| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spinner L7 Check Discounted Price | L:48" W:18" H:42" | 250 lbs | 36 lbs | Friction | No |
The Spinner L7 is an authentic Mad Dogg Athletics spin bike. It shares many similarities with the Spinner L3 that we’ve previously reviewed here, but this model offers a few extra features. For example, it’s equipped with a heavier flywheel and offers superior micro-adjustability for the handlebar. It’s one of the LifeStyle Series bikes, released in 2017, so it’s basically newer than the Spinner S7. Also, in case you’re wondering this is the Spinner Spin part number 10-007.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 48L x 18W x 42H inches (122L x 47W x 107H cm)
- Assembled weight: 100 lbs (45.3 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 36 lbs (16.3 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: Dual-sided
- Drive mechanism: Chain
- Resistance: Friction, felt-pad
- Fitness meter: No
- Accessories: Dual bottle holder, 4 workout DVDs
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame
As its name suggests, the Spinner L7 is an indoor cycling trainer designed for spin workouts. It features a durable frame made of steel tubing and double coated with a rust-resistant and
abrasion-resistant paint finish. The colors used are black for most of the metallic frame, and white (or light gray) / red for the SPIN logo. The seat and handlebar posts and sliders have a chrome finish, though.
There are several ABS parts in the bike’s construction as well. These are mostly covers, though, and only have a protective or cosmetic role, without affecting the overall sturdiness of the bike. Among them, we can count the chain cover and the lateral covers of the flywheel.
An important feature that we must mention here is the bike’s stepping pad. This is actually a small metallic bar, precision-welded to the main frame bar and the seat bar, above the crankset. There are many indoor cycling trainers, such as the L NOW LD-501 or ActionLine A84016, which don’t have this feature. This small bar not only that facilitates entry and exit, it can also serve as support for leg stretching or other exercises and spin workouts that combine stepping up and down with cycling sessions.
Although the bike is not extremely heavy, it does weigh approx. 100 lbs (45.3 kg) which is more than twice the weight of the average road bike. This weight improves stability; you can be sure that the trainer won’t rattle or move even if you execute one of the most intense workouts. The unit isn’t too difficult to transport once it is assembled, though, as its front base is equipped with transport wheels.
The bike’s stability is also enhanced by the adjustable levelers on each one of its bases. These stabilizers have large rubber caps and provide an excellent grip on the floor.
The Spinner SPIN L7 is not an extremely large fitness machine. With all the parts assembled it only takes approx. 48″ x 18″ (122 x 47 cm) of floor space. Also, with the handlebar fully extended upright, its height reaches approx. 47″ (119 cm). These being said, it can fit well in a small room. But it is recommended to assign a usage space for it of at least 75″L x 50″W (190 x 127 cm) to be able to perform any workout without any hindrance.
Seat and handlebars
The Spinner L7 trainer comes with a standard saddle. It integrates a layer of padding and a durable vinyl top. It’s designed for optimal comfort but should provide slightly more comfort than
a spin seat. It has a standard attachment system which makes it easily replaceable in case you want a larger or more cushioned one. Also, you can improve its cushioning with a gel seat cover.
The whole seat assembly is quite durable; it’s rated for a user weight capacity of 250 lbs (113 kg). The seat is 4-way adjustable; its upright post offers several adjustment positions while the horizontal slider provides several more inches of fore/aft travel. Therefore, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’4″. (153 – 193 cm).
As opposed to the Spinner S3 LifeStyle, the S7 model comes with a 4-way adjustable handlebar. It offers several inches of upright and horizontal adjustability. It has a multi-grip design with a middle loop-type aero bar to which the dual bottle holder is attached. It’s urethane dipped in order to provide a comfortable secure grip. However, it does not have pulse sensors and the bike doesn’t include an exercise meter. So, if you would like to keep an eye on your pulse during your workout, you will have to use a separate device.
Drive system
The Spinner L7 has a slightly heavier flywheel than the L1 and L3 models. It weighs 36 lbs (16.3 kg) and has a perimeter-weighted construction in order to provide a more aggressive inertia. Also, this type of flywheel construction delivers a steadier pedaling feel. 
Since the bike doesn’t have a coaster brake, it allows you to pedal in reverse. And when pedaling in reverse, the resistance will remain constant, given by the amount of friction the brake pad applies on the flywheel.
The bike integrates a durable crank assembly. It features solid steel crank arms which can support standing up on the pedals, as long as the user doesn’t exceed 250 lbs (113.3 kg).
The included pedals are also made of a durable metallic alloy. They’re dual-sided, featuring SPD clips for spin shoes on one side, and toe cages for athletic shoes on the other. They also have standard 9/16 threads, so you can easily find compatible replacements for them if needed.
One last aspect to mention here with regards to the bike’s pedals is the Q-Factor. This exercise bike has a fairly narrow Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals), of approx. 150 mm. This being said, it promotes a natural positioning of the feet on the pedals, which eliminates the lateral stress on the knees and ankles.
In terms of transmission, this exercise bike uses a chain. A chain drive comes with two main advantages. One, it’s highly durable; with the proper maintenance, it can last a lifetime. And two, it’s basically a standard bike chain, so in case you need to replace it, you can find one in any bike shop. Of course, the main drawback of a chain drive is that it requires lubrication, but this can easily be done without even removing the chain guard.
Resistance system
Like many other spin bikes, the Spinner L7 is equipped with a friction resistance system. It consists of a small felt-based brake pad attached to the main bar of the frame and to the tension
dial on top of it. By turning the dial clockwise you can tighten the pad onto the flywheel increasing friction along with the pedal resistance. Evidently, since it’s a manual resistance system, the bike doesn’t need to be connected to a power source.
The unit’s tension dial doesn’t have pre-determined resistance settings or “clicks” as most bikes with magnetic resistance. You simply tighten the knob until you obtain the pedal tension adequate for your training.
The dial also acts as an emergency brake. You can press it down to instantly stop the flywheel from spinning. This may be frequently necessary as the pedals continue to spin for as long the flywheel is spinning.
Extras
This spinning trainer doesn’t include an exercise meter. The main accessories included with it are the dual bottle holder and a set of four DVDs which cover most spin workouts.
The bottle holder attaches to the loop aero bar on the handlebar assembly. It is spacious enough to accommodate most types of water bottles. A water bottle is not included, though.
The included DVDs are Ultimate Energy, Train and Tone, Turn and Burn, and Maximum Results workouts. They cover various spin workouts. In case you’ve never been to a spin class before, the workouts on them are quite educational, motivational and entertaining. They’re quite great to train with. They actually generate the atmosphere of a real spin class, and will considerably help with your results.
Assembly and Maintenance
Most of the bike comes pre-assembled. The drive and resistance elements are already attached to the main frame. You only need to add the bike’s base stabilizing bars, the seat with its post, the handlebar and its post, and the pedals. The box includes a basic set of tools for assembly, and the manual provides clear assembly instructions. Thus, the task should not take more than 20 minutes.
For maintenance, since the bike has a chain drive system, the lubrication of the chain is required. It should be done every few months to prevent the chain from catching rust. For this, standard bike chain oil is recommended. Also, the brake pad may also require lubrication, if it generates a burnt smell or a squeaking noise when in contact with the flywheel. For this, silicone lubricant is recommended.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel construction – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Rubberized levelers on all bases;
- Transport wheels included;
- Stepping pad element above the crank;
- Heavy-duty, dual-sided pedals, with SPD clips on one side and toe cages on the other;
- Comfortable, narrow Q-Factor, reducing stress on knees;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 4-way adjustable handlebars;
- Quiet, smooth and durable chain drive;
- Inertia-enhanced flywheel;
- Basically limitless resistance settings;
- Dual bottle holder included;
- 4 free DVDs with different spin workouts included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Really easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No exercise meter.
Summary
The Spinner L7 is a home-use spin bike but does offer a sturdy construction, similar to a light commercial one. It’s equipped with a 36 lbs flywheel, a highly durable crank with dual sided pedals, friction resistance, and standard chain drive. It offers superior micro-adjustability; both seat and handlebars are 4-way adjustable. It’s an excellent trainer for all kinds of spin workouts, from light to intense, interval training, stamina development and weight loss. In all, it’s a trainer with an excellent price/quality ratio.