pooboo D686 Indoor Cycling Bike | Uses Friction-Based Resistance

The pooboo D686 Indoor Cycling Bike is another excellent spinning bike by L NOW Sport. The bike boasts a sturdy steel frame with a reliable and stable base. In addition, the frame features a triangular structure design, and this design ensures the bike is durable and safe.

Another feature that makes this D686 stand out is the 40 lb flywheel. This heavy-duty flywheel allows for smooth, quiet rides. You can cycle the pooboo D686 while watching a movie, reading, or even on a conference call.

This pooboo D686 Indoor Cycling Bike uses a friction-based resistance system for resistance. This system allows for infinite resistance levels. You can use this exercise spinning bike as a beginner and still find it helpful as a pro athlete.

The LCD monitor comes equipped to keep track of the speed, distance, time, pulse, and calories burned when it comes to the LCD monitor. These metrics are essential in helping you achieve your fitness goals. For example, to monitor your pulse during your workouts, you must hold the sensors integrated into the handlebar.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: pooboo D686 Indoor Cycling Bike by L NOW

Price: For a great deal on this bike, merely go here on Amazon

Warranty: 1 year limited

My rating: 8.5/10

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure

Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 49.2L x 19.8W x 44.8H inches (125L x 50W x 114H cm)
• Assembled weight: 115 lbs (52 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
• Supported weight: 280 lbs (127 kg)
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Drive mechanism: Belt
• Resistance: Friction
• Fitness console: Time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, pulse, scan
• Warranty: 1 year limited

D686 Frame construction

The pooboo D686 features a unique triangular frame construction. As a result, its design is quite different from the standard model found in other bikes. It’s more of a “reversed D” frame, as the upper and lower median bars are curved. Therefore, the bike looks quite different from your regular spin bike.

The bike’s frame is steel tubing. Most of the tubes in its construction are oval for improved aesthetics and sturdiness. The main structure comes coated with a corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant paint finish, except for the seat and handlebar posts, chrome-plated. The primary color used for the frame finish is red, this being the only color available for the D686 model (at least for the moment).

This pooboo indoor cycling bike is slightly larger than other models. However, it still has a small footprint than a treadmill or other larger fitness machines to fit pretty well even into a small room. It is approx 49″ (125 cm) long and 20″ (50 cm) wide. However, it is advisable to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe usage and ease of access.

The fully assembled bike is quite substantial. Its net weight is approx. 115 lbs (52 kg); this is more than three times the average road bike’s weight. All this weight reflects the bike’s overall stability. You can be sure that it won’t rock or wobble even during the most intense workouts. Plus, both its base bars come equipped with adjustable and rubberized levelers.

Despite its weight, the bike is relatively easy to move. Its front base features silicone wheels, which facilitate its relocation. By using these wheels when relocating the bike, you will only have to handle approx — 30 % of its total weight.

Seat and handlebars

The pooboo D686 includes a saddle designed for extra comfort. Its top is larger than the average slim spin seat. In addition, it integrates a generous layer of memory foam and has a central groove, improving breathability.

The seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). In addition, its upright bar offers multiple adjustment positions, while its horizontal slider adds several inches of front-to-back adjustment.

Thus, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 193 cm), allowing a complete range of motion. In addition, the seat has a maximum user weight capacity of 280 lbs (127 kg).

The bike’s handlebar only offers two-way adjustability (up, down) instead of the seat. It has a multi-grip design with two reasonably extended aero grips in the middle. The two aero grips have a small shelf that can serve as a phone or tablet holder.

The bike’s handlebar comes covered with a layer of rubber foam material, which provides a comfortable and secure grip. The side grips integrate metallic EKG sensors, which is a plus, as many other commercial bikes don’t have this feature. The included fitness console also has a pulse reading function.

D686 Drive and resistance

The pooboo D686 exercise bike comes equipped with a standard, 40 lbs (18 kg) flywheel, a perimeter-weighted construction. This type of flywheel design improves inertia and adds consistency to the ride.

The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse as well. However, you cannot coast on the bike, and when pedaling in reverse, you will meet the same resistance as when pedaling forward.

The bike’s resistance system is friction-based. It consists of a thick wool-felt pad attached to the tension knob on the mainframe bar. By turning the knob clockwise, the pad applies more friction to the flywheel, increasing drag and the overall pedaling difficulty.

Like most other spin bikes with a friction resistance system, the pooboo D686 has no pre-determined settings. Instead, you tighten the brake until you find the desired pedal resistance.

The bike comes equipped with a belt drive system. It integrates a heavy-duty rubber belt concealed by the side ABS guards. Thus, the pedaling motion is tranquil, almost entirely silent. It also generates considerably less vibration than a chain drive. Plus, you don’t ever need to lubricate it, as is the case for a chain drive.

Last but not least, this pooboo exercise bike comes with a sturdy crankset and pedals. The 280 lbs (127 kg) weight capacity also applies to the pedals. Therefore, as long as you don’t exceed this weight, you can pedal while standing up with no problem.

The pedals come equipped with toe cages to provide extra thrust possibilities and extra foot stability. Unfortunately, they do not have SPD clips for spin shoes, but they have standard threads, so replacements are widely available.

Console

Even though the fitness console included with the pooboo D686 is not an advanced unit, it’s still quite a plus, as many other spin bikes do not add this accessory. In addition, the unit features an LCD that tracks speed, distance, total distance, elapsed time, calories, and pulse.

It is not telemetric, though, so it cannot communicate with any wireless HR chest strap. Therefore, to monitor your pulse during workouts, you must hold the sensors integrated into the handlebar.

The console is straightforward to use. It has only one button. You can scroll through the workout metrics by pressing the button repeatedly and selecting the one you want to view. You can also set the Scan Mode, enabling the unit to rotate all the workout metrics and keep each one for a few seconds on display.

The button also covers the unit’s reset function. By pressing and holding it for a few seconds, you can clear all its values to zero.

The console requires two AA batteries as its power source. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you push its button. It also has a sleep mode that will enter after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.

D686 Assembly and Maintenance

The bike’s frame with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only have to attach the bike’s base bars, the seat post, the handlebar post, the seat, the handlebar, the console, and the pedals.

Therefore, it shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time. The included manual provides precise assembly instructions. Also, all the assembly tools come with the bike.

Once assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. Since it has a belt-drive, you won’t have to take the cover apart to lubricate it. Instead, all you have to do is periodically check for loose parts and keep the unit clean.

Pros

• Sturdy construction designed for spin workouts;

  

• Aesthetic design;
• Adjustable & rubberized stabilizers on both bases;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Comfortable, memory-foam saddle;
• The seat is 4-way adjustable;
• Multi-grip handlebar with extended aero grips;
• Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
• Heavy-duty crankset with metallic pedals;
• Standard limitless friction resistance;
• Fitness console included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance is required.

Cons

• No backlight on the fitness monitor LCD;
• The pulse and calorie readings are not too accurate.

pooboo D686 Indoor Cycling Bike Summary

The pooboo D686 is a heavy-duty indoor cycling bike designed for spin workouts. It comes equipped with a heavy, 40 lbs flywheel, a friction resistance system, and a fitness console with a pulse reading function.

It’s an excellent bike for medium and high-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina and strength development, interval training, and weight loss.

Please note: Before starting any exercise program, you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could put your health and safety at risk 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.