| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
pooboo D601 Check Discounted Price | L:43" W:20" H:47" | 220 lbs | 25 lbs | Friction (felt-pad) | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, ODO, SCAN |
The pooboo D601 is one of the light-capacity indoor cycling bikes from L NOW. It’s a trainer made for home use, similar in specs and design to the L NOW D600 model. It’s also one of the exercise bikes that have a handlebar equipped with drop-down grips, a feature that many other spin bikes do not offer.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 43L x 20W x 47H inches (109L x 51W x 119H cm)
- Assembled weight: 88 lbs (40 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)
- Supported weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Standard friction
- Exercise meter: Time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, pulse, scan
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The L NOW pooboo D601 is made of durable steel tubing featuring a triangular design, but with the main tube and
the longitudinal base tube slightly curved for improved sturdiness and an extra aesthetic touch. The main frame is coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black with the L NOW and pooboo names painted white, while the seat and handlebar posts are chrome plated. Of course, the bike’s construction also integrates several ABS parts. For example, the belt cover and several other small covers are ABS made.
An important aspect to mention here regards the step-up bar that connects the seat tube and the main oblique tube. Not all spin bikes have this feature. This particular short bar not only that can help with mounting and dismounting, but it can also serve as a step-up/step-down point in various spin workouts.
The fully assembled bike isn’t too large. Its footprint is approx. 43″L x 20″W (109 x 51 cm). However, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance around it for unhindered usage. Also, the bike’s maximum height (with the handlebar fully extended) is approx. 47″ (119 cm).
Compared to other pooboo models, such as the pooboo D578 for example, the D601 is lighter. But still weighs approx. 88 lbs (40 kg) which is twice the weight of the average road bike. This being said, it does provide excellent stability. Plus, its base bars are equipped with adjustable stabilizers while the front base has two large silicone wheels which considerably ease the unit’s relocation, if necessary.
Sear and handlebars
The pooboo D601 indoor cycling trainer includes a saddle designed for optimal comfort. Its top integrates
a layer of high-density foam material. Its top is contoured, with a groove at the center to provide extra breathability. It also has a standard attachment system; therefore, if you will ever need to replace it, you will find a wide range of bicycle saddles compatible with your exercise bike.
The seat offers four-way adjustability (front, back, up, down). The upright bar has several adjustment notches while the horizontal slider also provides a few inches of front to back adjustment. Therefore, the bike can accommodate users between 4’11” and 6’2″ (150 – 188 cm) allowing a complete leg extension and range of motion. Also, the seat assembly is durable enough to support users up to 220 lbs (100 kg).
The bike’s handlebar features a multi-grip design. As we’ve mentioned above, it offers drop-down grips, an element that other spin bikes do not have. There’s also a small loop aero bar at the center which allows a close grip posture. The whole handlebar assembly is coated with a layer of high-density foam to provide a more comfortable grip.
The handlebar only offers two-way adjustability (up, down). When fully extended, its height is approx. 47″ (119 cm). Plus, the top grips integrate metallic pulse sensors; again, this feature is a plus as not all spin bikes have a pulse reading function.
Drive and resistance
The L NOW pooboo D601 bike is equipped with a 25-lb (11.3 kg) flywheel. Although it is lighter than the average
spin bike flywheel (which is 40 lbs), it still provides superior inertia due to its perimeter-weighted design. The flywheel is chrome plated just like the seat and handlebar posts, with black / yellow ABS protective side panels.
The unit’s flywheel permits reverse pedaling. However, unlike for road bikes, the transmission system is simple, so you cannot coast on this bike. In other words, the pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The pooboo D601 bike features a standard felt-pad friction resistance system. The brake pad is attached to the main tube of the frame and comes in contact with the flywheel from above. By turning the tension knob clockwise, the brake pad will apply more friction to the flywheel which results in a higher pedaling difficulty.
The bike’s tension system doesn’t have pre-determined levels as for magnetic bikes. You simply tighten the knob until you get a satisfying pedaling difficulty. As a general idea, you can tighten the brake up to the point where you can barely pedal.
Since it’s a bike designed for spin workouts, it is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset, with long crank arms made of solid steel. The crank can support users up to 220 lbs (100 kg) so as long as you don’t exceed this weight, you should be able to pedal while standing up with no problem.
The included pedals are made of aluminum alloy, also very sturdy. They do not have SPD elements for spin shoes but do have toe cages with adjustable straps. Also, their threads are 9/16, so in case you will ever want to replace them with SPD pedals or other pedals, compatible options can be found in any bike shop.
Last but not least, the bike is equipped with a belt drive system. This type of transmission comes with a few advantages over a chain drive. To begin with, the belt does not require periodic lubrication. Also, it delivers a smooth ride, with less vibration than a chain and the pedaling motion is almost completely silent.
Exercise meter
The pooboo D601 includes an exercise meter that offers a few extra features over a basic unit. These are the
odometer function and the pulse reading function.
The unit features an LCD display which tracks the most important workout parameters. It shows time, distance, total distance (odometer), speed, calories, and pulse. It is not telemetric, though. It can only track your pulse through the integrated sensors. It does not work with HR chest or wrist straps.
The meter unit is very easy to use. It only has one button which covers all of its functions. To begin with, you can press it repeatedly to select the workout reading that interests you the most, or you can select the Scan Mode. When the Scan Mode is selected, the unit will display all the workout metrics in a sequence, showing each one for a few seconds, then moving to the next and so on. The unit’s button also has a Reset function. By pressing and holding it for a few seconds, all the values on the meter will be reset to zero.
The meter unit is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries. It starts up when you press the button or when you begin pedaling. It also turns off automatically if it doesn’t detect flywheel movement for more than four minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
Most of the bike comes assembled. The flywheel, the brake, the crank system, and the belt are already attached to the main frame. You only need to add the base bars, the pedals, the seat, the handlebar, and the exercise meter unit. This shouldn’t take more than half an hour. A basic toolkit is included and the manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions.
As we’ve mentioned above, the bike’s transmission does not require any lubrication. Therefore, in terms of maintenance, you only have to keep the unit clean and re-tighten any loose bolts if necessary.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction designed for spin workouts;
- Step-up bar element between the seat and oblique tubes (not all spin bikes have this);
- Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Standard, contoured seat for optimal comfort;
- The seat is 4-way adjustable;
- Multi-grip handlebar with drop-down grips;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
- Heavy-duty crankset with metallic pedals;
- Standard limitless friction resistance;
- Fitness meter included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble (assembly tools included);
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The exercise meter does not have backlight;
- The calorie reading is not too accurate.
Summary
The L NOW pooboo D601 is an indoor cycling bike designed for home use. It can support any spin workout, features a 25 lbs flywheel, and a standard friction resistance system. It also includes a fitness meter which can track the main workout stats and has a pulse reading function. In all, it’s a pretty decent trainer for light to intense cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.