Sole R92 Recumbent Bike Review
The Sole R92 Recumbent Bike is a smart, affordable choice for people seeking low-impact cardiovascular workouts. It has an especially comfortable and sturdy frame,…
Sole R92 Recumbent Bike Specs
| Rating | 9 |
|---|---|
| Type | Recumbent |
| Console display | 9' LCD |
| Resistance | ECB 1 - 20 Levels |
| Seat type | Adjustable |
| Programs | 9 |
| Flywheel | 20 LBS |
| Weight capacity | 300 LBS |
| Dimensions | 56" L x 29" W x 60" H |
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews
Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Sole R92 Recumbent Bike Review
At ExerciseBike.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of exercise bikes so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the exercise bikes we review. We install them, ride them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every exercise bike we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles riding. We listen and record the sound of the motor, try out all aspects of the console and try the bike’s features, such as the Sole+ app.
Every exercise bike we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think.
Our reviewers are exercise bike and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at exercise bikes, has been on this bike, and you can trust his opinion on all of the bikes he reviews.
In Brief
The 2023 Sole R92 represents the brand’s entry-level recumbent bike with the Sole LCR as the next model up. Priced at $1,099.99 with an MSRP of $2,599.99, the first thing I notice about Sole’s recumbent bikes is they’re built with comfort in mind. Upgrades this year to this model include a new and improved integrated tablet holder, USB charging port, and Bluetooth audio speakers. I’m also unconcerned about workout potential here. With 20 levels of Eddy current brake (ECB) magnetic resistance at 20 different levels, there’s no question users of any level can benefit here. The 20-pound flywheel let me feel like I was silently pedaling through the clouds irrespective of the level.
Unlike their NordicTrack rivals which incorporate large, flashy high-definition screens that only work with iFit, the Sole lineup affords users a smaller LCD screen for data, built-in programs, and a great tablet holder so you can bring your own programming if desired. The display on the R92 is a 9” backlit LCD screen and works with the seven pre-programmed workouts and two user-defined programs. User-defined workouts are typically customizable so you can tailor it to suit your needs. As the bike is Bluetooth-enabled, you can sync easily with the Sole+ app, or use another program if you want.
With cushioned pedals and seat, riders with joint issues should have no problem here. Add all this to a lifetime frame warranty with a two-year guarantee for parts, one year for labor, and 90 days for cosmetic items, and you can see the value.
Pros of the Sole R92
- 9” Backlit LCD: Equipped with a 9” backlit LCD screen, users can easily see their workout metrics. The entire console is very user friendly. In my experience, most smartphones are about 7-9 inches in length, so if you’re used to using that for data readout, you’ll have no problem here. One thing I like about this size of screen is how easy it makes it to look over when watching a nearby television, or a tablet placed just above.
- Compatible With the Sole+ App: Priced at $14.99 per month, the Sole+ app brings more than 3,000 on-demand classes in categories ranging from biking and running to elliptical and more. You can download this onto your phone or tablet and take it with you, storing your workouts as you go. Workouts range from 10 to 60 minutes and incorporate heart rate metrics.
- Eddy Current Brake (ECB) Magnetic Resistance: This utilizes the ECB magnetic resistance, which is my favorite type. What this means is your resistance is changed by the movement of magnets which cause eddy currents to create a braking effect, as opposed to the rotational direction of a flywheel alone. The closer the magnets get to the flywheel, the more resistance is created. The value of the 20-pound flywheel here is the stability it provides to the machine.
- Built-In Programs: Another big plug for Sole is the built-in programs, which mean you don’t necessarily need to pay for an app. With seven pre-programmed programs and two user-defined, you won’t run out of variety here.
- Bluetooth: I think it’s fair to just assume exercise equipment has Bluetooth anymore, as this bike does. You can use the Bluetooth speakers for your headphones or transfer data from the Sole+ app to your phone. It’s also great for your phone or tablet if you’re planning to do a little work while riding.
- Weight Capacity: I tend to use the weight maximum as an indicator of overall stability, and with a 300-pound max I have no concerns with this bike. I typically weight between 165 and 200 pounds between competitions and there’s little chance of outgrowing this unit. But more importantly, a 350-pound max tells me this bike is solid as a rock.
- Compact Steel Bike: In my experience, you want a bike that fits your house. This unit measures 56” x 18” 60” and is easy to wheel about when done. At only 130 pounds in machine weight, it’s easy to move.
- Great Pedals: The cushioned pedals of this bike fit my feet easily and were comfortable to use.
- Great Warranty: A lifetime guarantee on the frame, with a two years for parts and wear items, you’ll get one year for labor and 90 days for cosmetics. As far as bikes go, that’s a good deal.
Cons of the R92
- Slow Customer Service: In fairness, this has become a complaint of mine across all boards. With all things in the world going AI, don’t be surprised if your questions are answered by a robot.
Sole R92 Recumbent Bike Specs
| Rating | 9 |
|---|---|
| Type | Recumbent |
| Console display | 9' LCD |
| Resistance | ECB 1 - 20 Levels |
| Seat type | Adjustable |
| Programs | 9 |
| Flywheel | 20 LBS |
| Weight capacity | 300 LBS |
| Dimensions | 56" L x 29" W x 60" H |
Our In-Depth Review Of The Sole R92
The “R” in R92 stands for recumbent, and these are exercise bikes which appear to recline. This is a bit misleading in my experience, as you’re actually getting more of a lateral workout with your pedaling parallel to the rest of your body. The value here is a great emphasis on your quadriceps and calves and some relief for your spine and glutes. In other words, they’re easier on your tail. Priced online at $1,099.99, this bike represents an entry-level model within the upper crust of exercise equipment. Recumbent bikes are typically a little bigger than their upright counterparts due to the seat and design, and with that comes a few more dollars.
As I’d expect from a bike of this price, the Sole R92 has Bluetooth speakers and allow for data transfer to your tablet or phone, with or without the Sole+ app. The bike’s 9” backlit LCD screen was easy for me to use to see numbers and metrics clearly. The new user-friendly tablet holder securely keeps both my iPad and iPhone firmly in place while riding. And another benefit to the ECB magnetic resistance is there’s so little shaking during the ride it’s not likely that your screen will fall out of place. With seven pre-programmed workout routines and two that are user-defined, it’s unlikely you’ll run out of options. Or, for just $14.99, you can unlock thousands of on-demand workouts with the Sole+ app. One of the things I like about this bike is the options.
The Sole R92 is an entry-level recumbent bike with a solid steel frame. Measuring 56” x 29” x 60” at a machine weight of 130 pounds, the bike supports up to 300 pounds in user weight. As a rule, I use maximum user weight as a good judge of overall bike stability. This bike also supports a solid 20-pound flywheel and up to 20 levels of ECB magnetic resistance. What this tells me is that even larger-framed users of any level of fitness can enjoy this bike to the max.
One of the big values to the Sole lineup of bikes against other brands is they come with both built-in workouts as was connectivity to the Sole+ app. You get the best of both worlds here and aren’t locked into a large flashy screen that only works with one program, like the NordicTrack S22i, which does bring a 22” screen and automatic trainer controls, incline and decline. But remember, it costs about $1,499 and the iFit app is typically $39 per month on top of that.
Another big plus to the Sole lineup is the warranties. With a lifetime warranty on the frame, two years on parts and wear and tear items, one year for labor, and 90 days for cosmetic items, I can rest assured that the machine has been put together well from the start. Bikes are a lot easier to self-assemble as opposed to say treadmills, and there’s little maintenance required with a bike. Customers don’t need to be as worried about these items.
Who Should Use The Sole R92?
The Sole R92 may serve as the entry-level model for the Sole lineup, but it’s quite better than that in terms of quality. Built with comfort in mind due to the large seat and cushioned pedals, it’s a perfect model for those with hip or other joint issues. For more on the topic, check out our piece on recumbent bikes.
I’d say this is a great bike for anyone seeking a budget-friendly recumbent bike that doesn’t need a large interactive screen. The 9” backlit LCD screen is pretty simple for data read-out, and the integrated tablet holder will let you watch whatever you want, be it Netflix or another app. That said, if you’re really into the big screens this might not be for you.
Bottom Line
For $1,099.99 against an MSRP of $2,599.99, a Sole R92 customer gets a solid bike with lifetime warranty on the frame. I’d recommend this for serious trainers who want the 20 levels of magnetic resistance, and those who like to train with a variety of programs.
