Optimum Fitness Fitness News and equipment reviews
Cycling is one of my favorite forms of exercise, with its low impact motion, its really easy on the joints! Unlike running I can ride for hours, while I read a book or browse an iPad. It sounds like cheating, but you still do the same amount of work.
If you are looking for a comfortable and relaxing workout then this bike might be for you. With 20 levels of resistance, plenty of workout programs and a great saddle you may find yourself exercising for longer than you intend!
- Our Analysis
- Product Features
- Video
- Livestrong
Flywheel
The business end of this bike is hidden under the front cowling. Tucked in front of the pedals is the flywheel. In the LS6.0R this weighs in at a reasonable 8.8lbs this is the same weight as that found on the LS5.0R. If you have ridden that then you will know that its smooth running and benefits from the Livestrong FreeSpin System,
FreeSpin is a technology that generates a more comfortable feel through the pedals. As you release the pressure and go into free wheel it reduces the knock that you would get from a normal free wheel system. This makes the ride far more comfortable and easy on the legs.
Resistance Levels
Increased from 16 in the LS 5,0R the LS6.0R has an improved 20 levels of resistance. Level 1 is barely even a free wheel, OK for a light warmup but not challenging for any one. Where you really begin to grow legs of steel is level 20. This provides a real athletic workout and would test even the fittest.
The resistance is delivered using magnetic resistance, giving again a nice smooth feel to the bike.
Comfort
The cosmetic changes to the bike from the 5.0R are clear in the saddle. From the bulky padded saddle, Livestrong have now introduced a mesh back saddle. The advantage is clear, from a hot sweaty back on the old version you can ride in comfort as your back stays much cooler.
Despite the lack of cushioning the mesh is still comfortable, and looks good.
Livestrong have really thought about the potential users of this bike. If you are returning to exercise from injury they have a novel step through frame that is easy to mount and dismount, even with limited mobility.
Build Quality
Clearly there must have been very few call outs for the old 5.0R version, as Livestrong have now extended the Warranty from 7 years to a generous 10 years on the frame. 1 year on parts and labour.
The only reported issue was a broken mains cable that was replaced with no fuss.
Console
Another avance over the LS5.0R is the console. While it retains the same style as the 5.0 it now includes a few more features.
The green LED’s are still clear and easy to read. The buttons are big, accessible and give good feedback. The display feeds back all the stats you need: Time, distance, calories burned, watts, speed and your pulse.
Its big addition are the speakers, you can now plug an iPod into the console and listen to your music directly. Given how quiet the bike is this should be a great way to spend your workout!
Pulse is measured through the 2 grips at the side of the bike. Here we see the only real weakness of this bike and that is the lack of chest heart rate hookup.
Workout Programs
The console gives access to the 11 workout programs. These have been specifically designed for Livestrong by Peter Park. Peter has worked as a personal trainer to top athletes and knows how to get the best out of any workout.
The bike uses Livetrack to keep a track of all your workouts. This is simple to use. Just insert a USB stick into the bike and your profile will load up, after your workout transfer the USB stick to a computer and it will load up to your personal fitness planner with Livestrong.
If you have other Livestrong machines like the LS10.0T treadmill then you can add these to your programs.
Warranty
10 years on frame, 1 year on parts and labor
Pros and Cons of the Livestrong LS6.0R
Pros:
- We really like the step through design. No more huge leg lifts to mount the bike.
- The build quality is excellent for a bike in this price range. Overall very good!
- Livefit and the mesh seat are great advances over the older model
Cons:
- Very few, so long as the delivery arrives safely there are no real negatives. One can always ask for more from their bike, such as bottle cages etc, but these always add more to the price.
What are others saying about the Livestrong LS6.0R
Feedback is good for this bike, as we struggle to find any issues with the LS6.0R so do other users. The biggest issue seems to be postage. Some customers have reported rare examples of damaged boxes being delivered. However Livestrong have been quick to put right any issues.
There have been reported issues with the seat back coming away. However Livestrong have made some amends to the design since launch and that seems to have solved the issue.
Overall the bike has scored a respectable 3.5 out of 5 from about 20 reviews on Amazon.com
- Frame type: Recumbent bike
- Flywheel weight: 8.8 pounds
- Display type: Backlit LCD and 2 LED feedback windows
- Seat type: Padded mesh back with lumbar support
- Pedal type: QuickZip pedal straps
- Resistance: 20 levels
- Heart rate: Contact grips
- Built-in speakers: Yes
- Dimensions: 26 by 46 by 64 inches (W x H x D)
- Weight: 121 pounds
- Warranties: 10 years on frame, 1 year on parts and labor
The Livestrong range is produced by Johnstone fitness, a highly regarded company specialising in higher end cardio training machines.
One of the big advantages of buying the Livestrong Brand is their support for mens cancer. They have pledged to give $4m a year to cancer support through sales of their equipment. To visit their donation page click here
Summary
If you need a well built and capable recumbent bike then the Livestrong LS6.0R is a great choice. The advancements over the 5.0R while pushing the price up by about $100 gives a better seat, speakers and the LiveTrack system We like the high tech features, especially the clear display, rounding off a solid comfortable bike.