| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spinner L3 Check Discounted Price | L:48" W:18" H:42" | 250 lbs | 31 lbs | Friction | No |
The Spinner L3 is an authentic Mad Dogg Athletics spin bike. It’s a mid-range indoor cycling trainer made for home use but has an excellent, sturdy construction. In terms of specs, it’s similar to the Spinner S5 model, but this one is part of the LifeStyle series which was released in 2017, so it’s basically a newer model.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 48L x 18W x 42H inches (122L x 46W x 107H cm)
- Assembled weight: 96 lbs (43.5 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 31 lbs (14 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: Dual-sided
- Drive mechanism: Chain
- Resistance: Friction, felt-pad
- Fitness meter: No
- Accessories: Bottle holder, 4 workout DVDs
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The Spinner L3 LifeStyle Series spin bike features durable steel frame made to support all spin workouts. Its joints are precision-welded, and all the bars in its construction are double-coated
with a rust-resistant and chip-resistant powder finish. The color used for the frame is black, with the SPIN logo painted white. The S series bike has “Spinning” painted on them. Also, the upright seat post and its slider, along with the upright handlebar post feature a chrome finish.
As opposed to the Spinner S5, this bike has a completely black chain cover. It’s also the only major non-metallic part in the bike construction; it only has a protective role, without affecting the unit’s overall sturdiness.
One important aspect that needs to be mentioned with regards to this bike, is the step-up bar, welded above the crank. This is an element that not all indoor cycling bikes have. Not only that it can help with entry and exit, it can also serve as a support point for leg stretches or as a step-up element for various spin workouts.
This exercise bike is slightly larger than the ones in the Spin series. It’s 48″ (122 cm) long, and 18″ (46 cm) wide. This being said, it doesn’t take too much space and can be used even in a smaller room. It’s recommended, however, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it. Also, with the handlebar extended at maximum, the unit’s highest point reaches approx. 42″ (107 cm) above floor level.
Although it’s not an extremely heavy item of fitness equipment, this exercise bike does weigh approx. 96 lbs (43.5 kg), which is twice the weight of the average road bike. This weight plays an important role in the unit’s overall stability. Plus, both its rear and front base bars have large levelers with rubber pads.
The bike doesn’t have a folding design. But once it is assembled it’s not too difficult to relocate. Its front bars has two large transport wheels for this matter.
Seat and handlebars
The Spinner L3 spin bike features a 4-way adjustable seat. Its upright bar offers several adjustment positions while the horizontal slider provides several more inches of fore/aft travel. Therefore, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’4″. (153 – 193 cm). It’s also durable
enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113.3 kg).
The saddle itself has a standard design so you can easily find a replacement for it if it’s the case. It doesn’t provide exceptional comfort, but it is slightly thicker than the average spin bike seat and does integrate a layer of padding. It can also be slightly tilted forward or backward, but for this, you will two wrenches. Its horizontal and upright adjustment is easily done via the two large knobs.
The handlebar has a multi-grip design, integrating a small aero bar. There are two bottle/accessory holders included with the bike, one of them for the frame bar, and one of them that can be attached to the aero bar. The handlebar assembly is only 2-way adjustable (up, down), but does offer 6 adjustment positions. It is completely covered by a sheet of high-density foam material to provide a non-slip grip and protect the hands from damage during longer workouts.
Drive system
The Spinner L3 LifeStyle Series exercise bike integrates a mid-range, 31 lbs (14 kg) flywheel which is inertia-enhanced, in order to provide a consistent momentum and a steady pedaling motion. It’s bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want. And here, it’s important to mention 
that since the bike has friction resistance, when pedaling in reverse the resistance will remain the same, given by the amount of friction that the resistant pad delivers.
This spin bike is equipped with a chain drive system. This comes with several advantages. First of all, it’s durable and with proper care, it can last a lifetime. Second of all, in case it sustains damage somehow, you can find a replacement in any bike shop, as it is basically a standard bike chain. The main downside for a chain drive is that you have to lubricate it periodically, to prevent it from catching rust or locking links.
Since it’s a bike designed for spinning workouts, the Spinner L3 is equipped with a very solid 3-piece crankset. It features solid steel crank arms and can hold without a problem users up to 250 lbs (113.3 kg), in complete standing up pedaling routines. The pedals are also metallic and highly durable. As opposed to the Spinner S3 model, they are dual-sided, with toe cages and straps on one side, and SPD clips for spin shoes on the other. They also have standard 9/16 threads so replacements for them are highly available.
One last aspect to mention here regards the bike’s Q-Factor. This exercise bike has a fairly narrow Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals), of approx. 150 mm. This being said, it promotes a natural positioning of the feet on the pedals, which eliminates the lateral stress on the knees and ankles.
Resistance system
The Spinner L3 indoor cycling trainer features a manual friction resistance system, which consists of a felt brake pad attached to the tension dial integrated into the main tube of the frame. When
you turn the knob, the pad applies more or less friction to the flywheel, which results in a higher or lesser difficulty of pedaling.
The tension dial also fulfills the role of an emergency brake. You can press it down to quickly stop the flywheel from spinning if needed. This is actually recommended to do in order to prevent injuries, as the pedals continue to spin for as long at the flywheel is spinning, and as we’ve mentioned above, the flywheel can build quite some momentum.
The bike’s tension knob doesn’t have pre-determined resistance settings or “clicks” as most bikes with magnetic resistance. You simply tighten the knob until you obtain the pedal tension adequate for your training.
Accessories
This exercise bike doesn’t come with a fitness meter. There are several models available separately, though. The only accessories that come with it are the bottle holder, which we’ve described above, and a set of DVDs with spin workouts.
The DVDs 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. The DVDs include Ultimate Energy, Train and Tone, Turn and Burn, and Maximum Results workouts.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s main frame comes pre-assembled. In other words, the flywheel, the crank, the chain drive, and the brake are already attached to the main frame. All you have to do is attach the base bars, the seat post, the seat, the handlebar post, the handlebar, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 20 min. All the tools for assembly are included, and the manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions.
In terms of maintenance, the most important aspect is the chain lubrication. The manual provides clear instructions for this and the lubricants that you should be using. The brake pad may also require a bit of lubrication if it generates noise when in contact with the flywheel. Other than this, it’s recommended to periodically inspect the bike for loose bolts or damaged parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel construction – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Rubberized levelers on all 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;
- 2-way adjustable handlebars;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Quiet, smooth and durable chain drive;
- Inertia-enhanced flywheel;
- Basically limitless resistance settings;
- Bottle holder included;
- 4 free DVDs with different spin workouts included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Really easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No fitness meter.
Summary
The Spinner L3 is a home-use authentic spin bike. It’s equipped with a 31 lbs flywheel, friction resistance, a durable chain drive, and dual sided pedals. It has excellent micro-adjustability for the seat and handlebars and can accommodate users up to 6’4″ (193 cm). It’s an excellent trainer for all kinds of spin workouts, from light to intense, interval training, stamina development and weight loss. And finally, it’s not an expensive spin bike offering great value for the price.