Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness meter | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
L NOW D600 Check Discounted Price | L:41" W:21" H:46" | 400 lbs | Friction (felt-pad) | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, ODO, SCAN | 1 year limited |
Although L NOW isn’t one of the top spin bikes manufacturers, they do offer several excellent indoor cycling bike models. In this review, we’ll address the L NOW D600 model; this particular exercise bike is in the same specs range as the LD-506 model but does feature a more versatile handlebar and a slightly different frame construction.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41L x 21W x 46H inches (104L x 53W x 117H cm)
- Assembled weight: 77 lbs (35 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
- Supported weight: 400 lbs (181.4 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Standard friction
- Bottle holder: No
- Computer: Basic
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
Since the bike is rated for a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs (181.4 kg), it goes without saying that its frame is made of steel tubing. In fact, this exercise bike not only that features a very sturdy construction, it also has quite an aesthetic design, with slightly curved main and base connection bar. The frame construction also integrates several plastic parts. Among these, we can count the belt guard, the base tube caps, the cover of the brake pad, the console, and the adjustment knobs. However, these don’t play any role in the bike’s overall sturdiness.
The bike’s frame is double-coated with corrosion resistant paint, the main color being dark blue, while the L NOW logo is painted in white. The posts of the handlebars and seat feature a chrome finish, though, which is also corrosion resistant.
Both base tubes feature adjustable stabilizers with large pads; differently put, you should be able to perfectly level it on any type of flooring.
The bike itself isn’t too heavy. But still, its 77 lbs (35 kg) assembled weight adds plenty of stability as well. As in most spin bikes, the frame does not fold; but the front base is equipped with two transport wheels which facilitate the trainer’s relocation once you have finished your workout.
One last aspect to mention here regards the bike’s assembled dimensions. The L NOW D600 is far from being a large fitness machine. When fully assembled, it takes only 41″L x 21″W (104 x 53 cm) of floor space, while the handlebar reaches a height of approx. 46″ (117 cm) above floor level. However, it is recommended to maintain at least two feet of clearance on the sides of the bike for safe operation, and at least one foot of clearance at the rear and front.
Seat and handlebars
The L-NOW D600 indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a much more comfortable seat than many spin bikes. Its saddle is quite a bit wider than the average spin seat. It integrates a generous layer of padding. It has a contoured design with a longitudinal groove to promote a better blood flow and reduce overheating. It’s also equipped with two springs which play an important role in its overall cushioning.
The seat is 4-way adjustable. It has a standard connection mechanism to its bar. Therefore, in case you want to replace it, you should be able to find a compatible one in most bike shops.
The bike’s handlebar is only 2-way adjustable (up and down). However, it features a multi-grip design, promoting a wide array of workout postures. As opposed to other spin bike models, such as the Spinning R1 or Spinner S7, it features drop down bars. It also integrates a loop aero bar.
The handlebar assembly is urethane dipped to provide a secure and comfortable grip. It’s also equipped with EGK sensors so that the fitness meter unit can track your pulse.
Given the seat and handlebars adjustability, the L NOW D600 indoor cycling bike can fully accommodate users between 4’7″ and 6’2″ (140 – 188 cm). If you’re taller, you should still be able to use this cycling trainer, but may not benefit from a complete leg extension.
Drive system
The L NOW D600 indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a belt drive system, just as most of the other L NOW models. This type of drive comes with two main advantages. It’s extremely quiet and its transmission doesn’t require periodic lubrication. It consists of a heavy-duty v-belt, resistant to stretching, designed to last for many years of daily use.
The flywheel equipped on this bike is considerably lighter than on the other models. It weighs only 22 lbs (10 kg). But nonetheless, it’s perimeter-weighted flywheel which provides a consistent momentum and a smooth pedaling motion. It’s also a bi-directional flywheel, allowing you to pedal in reverse.
Since it’s a cycling trainer designed for all spin workouts, it is equipped with an extremely sturdy crankset, featuring solid steel arms. This being said, the crankset can support users up to 400 lbs (181.4 kg) in standing up pedaling routines.
The pedals do not have SPD clips for spin shoes, only toe cages with adjustable straps. They’re made of a durable metallic alloy, designed to last for many years of use. They also have standard threads; therefore, in case you want SPD pedals for this bike, replacement options are widely available.
Resistance system
This L NOW indoor cycling bike is equipped with a standard friction resistance system. It consists of a felt pad connected to the adjustment knob on the main tube of the frame. When you tighten the knob, the resistance pad will also tighten onto the flywheel generating more drag and offering the possibility of a more consistent workout.
The tension knob doesn’t have any levels specified on it. You simply turn it until the brake pad generates the resistance that you require for your workout.
The tension knob also acts as an emergency brake. You can press it down in order to quickly stop the spinning of the flywheel. This is actually recommended especially if you want to change the way of pedaling.
Fitness meter
This exercise bike is equipped with a fitness meter that offers a bit more than a completely basic one. It can track speed, time, distance, calories, but can also track your pulse if you hold on to the EKG sensors in the handlebars. It features an odometer function, keeping track of how many miles you’ve been pedaling. It also has a SCAN function, which rotates all the aforementioned values, keeping each one onscreen for several seconds. However, you can lock any of these values onscreen to view at all time.
The meter unit is battery powered. Its usage is straightforward. It will start if you push its button, or if you begin pedaling. It also has a sleep mode to which will enter after several minutes of inactive on the bike, in order to save battery life.
Assembly and Maintenance
The L NOW D600 exercise bike is quite easy to assemble. Most of it actually comes ready-assembled. The flywheel, drive belt, resistance knob, and cranks are already attached to the main frame of the bike. All you have to do is install the two base bars, the seat and the handlebars with their posts, the pedals, and the fitness meter. This shouldn’t take longer than 30-40 min. The manual provides excellent guidance, and the tools 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. The pad should last for at least one year of daily use, though.
The Pros
- Sturdy, steel construction;
- Appealing design;
- High weight capacity – 400 lbs (181 kg);
- Bases with adjustable stabilizers;
- Extra comfortable seat for an indoor cycling trainer, with a thick layer of padding, contoured surface and a longitudinal groove to promote a healthy blood circulation;
- The seat is 4-way adjustable;
- 2-way adjustable handlebar;
- Multi-grip handlebar with drop down bars and loop aero bar;
- EKG integrated into the handlebar;
- 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;
- Durable, metallic alloy pedals with toe cages;
- Fitness meter included, capable of tracking speed, time, distance, total distance, calories, and pulse.
- Quiet operation, great for apartment use;
- Really easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The meter unit doesn’t have any backlight;
- The calories reading of the meter unit may not be too accurate;
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The L NOW D600 is an indoor cycling trainer with a very sturdy construction, similar to commercial grade spin bikes. It features a cushioned, 4-way adjustable seat, and a multi-grip handlebar with drop-down bars. It’s equipped with a standard friction resistance system and a mid-range flywheel. Compared to other bikes, it offers an impressive weight capacity of 400 lbs. Also, it includes a fitness meter, which many other bikes do not come with.
In all, this L NOW exercise bike is perfect for medium to intense cardio training, stamina development, intervals and weight loss. It’s not one of the cheapest models, but considering its versatility and the extra features over other models, we can safely say that it offers excellent value for the price.
How do I lock in the fitness meter/ get it off the “scan” mode?
For these types of consoles, the Mode button toggles the Scan mode On/Off.
All this bike does is squeak and there is no customer service
If the brake pad squeaks when in contact with the flywheel, you can apply some silicone lubricant on the flywheel or lubricate the brake pad with silicone lubricant. If the pedals squeak, you should untighten them a little, apply some lubricant oil on the threads and re-tighten them.