It probably won’t surprise you to learn that I really like variety in exercise habits. Sure, I’ll go for a run most days and listen to the same playlist for the ten thousandth time, but the second I’m training indoors, I can’t stand any monotony. I need variety, and thus, I have become a profound supporter of Sole. So, the Sole LCR is definitely on my radar for recumbent bikes.
What makes the Sole LCR different from other recumbent bikes (besides its light-commercial-grade quality at a residential price) is its feature-packed console. It doesn’t shoehorn you into a subscription service. In fact, it might just support the most extensive variety of content of any recumbent bike at this price point.
So, let’s press pause on Netflix and get into this review of the Sole LCR. It’s got many more features you need to learn about. Read on!
Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Review: Bottom Line
Sole LCR vs. Similar Exercise Bikes
The Sole LCR is a light-commercial-grade recumbent bike that is also available for residential use. Below, see how it compares to other residential recumbent bikes and exercise bikes.
 Sole LCR |  NordicTrack R35 |  Sole R92 |  LifeSpan R5i | |
| Price (MSRP) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | ||||
| Bottom Line | The Sole LCR Recumbent Bike introduces comfort to your exercise routine with a padded seatback and seat, as well as familiar streaming apps from Netflix, Hulu, and more. | A comfortable and enjoyable low-impact workout is available to all fitness levels on the R35. | This recumbent bike brings an uncomplicated, low-impact, and accessible experience for all ages. | The LifeSpan R5i Recumbent Bike does not require electricity and has a simple console, making it even more accessible for exercisers. |
| Awards Earned | ||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | Sole LCR | NordicTrack R35 | Sole R92 | LifeSpan R5i |
| Workout Experience | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
| Specs / Features | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 8 | 9 | 6 | 6 |
| Build Quality | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Overall Score | 78 | 80 | 75 | 68 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | hundreds | 2 | 10 | 41 |
| Paid Programming - Cost | N/A | iFIT - $39/month | N/A | N/A |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, Kinomap | Netflix, Prime Video (Beta Testing) | N/A | N/A |
| Display | 10.1” touchscreen | 14” HD touchscreen | 9” Backlit LCD | Multi-color LCD |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 56” L x 29” W x 31” H | 68.22” L x 24.69” W x 53.42” H | 56” L x 29” W x 60” H | 70" L x 27.5" W x 44.5" H |
| Pedal Type | Flat pedals with adjustable strap | Flat with adjustable top strap | Flat with adjustable top strap | Flat pedals with strap |
| # of Adjustment Points | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Bike Weight | 152 lbs | 192 lbs (in box) | 130 lbs | 146 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs | 350 lbs | 300 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Flywheel Weight | 31 lbs | 25 lbs | 20 lbs | 18 lbs |
| Max Resistance | 40 resistance levels | 26 levels | 20 levels | 16 resistance levels |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic | Eddy current brake | Magnetic |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame, 3-year parts, 3-year wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | Lifetime frame, 2-year parts and wear items, 1-year labor, 90-days cosmetic items | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor |
| Additional Features | Third-party apps, screen mirroring, wireless charging | AutoAdjust, Google Maps, fan | Pulse grips, 2 cup holders, adjustable device rack | Battery-powered, Bluetooth, Heart Rate Training |
Dimensions/Storability
The Sole LCR Recumbent Bike’s dimensions are 56” x 29” x 60”. It does not fold, so you must allocate enough space plus a little clearance around it. The LCR weighs 152 lbs and has transport wheels on its front stabilizer. A handle on the rear stabilizer allows you to lift and move the bike if necessary, though it may not be doable for all users.
Onboard Workouts & Apps
The Sole LCR has several onboard programs, including traditional onboard programs and video content from the Sole+ app. Sole+ does not require a subscription to use its content, but some of the apps included on the LCR do.
The onboard apps include ten pre-programmed workouts and 12 user-defined workouts. Additionally, there are hundreds of Sole+ videos available on the touchscreen. Trainers lead these programs.
The Sole+ classes are filmed in a studio and backed by music. The classes do not make automatic resistance adjustments, so you will have to control the resistance from the screen. The music doesn’t always match the vibe of the class very well. I wish you could choose your own music or have the trainer select it like it is in Peloton classes.
If you want more training content, pair the LCR with your Sole+ phone app after making a free account. You just need your machine’s serial number to verify that you own a Sole machine.
Apps
You will find some of your favorite apps on the Sole LCR. It has YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, and Kinomap. The majority of these apps require a subscription to their respective services.
Kinomap is a training app that, if you subscribe, provides additional workout options for the Sole LCR. It offers video, virtual, and structured workouts.
Screen Mirroring
Another option for using even more content with the LCR Recumbent Bike is screen mirroring. Apple and Android users can cast their favorite entertainment and training content from their phone or tablet onto the LCR Recumbent Bike’s screen.
One feature that has disappointed me with Sole’s smart equipment is screen mirroring with an Android device. You have to download the ANPLUS screen mirroring app, which is not mentioned on the LCR’s screen or in its manual. Hopefully, Sole can improve this feature in the future.
Console
Perhaps the most essential feature of the Sole LCR is the screen. It has a 10.1” touchscreen display, which is where you can access all of these training features. In our opinion, the screen quality is decent but not quite up to the standards set by Peloton and NordicTrack.
The console on the Sole LCR recumbent bike is simple and easy to navigate
There are multiple buttons at the bottom of the console. These include a fan button, a button to toggle the display view, a start button, and a stop button. If I could make one amendment to the console, I would add a button to control the speaker volume. You can control the volume from the screen instead.
Wireless Charging Pad
There is a wireless charging pad between the buttons. You can set your compatible smartphone in the device holder at the bottom of the console to charge it while you train. This feature is really useful because Bluetooth connectivity and screen mirroring require a lot of battery power. I’ve used the wireless charging pad with my phone to charge it successfully on other Sole machines.
Tablet Rack
A secondary device holder sits at the top of the console. It has an adjustable top clip that keeps your device secure over the console. It can fit a phone or tablet.
The console has an attached tablet holder that can fit larger devices.
Speakers
The Sole LCR has two front-facing speakers at the top of the console. The speaker quality of Sole machines has been satisfactory but not on par with Peloton or NordicTrack equipment. I think the versatility of Sole equipment’s tech outweighs this disparity, but the speakers could still use some improvement.
Fan
I haven’t been impressed with Sole’s fans. I haven’t tested the Sole LCR’s fan, but I am skeptical of its utility. Fortunately, you can remedy a weak fan by positioning the LCR in a room with a ceiling fan or placing a floor fan near it.
Bluetooth
You can pair a phone or tablet with the Sole LCR through Bluetooth, sync your Sole+ account on your phone app, and connect to the speakers. You can also connect a heart rate monitor to the LCR via Bluetooth.
Heart Rate
As mentioned, you can connect a Bluetooth heart rate monitor to the Sole LCR. There are also EKG pulse grips on the ends of the handlebars along the side of the seat. If you have one, I recommend using a Bluetooth chest strap because it will be the most accurate should you wish to train your heart rate.
Build Quality
A light-commercial-grade build quality might be the most impressive feature of the Sole LCR. Sure, I’ll argue that the console’s training and entertainment features are better, but even then, the build quality is a strong second.
Light commercial means this bike supports heavier use than traditionally seen in a residential setting. It is perfect for physical therapy clinics, community centers, and personal training studios, as well as your home. If your household consists of multiple dedicated exercisers, the LCR can support their daily training habits.
The Sole LCR’s light-commercial designation is unsuitable for gyms or fitness centers with heavy use.
The frame on the Sole LCR is solid with a comfortable step through design
Frame
A step-through frame is a must-have feature for a recumbent bike. It entails a low step height for the piece of the frame that connects the seat to the console and pedal segment of the bike.
Seat
The seat is padded and has a padded seat back. Many of the recumbent bikes I’ve reviewed have plastic mesh backs. While these recumbent bikes may be more breathable, I don’t find them as comfortable. If your priority in choosing a recumbent bike is comfort, the Sole LCR is an excellent choice.
The seat is adjustable along a diagonal rail to adjust the vertical height and horizontal reach to the pedals at the same time. There are no other options for adjusting the LCR to fit user stature.
The seat is oversized and comfortable.
Handle
There are two sets of handles. The first set sits along the console and connects at the back of the console. I like these handles because you can use them to support yourself as you step over the frame and sit on the seat.
The second set of handles frames the seat. These handles are where I prefer to put my hands when using a recumbent bike. They have EKG pulse grips on the ends so you can track your heart rate as you train.
I wish there were resistance controls included on the Sole LCR handles. As it is, you can control the resistance from the screen, but it would be much easier to do so on the handles, especially since Sole+ classes do not automatically change the resistance.
Pedals
The Sole LCR has flat pedals with adjustable straps. They are textured to keep your athletic shoes from slipping as you pedal. You do not need cycling-specific shoes to use this bike. In fact, cycling shoes are incompatible with the LCR.
Resistance and Flywheel
The Sole LCR has a 31-lb flywheel. It uses magnetic resistance, which consists of magnets that act against the flywheel to slow it and add resistance to the pedals. This mechanism for resistance is in contrast to friction resistance.
Magnetic resistance is quieter than friction resistance and can be digitally controlled. It also requires less maintenance than friction resistance. These benefits make magnetic resistance superior, in my opinion. However, its one weakness is its limited strength.
While friction resistance is unlimited, magnetic resistance, such as that on the Sole LCR, is broken into discreet resistance levels. The LCR has 40 resistance levels, which should provide plenty of variability for most users. While I have not tested the effectiveness of the resistance on the LCR, Sole’s magnetic resistance on its other equipment has been quite good.
Warranty
Sole fitness equipment usually has excellent warranties. The Sole LCR continues the tradition with a lifetime frame warranty. It also has a 3-year parts warranty, a 3-year wear items warranty, a 1-year labor warranty, and a 90-day cosmetic items warranty. The Sole LCR warranty covers the recumbent bike in residential and light-commercial settings. Commercial setting use is not covered.
Should You Buy the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike
My top reasons for choosing the Sole LCR are the low step-through frame, the lifetime frame warranty, and the light-commercial-grade build. If you want many training content options like I do, then the various third-party apps, screen mirroring, and the Sole+ app are your favorite features.
The Sole LCR has a few limitations. If you want nicer tech features, fully supported and high-end training content like Peloton and iFIT, or a breathable backrest, the LCR is not quite the match for you. Of course, this bike is also inappropriate if you are looking for a commercial bike for a popular gym.
I like the Sole LCR for new and experienced exercisers looking for a more comfortable way to cycle. It can help you continue to cycle after finding an upright position untenable or recover from an injury or sedentary period. The Sole LCR is absolutely a good choice for the exerciser who doesn’t want a subscription training service.
If this bike is for you, queue up your Netflix and prepare to cycle.
Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Q&A / FAQ
What are the disadvantages of a recumbent exercise bike?
A recumbent bike is an excellent machine for cycling with a bit of extra support. However, there are a few disadvantages to recumbent bikes. The most significant disadvantage is the bulky and heavy build that most recumbent bikes have. It may be difficult for some users to move the bike around and find the space for it.
What is the number one recumbent bike?
The Sole LCR is a great recumbent exercise bike choice. It has a light commercial build with tons of tech features. It does not require a subscription to access onboard training content. However, we also really like the NordicTrack R35 and the LifeSpan R5i.
Are recumbent bikes worth the money?
Recumbent bikes are worth the money for indoor cyclists who need back support or simply want to cycle more comfortably. They are also a great low-impact training option for exercisers who want a comfortable and supportive method of training.
The Sole LCR could be worth the money if you want a bike with a high-quality build. Its lifetime frame warranty is excellent coverage. It is also ideal for exercisers who do not want to be tied to a subscription training service. The Sole+ app is included with the purchase of any Sole equipment.
Leave a Reply