| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Drive | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
pooboo W669 Check Discounted Price | L:56" W:20" H:43.4" | 250 lbs | Belt | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Speed, Pulse, Goals, Scan |
The pooboo W669 is one of the exercise bikes released at the end of 2020. It has a sturdier construction than the pooboo W268 that we’ve already covered here, offers superior adjustability and its fitness monitor has workout goal functions. However, it’s still a recumbent bike made for home use, not a commercial model.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 56L x 20W x 43.4H inches (142L x 51W x 110H cm)
- Assembled weight: ~60 lbs (27.2 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: Weighted, with straps
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, pulse, goals, scan
- Extras: Device holder
Frame construction
The pooboo W669 recumbent bike features a steel frame combining cylindrical, oval, and rectangular tubes 
in its construction. It’s a two-piece frame; the rear section with the seat connects at the base to the front section that holds the drive system. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black or dark gray, this being the only version (at least for now). The only exception is the adjustment rail of the seat which has a chrome finish.
Of course, the bike also integrates several plastic parts. The most notable ones are the covers of the drive and resistance elements, the base bar end caps, and the device holder. These are made from a durable thermoplastic material, probably polypropylene.
The bike is a bit larger than other models made for home use. It is approx. 56″ (142 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide, while its highest point is given by the top of the handlebars which reach approx. 43.4″ (110 cm) above floor level. It is also recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around the bike for safe usage and ease of access.
Although there is a small gap between the seat base frame and the front mechanism unit, the bike doesn’t offer a very large step-through space, like the Exerpeutic 5000, for example. Especially if the seat is adjusted all the way down, you will basically have to step over the front-drive unit of the bike to take position on the seat. However, the front unit of the bike isn’t too high above the floor level, only approx. 16″ (40 cm) so this shouldn’t be too difficult.
Last but not least, the bike is fairly heavy. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved via the small wheels integrated into its front stabilizer. Also, its rear base bar is equipped with polygonal caps which rotate and can be used as levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The pooboo W669 recumbent bike is equipped with a large seat, made for superior comfort. Its bottom pad
is approx. 15.7″ (40 cm) wide, and 11″ (28) long, so it provides plenty of contact surface. The backrest is approx. 14″ (35 cm) wide and 20″ (51 cm), designed to provide great lumbar support. Both the seat and the backrest pads integrate a generous layer of foam padding, approx. 2″ (5 cm) thick. Their covers are made of durable vinyl material which is sweatproof and easy to maintain.
The seat is adjustable. It can slide forward or backward on its rail. Its locking system is knob-based, so in order to make any adjustments, it is recommended to stand up. The seat rail is 20″ (51 cm) long and offers an adjustment span for the seat of approx. 8″ (20.3 cm). Therefore, the bike can accommodate comfortably users between 4’9″ and 6’2″ (145 – 188 cm). It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 250 lbs (113.3 kg).
The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One attaches to the seat assembly, the other to the front mast of the bike. The seat handlebars integrate pulse sensors and the included fitness monitor can track your pulse if you hold on to them. The front handlebars are curved up while the front mast of the bike is inclined towards the user, so holding them while seated doesn’t lead to an awkward position as is the case with other recumbent bikes.
Both handlebar sets feature PVC foam sleeves for an improved and comfortable grip. None of them are adjustable. It’s also important to mention here that the backrest doesn’t adjust independently from the seat. It does not have an upright slider or a reclining function.
Resistance system
The pooboo W669 is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. Therefore, you don’t need a power 
adapter or an external power source for it. But on the other hand, the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The resistance system consists of a magnetic brake which is connected to the tension knob on the front mast of the bike. By turning the knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the internal flywheel which increases the resistance. Evidently, since the brake uses magnets to generate resistance, it does not touch the flywheel and the pedaling motion is seamless, whisper-quiet, and the wear-and-tear of the brake is virtually zero.
The bike makes available 8 levels of resistance. The first two levels provide light resistance for gentle exercising, great for blood circulation improvement and workout warm-up. The 3-5 tension levels deliver moderate workout intensity, while the 6-8 levels offer considerably more resistance and the possibility to perform a more consistent workout.
Drive system
The pooboo W669 is a recumbent exercise bike. Therefore, it’s meant for seated workouts only. It does not
support any spin workouts and it is not meant for standing on the pedals. However, it does have a pretty durable crankset with cylindrical, chrome-plated arms, made of steel. The pedals are made of a durable thermoplastic material. They have a textured surface and adjustable straps for improved foot stability. They also integrate weight elements so they always self-level when you remove your feet from them.
The weight of the internal flywheel is not specified. However, similar to other bikes in this feature range, it probably doesn’t weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg). It has a balanced structure designed for a smooth pedaling motion and a pretty consistent momentum.
The flywheel is bi-directional. Therefore, you can pedal in reverse if you want. However, when pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant, given by the selected tension level. Also, coasting is not possible on this bike; the pedals continue to spin for as long as the internal flywheel is spinning.
The bike’s internal drivetrain features a durable V-ribbed rubber belt designed for superior traction, highly resistant to stretching and abrasion. This being said, its transmission does not require any lubrication. It also delivers a smoother pedaling motion than a chain drive because it generates slightly less vibration.
Fitness monitor
The pooboo bike W669 is equipped with a pretty standard fitness monitor. It features an LCD display that
tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. The pulse reading function is grip-contact only. The monitor unit cannot communicate with a wireless HR chest strap or fitness band. It can only read your pulse if you hold on to the integrated sensors.
The fitness monitor does not have pre-set programs, online connectivity, and it is not compatible with any fitness app. However, it has a goal-setting function. You can select a workout goal for time, distance, or calories burned and it will countdown from the selected value until it reaches zero.
There are three buttons on the fitness monitor unit. These are Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to select the workout metric that you want to view on the display or select the Scan Mode so that the monitor will roll the metrics on the display showing each one for a few seconds. The Set button accesses the goal-setting function. The Reset button allows you to clear all the values on the monitor to zero.
The unit is battery-powered. It starts tracking when you press one of the buttons or when you begin pedaling. It also has a self-shutdown function; it should automatically turn off after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike. It also integrates a device holder. This consists of a small shelf above the LCD display and a large backrest that can accommodate any tablet. However, there are no ports for connecting your device to it (no AUX, no USB).
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s drive mechanism comes pre-assembled and attached to the front part of the frame. However, the rest of the parts require user assembly. You will basically have to connect the two main frame parts, add the two base stabilizers, connect the seat, the backrest, the front mast, the handlebars, the fitness monitor, and the pedals. The task isn’t too difficult but may take up to one hour of your time. The included manual offers clear, step-by-step assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
Once the bike is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. The internal parts shouldn’t need any lubrication for a long period of time. Therefore, you only need to wipe off the sweat that may fall on the frame at the end of the workout, keep the bike clean, and periodically inspect it to make sure that all the parts hold tight in their places and all the moving parts function properly.
The Pros
- Sturdy, steel frame – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Adjustable rear stabilizers;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front base;
- Two sets of handlebars included;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the seat handlebars;
- Padded seat and backrest, for superior comfort;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system;
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Fitness monitor that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories burned;
- Device holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little to no maintenance required.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor display.
Summary
The pooboo W669 is a recumbent exercise bike made for home use. It is equipped with an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, a comfortable seat with 2″ of foam padding, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse. It’s also pretty sturdy, designed for a maximum user weight limit of 250 lbs. It’s a bike designed for recovery training, light to medium-intensity cardio training, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss.