The L NOW D501 Indoor Cycling Bike (pooboo) was released in 2019 and is a fully commercial indoor cycling bike with an LCD monitor. The D501 was for health clubs and cycling studios alike. However, it will make an excellent spin bike for home if you can afford it.
The 35-pound perimeter-weighted flywheel and magnetic resistance on the D501 provide a road-like feeling for the user. In addition, the commercial-quality steel frame supports users with up to 440 lbs maximum weight capacity, which points to a highly durable and reliable drive system.
The D501 magnetic resistance is silent and smooth. It can provide a challenging workout via the adjustable resistance knob on the frame for easy and efficient changes. And unlike most other spin bikes, the L NOW D501 features a spring to absorb the shock and create a smoother ride.
The fitness monitor LCDs display the Speed, Time, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, and Cadence (RPM). Target goals for time, distance, and calories create a countdown to zero. The Quickstart button resets all values to count up from zero. Unfortunately, the monitor isn’t Bluetooth, or ANT/+ connectivity enabled. You’ll need a separate device for entertainment or wireless HR tracking.
Learn more in my complete review below!
Product: L NOW D501 Indoor Cycling Bike (pooboo)
Price: For a great deal on this bike, merely go here to L NOW Sport.com
Warranty: 1-year limited
My rating: 9.5/10
Affiliate Disclosure: As an L NOW Sport Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in the post. Full disclosure
Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 50L x 21W x 48H inches (127L x 53W x 122H cm)
- Assembled weight: 136 lbs (62 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 35 lbs (16 kg)
- Weight capacity: 440 lbs (200 kg)
- Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic
- Fitness Monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, recovery test, RPM
- Accessories: Dual bottle holder, dumbbell set
- Warranty: 1 year limited
D501 Frame Construction
The L NOW D501 has double triangular frame construction as the older version. The main triangle offers sturdiness and stability, while the second refers to seat construction, which integrates a suspension spring to improve shock absorption. We’ll cover this element in more detail in the section below.
The bike’s frame is durable steel tubing. Most of the bars in its construction are oval for superior sturdiness and improved aesthetics. Of course, the bike also has a few ABS parts, but these do not influence its overall sturdiness. The most notable one is the belt guard.
The bike’s frame comes with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The colors used are gray for the central part of the structure and yellow for the front and seat tubes. In addition, the seat post and the handlebar post have a chrome paint finish.
The fully assembled unit is considerably heavy compared to other indoor cycling bikes. It weighs approx. 136 lbs (~62 kg). All this weight reflects in its overall stability. You can be sure the bike won’t rock or move even if you perform the most demanding spin workouts.
The L NOW D501 is a bit larger than other spin bikes. With all the parts assembled, it is approx — 50″ (127 cm) long and 21″ (53 cm) wide. Also, with the handlebar adjusted to its maximum height, its highest point is approx. 48″ (122 cm) above floor level.
Of course, it is advisable to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it to perform all spin workouts without hindrance.
Although the bike is relatively heavy, it is not too difficult to move once assembled. Thus, its front base integrates a set of large silicone wheels, which facilitate its relocation. Using these wheels, you won’t be handling more than 30% of the bike’s total weight.
Last but not least, both base bars of the bike comes with adjustable stabilizers. All four stabilizers feature rubber pads to protect your floor and prevent the cycle from sliding from its location. However, placing it and using it on a rubberized mat is still recommended.
Seat and handlebars
The D501 includes a medium-range saddle in terms of comfort. It is slightly wider than the slim seats offered by other spin bikes. It also integrates a foam padding layer and has a contoured surface to improve breathability.
The seat tube doesn’t connect directly to the mainframe. Instead, it integrates a suspension spring to improve the overall shock absorption. Therefore, the bike provides a bit of extra comfort during seated workouts. In addition, the seat assembly is durable enough to support users up to 440 lbs (200 kg).
It’s also important to mention that the saddle has a standard attachment system. It connects to the slider via a collar system, making it easy to replace; also, compatible options should be available in any bike shop.
The seat offers 4-way adjustability (up, down, front, back). In addition, its horizontal slider provides a few inches of adjustment, while the upright bar has several adjustment notches. Therefore, in terms of seat-to-pedal distance, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm) with no problem.
The L NOW D501 comes with a multi-grip handlebar. Although it does not have drop-down grips like the Sunny SF-B1735 bike, it still makes at least five different grips available.
It has a long loop aero bar in the middle, two curved side grips, and two short parallel grips. It also integrates a dual bottle holder, while the top of the side grips integrates HR pulse sensors.
The handlebar provides 4-way adjustability, just like the seat. Thus, the bike excels in micro-adjustability. In addition, the seat and handlebars also feature easy-to-use knobs with long handles, which can adjust the cycle to your size in less than a minute.
D501 Drive and resistance
As mentioned above, the D501 indoor cycling bike has a magnetic resistance system. The resistance is not motorized, though. Instead, its adjustment is made manually from the knob placed on top of the main tube of the frame.
Thus, you don’t have to connect the bike to a power outlet. Also, the included fitness monitor does not play any role in the resistance adjustment.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a dual-sided magnetic brake that “hugs” the flywheel. By turning the knob clockwise, the magnetic brake will cover a more substantial portion of the wheel, which results in more resistance. It’s also important to mention that since the brake is magnetic, the bike’s usage is smooth and quiet.
There are no distinct tension settings marked on the adjustment knob. But as a general idea, the highest tension level offers quite an impressive difficulty, improving leg muscle strength, not just overall stamina.
Like most other exercise bikes equipped with a magnetic resistance system, the LD-501 has a belt drive system. It integrates a poly-v belt, which also adds to the smoothness of the ride. The pedaling motion is almost entirely silent, and you will never have to go through the hassle of lubricating it.
Compared to other spin bikes, the unit’s flywheel is slightly lighter. It only weighs 35 lbs (~ 16 kg). However, it’s still pretty heavy for a magnetic exercise bike. For example, the Keiser M3i bike only has an 8 lbs (3.6 kg) flywheel. Therefore, the wheel provides a pretty consistent momentum.
The bike’s overall weight capacity is 440 lbs (200 kg), which also indicates the crankset’s durability. In addition, the unit features a heavy-duty crankset with solid steel crank arms to support the user during standing-up pedaling routines with no problem.
The included pedals are metallic alloy. They feature adjustable toe cages but also integrate SPD clips for cycling shoes. Their threads are standard 9/16″, so you can easily find replacements for them if needed.
Fitness monitor
The fitness monitor included with the L NOW D501 offers quite a few more features than the average basic unit. First, it has a 6-panel display; therefore, you can simultaneously view all your workout stats on the screen. It tracks speed, time, distance, RPMs, calories, and pulse. It also has an ODO function, which indicates the total distance traveled on the bike.
Unfortunately, the fitness monitor is not telemetric. Consequently, it cannot read your pulse through a wireless HR chest strap. So, to benefit from a pulse reading, you will have to use the handlebar-integrated HR pulse sensors.
The monitor has four buttons: Mode, Set, Reset, and Recovery. The Mode button allows you to enter the unit’s setup mode. The Set button will enable you to select time, distance, and calories burned goals.
The Reset button clears all the values on the monitor to zero. Finally, the Recover button allows you to check your fitness level at the end of your workout. To do so, it measures the amount of time it takes your pulse to reach normal parameters.
The bike’s fitness monitor is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries, which come with the bike. It starts when you begin pedaling and automatically shuts down if it doesn’t detect any bike activity for several minutes.
In terms of other accessories, it has a dual bottle holder that attaches to the handlebar. Furthermore, this exercise bike also includes a set of small dumbbells, similar to the ones included with the Pooboo D770 Pro Spin Bike. The dumbbells weigh 2.5 lbs (1 kg) each and have a layer of urethane material covering them. They store on the rear part of the seat.
Please note that the tablet contained in the product image sells separately.
D501 Assembly and Maintenance
The bike does require some assembly, but the main drive and resistance parts are already attached to the mainframe. So you only have to add the two base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the fitness monitor, and the pedals.
Therefore, it shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes of your time, and all the necessary tools for the task come with the bike. Also, the manual provides excellent assembly instructions.
Since the bike has a belt drive and a magnetic resistance system, its drive and resistance elements don’t require lubrication. Therefore, you only have to periodically remove the dust from it, keep liquids away from the console, and check for loose bolts and parts from time to time.
Pros
- Commercial-grade construction and sturdiness – can support users up to 440 lbs (200 kg);
- It comes with adjustable stabilizers with rubber pads on both base bars;
- Transport wheels on the front base bar;
- Suspension design for the seat, which alleviates an integral part of the impact on your lower back;
- Standard saddle, easy to replace if needed;
- 4-way adjustability for the seat;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- 4-way adjustability for the handlebar;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the front grips of the handlebars;
- Frictionless magnetic resistance;
- Quiet belt drive, great for apartment use.
- Balanced flywheel for consistent momentum and strength training;
- Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight in an upright pedaling position;
- Durable aluminum pedals;
- 2x 2.5 lbs (1 kg) dumbbells with support;
- Toe cages and SPD clips on the pedals;
- 6-window LCD monitor – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, RPM, and pulse;
- Dual bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance is required.
Cons
- The fitness monitor LCD isn’t backlit;
- Short warranty for a commercial-grade bike.
L NOW D501 Indoor Cycling Bike (pooboo) Summary
The L NOW D501 (pooboo) is a gym-grade indoor cycling bike designed for spin workouts, and it features a manual magnetic resistance system, a 35 lbs (~16 kg) flywheel, and a seat equipped with a shock absorption system. In addition, it offers superior micro-adjustability and an impressive 440 lbs (200 kg) weight capacity.
The included fitness monitor tracks all the essential workout metrics. In all, it’s a pretty complete, commercial-grade indoor cycling bike. Moreover, it’s great for intense cardio training, interval training, weight loss, stamina, leg strength development, and muscle toning.
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.
Please remember that you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could risk your health and safety or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.
Finding an indoor cycling bike that can support users up to 200 kilos will be great news for heavy-weight users, as many indoor cycling bikes only keep users up to around 135 kilos. In addition, the fact that the main drive and resistance parts are already attached to the mainframe will save a lot of time when it comes to assembling the bike.
Adjusting the seat in 4 different directions will enable the user from being very short to very tall to use the bike. Therefore, the L Now D501 cycling bike will be a perfect purchase for those with a bigger budget.
Hi there, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. Would you please let me know if I may further assist you with exercise equipment? I’m always happy to help.
Kind regards, Robert
This indoor cycling bike is just what I needed. It will be a great addition to my workout schedule because I will burn that fat and can stand to burn more, even though it’ll get tiring. These indoor cycling bikes help to lose weight effectively. It also will strengthen your legs.
Any form of bicycling is cardio; you are working your legs and also running in a way. This Indoor bike can help you reach your goals and have a more calm and relaxing workout.
Hi Caleb, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. Would you please let me know if I may further assist you with exercise equipment? I’m always happy to help.
Kind regards, Robert