The pooboo W258 Recumbent Bike is for home use, and it has a steel frame that comes coated with gray rust-resistant paint, while the drive/resistance system covers are ABS plastic. Its design is simple and has basic features that could help you experience low-impact cardiovascular exercises.
The W258 has a manual magnetic resistance system that offers eight adjustable levels. It is a simple and basic resistance system that provides adequate resistance intensities for those recovering from an injury or who wish to burn calories and lose weight.
The pooboo W258 recumbent bike has a fitness monitor that tracks Time, Distance, Speed, Calories Burned, Odometer, and Pulse. A SCAN function also displays the workout data one at a time after every few seconds. However, you can choose to set a preferred workout value to communicate constantly.
The W258 seat provides comfort and lasts longer. It has a 2’’ thick padding (including the backrest), and the upholstery is a durable vinyl material that will last for many years. The handlebars on the side of the seat have integrated HR pulse sensors for monitoring heart rate. The bike also has slightly curved handlebars attached to the front mast.
Learn more in my complete review below!
Product: pooboo W258 Recumbent Bike
Price: For a great deal on this bike, merely go here on Amazon
Warranty: Not specified
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: 54L x 24W x 39H inches (137L x 61W x 99H cm)
- Assembled weight: 60 lbs (27 kg)
- Weight limit: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: Weighted, with straps
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, eight levels
- Fitness Monitor: Time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, pulse, goals, SCAN
W258 Frame construction
The pooboo W258 recumbent bike features a two-piece frame. The rear part with the seat connects to the front with the drive system and console mast in the middle. A small stabilizer supports the connection between the two frame parts.
The frame does not fold or adjust from the middle but has a step-through design. In addition, there’s a small gap between the seat section and the drive system section, which allows you to easily pass through when you want to take a position on the bike. Therefore, it can be a plus for users with specific disabilities or the elderly.
The bike’s frame is steel tubing. The only major ABS parts in the bike’s construction are the covers of the drive system. All the steel tubes come coated with a rust-resistant paint finish. The manufacturer recommends a maximum user weight capacity of 220 lbs (100 kg) or less.
This bike has two versions in terms of colors: a blue-black drive system casing and a yellow-black casing. However, they’re both identical in terms of specs and features.
Although the bike has a steel frame, it is not extremely heavy. With all the parts assembled, it only weighs approximately 60 lbs (27.2 kg). Thus, it can easily be carried and put together by just one person.
In terms of size, the pooboo W258 bike is not extremely large but does take 54″L x 24″W (137 x 61 cm) of floor space. Plus, it is advisable to leave at least two clearance feet on each side and at least one foot of clearance at its front and rear for easy access and usage.
Last but not least, the bike’s rear stabilizer comes equipped with a set of polygonal stabilizers that can rotate, offering the possibility to level the unit on any floor. Conversely, the front base features small wheels for ease of relocation.
Seat and handlebars
The pooboo W258 recumbent exercise bike comes equipped with a seat designed for comfort. The seat pad and backrest pad integrate approximately 2″ of foam cushioning. Also, the upholstery is a durable vinyl material designed to last for many years of use.
The seat is adjustable. It slides forward and backward on its rail, and you can lock in the desired position via the knob on the right side. The adjustment bar of the seat has multiple functions. Therefore, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm).
Also, the seat can support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg). However, the manufacturer recommends a maximum user weight capacity of 220 lbs (100 kg) for this exercise bike for a prolonged lifespan.
It’s also important to note that the backrest does not adjust independently from the seat. Instead, it moves forward and backward with the seat when you change it but does not recline.
This pooboo exercise bike has two handlebars, one attached to the front mast and the other to the seat assembly. The front handlebars have a simple design. In addition, they attach directly to the front bar, so they are non-adjustable. They are slightly curved towards the user to provide a more comfortable grip and minimize the impact on your wrists.
The seat also has its own set of handlebars. It’s important to note that they are a little bit higher than the seat pad, not parallel with it, so you can use them as elbow rests. Furthermore, they have rubberized grips and are non-adjustable, just like the front handlebars, but they also integrate metallic pulse sensors.
W258 Drive and resistance
Like most other recumbent bikes, the pooboo W258 comes equipped with an internal flywheel. It only weighs 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) but has a balanced structure to provide a steady pedaling motion. In addition, it is also bi-directional, so you can pedal reverse if you want.
The bike’s drivetrain consists of a heavy-duty v-belt that provides superior traction. Just like any other belt drive system, it does not require lubrication. However, it also promotes a quiet pedaling motion and generates considerably less vibration than a chain.
The bike comes with a set of durable pedals. They are ABS-made but have a metallic core for extra durability. They have a weighted design, so they always turn face-up when you remove your feet from them. Moreover, they have a textured surface to provide a better grip and adjustable foot straps.
Since it’s a recumbent exercise bike, pedaling while standing on the pedals is not advisable. A posture like that would be very awkward and may damage the pedals and the internal components.
In terms of resistance, the pooboo W258 comes equipped with a manual magnetic system. Thus, you don’t have to connect the bike to a power outlet. However, the console does not play any role in the resistance adjustment nor adjust the resistance automatically. Moreover, it does not have preset programs like bikes with a motorized resistance system.
The bike’s resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake that connects to the adjustment dial on the bike’s front tube via a steel cable. For instance, when turning the dial clockwise, the brake moves closer to the flywheel, increasing the pedaling difficulty.
There are eight resistance levels available on this bike. This first level provides a light pedaling difficulty, which is excellent for users that require recovery training. On the other hand, the 7-8 levels give considerably more resistance, ideal for anyone who wants to burn more calories and improve their stamina.
Console
Unfortunately, the bike’s fitness monitor does not control the resistance and does not have preset programs. Instead, it features an LCD that tracks time, distance, total distance traveled (odometer), speed, calories burned, and pulse. However, it is not telemetric, so it can only read your pulse via the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars. Thus, it does not work with any wireless HR chest strap.
The fitness monitor is straightforward to use. It has three buttons: Reset, Mode, and Set. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select those you want to display or select the Scan function.
If the Scan function is selected, the workout metrics display in a cycle, each remaining on display for a few seconds. The Set button allows you to set time, distance, and calories goals. After setting a goal, the monitor counts the remaining value toward that selected goal and will notify you when you complete it.
The Reset button clears all the values on the fitness monitor to zero, except for the odometer, which you can only reset by removing the unit’s batteries.
The monitor starts up when you press the Mode button or when you begin pedaling. It has a self-shutdown function that initiates after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike. The monitor is battery-powered and requires two AAA batteries. And finally, it integrates a tablet holder that sits above its buttons.
W258 Assembly and Maintenance
The front section of the bike with the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts require assembly. You will have to connect the two main frame pieces and attach the front and rear stabilizers, the seat, the backrest, the front mast, the handlebars, the fitness monitor, and the pedals.
Consequently, this may take more than an hour of your time. However, the process is not too complicated. The manual provides clear assembly instructions, and an essential toolkit also comes included with the bike.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. You only have to keep the unit clean, keep liquids away from the console, and periodically check for loose or broken parts. After that, the internal components shouldn’t need any maintenance for an extended time.
Pros
- Sturdy, steel frame;
- Adjustable rear stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
- Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Front handlebars;
- Padded seat and backrest for optimal comfort;
- Multiple adjustment positions on the seat rail;
- Adjustable magnetic resistance offering eight distinct levels;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Fitness monitor that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Lightweight, easy to handle;
- Reasonably easy to assemble;
- Little to no maintenance is required.
Cons
- The fitness monitor LCD does not have a backlight;
- A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the fitness monitor LCD.
pooboo W258 Recumbent Bike Summary
The pooboo W258 is a recumbent bike for home use, featuring a manual magnetic resistance system with eight tension levels. In addition, it comes equipped with a comfortable and adjustable seat and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse.
Moreover, it’s an excellent trainer for light to medium intensity cardio training, muscle toning, building stamina, and losing weight.
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 note 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.
This is a fascinating post for me, as I wasn’t aware that you could get a recumbent exercise bike. I thought that bikes were all upright.
I always get a sore bum when riding a bike, so that this recumbent design would be good for me, so I would be able to keep going a lot longer.
I like that it is an excellent robust build, so it should last me for years.
This is undoubtedly an excellent addition to the home gym.
Hello Geoff, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Recumbent bikes are great for low-impact workouts, and this pooboo W258 is perfect for home gyms.
Warmest regards, Robert
This looks like a great, high-quality recumbent bike for a surprisingly low price. I like the adjustable seat and the fact that the handlebars can monitor heart rate. The thing I like BEST is the easy step-through. Being a short stature person, I can’t even count the number of times I’ve tripped trying to get onto one of these bikes!
Hi Cynthia, thanks for sharing with us. I, too, seem to trip over things as I getter older. My wife tells me that I don’t pick up my feet as high as I used to. LOL
Best regards,
Robert
I love my recumbent bike, good on joints and low impact
Hi Kimberly, thanks for stopping by and leaving your feedback.
Kind regards, Robert
The pooboo W258 recumbent bike is good-looking, and I have never seen one like this before. It is very suitable for weight loss. My sister is working hard to lose weight. I think this is an efficient bike for her. I will send this post to her. Thank you very much for this valuable detailed review about the pooboo W258 Recumbent bike.
Hi Pasindu, 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
My bike does not have any resistance. When max resistance selected if feels like it is maybe a one. Contacted manufacturer and they sent me video on how to install the bike. I knew I did it correctly but verified that everything was correct. Sent them another email twice for a fix and they stopped communicating to me. I would rate this a 1 out of 10. I guess I got a lemon compared to the one you tested.
Hi Gerald, I’m sorry you’re having trouble with your bike and that it’s taken me so long to reply. Here’s a link to LNOW sport customer service. They are the parent company of pooboo. I hope that you can get help.
Kind regards, Robert