| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness meter | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L NOW LD-506 Check Discounted Price | L:43" W:21" H:42" | 400 lbs | Friction (felt-pad) | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, ODO, SCAN | 1 year limited |
Most authentic commercial spin bikes such as the Star Trac ION or Spinner NXT are usually expensive. However, nowadays there are plenty of indoor cycling trainers to choose from that won’t break the bank. The one that we’re going to cover here, is the L NOW LD-506.
Although this exercise bike isn’t listed as a light commercial model, it’s pretty close to the specs of one. It has a decent weight capacity and sturdiness, excellent adjustability and also includes a fitness meter.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 43L x 21W x 42H inches (109L x 53W x 107H cm)
- Assembled weight: 64 lbs (29 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 35.3 lbs (16 kg)
- Supported weight: 400 lbs (181.4 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Direct-contact, top-to-down wool felt pad
- Bottle holder: Included
- Computer: Basic
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The L NOW LD-506 is in the same range of specs as the L NOW LD-598; however, its frame has a slightly different design. Nonetheless, it’s a sturdy steel frame, constructed to support all kinds of spin workouts. The only few plastic parts in the bike’s construction are the belt guard, the end 
covers of the base tubes, the adjustment knobs, and the console. Evidently, these don’t have any role in the bike’s overall sturdiness.
Most of the bike’s frame is coated with a corrosion resistance, black finish, this being the only color available for this L-NOW exercise bike. However, the handlebar post and the seat post feature a chrome finish (which is also corrosion resistant).
The bike has an impressive weight capacity of 400 lbs (181 kg). It’s not an extremely heavy exercise bike though, as it only weighs 64 lbs (29 kg) when fully assembled. On top of that, its handling and transport are facilitated by the silicone wheels attached to the front base bar.
Although it’s not a heavy exercise bike, it still offers decent stability. Both its base tubes integrate adjustable stabilizers, so you can easily level it on any type of flooring or pavement.
Seat and handlebars
The L-NOW LD-506 indoor cycling bike trainer is equipped with a much more comfortable seat than many spin bikes. Its saddle is fairly wide, a bit wider than the average standard 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 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.
This L NOW indoor cycling bike offers excellent micro -adjustability when it comes to the seat, which is 4-way adjustable, forward, backward, up and down. The upright adjustment span isn’t too long though, only approx. 6″ (15.2 cm) (from 34″ above floor level to 40″).
The handlebar is only 2-way adjustable (up, down), offering an adjustment span of 4″ (10 cm). It has a multi-grip design, with a middle loop-bar for a close, parallel grip. Its lateral bars are coated with rubber foam for a comfortable and secure grip.
As opposed to many other spin bikes, the L NOW LD-506 has metallic EKG sensors integrated into the handlebars. Thus, the fitness meter can track your pulse if you hold onto them.
With these being said about the seat and handlebar, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (152 – 188 cm). Taller users may not benefit from a complete leg extension, but they can undertake many spin workouts that involve standing up on the pedals.
Drive and resistance
The L NOW LD-506 exercise bike is equipped with a belt drive system. This means it’s extremely quiet and its transmission doesn’t require maintenance. It consists of a heavy-duty v-belt, resistant to stretching, designed to last for many years of daily use. 
The bike’s flywheel is slightly lighter than the flywheel on the L-NOW LD-582 as it weighs only 35.3 lbs (16 kg). But nonetheless, it is perimeter weighted and heavy enough to deliver a consistent momentum and a steady feel during pedaling.
The flywheel is bi-directional; in other words, you can pedal in reverse as well. However, when changing the way of pedaling it is important to use the bike’s emergency brake and stop the flywheel from spinning, otherwise, it may result in injuries.
This exercise bike is equipped with a solid crank system, with two steel crank arms designed to support any spin workout and users up to 400 lbs (181 kg). The crank arms are finished with standard, metallic pedals equipped with toe cages. The pedals do not have SPD clips for spin shoes. However, since they do have standard threads, you can easily find SPD replacements for them.
The bike’s resistance system is pretty simple. It consists of a felt pad connected to the adjustment knob on the main tube of the frame, pad which comes in contact with the flywheel in a top-to-down manner. As 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. Also, the resistance knob doubles as an emergency brake. By pressing it down, you can automatically stop the flywheel from spinning.
Exercise meter
The L NOW LD-506 exercise bike is equipped with a fitness meter which offers two more readings over the average meter. Along with speed, distance, time, and calories, it can also track 
your pulse and the total distance traveled (ODO function).
It’s not telemetry enabled and can only track pulse if you hold onto the sensors built-in the handlebar. Also, the calorie reading isn’t too accurate, as you cannot input personal data such as weight, height or age. But still, it’s an accessory that many other exercise bikes (including some of the most expensive ones) do not offer, and can serve as an excellent motivation factor.
The meter unit is easy to operate. It has only one button which covers all of its functions. It has a SCAN function which can rotate all the values showing each one onscreen for several seconds. It’s battery powered and the batteries are not included.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s assembly is easy and straightforward. In fact, there isn’t much to be assembled. Its crankset, flywheel, resistance elements, drive belt and belt guard are already attached to the frame. Thus, you will only have to add the seat, handlebars, pedals, and console, which shouldn’t take more than 30 min. The manual provides clear instructions for assembly, while the tools required are also 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;
- High weight capacity – 400 lbs (181 kg);
- Appealing design;
- Bases with adjustable stabilizers;
- 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;
- 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;
- Metallic pedals with toe cages for extra thrust and standard threads;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 2-way adjustable handlebar;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
- Bottle holder/tablet holder;
- Fitness meter included;
- Quiet operation, great for apartment use;
- Really easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The calorie reading of the fitness meter doesn’t offer an extremely accurate reading;
- The meter display doesn’t have backlight and may be a bit difficult to read in a room with low lighting.
Summary
The L NOW LD-506 is an indoor cycle trainer featuring a friction resistance system, belt drive, and a sturdy overall construction. It actually has a pretty impressive, 400 lbs (181 kg) weight capacity. It also includes a fitness meter, accessory which many other bikes (even the more expensive ones) do not include. It can support all types of spin workouts being perfect for interval training, intense cardio, stamina development, and for weight loss. In all, it’s a decent exercise bike, with an excellent price value/ratio.