The Best Sole Exercise Bikes for an At-Home Cycling Workout
Sole
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For decades, Sole Fitness has been manufacturing cardio equipment known in the world of fitness for exceptional quality, top-notch performance and impressive warranties—at an affordable price. Initially developed to equip hotel gyms, Sole has evolved its line of exercise equipment for the everyday consumer. The brand now manufactures treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, climbers and rowing machines all while maintaining its dedication to dependability and performance. Sole Fitness also offers a remarkable warranty on all products along with a 30-day guarantee which is a reflection of its commitment to excellence.
If you are in the market for an exercise bike to add to your home gym, Sole has six models to choose from including studio, upright and recumbent bikes. Sole’s lineup of stationary bikes are ergonomically engineered with comfort and affordability as a priority. While they don’t provide the tech features you may find on other brands’ bikes, they do provide a comfortable and dependable way to get your sweat on. The best part? They all enable workouts that will improve your overall health while protecting your joints, so users can reach their fitness goals without straining their knees, ankles or hips.
When it comes to picking the right bike for you, there is some important information you’ll want on hand. We’ve rounded up everything you’ll need to know to choose the best bike for you, along with a comprehensive guide on what to consider before signing on the dotted line.
Sole Exercise Bike Models
Sole SB900
Sole
Key Features:
- Price: $899.99
- Type: Studio bike
- Flywheel: 48 pounds
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Dimensions: 40 inches x 21 inches x 42 inches
- Monitor: Three inches x four inches; backlit LCD
The Sole SB900 is Sole’s top-end Studio spin stationary bike well-suited for both indoor and outdoor cycling enthusiasts. Featuring a 48-pound chrome-plated flywheel and eddy current magnetic braking design, the SB900 delivers a smooth and quiet ride. The resistance changes incrementally and is controlled with a turn-dial tension knob.
This range of resistance allows each rider to find a level of difficulty to challenge their fitness level. Both the handlebars and seat on the SB900 can be adjusted horizontally and vertically, which enables a personalized fit for each user. Equipped with SPD (clipless) pedals and traditional toe cages, you can ride this bike with any athletic shoe or a cycling shoe with SPD cleats.
In terms of technology, the SB900 is rather bare-bones. There is a small backlit LCD monitor that displays RPM, time, KCal, distance and speed. It is also compatible with a wireless heart rate monitor so you can keep yourself in a certain heart rate zone when training. If you want to turn this into a makeshift smart bike, take advantage of an integrated tablet holder and log into your training platform of choice on your smart device. Please note that the bike itself will not link to any virtual training programs including the Sole Fitness Studio platform.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Multiple pedal options
Cons:
- Basic technology
Sole SB700
Sole
Key Features:
- Price: $699.99
- Type: Studio bike
- Flywheel: 48 pounds
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Dimensions: 40 inches x 21 inches x 42 inches
- Monitor: Three inches x four inches; backlit LCD
The Sole Fitness SB700 is very similar to the SB900 with a few notable differences, biggest of which is the resistance system. Rather than the magnetic resistance seen on the SB900, the SB700 uses friction-based resistance which has the potential to be louder and cause more wear and tear.
Like its big sister, the SB700 has four points of adjustability between the handlebars and seat which allows for a customized fit. This cardio machine is easy to use, with no overly complicated controls. It comes equipped with a heavy-duty 48-pound chrome-plated flywheel which offers a range of resistance options controlled by a turn-dial tension knob. According to several users, the resistance range can challenge cyclists at every fitness level.
In terms of technology and programming, the SB700 is similar to the SB900 in that it doesn’t offer much. The small backlit LCD monitor displays RPM, time, KCal, distance and speed. It is also compatible with a wireless heart rate monitor. There is an integrated tablet holder where you can mount your smart device, though the bike itself will not sync with any virtual training platforms including Sole’s Studio.
Pros:
- Adjustable seat and handlebars
- Heavy-duty 48-pound flywheel provides a smooth ride
Cons:
- Not able to connect to virtual training platforms
Sole LCB
Sole
Key Features:
- Price: $999.99
- Type: Upright bike
- Flywheel: 30 pounds
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
- Dimensions: 55 inches x 23 inches x 44 inches
- Monitor: 10.1-inch TFT LCD display
Sole’s Light Commercial Bike (LCB) is an upright bike that features 40 levels of EMS resistance, a 30-pound flywheel, and a 10.1-inch LCD monitor which displays workout progress and key fitness metrics. This commercial exercise bike houses six standard programs, two custom programs and two heart rate programs. Cyclists can monitor their heart rate using either the pulse grips on the handlebars or with a heart rate chest strap.
The LCB boasts an ergonomic design and is equipped with an adjustable, cushioned gel seat and oversized cushioned foot pedals which sit at a two degree inward slant to prevent foot numbness. Other notable features include a USB port, Bluetooth audio speakers, cooling fans, a water bottle holder and an integrated tablet holder. This upright bike supports a user weight capacity of 350 pounds. Coupled with the adjustable seat, the LCB should accommodate most users.
Pros:
- Bluetooth speakers allow you to play your music through the bike
- 40 levels of resistance
Cons:
- A smaller flywheel than other models may mean the ride is less smooth
Sole B94
Sole
Key Features:
- Price: $599.99
- Type: Upright bike
- Flywheel: 20 pounds
- Weight capacity: Not indicated
- Dimensions: Not indicated
- Monitor: Nine-inch LCD
According to Sole, the B94 is a lightweight, durable and compact upright stationary bike that provides the smoothest and quietest ride in its class. Constructed with a sturdy frame, the B94 comes with an adjustable gel seat and ergonomically designed pedals. The nine-inch LCD monitor is used to control 30 levels of resistance and to choose from one of the 10 pre-programmed workouts.
The Sole B94 features Bluetooth audio speakers, a USB device charging station, pulse grips and compatibility with a heart rate chest strap. If you appreciate ease-of-use and a straightforward design, the B94 may be a good choice.
Pros:
- Simple to use
- Multiple pedal options
Cons:
- Basic technology
Sole LCR
Sole
Key Features:
- Price: $1,599.99
- Type: Recumbent bike
- Flywheel: 30 pounds
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
- Dimensions: 50 inches x 30 inches x 57 inches
- Monitor: 10.1-inch TFT LCD display
Engineered to sustain consistent use by multiple users, the Sole Light Commercial LCR recumbent bike is well-suited for small gyms, physical therapy clinics and home use. Featuring a 30-pound flywheel, the LCR has 40 levels of electromagnetic resistance (EMS) offering a range of intensity. The seat adjusts both forward and backward and features a supportive back cushion similar to those found on most recumbent bikes.
The Sole LCR comes with a 10.1-inch LCD display on which you can monitor basic fitness metrics and workout progress. There are 10 pre-programmed workouts: six standard, two heart rate and two custom. Other notable features include a water bottle holder, sound system with Bluetooth audio speakers, tablet/phone holder, pulse grip heart rate monitoring, a USB charging station and cooling fans.
Check out our Sole LCR review for more information on this recumbent bike.
Pros:
- Back cushion provides lumbar support
- Sturdy enough for multiple users
Cons:
- No connectivity to virtual training programs
- More expensive than other models
Sole R92
Sole
Key Features:
- Price: $999.99
- Type: Recumbent bike
- Flywheel: 20 pounds
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Dimensions: 50 inches x 30 inches x 57 inches
- Monitor: nine-inch LCD
According to Sole, the Sole R92 recumbent bike is especially well-suited for those with lower back, foot or joint issues as it features a patented two-degree inward design of the foot pedals to ensure proper positioning, which reduces the pain sometimes experienced on upright bikes. The padded adjustable seat provides moderate support and comfort. This seat moves both forward and backward to allow for a customized fit.
Featuring a nine-inch LCD screen, users can choose from one of the standard pre-programmed workouts or create their own using one of the customized or heart rate programs. To that end, you are able to monitor heart rate in two ways: pulse grips located on the handles or with a compatible heart rate chest strap. Additional conveniences include an integrated tablet holder, USB port, Bluetooth audio speakers, cooling fans and MP3/iPod capabilities. The bike offers 20 levels of magnetic resistance driven by a magnetic eddy current braking system and a 20-pound flywheel.
Pros:
- Inward pedal tilt is designed to reduce joint issues
- Heart rate monitoring capability
Cons:
- 20-pound flywheel is smaller than those on other bikes
What Are Sole Exercise Bikes?
Sole Fitness manufactures six models of stationary bikes including recumbent, upright and spin bikes. True to the Sole reputation, all exercise bikes are built with an emphasis on performance and durability. Backed by strong warranties, the brand makes bikes that fit a wide range of budgets.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Sole Exercise Bike
There are a few key features you want to consider before signing on the dotted line.
Style
Sole’s line of exercise bikes include studio, upright and recumbent bikes. While you can get a great sweat sesh on any type of bike, there are some key differences between them which makes them more attractive to certain athletes. Perhaps the biggest difference between the three is the cycling position. Studio cycling bikes are inherently designed to simulate road riding, particularly when the handlebars are positioned slightly lower than the seat. This encourages you to lean forward when cycling and supports both out-of-the saddle and in-the-saddle rides.
Upright bikes have stationary handlebars positioned much higher, which reduces the amount of leaning you need to do. Typically these bars are less adjustable. Riders on an upright bike will typically spend more time in the saddle, rather than standing up. On a recumbent bike, the rider is seated in a laid-back position, where they are leaning against a backrest. This position is easier for people who have limited mobility, or who prefer to be closer to the ground. The handlebars on these bikes are located next to the seat, and it’s not possible to stand up while riding them.
The other major differences between spin bikes, recumbent bikes and upright bikes are resistance levels and flywheels. Spin bikes come equipped with heavier flywheels to generate momentum and provide resistance that attempts to mimic outdoor riding. Upright and recumbent bikes usually have a lighter flywheel and digitally controlled resistance.
Size
Before you start your search for a new exercise bike, you will need to measure the area where you plan to house it. Stationary bikes, even when they have transport wheels, tend to be cumbersome to move and bulkier than other cardio equipment. As such, you want to ensure you have the space to support the dimensions of the bike you choose.
Price and Subscription
This goes without saying but you need to know your budget. Looking at bikes you can’t afford is simply a waste of time. Sole offers quality bikes at several different price points so first figure out your budget and narrow down your search to bikes in that price range.
Most Sole bikes come with a 30-day free trial to the brand’s online training platform, Studio. However, you do not need to keep a subscription going in order to use any of these bikes.
Modes, training programs and features
Create a list of “must-have” features including training programs/modes. Not all indoor cycling bikes come pre-programmed with workouts or customized training modes, so if not having those are a deal-breaker for you, identify which bikes offer them.
Other features to consider include conveniences such as cooling fans, water bottle holders, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity and adjustability or capacity to support multiple users.
Warranty and return policy
Sole offers one of the most generous warranties out there. Its line of exercise bikes comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, three-year warranty on electronics and parts and one year on labor. The return policy is also exceptional. If you purchase a bike directly through them (rather than on Amazon or another third-party), you have a 30-day return window. During that time if you decide, for any reason, to return the bike, Sole both packs the bike and pays for return shipping.
Sole Exercise Bikes FAQs
How do Sole exercise bikes compare to Peloton?
Both Peloton and Sole exercise bikes are great machines on which you can get a killer workout. However, Peloton bikes offer immersive training experiences with some high-tech specs. Sole bikes, on the other hand, offer minimal technology and are more budget-friendly.
How long will a Sole exercise bike last?
Sole exercise bikes are backed by a lifetime warranty on frames. How long a Sole exercise bike will last depends on usage, care and maintenance.
Does Sole make good exercise bikes?
Yes! Sole makes very good exercise bikes prioritizing quality construction over technology. They seek to deliver durable and reliable bikes at affordable prices.
Final Thoughts
If you are in the market for an exercise bike, you’d be remiss not to consider Sole’s line of bikes. Engineered with a focus on reliability and performance, these bikes are a great choice for anyone who prioritizes quality construction over technology. Sole’s line includes recumbent, spin and upright bikes available at a range of price points making them a solid choice for anyone looking to keep costs down.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
