| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Drive | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
pooboo D686 Check Discounted Price | L:49.2" W:19.8" H:44.8" | 280 lbs | Belt | Friction | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Scan |
The pooboo D686 is one of the indoor cycling bikes released in 2019. It’s a bike made for home use, but offers a pretty sturdy construction and a heavy flywheel for improved inertia. Even though it’s not a commercial-grade bike, it’s pretty close in terms of construction to at least a light-commercial model.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 49.2L x 19.8W x 44.8H inches (125L x 50W x 114H cm)
- Assembled weight: 115 lbs (52 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Supported weight: 280 lbs (127 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, pulse, scan
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The pooboo D686 features a triangular frame construction but its design is quite different from 
the standard design found in other bikes such as the Yosuda L-001A or the pooboo D519. It’s more of a “reversed D” frame, as the upper and lower median bars are curved. These being said, the bike looks quite a bit different than your average spin bike.
The bike’s frame is made of steel tubing. Most of the tubes in its construction are ovalized for improved aesthetics and sturdiness. The main frame is coated with a corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant paint finish, with the exception of the seat and handlebar posts which are chrome-plated. The main color used for the frame finish is red, this being the only color available for the D686 model (at least for the moment).
This pooboo indoor cycling bike is slightly larger than other models. However, it still has a small footprint compared to a treadmill or other larger fitness machines, so it can fit pretty well even into a small room. It is approx. 49″ (125 cm) long, and 20″ (50 cm) wide. However, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it, for safe usage and ease of access.
The fully assembled bike is quite heavy. Its net weight is approx. 115 lbs (52 kg); this is more than three times the weight of the average road bike. All this weight is reflected in the bike’s overall stability. You can be sure that it won’t rock or wobble even during the most intense workouts. Plus, both its base bars are equipped with adjustable and rubberized levelers.
Despite its weight, the bike is fairly easy to move. Its front base features a set of silicone wheels which facilitate its relocation. By using these wheels when moving the bike, you will only have to handle approx. 30% of its total weight.
Seat and handlebars
The pooboo D686 includes a saddle designed for extra comfort. To begin with, its top is larger 
than the average slim spin seat. It integrates a generous layer of memory foam and also has a central groove which improves breathability.
The seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright bar offers multiple adjustment positions while its horizontal slider adds several inches of front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 193 cm), allowing a complete range of motion. The seat is also rated for a weight capacity of 280 lbs (127 kg).
As opposed to the seat, the bike’s handlebar only offers two-way adjustability (up, down). It has a multi-grip design with two fairly long aero grips in the middle. The two aero grips are also unified by a small shelf that can serve as a phone or tablet holder.
The bike’s handlebar is completely covered by a layer of rubber foam material which provides a comfortable and secure grip. The side grips integrate metallic EKG sensors, which is a plus, as many other commercial bikes don’t have this feature. The included exercise meter also has a pulse reading function.
Drive and resistance
The pooboo D686 exercise bike is equipped with a standard, 40 lbs (18 kg) flywheel which has a 
perimeter-weighted construction. This type of flywheel design improves inertia and adds consistency to the ride.
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse as well. However, you cannot coast on the bike, and when pedaling in reverse, you will meet the same resistance as when pedaling forward.
The bike’s resistance system is friction-based. It consists of a thick wool-felt pad attached to the tension knob on the main frame bar. By turning the knob clockwise, the pad applies more friction to the flywheel which increases the drag and the overall pedaling difficulty.
Like most other spin bikes with a friction resistance system, the pooboo D686 doesn’t have pre-determined settings. You simply tighten the brake until you find the desired pedal resistance.
The bike is equipped with a belt drive system. It integrates a heavy-duty rubber belt concealed by the side ABS guards. This being said, the pedaling motion is very quiet, almost completely silent. It also generates considerably less vibration than a chain drive. Plus, you don’t need to ever lubricate it as it is the case for a chain drive.
Last but not least, this pooboo exercise bike is equipped with a sturdy crankset and pedals. The 280 lbs (127 kg) weight capacity also applies to the pedals. Therefore, as long as you don’t exceed this weight, you can pedal while standing up with no problem.
The pedals are equipped with toe cages in order to provide extra thrust possibilities and extra foot stability. They do not have SPD clips for spin shoes, but they do have standard threads, so replacements for them are widely available.
Exercise meter
Even though the fitness meter included with the pooboo D686 is not exactly an advanced unit, it’s
still quite a plus, as many other spin bikes do not include this accessory. The unit features an LCD display that tracks speed, distance, total distance, elapsed time, calories, and pulse. It is not telemetric, though, so it cannot communicate with any wireless HR chest strap. Therefore, if you want to monitor your pulse during your workouts, you have to hold on to the sensors integrated into the side grips of the handlebar.
The unit is very easy to use. It has only one button. By pressing the button repeatedly, you can scroll through the workout metrics and select the one that you want to view. You can also select the Scan Mode, which enables the unit to rotate all the workout metrics and keep each one for a few seconds on the display.
The button also covers the unit’s reset function. By pressing and holding it for a few seconds, you can clear all the values on it to zero.
The meter unit requires two AA batteries as its power source. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you push its button. It also has a sleep mode to which will enter after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s frame with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only have to attach the base bars of the bike, the seat post, the handlebar post, the seat, the handlebar, the meter unit, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. The included manual provides very clear assembly instructions. Also, all the necessary tools for assembly are included.
Once the bike is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. Since it has a belt-drive, you won’t have to take the cover apart to lubricate it. All you have to do is periodically check for loose parts and keep the unit clean.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction designed for spin workouts;
- Aesthetic design;
- Adjustable & rubberized stabilizers on both bases;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Comfortable, memory-foam saddle;
- The seat is 4-way adjustable;
- Multi-grip handlebar with long aero 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;
- Easy to assemble (assembly tools included);
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness meter;
- The pulse and calorie readings are not too accurate.
Summary
The pooboo D686 is a heavy-duty indoor cycling bike designed for spin workouts. It is equipped with a heavy, 40 lbs flywheel, a friction resistance system, and includes a basic exercise meter. It also has a pulse reading function. It’s a great bike for medium and high-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina and strength development, interval training, and weight loss.