L NOW pooboo PRO LD-501 Indoor Cycling Bike

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UnitSizeSupported
weight
Flywheel
weight
ResistanceConsole
pooboo LD-501

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L: 50"
W: 21"
H: 48"
440 lbs35 lbsManual
magnetic
Time,
Speed,
Distance,
Odometer,
Calories,
RPM,
Pulse,
Goals,
Recovery

The pooboo PRO LD-501 is one of the newest indoor cycling trainers released by L NOW in 2019. We’ve already reviewed one of the older LD-501 version which is no longer available. The new model comes with several improvements and several extra features. For example, it has a magnetic resistance system, is equipped with a dual bottle holder, and includes a set of dumbbells, similar to the pooboo D770 model.

Technical Details and Specifications

  • Assembled dimensions: 50L x 21W x 48H inches (127L x 53W x 122H cm)
  • Assembled weight: 136 lbs (62 kg)
  • Flywheel weight: 35 lbs (16 kg)
  • Weight capacity: 440 lbs (200 kg)
  • Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
  • Seat: 4-way adjustable
  • Drive: Belt
  • Resistance: Manual magnetic
  • Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, recovery test, RPM
  • Accessories: Dual bottle holder, dumbbell set
  • Warranty: 1 year limited

Frame construction

The L NOW pooboo PRO LD-501 has the same double triangular frame construction as the older version. The main triangle offers sturdiness and stability, while the second refers to the seat construction which integrates a suspension spring to improve shock absorption. We’ll cover this element with more details in the section below.

The bike’s frame is made of durable steel tubing. Most of the bars in its construction are ovalized for superior sturdiness and for improved aesthetics. Of course, the bike also has a few ABS parts, but these do not influence its overall sturdiness. The most notable one is the belt guard.

The bike’s frame is coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The colors used are gray for the main part of the frame and yellow for the front base bar and for the seat tube. The seat post and the handlebar post have a chrome paint finish.

The fully assembled unit is considerably heavy compared to other indoor cycling bikes. It weighs approx. 136 lbs (~62 kg). All this weight is reflected in its overall stability. You can be sure the bike won’t rock or move even if you perform the most demanding spin workouts.

The L NOW pooboo PRO LD-501 is a bit larger than other spin bikes. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 50″ (127 cm) long, and 21″ (53 cm) wide. Also, with the handlebar adjusted to its maximum height, its highest point is approx. 48″ (122 cm) above floor level. Of course, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it, to be able to perform all spin workouts without any hindrance.

Although the bike is fairly heavy, once it is assembled it is not too difficult to move. Its front base integrates a set of large silicone wheels which facilitate its relocation. By using these wheels, you won’t be handling more than 30% of the bike’s total weight.

Last but not least, both base bars of the bike are equipped with adjustable stabilizers. All four stabilizers feature rubber pads to protect your floor and prevent the bike from sliding from its location. However, it still is recommended to place it and use it on a rubberized mat.

Seat and handlebars

The pooboo PRO LD-501 includes a medium range saddle in terms of comfort. It is slightly wider than the slim seats offered by other spin bikes, such as the Spinner Johnny G, for example. It also integrates a layer of foam padding and has a contoured surface to improve breathability.

The seat tube is not directly welded to the main frame. It integrates a suspension spring which is designed to improve the overall shock absorption. This being said, the bike provides a bit of extra comfort during seated workouts. Also, the seat assembly is durable enough to support users up to 440 lbs (200 kg).

It’s also important to mention that the saddle has a standard attachment system. It connects to the slider via a collar system, which makes it easy to replace; also, compatible options should be available in any bike shop.

The seat offers 4-way adjustability (up, down, front, back). Its horizontal slider provides a few inches of adjustment, while the upright bar has several adjustment notches. Therefore, in terms of seat-to-pedal distance, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm) with no problem.

The L NOW pooboo LD-501 is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. Although it does not have the drop-down grips like the Sunny SF-B1735 bike, it still makes available at least five different grips. It has a long loop aero bar in the middle, two curved side grips, and two short parallel grips. It also integrates a dual bottle holder, while the top of the side grips integrates pulse sensors.

The handlebar provides 4-way adjustability, just like the seat. This being said, the bike excels in micro-adjustability. Both the seat and the handlebars feature easy to use knobs with long handles which offer the possibility to adjust the bike to your own size in less than a minute.

Drive and resistance

As we’ve mentioned above, the pooboo PRO LD-501 indoor cycling bike is equipped with a magnetic resistance system. The resistance is not motorized, though. Its adjustment is done manually from the knob placed on top of the main tube of the frame. Thus, you don’t have to connect the bike to a power outlet. Also, the included console does not play any role in the resistance adjustment.

The bike’s resistance system consists of a dual-sided magnetic brake which “hugs” the flywheel. By turning the knob clockwise, the magnetic brake will cover a larger portion of the flywheel which results in more resistance. It’s also important to mention that since the brake is magnetic, there is no friction between the resistance elements, and the bike’s usage is very smooth and quiet.

There are no distinct tension settings marked on the adjustment knob. But as a general idea, the highest tension level offers quite an impressive level of difficulty which can definitely improve leg muscle strength, not just overall stamina.

Like most other exercise bikes equipped with a magnetic resistance system, the pooboo LD-501 has a belt drive system. It integrates a poly-v belt which also adds to the smoothness of the ride. The pedaling motion is almost completely silent, and you will never have to go through the hassle of lubricating it.

Compared to other spin bikes, the unit’s flywheel is slightly lighter. It only weighs 35 lbs (~ 16 kg). However, it’s still pretty heavy for a magnetic exercise bike. For example, the Keiser bike only has an 8 lbs (3.6 kg) flywheel. Therefore, the flywheel provides a pretty consistent momentum.

The bike’s overall weight capacity is 440 lbs (200 kg). This also stands for the durability of the crankset. The unit features a heavy-duty crankset with solid steel crank arms which can support the user during standing up pedaling routines with no problem.

The included pedals are also made of metallic alloy. They feature adjustable toe cages, but also integrate SPD clips for cycling shoes. Their threads are standard 9/16″ so you can easily find replacements for them if needed.

Console and other accessories

The console unit included with the L NOW pooboo LD-501 offers quite a few more features than the average basic unit. To begin with, it has a 6-panel display, thus you can view all your workouts stats on screen simultaneously. It tracks speed, time, distance, RPMs, calories and pulse. It also has an ODO function which indicates the total distance traveled on the bike.

The console unit is not telemetric. In other words, it cannot read your pulse through a wireless HR chest strap. So, in order to benefit from a pulse reading, you will have to use the integrated pulse sensors.

The console unit is equipped with 4 buttons. These are Mode, Set, Reset, and Recovery. The Mode button allows you to enter the unit’s setup mode. The Set button gives you the possibility to select goals for time, distance, and calories burned. The Reset button clears all the values on the unit to zero, while the Recover button gives you the possibility to check your level of fitness at the end of your workout, by measuring the amount of time it takes your pulse to reach normal parameters.

The bike’s console unit is battery powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are included. It starts up when you begin pedaling, and also shuts down automatically if it doesn’t detect any activity on the bike for several minutes.

In terms of other accessories, we’ve already mentioned the dual bottle holder which attaches to the handlebar. However, this exercise bike also includes a set of small dumbbells, similar to the ones included with the pooboo Pro D770. These include a support which attaches to the rear part of the seat. The dumbbells weigh 2.5 lbs (1 kg) each and are completely coated by a layer of urethane material.

Assembly and Maintenance

The bike does require some assembly, but the main drive and resistance parts are already attached to the main frame. You only have to add the two base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the console, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes. All the necessary tools for the task are included. Also, the manual provides excellent assembly instructions.

Since the bike has a belt drive and a magnetic resistance system, its drive and resistance elements don’t require any lubrication. This being said, you only have to periodically remove the dust from it, keep liquids away from the console, and check for loose bolts and parts from time to time.

The Pros

  • Commercial-grade construction and sturdiness – can support users up to 440 lbs (200 kg);
  • Adjustable stabilizers with rubber pads on both base bars;
  • Transport wheels on the front base bar;
  • Suspension design for the seat, which alleviates an important part of the impact on your lower back;
  • Standard saddle, easy to replace if needed;
  • 4-way adjustability for the seat;
  • Multi-grip handlebar;
  • 4-way adjustability for the handlebar;
  • Pulse sensors integrated into the front grips of the handlebars;
  • Frictionless magnetic resistance;
  • Quiet belt drive, great for apartment use.
  • Balanced flywheel for a consistent momentum and strength training;
  • Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position;
  • Durable aluminum pedals;
  • 2x 2.5 lbs (1 kg) dumbbells with support;
  • Toe cages and SPD clips on the pedals;
  • 6-window display exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, RPM, and pulse;
  • Dual bottle holder included;
  • Easy to assemble;
  • Little maintenance required.

The Cons

  • No backlight on the fitness meter.

Summary

The L NOW pooboo LD-501 (2019) is a gym-grade indoor cycling bike designed for spin workouts. It features a manual magnetic resistance system, a 35 lbs (~16 kg) flywheel, and a seat equipped with a shock absorption system. It offers superior micro-adjustability and an impressive 440 lbs (200 kg) weight capacity. It also includes an exercise meter which tracks all the important workout metrics. In all, it’s a pretty complete, commercial-grade indoor cycling bike. It’s great for intense cardio training, interval training, weight loss, stamina and leg strength development, and muscle toning.

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2 thoughts on “L NOW pooboo PRO LD-501 Indoor Cycling Bike”

    1. Depends on parts. Some are standard; for example, the pedals and the saddle can be replaced with various models available in most bike shops.
      However, the pooboo company is probably from China and their mother website is probably in Chinese. The pooboofit . com website does have an email and a phone number. You can try that, but the site seems to be pretty new, so… not sure if you’ll get a reply.

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