A common theme in purchasing home gym essentials is that “you get what you pay for.” If you buy a budget-priced treadmill, most of the time you won’t have the long-lasting durability of a higher-end cardio machine. On the other hand, premium fitness equipment often comes with a weighty price tag.
If you’re looking for cardio equipment, a perfect example of this is the Sole Light Commercial Recumbent Bike, or the Sole LCR. While it’s one of the best recumbent bikes on the market, it’s also one of the priciest exercise bikes.
Dubbed by GGR Everything’s lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele as “the crème-de-la-gym of recumbent bikes,” is the LCR worth your hard-earned money? In this Sole LCR Recumbent Bike review, I’ll go over the pros and cons of this recumbent bike to see if it makes sense for you and your home gym.
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There’s no getting around it: Our team at Garage Gym Reviews is full of expertise in the fitness world. With certified personal trainers, lifting coaches, and competitive runners and weightlifters, our team has the experience to bring you the best information on the latest and greatest fitness equipment and cardio machines on the market.
For the Sole LCR in particular, Lindsay Scheele, an ISSA-certified personal trainer and the face of GGR Everything, tried out the recumbent exercise bike at varying levels of resistance, trying out the bike and rating features of the machine from 1 to 5, such as:
- Footprint and portability
- Delivery and setup
- Durability
- Adjustability and customizations
- Tech capabilities
- Conveniences
- Value
Sole LCR Bike
Sole LCR Exercise Bike
Product Highlights
- 40 resistance levels
- Step-through frame
- Wireless phone charging
- Comfortable seat
- Lifetime frame warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 40 magnetic resistance levels
- Padded seat and backrest
- Step-through frame
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Expensive
- Feels heavy
Bottom Line
The Sole Light Commercial Recumbent Bike is a durable and high-value recumbent bike that our testers liked for its challenging resistance, comfortable seat and backrest, and great warranty.
A Quick Look at the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike
Sole Fitness focuses on creating fitness equipment primed for performance and longevity. Although they also have strength equipment, most of their products focus on cardiovascular endurance: treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, and bikes.
The Sole R92 Recumbent Bike and Sole LCR are among their recumbent bike lineup, but Sole also has upright bikes available, including the Sole LCB (Light Commercial Bike).
The LCR Recumbent Bike is rated for light commercial settings…think school weight rooms, fitness studios, or physical therapy offices. Built for multiple users and to get a small amount of traffic, the LCR is built to last, with an impressive 31-pound flywheel and a steel frame that supports a user weight capacity of 350 pounds.
Additionally, the recumbent bike has some added features and perks, such as a phone or tablet holder, Bluetooth speakers, cooling fan, and a water bottle holder. This piece of exercise equipment has just about every amenity you can think of for cardio equipment. Plus, it can challenge you at any fitness level with 40 levels of magnetic resistance.
Before You Buy
- The Sole LCR comes mostly pre-assembled, with the last bit of assembly taking less than 30 minutes, according to Lindsay. Still, if the 173-pound box weight seems daunting to you, Sole Fitness does offer delivery to your room of choice and white-glove assembly—for an extra $199 or $350, respectively.
- Although this bike is worth a chunk of change, Sole Fitness does have financing available through Shop Pay. Be sure to see if you qualify before making your purchase.
- Even though it’s pricey, the Sole LCR has one of the best warranties we’ve seen for the frame—a lifetime warranty, which is rare to see with cardio equipment.
Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Video Review
Is the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Worth It?
The Sole LCR is rated for commercial use, but is it worth it for home use? It’ll depend on your budget and what you’re looking for. At $1,799, the Sole LCR is definitely a premium item. “You’re approaching $2,000, which is a massive price tag for a recumbent bike,” Lindsay adds.
Other higher-end bikes, like the NordicTrack Commercial R35, are $300 cheaper. On the budget side, you can find items like the Sunny Health and Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike for as low as $220. So the Sole LCR Bike is certainly a more expensive item and might be overkill for light home use.
RELATED: Best Budget Recumbent Bikes
Lindsay rates the value a 4 out of 5, however, because with the premium price tag comes a premium product. The bike is durable with a ton of convenience and ergonomics built into it. If you’re looking for a recumbent bike to get a lot of use out of, this is a fantastic choice with an extended warranty—since it’s built for commercial settings. While the price may be enough to deter some folks, the recumbent bike is worth it for those who want a premium, long-lasting recumbent bike.
Great for:
- People wanting a wide variety of resistance levels
- Physical therapists needing a bike for their office
- Cardio fanatics wanting low-impact exercise
Not recommended for:
- People looking for budget home gym equipment
- Someone who prefers an upright exercise bike
- Home gym owners needing a compact, foldable exercise bike
Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Specs
| Price | $1,799 |
| Footprint | 56″ L x 29″ W x 60″ H |
| Weight capacity | 350 lbs |
| Product weight | 152 lbs |
| Resistance type | Magnetic |
| Resistance levels | 40 |
| Pulse grips? | Yes |
| Display | 10.1” touchscreen |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty (frame), 3 years (parts and wear items), 1 year (labor), 90 days (cosmetic items) |
Using the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike
GGR Lead Reviewer Lindsay Scheele, ISSA-CPT, admits, “Recumbent bikes aren’t my favorite piece of equipment, although I know there are people who can get a lot of benefit out of it.” Still, she gave the LCR a spin (pun intended) and was actually surprised at the performance of the bike.
RELATED: Recumbent Bike Benefits
With a whopping 40 levels of magnetic resistance provided by the hefty flywheel weight of 31 pounds, Lindsay could feel a big difference in the increasing levels of resistance. She says, “Whenever I test recumbent bikes, I’m a little disappointed; the multiple levels of resistance never quite get to be enough of a challenge for me.
“The Sole LCR was different though. Getting to the end of the 40 levels of resistance, I was slogging through the workout,” Lindsay adds. “The resistance is definitely there if you’re looking for a challenge.” She rates the customization for the bike a 5 out of 5.
Footprint and Portability
Fully assembled, the Sole LCR is 56 inches long and 29 inches wide, which isn’t quite as bulky as the best ellipticals or treadmills, but it’s pretty big for an exercise bike. Still, the 152-pound bike can be maneuvered with transport wheels and a handle in the back—although Lindsay warns it was still deceptively heavier than she would’ve thought. She rates the footprint and portability a 4 out of 5.
RELATED: Recumbent Bike vs Upright Bike
Durability
The LCR Recumbent Bike is built solid with a steel frame and a weight capacity of 350 pounds. The 31-pound flywheel goes above and beyond most recumbent bikes, as Lindsay comments that 25-pound flywheels are a good and durable size for quiet and long-lasting performance. She rates the durability a solid 4.5 out of 5.
What’s also nice about the LCR is the comfort built into the bike. With cushioned pedals and a large cushioned seat and back pad, the LCR is going to feel nice while you’re biking. “Other recumbent bikes have a vented back pad to allow for airflow, but the LCR keeps the seat and back fully cushioned,” Lindsay says. “This is probably one of the most comfortable seats I’ve tested on recumbent bikes.”
Technology and Conveniences
The Sole LCR Recumbent Bike has quite a few added perks and benefits. The handlebars allow for heart rate monitoring, the adjustable seat moves forward and back to accommodate cyclists of all sizes, there are two cup holders, and it supports Bluetooth connectivity. Lindsay gives the technological capabilities of the LCR a 4.5 out of 5.
RELATED: Recumbent Bike Exercises and Workouts
The LCD display is a 10.1-inch touchscreen that Lindsay says is pretty intuitive. “You don’t have to scroll and scroll to find what you’re looking for; it’s very easy to use,” she explains. The LCR does have 10 pre-programmed workouts available on the bike, but it also has compatibility with smart devices, allowing you to mirror your screen for fitness apps like the Sole app or iFIT. You can also set up Netflix and watch your favorite shows.
Another added feature which is quickly becoming common on Sole machines is a wireless charging station, so you can mirror your screen without worry of your phone losing battery power.
As far as the programming goes, Lindsay says it’s so-so. She also has gripes about the Sole app, mostly that there are inconsistencies with the sound. Lindsay says, “Either the music is coming in too quiet, or it’s too loud and I can barely hear the instructor.” She rates the machine’s conveniences a 4 out of 5.
Sole LCR Recumbent Bike vs NordicTrack Commercial R35
NordicTrack Commercial R35
NordicTrack R35 Recumbent Bike
Product Highlights
-
Like other NordicTrack offerings, the R35 is compatible with the iFIT training platform for on-demand workouts.
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The NordicTrack R35 Recumbent Bike can support athletes up to 350 pounds.
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The step-through frame can make it easy to get on and off this bike for training.
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Per our tester, the R35’s seat features an oversized design and lumbar support for improved in-ride comfort.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Interactive screen
- 2 digitally amplified speakers with Bluetooth capabilities
- Ergonomic pedals and lumbar support
- Quiet and smooth ride
Cons
- Large footprint
- Not easily transported
- No pre-programmed workout options
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a recumbent bike that offers immersive training, NordicTrack’s R35 is a high-quality one worth considering.
If you’re looking for a recumbent bike for home use, the NordicTrack Commercial R35 is a strong contender when compared with the Sole LCR, most notably due to its price. At just under $1,500, the R35 is a more reasonable price for a high-end recumbent bike. Both have the same weight capacity and a decent touchscreen.
However, the Sole LCR has a bigger flywheel with more resistance levels and customizations. Additionally, the warranty is much more robust on Sole’s option. For a $1,500 bike like the Commercial R35, we would like to see a warranty longer than 10 years on the frame.
I think the determining factor between these two is if you’re looking for a bit more value in the R35, or a bit more performance from the Sole LCR. Both are solid options, it just depends on what your preference is.
You can read our full thoughts in our NordicTrack Commercial R35 review.
| Sole LCR Recumbent Bike | NordicTrack Commercial R35 | |
| Price | $1,799 | $1,499 |
| Footprint | 56″ L x 29″ W x 60″ H | 68.22” L x 23.69” W x 53.42” H |
| Weight capacity | 350 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Product weight | 152 lbs | 192 lbs |
| Resistance type | Magnetic flywheel | Magnetic flywheel |
| Resistance levels | 40 | 26 |
| Pulse grips? | Yes | Yes |
| Display | 10.1” touchscreen | 14” HD touchscreen |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty (frame), 3 years (parts and wear items), 1 year (labor), 90 days (cosmetic items) | 10 years (frame), 2 years (parts), 1 year (electronic), 90 days (labor) |
Customer Experience
Sole Fitness customer service can be contacted by phone or email listed on their website. The Sole LCR Recumbent Bike has one of the most solid warranties we’ve seen from a piece of cardio equipment:
- Lifetime warranty on the frame
- 3-year warranty on parts and wear items
- 1-year warranty on labor
- 90-day warranty on cosmetic items
Along with this, Sole Fitness also has a 30-day money-back guarantee on their products. Even better is that they don’t require boxing up the product before returning it. It’ll be picked up the way it was shipped however; so if you ordered curbside shipping, the cardio machine has to be placed in an accessible location to be picked up curbside. Likewise, room delivery will be picked up in your room. Sole Fitness receives a 5 out of 5 for their warranty and policies.
Ordering and Assembling the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike
The Sole LCR can be ordered directly from Sole Fitness, and financing is available through Shop Pay—although you’ll have to see if you qualify.
Sole Fitness offers free curbside delivery for all of their products, but you can upgrade the LCR’s delivery to the room of your choice for $199 extra, or to the room of your choice with white glove assembly for an extra $350. The bike comes mostly pre-assembled, though; Lindsay says the assembly takes less than 30 minutes. “And 30 minutes is being generous, it’ll probably be much less,” she adds.
Because of this, the white glove assembly probably won’t be worth it for most people—but the option is nice if you’re worried about moving the bike around and putting it together. Lindsay rates the delivery and setup a 4.5 out of 5.
Customer Reviews
There aren’t any customer reviews on the Sole LCR’s product page. However, Google Shopping has a few reviews on the recumbent bike—11 at the time of this writing—that averages to 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Positive reviews enjoy the build and performance of the recumbent bike, as well as adding that they had no issues with the delivery of the bike, whether it was white glove or curbside delivery.
Negative reviews mostly dealt with the technological parts of the bike. Many reviews were critical of the Sole app’s compatibility, saying they struggled to connect the app to the bike. Others struggled with powering the machine and the charging port. I’d recommend studying the instruction manual if you have any issues with the electrical parts of the bike.
Final Verdict of Our Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Review
If you’re a home gym owner wanting a recumbent bike for some light use in your home, the Sole LCR will certainly do a great job, but you might be able to find a good, durable bike with better value. However, if you know your bike will get a lot of use—either from you or other users—this bike is high-quality and certain to last. Plus, it’s backed by a hefty warranty to protect you if it is faulty. This is a premium product, albeit at a premium price.
Full Rating
Sole LCR Recumbent Bike
The Sole Light Commercial Recumbent Bike is a durable and high-value recumbent bike that our testers liked for its challenging resistance, comfortable seat and backrest, and great warranty.
Product Brand: Sole Fitness
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 1799.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.39
Sole LCR Recumbent Bike: FAQs
Can you lose belly fat on a recumbent bike?
Using a recumbent bike helps burn calories, which will aid in burning fat and losing weight. However, spot reduction—or the thought that you can target a specific body area for fat loss—is a myth; while you can burn fat on a recumbent bike, you’ll burn and lose fat from your entire body, not in a targeted spot like the stomach.
Is riding a recumbent bike as good as walking?
Absolutely. Recumbent bikes can provide all of the benefits of walking, plus they can be less stress on the joints, making them a great option for anyone dealing with chronic joint issues. Whether or not one activity is better than the other depends largely on your preference and your pacing.
RELATED: Recumbent Bike Benefits
What is the weight capacity of the Sole LCR?
The Sole LCR Recumbent Bike has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds.
