Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness meter | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
L NOW LD-582 Check Discounted Price | L:41" W:20" H:52" | 400 lbs | Friction, felt-pad | Time, Speed, Distance, Pulse, ODO, SCAN | 1 year limited |
The L NOW CycleFire LD-582 is similar up to a certain point to the LD-577 model. However, this indoor cycle trainer is slightly lighter and comes with a less inclusive fitness meter. But on the other hand, it has a large bottle holder/tablet holder and costs several $100s less than the LD-577 model. It’s definitely a bike designed for spin workouts, having a greater weight capacity than other models, such as IRONMAN H-Class 520 or ASUNA 5100. There are many aspects to be said about this indoor cycling bike, and in this review, we’ll try to cover them all.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41L x 20W x 52H inches (104L x 51W x 132H cm)
- Assembled weight: 101 lbs (45.8 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 46 lbs (20.8 kg)
- Supported weight: 400 lbs (181 kg)
- Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Direct-contact, top-to-down felt pad
- Bottle holder: Yes
- Computer: Time, speed, RPM, distance, and pulse
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
As we’ve mentioned above, the L NOW CycleFire LD-582 is an exercise bike designed to support just about any spin workout. Therefore, it features a considerably heavy steel frame, with an assembled weight of 101 lbs (45.8 kg), twice the weight of the average mountain bike. This being said, the bike offers excellent stability. It won’t rock or wobble even if you engage in the most demanding cardio workouts. On top of that, both its bases feature adjustable stabilizers, with rubber pads, delivering a superior grip onto the floor.
The bike’s main frame features industrial grade powder coating, in a double layer, resistant to scratching and corrosion. In terms of color, there are actually two versions for the LD-582 model, one black/blue, the other white/black. For both versions, the seat and handlebar posts are chrome plated, finish which is also corrosion resistant.
Like most spinning bikes, the L NOW LD-582 indoor cycling bike is not an extremely large fitness machine. It takes only 41″L x 20″W (104 x 51 cm) of floor space. This means it’s a perfect choice for anyone who lacks storage and usage space. Also, speaking of storage, the bike’s frame does not have a folding design. But its relocation is easily done, as its front base integrates a set of transport wheels. By leaning the frame forward on its wheels, you will basically handle only approx. on third of its total weight.
Seat and handlebars
As opposed to various other indoor cycling bikes, such as the Best Fitness BFSB5 or Exerpeutic LX905, for example, the L NOW LD-582 features a larger seat, which integrates a considerably thicker padding. Differently put, the seat of this bike delivers much more comfort than the average slim seat present in most spin bikes. It also has a contoured design, with a longitudinal groove, to promote a better blood flow for the seated user.
The seat offers superior adjustability. It can be adjusted in 4 directions, front, back, up and down. Its adjustment span is designed to accommodate comfortably users between 5’0″ – 6’5″ (152 – 195.5 cm). Of course, if you’re taller, you should still be able to use this bike, but depending on your inseam, you may not benefit from a complete leg stretch. Also, when it comes to weight capacity, the seat, and basically the whole frame, are rated for users up to 400 lbs (181 kg).
The bike’s handlebar features a multi-grip design, integrating a unified aerobar. It’s completely covered by a layer of rubber foam material which delivers a comfortable and sure grip. Just as the seat, the handlebar is also 4-way adjustable.
A sizeable water bottle holder is supplied with this exercise bike, support that attaches to the middle section of the aerobar. This water bottle holder also fulfills the function of a tablet holder. It’s large enough to accommodate any tablets.
Both the seat and the handlebar feature large knobs, easy to twist and pull. Therefore, adjusting the bike for your own requirements shouldn’t take longer than one minute.
Last but not least, the handlebars integrate stainless steel pulse sensors; thus, the meter unit can track your pulse. However,
Resistance and drive systems
The L NOW CycleFire features a friction resistance system, which consists of a leather brake pad connected to the turn-knob situated on the main tube of the frame. By turning the knob clockwise, the leather pad will apply more pressure onto the flywheel, increasing resistance.
As opposed to magnetic exercise bikes, this model does not have any resistance levels specified on the knob. You simply tighten the pad onto the flywheel until you obtain the fitting resistance for your workout. Also, the resistance knob fulfills the function of an emergency brake. By pressing it down you can immediately stop the flywheel. This feature is actually necessary as the bike’s pedals will continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
This indoor cycle trainer is equipped with a belt drive system, using a heavy-duty leather belt. The flywheel is electroplated and balanced, considerably heavy, weighing 46 lbs (20.8 kg). It delivers a smooth feel and a consistent momentum. It’s also bi-directional; in other words, you can pedal in reverse. However, since this is an exercise bike and doesn’t have gears like a road bike when pedaling in reverse resistance remains the same given by the amount of pressure the brake pad applies on the flywheel. This is quite a plus, as you can diversify your workouts. Also, since the pedals will continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning, you cannot coast on it.
The bike’s crankset is extremely sturdy, featuring solid steel crank arms. It’s definitely made to withstand the whole weight of the user. The pedals are made of aluminum alloy, featuring toe cages for extra thrust. They don’t have SPD attachments for spin shoes. However, their threads are standard, so you can basically find replacements for them in any bike shop.
Exercise meter
The fitness meter supplied with this L NOW indoor cycling bike has a bit more to offer than the average basic meter. To begin with, it features a 3.4″ diagonal LCD display, with a 4-panel display. In other words, it can show four readings simultaneously. The readings feature large digits, easy to read. The unit can track time, distance, total distance (ODO), calories and pulse. It does not track the amount of revolutions-per-minute (RPMs), though. Also, distance is calculated only in kilometers, while speed is calculated only in km/h; the unit does not have miles and MPH settings.
The meter unit can read your pulse only via the sensors incorporated in the handlebars. It’s not telemetry enabled, thereby you can’t use is with a wireless HR chest-band.
The unit also has a SCAN function that rotates the bike’s metrics, showing each one on-screen for several seconds. It does not offer the possibility to input user data, such as age or weight; therefore, the calories reading is only an estimate, not being 100% accurate.
The meter unit is battery powered.
Assembly and Maintenance
Most of the bike comes pre-assembled from the factory. Its flywheel, belt, crank and resistance pad are already assembled. Therefore, assembly only requires you to mount the bike on its base stabilizer tubes, add the seat, the handlebars, the pedals, the fitness meter, and bottle support. This shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes. The manual offers concise step-by-step assembly instructions, and the tools required for assembly are included.
Since it’s a belt-drive bike, its transmission does not require any lubrication. Therefore, all you have to do for maintenance is periodically check for loose bolts and parts, and replace the resistance pad when it wears out. This part should last for at least one year of daily use, though.
The Pros
- Sturdy, steel construction;
- High weight capacity – 400 lbs (181 kg);
- Appealing design;
- Bases with adjustable, rubber levelers;
- Extra comfortable seat for an indoor cycle, featuring a thick layer of padding, contoured surface and a longitudinal groove to promote a healthy blood circulation;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 4-way adjustable handlebar;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
- Bottle holder/tablet holder;
- 46 lbs heavy, balanced flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion and solid momentum;
- Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position;
- Heavy-duty, aluminum pedals with toe cages for extra thrust;
- Fitness meter included;
- Quiet operation, great for apartment use;
- Really easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- Meter only calculates speed and distance in km/h and km (no MPH and miles readings);
- Meter display does not have backlight;
- Resistance pad requires replacement once it wears out.
Summary
The L NOW CycleFire LD-582 is an indoor cycle trainer featuring a friction resistance system, superior micro-adjustability, belt drive, and a sturdy overall construction. It’s actually a bike rated for an impressive weight capacity of 400 lbs (181 kg). It can support all types of spin workouts being perfect for interval training, intense cardio, building strength and stamina, and for weight loss. It comes with a fitness meter, tablet and bottle holder. And finally, although it’s not rated as a commercial grade bike, it definitely has the construction of a light commercial model but costs several $100s less.