Stamina Conversion II Rower Bike Review

Quick Take

Combo machines are hit or miss at the best of times, but the Stamina Conversion II Rower Bike is a bit of an exception to the rule. The brand is already well known for its affordable rowing machines, and by incorporating a pedal system into its magnetic drive system and adding a rigid locking system to its seat, you’re looking at a very versatile piece of equipment. Already dubbed a ‘two-in-one workout machine”, you could fairly go further and actually call it three-in-one. With the footplates installed just behind its drive unit, the rowing bar can also be used for arm and back strength training workouts. Simply stand straddling the seat rail, with your feet firmly planted on the footplates. from there you can easily and comfortably perform bicep curls, front raises, bent-over rows, and a host of other exercises. Priced at $799, this machine seems quite reasonably priced, and seems to hold up reasonably well in the long term.

Our Review

Save space and double your workout options! The Stamina Conversion II Rower/Recumbent Bike easily converts from a rowing machine to a low-impact recumbent bike; to make the change, simply adjust the seat. It’s an affordable option to help tone your heart and all major muscle groups.

An LCD computer is provided to help you track progress. It displays time, distance, calories burned and other standard readouts. Pulse can be monitored with contact sensors.

Most owners report that the Stamina Conversion II holds up well although its warranty is short (just 90 days on parts). It’s sized for riders up to 6’4” and can hold 250 pounds.

The Stamina Conversion II’s full price is $1199. Here are some pros and cons to consider about the purchase.

Positives

• Two in One: The Conversion II is unique. It’s one of the few aerobic trainers that combines the full body training of a rowing machine with the extra lower body exercise of a recumbent bike.
• Assembly: Although it’s two machines in one, the Stamina Conversion II takes about an hour to build. That’s the typical amount of time needed to assemble a recumbent exercise bike.
• Metal Frame: The Conversion II has a steel and aluminum frame. The frame can hold up to 250 pounds and has a three-year warranty.
• Space-Saving: The Stamina Conversion II is ideal for people with limited space. It is smaller than the average rowing machine when fully assembled, plus it can be quickly folded for storage. The folded dimensions are 35.5” x 20” x 56”.
• Back Support: The seat for this bike is well padded and includes a supportive back, something like an office chair. The good lumbar support lets you lean back for low-impact cycling.
• Pivoting Pedals: The pedals pivot to support a natural rowing motion.
• Data: The Stamina Conversion II Rower/Recumbent Bike displays distance, time, speed, calories and pulse.
• Quiet Operation: Magnetic resistance is friction-free, which helps the Stamina operate quietly.
• User-Generated Power: A smart transfer of energy makes this machine cord-free and battery-free. Energy for the console comes from the rider’s pedaling or paddling.
• Foldable: When folded vertically for storage, the Stamina Conversion II Rower Bike is less than 5’ high.

Negatives

Here are possible disadvantages of choosing the Stamina Conversion II rower bike.

• No Preset Programs: Most rowing machines and recumbent bikes in this price category have preset workout programs on their data monitors. None are included here, so it’s up to the rider to adjust resist.
• Inaccurate Pulse: A common complaint about this rower (and many others) is that the heart rate monitor isn’t accurate. Using a separate heart rate monitor is recommended.
• Weight Capacity: The weight capacity is 250 pounds. While that’s enough for most riders, it’s relatively light for a rowing machine and is an indicator of its overall quality.
• Short Warranty: The Stamina Conversion II Magnetic Recumbent has a three-year frame warranty, which is rather short, but we’re especially discouraged by the 90-day parts warranty. It’s not a good match for product priced at $1199.

Our Conclusion

The Stamina Conversion II Rower Bike is a good choice for somebody seeking a hybrid fitness machine. The warranty is short but the Conversion II stands up well according to customer reviews. If you’re purely dedicated to rowing there may be better options out there for you, but if versatility is of the utmost importance then this rower bike should do the trick nicely.