| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
pooboo C505 Check Discounted Price | L: 50.7" W: 19.8" H: 47.6" | 330 lbs | 44 lbs | Friction | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, RPM, Pulse, Goals, Recovery |
The pooboo C505 indoor cycling bike is similar in terms of capacity and sturdiness to the pooboo 511 model. However, it has a slightly different frame design and comes with a different fitness monitor model.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 50.7L x 19.8W x 47.6H inches (129L x 50W x 121H cm)
- Assembled weight: 147.7 lbs (67 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 44 lbs (20 kg)
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Friction, adjustable
- Fitness monitor: Time, average speed, maximum speed, distance, RPM, calories, average heart rate, maximum heart rate
- Extras: Bottle holders, device holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The pooboo C505 indoor cycling bike features a frame construction similar to the pooboo D501. However, the seat
section does not have the suspension spring at the base. The frame has a triangular design made of thick, heavy-duty steel tubing. Most of the tubes are flat and oval for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. It’s definitely a commercial-grade bike made to support any type of spin workout.
The main frame of the bike features a double powder coating that is corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant. The paint finish is black in color, with the “pooboo” logo in white. The only exceptions are the seat and handlebar posts which have a chrome finish.
The bike is quite heavy. Its net weight is approx. 147.7 lbs (67 kg) similar to most commercial class stationary bikes. This being said, the transport of the packaged unit requires two people, or at least a box trolley. However, once the bike is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person; its front base tube features a set of transport wheels.
Needless to say, the bike offers superior stability due to its weight. Its center of gravity is pretty low which also adds to the overall stability. Plus, both base tubes have adjustable levelers with large rubber pads. It is recommended, though, to place and use the bike on a workout mat or carpet.
Last but not least, the bike is fairly large compared with other models. It is approx. 50.7″ (129 cm) long, and 19.8″ (50 cm) wide. It is also recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it, for correct usage and easy access.
Seat and handlebars
The pooboo exercise bike C505 includes a saddle designed for optimal comfort. To begin with, it is approx. 7″
(18 cm) wide, and 10.2″ (26 cm) long so it provides plenty of contact surface. Its top is made of a thick layer of high-density foam and also integrates an additional layer of foam padding. It is also contoured for improved breathability.
It’s also important to mention that the included saddle features a standard collar-type attachment system. This means that it can easily be removed and if you will ever want to replace it, compatible options are widely available.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers an adjustment span of approx. 5″ (13 cm), from 35.5″ to 45.5″ (90 – 115.5 cm) above the floor. Plus, its horizontal slider adds several inches of front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate comfortably users between 5’0″ and 6’7″ (153 – 201 cm). It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 330 lbs (150 kg).
The handlebar is also four-way adjustable just like the seat. Its upright post offers an adjustment span of approx. 4″ (10 cm), with a maximum height of 47.6″ (121 cm) above the floor. Its horizontal slider adds approx. 2″ (5 cm) of front-to-back adjustment.
The handlebar features a multi-grip design. It offers the possibility to adopt a climbing grip, a cruise grip, a standard grip, and a close grip. It also has a loop bar in the middle to which you can attach the tablet holder or you can use it for an aero grip. The whole handlebar is covered by a layer of urethane material for improved contact. Also, its side grips integrate metallic pulse sensors.
Resistance system
The pooboo C505 indoor cycle features a standard friction resistance system with manual adjustment. This being said,
you don’t need a power adapter or an external power source for the bike. The only power source needed is a set of two AAA batteries for the fitness monitor. But on the other hand, the monitor unit cannot adjust the bike’s resistance automatically.
The bike’s main resistance element is a leather brake pad attached to the main oblique tube of the bike and connected to the tension knob on top of the same tube. The pad is also concealed by a large guard that is part of the bike’s frame for improved safety. To increase the resistance, you simply have to turn the knob clockwise. This way, the pad will apply more friction to the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.
The tension knob also has an emergency brake function. You can press it down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning. This is actually necessary because the bike’s flywheel is heavy and provides high inertia, so trying to stop it by abruptly ceasing the pedaling motion may lead to injuries.
It’s also important to mention here that the brake pad may require lubrication especially if the resistance is jerky. This can easily be done by applying a bit of silicone lubricant on the edge of the flywheel. Also, the brake pad will eventually wear out and require replacement. But since it’s a leather pad, it should last for at least a few years even if the bike is used daily.
Drive system
The pooboo C505 indoor cycling bike is equipped with a heavy, 44 lbs (20 kg) flywheel like most other commercial-grade
spin bikes. It is perimeter-weighted; this design is meant to deliver high inertia and a consistent momentum.
The flywheel is also bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse if you want. However, you cannot coast as is the case for any road bike. The pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The bike is equipped with a heavy-duty 3-piece crankset. It integrates high-strength commercial crank arms with a taper of 16.1-16.9 mm. The pedals are made of aluminum alloy; they have a textured surface to prevent foot slippage and adjustable toe cages for extra thrust. They do not have SPD clips for spin shoes. Also, their threads are 20 mm, not 9/16 for better strength.
The bike’s drive system uses a poly-v belt. Since it’s a belt, not a chain, you don’t have to worry about its periodic lubrication. The belt features compression wheels and spring adjustment, while the poly-v design prevents deviation. The drive belt is concealed by a large thermoplastic guard, black in color to fit the rest of the bike.
Fitness monitor
The pooboo C505 exercise bike doesn’t have a super-performant console with Bluetooth, fitness app compatibility,
or workout programs but does include a fitness monitor. The monitor unit features an LCD display divided into 5 sections in order to show up to 5 workout metrics at once. It tracks speed, time, distance, RPM, calories, and heart rate. It also offers the possibility to scroll between average speed and maximum speed, as well as average heart rate and maximum heart rate.
The speed and distance values are shown in English units (MPH and miles). The pulse reading function is grip contact only. In other words, the monitor unit is not compatible with a wireless HR chest strap. So, in order for it to read your pulse, you have to hold on to the integrated sensors.
The monitor unit fairly easy to use. It has four buttons. These are Mode, Set, Recovery, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to swap between avg. speed / max. speed and avg. heart rate / max. heart rate. The Set button offers the possibility to select workout targets for various metrics such as time, distance, or calories. The Reset button clears all the values on the unit to zero.
The Recovery button initiates the unit’s Pulse Recovery function. To use this function, you have to hold on to the integrated sensors. This way, the unit will count your pulse at the end of the workout and determine how long it takes your heart to return to a normal BPM. Based on the result, it will rate your fitness performance between F1 – excellent and F6 – poor.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. The flywheel, the belt drive system, the brake, and the crankset are already attached. Therefore, you only have to add the two base bars, the seat post, the seat, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the pedals, and the fitness monitor. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and all the tools are included, so the whole task shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes. It’s recommended to be done by two people because the bike’s frame is pretty heavy.
For maintenance, the brake pad may require lubrication especially if it makes a squeaky noise when in contact with the flywheel, or if the pedaling motion is jerky. This can be done with a bit of silicone oil applied on the edge of the flywheel. Other than this, you only have to keep the bike clean and periodically check for loose bolts and parts. The belt does not need lubrication.
The Pros
- Commercial-grade construction – can support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg);
- Adjustable levelers with rubber pads on both base bars;
- Transport wheels on the front base bar;
- Contoured saddle with a foam top for improved comfort;
- Collar type attachment system for the saddle for easy replacement (if needed);
- 4-way adjustability for the seat;
- Multi-grip handlebar, urethane-coated for improved contact;
- 4-way adjustability for the handlebar;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the front grips of the handlebars;
- Standard leather-pad friction resistance;
- Maintenance-free belt drive system;
- Extra-heavy 44 lbs perimeter-weighted flywheel;
- Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position;
- Durable aluminum pedals with toe cages;
- 5-window display fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, speed, calories, RPM, and pulse;
- Workout goal function;
- Recovery function;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holders included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness monitor;
- No Bluetooth connectivity;
- No compatibility with any fitness apps.
Summary
The pooboo C505 is a commercial-grade indoor cycling bike. It features a heavy-duty construction with a 330 lbs capacity, a 44 lbs flywheel, a belt drive system, and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It also offers excellent micro-adjustability for the seat and handlebar. In all, it’s a heavy-duty bike that can support any spin workout, great for high-intensity cardio training, stamina development, strength development, muscle toning, interval training, and weight loss.