As a fitness equipment tester, I often get random phone calls and texts from friends and family members asking what fitness equipment they should buy. The latest was from my grandma asking what exercise bike she should get.
Although she’d have to get rid of some things for it to fit in her home, I recommended the Sole R92 Recumbent Bike. Knowing her arthritis and balance issues, she needs a joint-friendly and comfortable bike with an easy step-thru design, so the R92 is perfect. It has cup holders on either side of the well-padded seat, a simple handle to adjust the seat forward and backward, and an easy-to-read display.
Not to mention the adjustable top device rack for her tablet, and she’s ready for a good workout on this recumbent bike. My grandma isn’t the only person the R92 is good for. This bike is an excellent option for most people. Keep reading to find out why.
Sole R92 Recumbent Bike Review: Bottom Line
Sole R92 vs Similar Exercise Bikes
Here is a quick overview of how the Sole R92 compares to other popular exercise bikes.
 Sole R92 |  NordicTrack R35 |  LifeSpan R5i |  Sole LCR | |
| Price (MSRP) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | ||||
| Bottom Line | This recumbent bike brings an uncomplicated, low-impact, and accessible experience for all ages. | A comfortable and enjoyable low-impact workout is available to all fitness levels on the R35. | The LifeSpan R5i Recumbent Bike does not require electricity and has a simple console, making it even more accessible for exercisers. | 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. |
| Awards Earned | ||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | Sole R92 | NordicTrack R35 | LifeSpan R5i | Sole LCR |
| Workout Experience | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 |
| Specs / Features | 7 | 9 | 6 | 8 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 6 | 9 | 6 | 8 |
| Build Quality | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Overall Score | 75 | 80 | 68 | 78 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 10 | 2 | 41 | hundreds |
| Paid Programming - Cost | N/A | iFIT - $39/month | N/A | N/A |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | N/A | Netflix, Prime Video (Beta Testing) | N/A | YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, Kinomap |
| Display | 9” Backlit LCD | 14” HD touchscreen | Multi-color LCD | 10.1” touchscreen |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 56” L x 29” W x 60” H | 68.22” L x 24.69” W x 53.42” H | 70" L x 27.5" W x 44.5" H | 56” L x 29” W x 31” H |
| Pedal Type | Flat with adjustable top strap | Flat with adjustable top strap | Flat pedals with strap | Flat pedals with adjustable strap |
| # of Adjustment Points | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Bike Weight | 130 lbs | 192 lbs (in box) | 146 lbs | 152 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 350 lbs | 400 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Flywheel Weight | 20 lbs | 25 lbs | 18 lbs | 31 lbs |
| Max Resistance | 20 levels | 26 levels | 16 resistance levels | 40 resistance levels |
| Resistance Type | Eddy current brake | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame, 2-year parts and wear items, 1-year labor, 90-days cosmetic items | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | Lifetime frame, 3-year parts, 3-year wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items |
| Additional Features | Pulse grips, 2 cup holders, adjustable device rack | AutoAdjust, Google Maps, fan | Battery-powered, Bluetooth, Heart Rate Training | Third-party apps, screen mirroring, wireless charging |
Dimensions/Storability
The R92 doesn’t fold, but it has front wheels, so you can tip it and roll it forward when needed. The total footprint is 60” H x 29” W x 56” L. It’s fairly heavy at 130 lbs, so not everyone will be able to move it. It’s important to know your physical limitations when determining if you can move a piece of fitness equipment.
Onboard Workouts & Apps
The Sole R92 has a simple screen with onboard workout programs. It doesn’t offer workout videos or subscription content to stream from the screen. If you want streaming options, you’ll need to use your device.
Onboard Workouts
The console features seven standard programs and two user-defined workouts. The onboard workout programs feature preset resistance levels. Large buttons on either side allow you to manually increase resistance on the console.
Console
The screen itself is 9”, but the console is nice and large with easy-to-reach buttons. Manual arrow buttons on either side of the screen control resistance, and you can select any of the preloaded programs from the console. There is an audio port to plug your device into the console speakers.
The Sole R92 console has a clean, minimal design with plenty of room for holding devices.
The screen is not a touchscreen, but the buttons are a closer reach anyway. Vertical handlebars flank the console on either side for support and stability.
There is a fan! Set at the top of the console, it might be a bit high for some users, depending on height, but at least it’s there as a nice option for airflow.
The Sole R92 has am oversized and comfortable cushioned seat.
The device rack mounted on the top of the console adds another viewing option. An adjustable clip on the top will hold any personal device securely. You can watch or listen to your favorite program while the bike computer tracks your stats for you.
There are two water bottle holders behind the seat. These are a bit awkward to reach since they are behind the seat, but at least you have the option to keep your water close.
Build Quality
Overall, the build quality of the R92 is what we expect; stable, well-constructed, and built to last.
Frame
The Sole R92 has an aluminum-coated steel frame, a 20-pound flywheel, and a 10″ LCD display. The bike supports up to 300-weight capacity. Sole pays attention to biomechanics, so the R92 has been designed to be both sturdy and comfortable, especially for riders who may be recovering from an injury or have tender joints.
The Sole R92 has a sturdy and well built frame.
Flywheel
A 20-pound flywheel is just about right for this machine. It develops fluid motion but isn’t too heavy for riders sitting behind the wheel rather than over the top of it. The flywheel and drive system work cohesively for smooth pedal motion.
Saddle
The seat and backrest are both padded. The backrest is tapered with more padding and support in the lumbar area and less behind the shoulders, so there is free movement through the shoulders.
The Sole R92 has am oversized and comfortable cushioned seat.
Resistance
Twenty levels of resistance are electrically calibrated and adjusted via the console buttons. You can find any level of resistance for your workout that day. Resistance is quiet and smooth.
Warranty
Sole includes a generous lifetime frame, 2-year parts and war items, 1-year labor, and a 90-day cosmetic items warranty with the Sole R92 Recumbent Bike. It is made for home use only.
Should You Buy The Sole R92 Recumbent Bike?
The Sole R92 offers the best warranty for a bike at this price point. We love Sole’s commitment to quality, and the lifetime frame warranty reflects this durability.
This is a great bike for riders who don’t want to pay for subscription content and don’t need an attached screen.
Its design is easy to get on and off of, so if you have joint sensitivity, mobility issues, if you’re new to fitness, a senior, or are coming back after an injury, the R92 is a great choice.
Sole R92 Recumbent Bike Q&A / FAQ
Is the Sole R92 okay for bad knees?
The low-impact design of the R92 makes it more forgiving on the knees than higher-impact activities like running. The seated position and circular motion of the pedals make the R92 a good option for lower-impact workouts and if you have joint issues and sensitivity.
Where is the power switch on the Sole R92?
The power switch is on the front of the bike at the bottom by the transport wheels.
Is this a paid review?
This is not a paid review. We work with Sole to test their equipment, but they don’t pay us to write our reviews. We have affiliate links; this is how we’re paid. If consumers purchase through our links, we receive a commission. This allows us to create reviews.
We work with various brands like Sole to test out all kinds of equipment to help you in your search for the best machine for you.
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