality bike can accommodate many customers that stand from 5 ft 2 inches to six ft 5 inches. Its adjustable seat strikes vertically and horizontally, serving to you pinpoint the place that finest works for you.
Is the Diamondback Health 1260sc Studio Cycle definitely worth the cash?
Our workforce charges the worth of the Diamondback 1260sc 4 out of 5. Whereas it’s a bit expensive for an train bike that lacks a display screen, it might be a very good choice for these trying to carry dwelling the kind of heavy-duty bike they might discover of their spin class.
References
- Minasian, Okay. (2018, September 7). How one can measure your house for a recliner. Residing Areas. https://www.livingspaces.com/inspiration/ideas-advice/shopping-basics/how-to-measure-your-space-for-a-recliner
- GirlBikeLove. (2023b, October 23). Rear vs. entrance flywheel train bikes: Is there any distinction?. YouTube. https://youtu.be/-EsnFy1XGQE