Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel | Resistance | Console |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
L NOW D808 Check Discounted Price | L:50.4" W:21.6" H:57.3" | 300 lbs | 8.9 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, ODO, Speed, RPM, Calories, Pulse, Goals, Recovery, BMI |
The L NOW pooboo D808 upright bike fits the same range of features as the Kettler Axos M-LA or the Marcy NS-40504U. However, it costs a bit more than these two models as it has a sturdier build. It offers superior micro-adjustability and an impressive weight capacity for a home-use exercise bike. Differently put, in terms of construction, it can be compared to various commercial bikes, but it is not a motorized machine, and its console doesn’t have preset workout programs.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 50.4L x 21.6W x 57.3H inches (128L x 55W x 146H cm)
- Assembled weight: 66.2 lbs (30 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 8.9 lbs (4 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebars: Adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With adjustable straps
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, distance, odometer, RPM, speed, calories, pulse
- Extras: Bottle holder, tablet holder
Frame construction
The L NOW D808 upright exercise bike features a sturdy construction with a weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg). Its frame is made of steel tubing, double coated with paint finish highly resistant to rust. The colors used are black for the base frame, white for the console mast, while the seat post features a chrome finish. The bike also integrates several ABS parts, these being the flywheel covers and several other joint covers.
Although it has a pretty impressive weight capacity, this exercise bike isn’t extremely heavy itself. With all the parts attached to the main frame, it weighs approx. 66.2 lbs (30 kg). Thus, its assembly and handling shouldn’t be a problem for one person. Plus, its front base bar has two transport wheels which facilitate its relocation once you have finished your workout.
This L NOW pooboo upright bike offers an excellent stability. Both its bases are equipped with adjustable stabilizers which rest on large rubber caps.
The bike is not extremely large. Its complete length with the handlebar adjusted forward, close to a horizontal position, is approx. 50.4″ (128 cm) while its width is 21.6″ (55 cm). Its base is smaller, though. But nonetheless, it is recommended to assign a usage space for it of at least 75″ x 50″ (190 x 127 cm), to avoid any hindrance during exercising.
Seat and handlebars
The L NOW D808 exercise bike is equipped with a 4-way adjustable seat. The seat offers an upright adjustment span between 25″ and 40″ (63.5 – 101.6 cm). Its horizontal slider also allows a few inches of fore/aft travel. So, these being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm) with no problem.
The seat itself integrates a layer of cushioning and has a contoured surface in order to deliver an optimal comfort. It also has a standard attachment system to the bar, which means that you can easily find a suitable replacement for it if you want a different one. Its comfort can also be improved by a gel cover.
This upright exercise bike features an adjustable handlebar as well. You can change its angle and lock it in the desired position via the dial on top of its casing. Other more expensive models, such as the LifeCore 1060UB for example, don’t have this feature.
The bike’s handlebar is covered by a layer of rubberized material in order to supply a secure grip. It also integrates pulse sensor, so by keeping your hands on them during your workout, the console unit can monitor your heart rate.
Resistance and drive
The L NOW pooboo D808 upright bike features a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t have to connect it to a power source. Its resistance system consists of a small magnetic brake attached to the tension dial on the console mast through a steel wire. By turning the dial, the position of the brake pad changes, increasing or decreasing the intensity of the magnetic field for the flywheel, which results in a pedal tension adjustment.
The bike offers 8 levels of resistance. The first three levels are very light, perfect for recovery training or for users with disabilities or injuries. Conversely, the 8th resistance level simulates a climb, giving you the possibility to undergo a more intense workout.
This exercise bike is equipped with a rather light flywheel. It weighs 8.9 lbs (4 kg), but does have a perimeter-weighted design, and provides a fairly decent momentum and steadiness during pedaling.
As opposed to other upright bikes, this pooboo model features quite a sturdy crankset with solid steel crank arms and pedal. It’s actually solid enough to support users in standing up pedaling routines. However, since this is not a spin bike, it’s made for seated workouts, and standing up while pedaling is not recommended.
The pedals included with the bike feature a metallic core and a durable ABS cover with a weight at the bottom, which enables them to self-level if necessary. They’re equipped with adjustable straps and have a non-slip surface. They have standard threads, so you can easily find replacements for them if you want a different type of pedals.
Like most exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the L NOW D808 features a belt drive system. Due to this fact, the bike’s operation is almost silent. Also, a belt drive generates less vibration than a chain so pedaling is smoother. Plus, it doesn’t require periodic lubrication.
Console
As we’ve mentioned above, this exercise bike features a manual magnetic resistance system, so the console doesn’t play any role in its resistance adjustment. You can basically exercise and adjust resistance without turning it on. It’s equipped with a fairly large LCD display (approx. 6″ in diagonal), divided into 6 panels, so it can show several workout metrics simultaneously. Therefore, you don’t have to use a SCAN function to rotate them.
The unit tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, pulse, and calories burned. For pulse reading, the unit has EKG sensors integrated into the handlebars; however, it is not telemetric and cannot read the user’s heart rate through an HR chest strap transmitters.
The console unit doesn’t have any preset programs, nor it has Bluetooth or online capabilities. It does, however, offer the possibility to set up workout goals for time, distance and calories. When you select a target for any of these metrics, the unit will countdown from it until it reaches zero.
A Recovery function and a Body Fat Index (or BMI – Body Mass Index) function are also available. The Recovery function can be run at the end of the workout. The console unit will monitor the amount of time that your heart rate takes to return to normal after the workout. At the end of the test, the console will provide you with a fitness rating between F1 and F6, F1 being “excellent”, while F6 being “very poor”. The Body Fat function is a scale used to measure if you have a healthy weight for your height. In order to calculate it, the console will prompt you to input your weight and height.
The console is easy to operate. It requires two AA-type batteries. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you press one of the buttons. It also has a sleep function to which it will enter after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike. Its Up/Down keys allow you to easily set up goals for your workouts. The Enter key covers the selection function. The BMI and Recovery functions have their own keys on the console, and finally, there’s a Reset button which allows you to clear all the console values to zero.
Last but not least, the bike’s console unit is equipped with a tablet holder. This accessory is fairly large and can accommodate any type of tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
The base frame of the bike along with the resistance and drive elements comes pre-assembled. So, you only need to attach the console mast, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebars, the pedals and the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. The tools required for the assembly are included and the manual provides very clear assembly instructions.
Since the bike has a belt drive system, you don’t have to lubricate its internal parts. In fact, there isn’t much maintenance required by this bike. It is recommended, though, to periodically check the frame for loose bolts or parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Elegant design;
- Adjustable stabilizers on bases;
- Transport wheels;
- Angle-adjustable, multi-grip handlebar;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebars;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Balanced flywheel, supplying a smooth pedaling motion;
- Quiet belt drive;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- 8 levels of manual magnetic resistance;
- 6-panel LCD console, which shows time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, calories and pulse;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
- Recovery function;
- Body Fat function;
- Bottle holder included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No wireless pulse reading;
- No online connectivity;
- A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the console display;
- The console display doesn’t have backlight.
Summary
The L NOW pooboo D808 is a sturdy upright exercise bike, featuring a weight capacity of 300 lbs, 8 levels of magnetic resistance, and a console which can track time, distance, total distance, calories, speed, RPM, and pulse. It has BMI and Recovery functions, as well as goal functions for time, distance, and calories. It’s an excellent bike for light to medium cardio workouts, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss. It has a durable construction and offers an excellent value for the price.