| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
pooboo C511 Check Discounted Price | L: 51" W: 23" H: 48" | 330 lbs | 42 lbs | Friction | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, RPM Calories, Pulse, Goals |
The pooboo C511 is one of the newer commercial indoor cycling bikes released in the second part of 2019. It features a similar construction and range of features as the pooboo D578 model but has a considerably greater weight capacity. It’s definitely a bike made for commercial use, made to support any type of spin workout.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 51L x 23W x 48H inches (130L x 58W x 122H cm)
- Assembled weight: 121 lbs (54.8 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 42 lbs (19 kg)
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Friction, adjustable
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, pulse, scan
- Extras: Bottle holders, device holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The pooboo C511 features an extremely robust, triangular frame made of thick steel tubing. It’s 
designed to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg) which is quite impressive even for a club-grade bike. All the tubes in its construction are ovalized for superior aesthetics and double-coated with a durable, corrosion-resistant paint finish. The main color is gray, with the “pooboo” logo painted white and the bases painted yellow. The only exceptions are the seat tube, the handlebar tube, and the flywheel, which are chrome-plated.
The fully assembled bike is quite heavy. It weighs approx. 121 lbs (54.8 kg), while its boxed weight is 136 lbs (61.6 kg). Therefore, it is recommended to be carried and assembled by two persons. However, once the unit is assembled, it can easily be relocated by only one person as its front base is equipped with large silicone transport wheels.
The bike’s weight plays an important role in its overall stability. You can be sure that it won’t rock or move even if you engage in the most demanding workouts. Plus, both its base bars are equipped with adjustable stabilizers which give you the possibility to perfectly level it on any surface. It is recommended, though, to place and use the bike on a rubber mat as it may still damage the floor due to its weight.
Compared to other fitness machines, the pooboo C511 indoor cycling trainer is not extremely large. It is approx. 51″ (130 cm) long, and 23″ (58 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe usage and ease of access.
One last important aspect to mention here regards the small bar that unites the seat tube with the main oblique tube of the frame. This element not only improves the overall sturdiness of the bike, but it can also serve as a stepping pad. Not all spin bikes have this feature, so it is quite a plus as you can perform certain spin workouts that require you to repeatedly mount and dismount in order to engage more muscle groups. This short bar is also reinforced by a steel plate that prevents the wear of its paint finish.
Seat and handlebars
Although the pooboo C511 is an indoor cycling bike designed for spin workouts, it doesn’t come with the
average slim, race-type seat. The included saddle is wider, offering more contact surface and more comfort. It integrates a thicker layer of cushioning and has a contoured surface for extra breathability. Plus, it features a classic (collar-based) attachment system which makes it easy to replace. You should be able to find at least a few compatible options in any bike shop, in case you will ever want to replace your seat.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers approx. 10″ (26 cm) of adjustment while its horizontal slider adds approx. 3.3″ (9 cm) of front to back adjustment. This being said, the bike should accommodate with no problem users between 5’2″ and 6’5″ (157 – 196 cm). Also, as we’ve mentioned above, the bike is rated for a user weight capacity of 330 lbs (150kg) which applies to the seat as well.
Just like the seat, the handlebar is four-way adjustable. Its upright post has 7 adjustment positions with approx. 0.7″ (1.7 cm) in between, plus, its horizontal slider offers a few extra inches of front to back adjustment.
Although the handlebar does not have drop-down grips like the L NOW pooboo D601, it does offer multiple grip possibilities. To begin with, it features two long, converging sidebars with their front grips curved upward for a better race grip. It has a transversal bar slightly curved upward at the middle for a close grip and another median bar to which the bottle holder attaches, which can also serve as a secondary classic grip.
The handlebar integrates pulse sensors in its side grips. Therefore, if you hold on to them, the included bike computer can monitor your heart rate. Plus, the whole handlebar assembly is covered by a layer of high-density foam for a secure and comfortable grip.
Drive and resistance
The pooboo C511 indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a fairly heavy flywheel. It weighs 42 lbs (19 kg)
and features a perimeter-weighted design for enhanced inertia, perfect for spin workouts. As we’ve mentioned above, the flywheel is chrome-plated; it also has black/yellow ABS side covers for extra protection and improved aesthetics.
The flywheel permits reverse pedaling. However, since the bike’s drive system is simple, when pedaling in reverse you will get the same resistance as when pedaling forward. This being said, you can alternate forward pedaling with reverse pedaling sessions in order to engage more muscle groups. It’s also important to mention here that coasting is not possible on this bike.
The bike’s resistance system is friction-based, with manual adjustment. This means you don’t have to connect the bike to an external power source in order to benefit from resistance adjustment. Also, the bike computer cannot automatically adjust the resistance.
The resistance system consists of a brake pad which is attached to the tension knob on top of the main frame tube. By turning this knob clockwise, the brake pad applies more friction to the flywheel increasing the drag and the pedaling difficulty. Also, the tension knob can be pressed all the way down in case you must stop the flywheel from spinning.
Similar to most other exercise bikes with a friction resistance system, the pooboo C511 does not have pre-determined resistance levels. You simply tighten the brake until you find the right pedaling difficulty.
Since it’s a bike made for spin workouts, the C511 features a heavy-duty crankset. The crank arms and the pedals can support the full weight of the user, so you can alternate seated workouts with standing-up workouts with no problem. They have adjustable toe cages for superior foot stability.
Last but not least, the bike is equipped with a belt drive system. This type of drive offers several advantages. First of all, it does not require lubrication. Second of all, it generates less vibration than a chain, and third of all, it promotes a very quiet pedaling motion.
Performance monitor
The pooboo C511 includes a performance monitor similar to the one on the pooboo D578. The unit
features an LCD display with multiple sub-sections, showing up to 5 workout metrics at once. It tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse. It is not telemetric, though. So, for the pulse reading, you will have to use the sensors integrated into the handlebar. It cannot read your pulse from an HR chest strap transmitter.
The monitor unit is very easy to use. It only has three buttons – Up, Down, Enter. The Up and Down buttons give you the possibility to select a goal for time, distance, or calories burned, while the Enter button fulfills the selection function and the reset function. In order to reset everything on the unit, you can simply press and hold the Enter button for a few seconds.
The unit requires a CR2032 lithium battery (3V) as its power source which is not included. It starts up when you begin pedaling, and also automatically shuts off after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike, to save battery.
Assembly and Maintenance
Most of the bike’s frame comes pre-assembled; the flywheel, the crankset, the belt, and the resistance elements are already attached to the main frame. You only need to connect the two base bars, the seat post, the seat, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the computer, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The included manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and a set of basic tools for the task is included.
In terms of maintenance, this indoor cycling bike does not require much. The brake pad may need a bit of silicone lubricant from time to time. Other than this, all you have to do is keep the bike clean and periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Commercial-grade, heavy-duty frame construction;
- Can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
- Transport wheels included;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 4-way adjustable handlebar;
- Cushioned and contoured saddle;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
- Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Perimeter-weighted, 42 lbs flywheel;
- Friction resistance for a wide array of pedaling difficulty levels;
- Durable pedals with toe cages;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Dual bottle holder included;
- Device holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The battery for the meter unit is not included;
- No backlight on the meter unit.
Summary
The pooboo C511 is a commercial-grade indoor cycling bike designed for all spin workouts. It’s equipped with a 42-lb flywheel, a friction resistance system, and a performance monitor that tracks your main workout stats. It features a heavy-duty frame with a capacity of 330 lbs. It also offers superior micro-adjustability. It’s an excellent trainer for high-intensity cardio training, interval training, stamina and strength development, and weight loss.