| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
pooboo A5 Check Discounted Price | L: 63.3" W: 21.1" H: 49" | 450 lbs | 38 lbs | Manual magnetic | N/A |
The pooboo A5 indoor cycling trainer features a similar design to the pooboo A1 that we’ve already covered here. However, it is considerably larger and offers a heavy-duty construction with a commercial weight capacity. It doesn’t include an exercise meter, though. Therefore, in case you want to monitor your workout metrics, you will need a separate device.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 63.3L x 21.1W x 49H inches (161L x 54W x 124H cm)
- Assembled weight: 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 38 lbs (17.2 kg)
- Supported weight: 450 lbs (204 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Fitness meter: N/A
- Extras: Tablet holder, dual bottle holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
To begin with, the pooboo A1 is one of the largest indoor cycling bikes available. Its length from the front
of the handlebar and all the way to the rear base lifting bar is 63.3″ (161 cm) while the length of the average spin bike is 50″ (127 cm). Also, its width is 21.1″ (54 cm) while with the handlebar extended all the way up, its height reaches 49″ (124 cm). Of course, it is recommended to also leave at least 24″ (61 cm) of clearance all around it for ease of access.
As we’ve mentioned above, the bike offers a commercial-grade frame construction with an impressive weight capacity of 450 lbs (204 kg). Its frame is made of thick steel tubing double-coated with a chip-resistant and corrosion-resistant paint finish. Also, most of the bike’s frame is also covered by the side ABS panels which not only provide extra frame protection, they also offer a great-looking aspect.
The bike not only that has a heavy frame, but also integrates a heavy flywheel and a large metallic pulley. Therefore, it is one of the heaviest indoor cycling bikes available. With all the parts assembled, it weighs 150 lbs (68 kg). All this weight considerably improves its stability. You can be sure that it won’t rock even if you engage in the most intense spin workout.
Despite its super weight, the bike is fairly easy to move, once it is assembled. Its front base is equipped with a set of transport wheels while its rear base features a lifting bar. Therefore, by lifting the bike from its bar and using the wheels, you won’t be handling more than 30% of its total weight.
Another important aspect in terms of stability that we must mention here regards the bike’s levelers. Each base bars has two adjustable levelers with large rubberized pads. Thus, you can perfectly level the bike on any type of floor. However, due to its weight, it still is recommended to place and use the bike on a rubberized mat or on a carped.
Seat and handlebars
The pooboo A5 is equipped with a professional spin saddle. Its top is made of thick polyurethane material, 
firm, but not extremely hard. Its surface is contoured with a central groove for improved breathability.
The seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Both its adjustment bars offers excellent micro-adjustability. The upright tube makes available 31 levels of adjustment, while the horizontal slider adds 17 extra adjustment positions. Therefore, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’2″ and 6’7″ (157 – 201 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension.
It’s also important to mention that the saddle has a standard (collar-based) connection system to the slider. This pretty much means you can find a compatible replacement for it in any bike shop, if you will ever need one. The collar also allows a slight angle-adjustment for the saddle.
The pooboo A5 comes with a multi-grip handlebar. It offers an off-road grip, a standard grip, a close grip, and a race grip. It has a loop bar in the middle to which you can attach the tablet holder. This bar allows an aero grip in case you don’t have a tablet placed on the holder.
As opposed to the seat, the handlebar only offers two-way adjustability (up, down). This actually a minus; a bike in this price range should offer the extra adjustability feature for its handlebar. Also, the handlebar is not equipped with pulse sensors. But on the other hand, a dual bottle holder is included with the bike; this accessory attaches to the lower section of the handlebar.
Resistance system
The pooboo A5 indoor cycling bike integrates a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t
have to connect the bike to an electrical outlet and you don’t need a power adapter for it. But on the other hand, the bike doesn’t come with a console, it does not have preset workout programs, and does not adjust the resistance automatically.
The bike’s resistance system consists of an internal brake equipped with three pcs or 4500 gauss magnets. The brake is connected via a steel wire system to the tension knob on top of the bike’s frame. As you turn the knob clockwise, it moves closer to the bike’s flywheel and increases the workout load.
Needless to say, a magnetic brake comes with several advantages. First of all, there is no friction between the brake and the flywheel, so there won’t be any wear and tear to the brake pad, as it is the case for spin bikes with a friction resistance system. Second of all, since the brake doesn’t touch the flywheel, the pedaling motion is very smooth and whisper-quiet.
The bike’s tension knob has 8 pre-determined tension zones marked on it. The first one delivers a fairly light resistance, great for warming up, or for prolonged workouts at a constant resistance for weight loss and stamina development. Conversely, the top level of resistance considerably increases the workout load simulating a steep climb.
Drive system
Most spin bikes equipped with a magnetic resistance system and a rear-drive system typically have 
lighter flywheels. For example, the Keiser M3i has an 8 lbs (3.6 kg) flywheel, while the Sunny SF-B1709 has a 7.3 (3.3 lbs) flywheel. That’s because the workout load is compensated by the magnetic brake. The pooboo A5 indoor cycle is equipped with a heavy flywheel as well. It weighs 38 lbs (17.2 kg) and it is also perimeter weighted for improved inertia.
The flywheel is bi-directional. Therefore, it allows pedaling in reverse. However, just as for most other spin bikes, coasting is not possible. When pedaling in reverse you will benefit from the same workout load as when pedaling forward. This being said, you can put a lot of diversity into your workouts by alternating reverse pedaling with forward pedaling sessions.
Like most other spin bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the pooboo A5 is equipped with a belt drive system. As opposed to a chain drive, a belt drive doesn’t require any lubrication. Also, it generates less vibration than a chain.
Last but not least, the pooboo A5 features a heavy-duty crankset with a large crank wheel and durable steel arms. The pedals are made of aluminum alloy featuring a non-slip design. They’re equipped with toe cages. They don’t have SPD elements for spin shoes. However, their threads are standard (9/16) compatible replacements are widely available.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the two base bars, the seat, the handlebars, the pedals, and several other small parts. This shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes of your time. All the necessary assembly instructions are covered by the manual. Also, all the necessary tools are included.
Once the bike is fully assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. It’s important to keep the unit clean and wipe off the sweat that might fall onto the frame. But other than this, the internal parts shouldn’t need any lubrication or maintenance for a long period of time.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty construction – weight capacity of 450 lbs;
- Aesthetic design;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both base bars;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Perimeter-weighted (38 lbs) flywheel for enhanced inertia;
- Heavy-duty crank for spin workouts;
- Durable, metallic alloy pedals with toe cages and straps;
- Frictionless magnetic resistance;
- Silent belt drive;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bottle holders included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- Handlebars are only 2-way adjustable (up, down);
- No exercise meter;
- No pulse reading function.
Summary
The pooboo A5 is a heavy-duty indoor cycling bike designed for spin workouts. It is equipped with a 38-lb flywheel, an 8-level magnetic brake, and a four-way adjustable seat featuring superior micro-adjustability. It’s a slightly larger bike than most other spin bikes, and also offers an impressive weight capacity of 450 lbs. It’s an excellent stationary bike for high-intensity cardio training, interval training, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s not exactly one of the most affordable bikes but does offer commercial-grade quality.