Diamondback 1260sc Studio Cycle Review

Quick Summary

The Diamondback 1260sc Rear Wheel Studio Cycle is a top-tier indoor cycle for your home gym. Although it’s made for residential use, it has the durability and specs you usually see on commercial-grade indoor bikes, meaning it can handle multiple riders of different sizes in the same household with ease. It has a 31-lb flywheel and 16 resistance levels—both enough to challenge even the most in-shape spinner/cyclist. It comes with a standard console that links to ANT+-compatible devices and apps.

Specifications

Model	Diamondback 1260sc
Rating Our custom rating considers all of the bike's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!	91%
List Price Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.	$1,999.99
Best Price Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the current best price. Note: MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.	$1,999
Resistance The flywheel in an exercise bike is what creates resistance. You can choose the level of resistance to increase your workout intensity.	16 Levels
Resistance Type The type of resistance shows what kind of flywheel is being used (if any), and its weight if the manufacturer provides it.	Rear mounted magnetic resistance flywheel
Type Type refers to the style of the ride: Recumbent bikes allow you to lay back, while Upright bikes are more like road bikes (lean forward).	Indoor
Drive System The bike's drive system is how your pedaling interacts with the rest of the bike (flywheel) to give you a good workout.	31 lb. Flywheel
Frame It's important to choose an exercise bike that will last, and the material of the frame determines how durable the bike is.	Standard
Seat The most important part for comfortability during your workout, the seat should be adjustable and have ample cushioning.	Spring Ride Saddle
Pedals Pedals are the driving force for an exercise bike, and should be comfortable, adjustable, and easy to control without slipping.	Dual
Programs Bike Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.	ANT+ compatible
Heart Rate Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.	yes
Display Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.	Digital Console
Max. Weight Max. User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that the bike can safely support, which can represent durability.	300 lbs
Dimensions Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this treadmill will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).	59″x 23″x 50″
Accessory Tray Some bikes include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.
Speakers
Cooling Fans
Portable? Some exercise bikes can fold up and/or have wheels that make it easy to roll them around for convenience and to save space.
Warranty The warranty is a very important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs by the manufacturer.	Parts: 3 years Labor: 1 years

Our Rating

Rating: 91/100.

The Diamondback 1260sc studio cycle is built like something you might find at a cycling studio. This means it’s both durable and sturdy, able to accommodate not just a wide variety of rider body types, but multiple riders in the same household. You can ride it hard knowing it was was built to withstand a lot of wear and tear.

The 31-lb heavy-duty flywheel provides a stable and smooth ride as you increase your speed and/or resistance. As for the 16 resistance levels, they provide a challenge for even the most conditioned rider. You can adjust the bike in several ways to maximize your comfort. The handlebars are multi-position so you can switch up how you’re holding on as you sit or stand during a ride. The cushioned seat can be moved up and down, forward and backward as well as tilted to your specifications—something you don’t find with a lot of residential bikes. You also have the option of standard or SPD clipless pedals, you just flip them over to match your preference.

The console is large enough to view the basic stats (everything you need, but no more) and there are no fancy big screens with programs here. However, it does allow for connectivity via ANT+ to apps and devices that give you access to tons of interactive programs as well as heart rate monitoring.

The power of the bike is self-generating, so you won’t have to worry about being close to an electrical outlet–why not take it outside on the porch or to the back yard for a change of scenery?

The 1260sc accommodates riders between 5’2” – 6’5” and up to 300 lbs. These wide ranges mean it will probably work for most of the family members in an active household.

Pros:

Wide Resistance Range: 16 levels
Heavy Rear Flywheel: 31 lbs (magnetic resistance)
Adjustable: The seat and the handlebars can be moved up, down, forward and backward. The seat can also be tilted.
Multi-position handlebars: Shift your position as you ride
Heart rate Receiver: Contact and wireless
Versatile pedals: Use as SPD or standard riding pedals
Easy to move: Designed to move easily with transport wheels
Easy to Read Console: The digital console provides stats on your progress (WATT output, time, distance, heart rate, RPM, calories and load)
Self-Generating Power: Ride your bike anywhere, indoors or outdoors, no need to worry about plugging it in
Connectivity: It connects to most apps and devices (iOS and Android) that monitor your activities: heart rate monitors, watches, Garmin, Wahoo, Strata, iOS apps, etc.
Broad User Weight Capacity: Up to 300 lbs
Broad User Height Range: 5’2” – 6’5”

Cons:

No Built-in Programs: Not much in the way of bells and whistles here. It will, however, let you know when to increase or decrease your RPM to attain your goals once you have set your target WATT output.

Introduction

The Diamondback 1260sc studio cycle is a residential bike made with the strength and durability of a commercial indoor bike. It is solidly built with a 31-lb flywheel. Sixteen resistance levels ensure a challenge for just about anyone, regardless of fitness level.

Workout Programs

Built-in workout programs are not included, however, you can link to various apps thanks to ANT+ and BLE FTMS compatibility. The 1260sc does provide essential stats that will help you to gauge your progress (WATT output, time, distance, heart rate, RPM, calories and load).

Diamondback 1260sc Features

Rear-mounted flywheel: The flywheel is a heavy 31 lbs, which means you can count on stability and a continuous smooth ride as you increase speed and/or resistance.

Resistance levels: 16 resistance levels—enough to challenge even an expert cyclist.

Cordless: It’s your pedaling that generates the power, so you have the option to move it around, indoors or outdoors (weather and space-permitting), without worrying about the need for an electrical outlet.

Console: The digital console, though not large, is big enough to easily read your stats.

Heart Rate Receiver: ANT+-compatible and wireless, you can keep track of your heart rate data and adjust your workouts accordingly.

Multi-position Handlebar: Whether you stand, sit or lean forward the multi-position handlebar makes for a comfortable workout.

Pedals: Great versatility with standard and SPD clipless pedals (you just flip them over). They are designed with a three-piece heavy crank, which make for smoother pedaling movements.

Saddle: The seat is extra supportive and comfortable.

Water bottle holder: Conveniently placed for easy access while riding.

User Weight Capacity: Maximum weight is 300lbs.

Warranty & Guarantee

Frame & Breaks: 5 years

Parts & Electronics: 3 years

Labor: 1 year

Wear Items (seat, handlebars, grips, pedal straps, etc.): 90 days

A 30-day money-back guarantee is also offered; but you would be responsible for return shipping costs. And if you hired someone to assemble, you would also be responsible for those charges.

Conclusion

The Diamondback 1260sc studio cycle is a good value purchase for riders that take their training seriously. Sturdy and durable, it’s built like a commercial bike that must endure different weights and fitness abilities. Not only will last a long time but it will be comfortable for a range of riders (both heights and weights). Although it doesn’t have a big screen display with on-board interactive programs, it does monitor your essential stats and can connect to devices so you can still use 3rd party apps and programs. This bike is at a higher price point, so while it’s absolutely fine for beginners, it’s better suited to riders who want to make a real investment in their at-home training routine.