| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness meter | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L NOW LD-598 Check Discounted Price | L:44" W:20" H:41" | 400 lbs | Felt-pad | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, ODO, SCAN | 1 year limited |
Authentic spin bikes are not exactly the most affordable exercise bikes that you can find on the market at the moment. Even the most basic ones such as the Spinner S1 which are designed for home use, cost approx. $500. However, there are many other indoor cycling bikes that support spin workouts, which won’t break the bank. One of them is the L NOW LD-598.
Not only that this exercise bike has the frame construction and adjustability similar to a commercial spin bike, it also comes with a fitness meter. In this post we’ll try to offer as much information as possible regarding all its parts and addressing all the questions one may have regarding it.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 44L x 20W x 41H inches (112L x 51W x 104H cm)
- Assembled weight: 82 lbs (37 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18 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: Yes
- Computer: Basic
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
As we’ve mentioned above, this exercise bike features a very sturdy construction, with a one-piece steel frame, double-coated with corrosion resistant paint. The seat and handlebar posts feature a chrome finish. And when it comes to color, the only available version at the 
moment is silver / black.
Even though it’s rated for 400 lbs (181.4 kg) of user weight, the bike itself is not extremely heavy. It weighs 82 lbs (37 kg), 20-30 lbs lighter than other models, being rather easy to transport and handle. On top of that, its front base features a set of transport wheels, which facilitate its relocation. By tilting the bike forward on its wheels, you will basically have to handle only half of its weight.
The bases feature adjustable stabilizers, with rubber caps. This being said, regardless of the floor type the bike will be placed on, you should be able to achieve maximum stability. Plus, the rubber caps should protect the floors from damage.
This L NOW exercise bike is not extremely large. With a footprint of 44″L x 20″W (112 x 51 cm), it’s pretty safe to say that it’s suitable for small apartments or rooms.
Seat and handlebars
The bike’s seat is quite a bit wider, and features considerably more cushioning than most spin bike seats. Upholstery is made of synthetic leather, and its surface is slightly contoured. Differently put, it offers considerably more comfort than most spin bike seats.
The seat is 4-way adjustable, up-down and front-to-back. However, height-wise it doesn’t 
have a very wide adjustment span. In fact this bike is designed for users between 4’10” and 6’1″ (147 – 185 cm). Taller users can also use it of course, but they will not benefit from a complete leg extension.
The front-to-back adjustment bar of the seat is square, offering excellent stability. You can be sure it won’t move sideways during more intense spin workouts. Also, the saddle can be tilted forward or backward, giving you the possibility to select the most comfortable angle. Its connection system to the support bar is also standard, which means you can easily find a replacement for it in case you want a different model.
The handlebars are only up-to-down adjustable. They feature a multi-grip design, and are covered with a sheet of rubber-foam material for optimal comfort. On top of that, they also integrate elbow rests, accessories that considerably add to the overall comfort of the bike, and which are not included with many other similar exercise bikes.
Handlebars also integrate stainless steel pulse sensors. Thus, you can monitor your pulse via the fitness meter.
Both seat and handlebars features large knobs for adjustment. Therefore, in case the bike will be used by multiple persons, it should be easy for each and every one to find the most comfortable settings.
Drive and resistance
The L NOW LD-598 indoor cycling bike features 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 is equipped with a 40 lbs (18 kg) flywheel. It’s not the heaviest flywheel that you’ll 
find in an exercise bike of this sort, but it’s steel pretty heavy, supplying a stable and consistent momentum. Also, since it’s a perimeter weighted flywheel, it offers a smooth and steady pedaling motion, eliminating the “stair climbing” effect.
The crankset is a 3-piece part, featuring solid steel crank arms. It’s a part solid enough to support users up to 400 lbs (181 kg) for stand-up climb workout routines. The crank arms are finished with metallic pedals with adjustable toe cages. The pedals don’t integrate clips for spin shoes. However they feature standard threads and you can easily find replacements for them.
One last aspect regarding the bike’s drive system is the fact that you can pedal in reverse. The flywheel and pedals continue to spin when you stop pedaling though. Thus, when switching pedaling directions it is recommended to use the brake in order to stop the flywheel and prevent any injuries that may happen.
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.
There are no resistance levels specified for this bike, such as for magnetic resistance bikes. You simply tighten the brake pad until you find the most suitable resistance level for your workout. Also, the resistance knob doubles as an emergency brake. By pressing it down, you can automatically stop the flywheel from spinning.
Fitness meter
The fitness meter supplied with this exercise bike is a basic one. However, considering that many of the expensive gym rated spin bikes such as the Star Trac Spinner Blade model for example, don’t come with one, this accessory is quite a plus. It can track time, speed, 
distance, calories and pulse. It also has an odometer (ODO) function and a SCAN function. The ODO function keeps track of all the miles you’ve traveled. The SCAN function cycles through all the mentioned values displaying each one of them for a few seconds on screen. However, you can select any of the values to be displayed at all time.
This small console is quite easy to operate. It automatically turns on when you begin pedaling and also automatically shuts down after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike. It features only one button which covers the scrolling through the values and for resetting them. Evidently, it’s a battery powered unit; the bike does not require to be connected to a power source.
Lastly, in case you’re wondering, the fitness meter is not telemetry enabled. In other words it cannot track your pulse via a HR chest strap transmitter.
Assemble and Maintenance
This exercise bike is easy to assemble. In fact, there are only a few parts that require to be attached to the main frame, which are: the seat and handlebars, console, pedals, and bases. The whole operation shouldn’t take more than 30 min. A manual which guides you step-by-step through the assembly process is supplied, along with the necessary tools for assembly.
In terms of maintenance, the transmission does not require any, as it’s a belt-driven bike. However, the brake pad may need a bit of lubrication, if it emits squeaking noises when in contact with the flywheel. For that, applying a bit of silicone lubricant on the flywheel should do the trick. Other than that, you will need to periodically inspect the joints, bolts and nuts of the bike, to make sure they’re still tight in their places.
The Pros
- Solid frame, similar to the more expensive spin bikes, able to support users up to 400 lbs;
- Bases with adjustable, rubber levelers;
- 4-way adjustable seat (up, down, front, back);
- 2-way adjustable handlebar (up, down), with a multi-grip design;
- Elbow rests;
- Pulse sensors integrated in the handlebar;
- Adjustable resistance;
- 40 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;
- Pedals with toe cages;
- Fitness meter included;
- Quiet operation, great for apartment use.
- Bottle holder included;
- Really easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- Not a bike for tall users. Anyone taller than 6’1″ may find the top seat setting too low for a complete leg extension.
- No aerobars.
Bottom Line
The L NOW LD-598 is an exercise bike designed for spin workouts, with an impressive user weight limit, being able to support anyone up to 400 lbs. Even though it’s not an authentic spin bike, it definitely has the construction and the features of one, and on top of that, it comes with a fitness meter. It’s a great bike for light to intense cardio workouts, excellent for building stamina, strength, toning muscles and losing weight. You can actually burn up to 6-700 calories per hour on this bike, depending your workout routines. And finally, considering that this exercise bike costs approx. 50% less than your average spin bike, but has a pretty similar build, we can safely say that it offers excellent value for the price.