L NOW pooboo W258 Recumbent Bike

Unit	Size	Assembled weight	Supported weight	Resistance	Console
pooboo W258 Check Discounted Price	L:54" W:24" H:39"	60 lbs	220 lbs	Manual magnetic, 8 levels	Time, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Speed, Pulse, Goals, Scan

The pooboo W258 is one of the L NOW recumbent bikes released in 2019. It’s an exercise bike designed for home use within the same range of features as the Efitment RB034. It has a manual magnetic resistance system and an exercise meter that can track all the important workout metrics.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 54L x 24W x 39H inches (137L x 61W x 99H cm)
• Assembled weight: 60 lbs (27 kg)
• Weight capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
• Seat: Adjustable
• Pedals: Weighted, with straps
• Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
• Console: Time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, pulse, goals, SCAN

Frame construction

The pooboo W258 recumbent bike features a two-piece frame. The rear part with the seat connects to the front part with the drive system and console mast at the middle. The connection between the two frame parts is supported by a small stabilizer. This is a classic frame construction, similar to the Marcy NS-908R, or the Sunny SF-RB921.

The frame does not fold, nor it does adjust from the middle but does have a step-through design. There’s a small gap between the seat section and the drive system section which allows you to easily pass through when you want to take position on the bike. This can be a plus for users with certain disabilities or elderly users.

Needless to say, the bike’s frame is made of steel tubing. The only major ABS parts in the bike’s construction are the covers of the drive system. All the steel tubes are coated with a rust-resistant paint finish. The color used is dark gray. However, in terms of colors, there are two versions of this bike, one with a blue-black drive system casing, the other with a yellow-black casing. They’re both identical in terms of specs and features.

Although the bike has a steel frame, it is not extremely heavy. With all the parts assembled, it only weighs approx. 60 lbs (27.2 kg). This being said, it can easily be carried and put together by only one person.

In terms of size, the pooboo W258 bike is not extremely large but does take 54″L x 24″W (137 x 61 cm) of floor space. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side, and at least one foot of clearance at its front and rear for ease of access and usage.

Last but not least, the rear stabilizer of the bike is equipped with a set of polygonal stabilizers which can rotate offering the possibility to level the unit on any type of floor. Conversely, the front base features a set of small wheels for ease of relocation.

Seat and handlebars

The L NOW pooboo W258 recumbent exercise bike is equipped with a seat designed for comfort. Both the seat pad and the backrest pad integrate approx. 2″ of foam cushioning. Also, the upholstery is made of durable vinyl material, designed to last for many years of use.

The seat is adjustable. It slides forward and backward on its rail, and you can lock in in the desired position via the knob on the right side. The adjustment bar of the seat has multiple positions. Therefore, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm). Also, the seat can support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg). However, the manufacturer recommends a maximum user weight capacity of 220 lbs (100 kg) for this exercise bike, for a prolonged lifespan.

It’s also important to mention here that the backrest does not adjust independently from the seat. It moves forward and backward along with the seat when you adjust it, but does not recline.

This pooboo exercise bike has two sets of handlebars, one attached to the front mast, the other attached to the seat assembly. The front handlebars have a simple design. They attach directly to the front bar, so they are non-adjustable. They are slightly curved towards the user in order to provide a more comfortable grip and minimize the impact on your wrists.

The seat also has its own set of handlebars. It’s important to mention that they are placed a little bit higher than the seat pad, not parallel with it, so you can use them as elbow rests as well. They have rubberized grips and are non-adjustable just as the front handlebars, but they also integrate metallic pulse sensors.

Drive and resistance

Like most other recumbent bikes, the pooboo W258 is equipped with an internal flywheel. It only weighs 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) but has a balanced structure in order to provide a steady pedaling motion. It is also bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want.

The bike’s drivetrain consists of a heavy-duty v-belt that provides superior traction. Just like any other exercise bike belt drive system, it does not require lubrication. It also promotes a very quiet pedaling motion and generates considerably less vibration than a chain.

The bike is equipped with a set of durable pedals. They are ABS-made but have a metallic core for extra durability. They have a weighted design, so they always turn face-up if you remove your feet from them. Their surface is textured to provide a better grip and they’re also equipped with adjustable straps.

Since it’s a recumbent exercise bike, pedaling while standing up on the pedals is not recommended. Also, a posture like that would be very awkward and may cause damage to the pedals and the internal components.

In terms of resistance, the pooboo W258 is equipped with a manual magnetic system. This means you don’t have to connect the bike to a power outlet. Also, the console does not play any role in the resistance adjustment, it does not adjust the resistance automatically, and does not have preset programs like the bikes with a motorized resistance system.

The bike’s resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake which is connected to the adjustment dial on the front tube of the bike through a steel cable. By turning the dial clockwise, the brake moves closer to the flywheel and increases the pedaling difficulty.

There are 8 resistance levels available on this bike. This first level provides a very light pedaling difficulty, which is great for users that require recovery training. The 7-8 levels, on the other hand, provide considerably more resistance, great for anyone who wants to burn more calories and improve their stamina.

Console

As we’ve mentioned above, the bike’s console does not control the resistance and does not have preset programs. It is basically nothing more than an exercise meter. It features an LCD display which tracks time, distance, total distance traveled (odometer), speed, calories burned, and pulse. It is not telemetric, so it can only read your pulse via the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars. It does not work with any wireless HR chest strap.

The console is very easy to use. It has three buttons: Reset, Mode, and Set. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the ones that you want to view on the display or select the Scan function. If the Scan function is selected, the workout metrics are shown in a cycle, each one remaining on the display for a few seconds. The Set button allows you to set goals for time, distance, and calories. Once a goal is set, the console will show the remaining value toward that particular selected goal and will notify you when you complete it. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values on the console to zero, with the exception of the odometer which can only be reset by removing the batteries from the unit.

The console starts up when you press the Mode button or when you begin pedaling. It has a self shutdown function as well, which is initiated after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike. The unit is battery powered and requires two AAA batteries. And finally, it integrates a tablet holder which is placed above its buttons.

Assembly and Maintenance

The front section of the bike with the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts require assembly. You will have to connect the two main pieces of the frame together, attach the front and rear stabilizers, the seat, the backrest, the front mast, the handlebars, the console, and the pedals. This may take more than an hour. However, the process is not too difficult. The manual provides very clear assembly instructions and a basic toolkit is also included.

Maintenance doesn’t require much. Basically, you only have to keep the unit clean, keep liquids away from the console, and periodically check for loose or broken parts. The internal parts shouldn’t need any maintenance for a long period of time.

The Pros

• Sturdy, steel frame;
• Adjustable rear stabilizers;
• Transport wheels;
• Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
• Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
• Front handlebars;
• Padded seat and backrest, for optimal comfort;
• Multiple adjustment positions on the seat rail;
• Adjustable magnetic resistance offering 8 distinct levels;
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• Exercise meter that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
• Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
• Tablet holder included;
• Bottle holder included;
• Lightweight, easy to handle;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little to no maintenance required.

The Cons

• No backlight on the console display;
• A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the console display.

Summary

The L Now pooboo W258 is a recumbent bike for home use, featuring a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 tension levels. It is equipped with a comfortable and adjustable seat, and a console which tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It’s an excellent trainer for light to medium intensity cardio training, muscle toning, building stamina, and losing weight.