| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spinner L5 Check Discounted Price | L:48" W:18" H:42" | 250 lbs | 36 lbs | Friction | No |
Although the Spinner L series was released in 2017, the indoor cycling bikes from this series are still available. In this post, we’re going to address the Spinner L5 model. This is an indoor cycling trainer designed for home use. It’s quite similar in terms of features and design to the Spinner L7 that we’ve already reviewed, but it lacks the horizontal adjustability for the handlebar. For reference, this is the spin bike part number 1547.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 48L x 18W x 42H inches (122L x 46W x 107H cm)
- Assembled weight: 100 lbs (45.3 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 36 lbs (16.3 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Chain
- Resistance: Friction, felt-pad
- Fitness meter: Not included
- Accessories: Bottle holder, 4 workout DVDs
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The Spinner L5 features a heavy-duty steel frame designed to support any type of spin workout. The frame
has a classic triangular design for optimal sturdiness and balance. All the steel parts in its construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant and sweat-resistant paint finish. The color used is black with the “SPIN” logo painted white or light gray, the only exception being the seat post, the handlebar post, and the flywheel which have a chrome finish.
An important feature that we must mention here with regards to the frame design of this bike, is the step-up bar which connects the seat tube and the main oblique tube. This bar not only can help with mounting and dismounting, but it can also help as a stretching point or step-up element which is required by certain spin workouts. Not all indoor cycling bikes have this feature, so it’s quite a plus.
The Spinner L5 does not have a folding frame, but it’s far from being a large fitness machine. It is approx. 48″ (122 cm) long, and 18″ (46 cm) wide, so it can fit even to a smaller room. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe usage.
The fully assembled bike weighs approx. 100 lbs (45.3 kg). This is more than twice the weight of the average road bike. All this weight plays an important role in the bike’s overall stability. Plus, its base bars are equipped with adjustable levelers with rubber pads which allow you to perfectly stabilize your spin bike on any type of floor.
Although the bike is fairly heavy, it is not too difficult to move once it is assembled. Its front base features a set of silicone wheels which facilitate its relocation.
There are several ABS parts in the bike’s construction as well. These are mostly covers, though, and only have a protective or cosmetic role, without affecting the overall sturdiness of the bike. Among them, we can count the chain cover and the lateral covers of the flywheel.
Seat and handlebars
The Spinner L5 exercise bike includes a pretty standard saddle. It is slightly wider than the seat of the
Spinner P3 model, for example, offering more contact surface. It has a classic, collar-based attachment system to its post which allows you to slightly tilt it backward or forward if needed. Also, due to the standard attachment system, you can easily find a compatible replacement for it, not necessarily from Mad Dogg Athletics.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, forward, backward). Its upright post offers several adjustment positions while the horizontal slider provides several more inches of front to back adjustment. This being said, the seat is designed to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 193 cm). Also, the seat assembly is durable enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg).
The Spinner L5 spin bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It features long, slightly curved up grips and a loop aero bar at the center for close grip possibilities. It is fully covered by a layer of high-density foam material to provide a secure grip. It also integrates a dual water bottle holder.
As we’ve mentioned above, the L5 does not offer horizontal adjustability for the handlebar, like the L7 model. Its handlebar only offers two-way adjustability (up, down). Its post offers several inches of adjustment.
It’s important to mention that the bike’s handlebar does not integrate pulse sensors. Therefore, if you will opt for a bike computer, you will have to use a separate device for tracking your pulse.
Resistance and drive
The L5 spin bike is equipped with a friction resistance system with manual action which consists of a felt-pad
brake attached above the bike’s flywheel. The brake is connected to the tension knob on top of the main tube of the frame. To add resistance, you simply have to turn the knob clockwise. This way, the brake pad will apply more friction to the flywheel and increase the pedaling difficulty.
Similar to other indoor cycling bikes with a friction resistance system, the Spinner L5 does not have pre-determined tension levels marked on the resistance knob. You simply tighten it until you get the pedaling difficulty you’re comfortable with. Also, this tension knob can be used as an emergency brake; you can press it down to instantly stop the flywheel from spinning.
There are two more notable aspects to mention here with regards to the bike’s brake system. One is wear-and-tear. Since the brake pad comes in contact with the spinning flywheel, it will eventually erode, and you will have to replace it. It should, however, last for at least one year, even if the bike is used daily. The second aspect regards the lubrication of the pad. This may be required if the pad emits a squeaking noise when in contact with the flywheel. It can easily be done by applying a few drops of silicone lubricant on the flywheel.
The Spinner L5 bike integrates a 36 lbs (16.3 kg) flywheel with a perimeter-weighted design in order to provide higher inertia. Although it’s a few pounds lighter than for other bikes, due to its structure, it still provides a consistent momentum and a steady pedaling motion.
The flywheel is bi-directional. This means you can pedal in reverse if you want. However, coasting is not possible on this bike as it has a simple transmission system, unlike road bikes. This being said, the pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning, so in case you want to change the pedaling direction, it is recommended to use the emergency brake to stop the flywheel first.
Since it’s a spin bike, the L5 trainer features a heavy-duty crankset. It has solid steel crank arms with metallic alloy pedals. Therefore, as long as you don’t exceed the 250 lbs (113 kg) weight limit specified for this bike, you should be able to stand up on the pedals with no problem.
The bike’s pedals are dual-sided. On one side, they have SPD clips, so in case you’re using spin shoes, you can lock them in. On the other side, they have adjustable toe cages which can provide extra stability and thrust for anyone using regular athletic shoes during their workouts.
The bike’s drive system uses a chain. This type of transmission comes with two main advantages. First of all, the chain is steel-made and with proper care, it can last a lifetime. Second of all, it’s a standard bike chain. Therefore, if by some reason it breaks, or catches severe rust due to neglect, you can find a replacement for it in any bike shop.
Of course, the chain requires periodic lubrication. However, in order to do this, you don’t have to remove the cover. It has a small space that allows you to apply oil spray onto the chain with very little hassle. The manual provides clear instructions for this particular task.
Other accessories
The Spinner L5 doesn’t include an exercise meter. The main accessories included with it are the dual bottle 
holder and a set of four DVDs that cover most spin workouts.
The bottle holder attaches to the loop aero bar on the handlebar assembly. It is spacious enough to accommodate most types of water bottles. A water bottle is not included, though.
The included DVDs are Ultimate Energy, Train and Tone, Turn and Burn, and Maximum Results workouts. They cover various spin workouts. In case you’ve never been to a spin class before, the workouts on them are quite educational, motivational and entertaining. They’re quite great to train with. They actually generate the atmosphere of a real spin class, and will considerably help with your results.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. All you have to do is add the base bars, the seat post, the seat, the handlebar post, the handlebars, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take longer than 20 minutes. All the necessary tools for the assembly task are included. Also, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions and illustrations.
In terms of maintenance, the most important aspect is the chain lubrication. Standard bike chain oil is recommended for it and the manual provides the instructions necessary for the task. Other than this, you only have to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel construction – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Rubberized levelers on both bases;
- Transport wheels included;
- Stepping pad element above the crank;
- Heavy-duty, dual-sided pedals, with SPD clips on one side and toe cages on the other;
- Comfortable, narrow Q-Factor, reducing stress on knees;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Quiet, smooth and durable chain drive;
- Inertia-enhanced flywheel;
- Basically limitless resistance settings;
- Dual bottle holder included;
- 4 free DVDs with different spin workouts included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Really easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No bike computer;
- No pulse sensors;
- The handlebar is only 2-way adjustable (up, down).
Summary
The Spinner L5 is a spin bike designed for home use. It is equipped with a friction resistance system, a 36-lb flywheel, and a chain transmission system. It includes dual-sided pedals (SPD & toe cages) and a 4-way adjustable standard seat. It’s an excellent trainer for any type of spin workout, interval training, stamina development, and weight loss.