The Spinner L7 Lifestyle Series Indoor Cycling Bike, released in 2017, is an authentic Mad Dogg Athletics spin bike. It shares many similarities with the Spinner L3 that I’ve previously reviewed here. Still, this model offers a few extra features. With this in mind, it comes equipped with a heavier flywheel and provides superior micro-adjustability to the handlebar.
It features a rust and sweat-resistant, powder-coated steel frame supporting up to 250-pounds maximum user weight. It has a 36-lb perimeter-weighted flywheel and drivetrain that provides a smooth and authentic road bike feel.
Moreover, Dual-Sided SPD-compatible pedals and a large wedge-designed commercial handlebar offer micro-adjustability for a more comfortable grip. Furthermore, the Narrow Q factor and incremental fore/aft saddle adjustability make for a comfortable and ergonomic fit.
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Learn more in my complete review below!
Product: Spinner L7 LifeStyle Series Indoor Cycling Bike
Price: For a great deal on this bike, merely go here on Amazon
Warranty: 1 year limited
My rating: 7.5/10
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure
Note: The tablet shown in the images does not come with the bike.
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
- Console: No
- Accessories: Dual bottle holder, four workout DVDs
- Warranty: 1 year limited
L7 Frame
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 metallic 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, and only have a protective or cosmetic role without affecting the bike’s overall sturdiness. Among them, I count the chain cover and the lateral covers of the flywheel.
Although the bike is not extremely heavy, it weighs approximately 100 lbs (45.3 kg), which is more than twice the average road bike’s weight. 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 difficult to transport as its front base has transport wheels.
The adjustable levelers also enhance the bike’s stability on each one of its bases. These stabilizers have large rubber caps and provide an excellent grip on the floor.
The Spinner L7 is not an extremely large fitness machine. With all the parts assembled, it only takes approximately 48″ x 18″ (122 x 47 cm) of floor space.
Also, with the handlebar fully extended upright, its height reaches approximately 47″ (119 cm). It is advisable 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.
L7 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, making it easily replaceable if 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).
The L7 model comes with a 4-way adjustable handlebar. It offers several inches of vertical and horizontal adjustability. It has a multi-grip design with a middle loop-type aero bar to which the dual bottle holder is attached.
Its urethane is dipped to provide a comfortable, secure grip. However, it does not have pulse sensors, and the bike doesn’t include a console. So, if you would like to keep an eye on your pulse during your workout, you will have to use a separate device.
L7 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 to provide 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 driving in reverse, the resistance will remain constant, given by the friction the brake pad applies on the flywheel.
The bike integrates a durable crank assembly. It features solid steel crank arms that can support standing up on the pedals, as long as the user doesn’t exceed 250 lbs (113.3 kg).
The pedals are a durable metallic alloy. They’re dual-sided, featuring SPD clips for spin shoes on one side and toe cages for athletic shoes. 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 reasonably narrow Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals), approximately 150 mm. This purpose promotes a natural positioning of the feet on the pedals, eliminating 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 a standard bike chain, so in case you need to replace it, you can find one in any bike shop. Of course, a chain drive’s main drawback is that it requires lubrication, but this is done quickly and without removing the chain guard.
L7 Resistance system
Like many other spin bikes, the Spinner L7 comes with a friction resistance system. It consists of a small felt-based brake pad attached to the main bar of the frame and 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. Since it’s a manual resistance system, the bike doesn’t require a power source.
The unit’s tension dial doesn’t have pre-determined resistance settings or “clicks” as most bikes with magnetic resistance. You 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 frequently be necessary as the pedals continue to turn for as long as the wheel is spinning.
L7 Assembly and Maintenance
Most of the bike comes pre-assembled. The drive and resistance elements are already attached to the mainframe. 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 precise assembly instructions. Thus, the task should not take more than 20 minutes.
For maintenance, since the bike has a chain drive system, the chain’s lubrication is required. It would help if you lubricated it every few months to prevent the chain from rusting. For this, standard bike chain oil is advisable. 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 advisable.
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;
- Limitless resistance settings;
- Dual bottle holder included;
- Four free DVDs with different spin workouts included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
Cons
- No console.
Spinner L7 LifeStyle Series Summary
The Spinner L7 is a home-use indoor cycling bike but does offer sturdy construction, similar to a light commercial one. It has a 36 lb flywheel, a highly durable crank with dual-sided pedals, friction resistance, and a standard chain drive.
It offers superior micro-adjustability; both seat and handlebars are 4-way adjustable. Thus, 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.
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