The Sole SB700 might be one of the best deals I’ve seen on an exercise bike. It has a commercial-grade build at a midrange exercise bike price. So, run your way to this deal, and then get to cycling with this awesome studio bike!
Actually, you should probably read the rest of our review because we have firsthand knowledge of this bike. It has a super heavy flywheel and a low-tech console. Both of these might be worth looking into before you make the commitment.
I like a lot of freedom in my training, so the SB700 appealed to me instantly. I like the combo of a low-tech console and a tablet rack. You should read on for our juiciest details on the Sole SB700.
Sole SB700 Exercise Bike Review: Bottom Line
Sole SB700 vs. Similar Exercise Bikes
We chose the most relevant competitors to the SB700 in price and features for our compart chart. Check out our options below.
 Sole SB700 |  Bowflex C6 |  Diamondback Fitness 1260sc |  Sole SB1200 |  NordicTrack S22i | |
| Price (MSRP) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | The Sole SB700 has a robust steel frame, a heavy chrome-plated flywheel, and 100 magnetic resistance levels for indoor cyclists who care more about a quality build than spiffy features. | The Bowflex C6 has a simple, compact, yet sturdy design that you can pair with your phone or just hop on and ride. | The Diamondback Fitness 1260sc does not require a subscription but supports training with Zwift and other apps through your phone or tablet. | The SB1200 is a heavy-duty bike that offers streaming from Netflix, has screen mirroring, and includes trainer-led workout videos. | FIT and the inclining and declining frame make this an extremely interactive and fun exercise bike. |
| Awards Earned | |||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | Sole SB700 | Bowflex C6 | Diamondback Fitness 1260sc | Sole SB1200 | NordicTrack S22i |
| Workout Experience | 6 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 9 |
| Specs / Features | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 9 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 5 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Build Quality | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Overall Score | 72 | 84 | 74 | 83 | 90 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 1 | 1 | 1 | Hundreds | 2 |
| Paid Programming - Cost | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | iFIT - $39/month |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | N/A | N/A | N/A | YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, Kinomap | Netflix, Prime Video (Beta Testing) |
| Display | Compact digital console | Backlit LCD | Compact digital console | 10.1” Android-powered touchscreen | 22” rotating HD touchscreen |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 42" x 21" x 40" | 54.6" L x 30.7" W x 51.8" H | 59″L x 23″W x 50″H | 57” L x 21” W x 63” H | 61” L x 22” W x 58” H |
| Pedal Type | Flat with toe clips | Hybrid | Hybrid SPD and flat pedals with toe cages | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| # of Adjustment Points | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Bike Weight | 141 lbs | 113.6 lbs | 130 lbs | 127 lbs | 205 lbs (in box) |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 330 lbs | 300 lbs | 330 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Flywheel Weight | 48 lbs | 40 lbs | 31 lbs | 35.27 lbs | 32 lbs |
| Max Resistance | 100 resistance levels | 100 levels | 16 resistance levels | 35.27 lbs | 24 levels |
| Resistance Type | Friction | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Warranty | Residential and light-commercial: lifetime frame, 3-year parts, 1-year labor | 10-year frame, 3-year mechanical parts, 1-year labor | 5-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year labor, 90-day wear items | Lifetime frame, 2-year all other components, 1-year labor | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor |
| Additional Features | Tablet rack, Kevlar braking design | Included 3 lb dumbbells, included Bluetooth heart rate armband, connects to Peloton and Zwift apps | Tablet holder, Bluetooth/ANT+, resistance levers | Adjustable device rack, weight cages, adjustable leveling feet | 20% incline and -10% decline, two 3 lb weights included, storage tray |
Dimensions/Storability
The Sole SB700 does not fold up, but it does have wheels and only weighs 141 pounds, so it’s easy to move.
Geometry
- Height: 42″
- Length: 40″
- Width: 21″
- Item Weight(lbs.): 141 lbs.
- Weight Capacity(lbs.): 300 lbs.
Onboard Workouts & Apps
There are no onboard or preprogrammed workouts. The LCD display is a digital readout only; there are no programs to load or follow. There are no subscription options. This is a bring-your-own-workout machine.
Console/Controls
The LCD screen on the SB700 is pretty basic. It provides readouts for RPM, calories, time, speed, and distance. It is backlit but hard to see in some conditions. The LCD screen is battery-powered, which is a huge perk. It makes it so this bike doesn’t require electricity! You don’t have to place the SB700 next to a wall outlet for it to operate.
The LCD console on the SB700 is simple and easy to use.
The LCD screen beeps when you start pedaling to let you know it is on. Then, all your metrics display throughout your ride. After a few minutes of disuse, the console will time out. However, we took several breaks without the screen resetting or turning off.
Accessories
The SB700 does not have a weight rack for dumbbells or a fan, but it does have dual water bottle cages. There’s no shelf for keys or anything, but it includes a tablet holder mounted above the console on the handlebars. You can’t place anything here besides a tablet or a phone, but it has good visibility, and even if you don’t use your phone while riding, you can store it here
Build Quality
The Sole SB700 is a smooth ride. Streamlined functionality between the flywheel and drive system makes it fluid and comfortable.
Frame
A solid steel frame supports the SB700, which is rated for personal or light commercial use. Steel uprights and posts, along with front and rear stabilizers, hold it securely while riding. The SB700 weighs 141 pounds, and while it has wheels to move it around, the bike must be tipped and rolled.
The frame is built out of high quality materials and is sturdy and solid.
The frame sits firmly on the floor and doesn’t rock or wobble when you are riding. We tested in on a long ride that included both surges in the saddle and lots of uphill work out of the saddle. The SB700 responded well with a solid feel that made us feel stable throughout the ride.
Handlebars
The handlebars offer horizontal and vertical grips, with a center bar that offers a forward-leaning tri-position. A light, spongy coating adds a little cushion and repels moisture. These aren’t the most comfortable, but they work fine. You can always use a towel for extra padding. The bars are wide and extend back far enough that most riders should have plenty of room.
The handlebars are textured and provide plenty of grip options and support.
Flywheel
This is a great flywheel for a bike at this price range. While some users feel heavier flywheels are harder to move, the weight actually enhances inertia to keep the wheel smoothly spinning as you pedal. The chrome design also looks chic! The flywheel spins fluidly throughout the pedal motion.
Due to the placement of the flywheel under the handlebars, the weight is at the front of the bike, so even when you do have to move it, you can tilt the bike forward with the flywheel pointed down, so it’s not hard to move. The flywheel is extremely quiet as well.
The flywheel is properly weighted and provides plenty of resistance.
Adjustment Points
The Sole SB700 has four adjustment points. The saddle will move up and down as well as forward and aft. The handlebars also lift up and down and will slide forward and back. Having four adjustment points on an exercise bike makes it easier to find the right fit. Riders of all sizes should be comfortable on the SB700.
There are plenty of adjustment points on the Sole SB700 to get a perfect fit.
Pedals
The pedals on the Sole SB700 are standard flat pedals with cages and an adjustable strap. There is no SPD clip on the opposite side of the pedal. The pedals have toothed edges to hold your shoe on securely.
You can ride the SB700 with any athletic shoe, but it will not support cycling shoes. However, the crank arms have a standard-size thread, so you can easily swap out the pedals for different ones if you prefer.
The pedals have toe cages along with a grippy flat side so most athletic shoes will work great for these pedals.
Saddle
The center area is black, while the accent edges are red leather.
The seat is textured and has two types of materials.
A black ergonomic saddle with a red leather accent is another cool feature of the SB700. A centered groove enhances breathability and reduces friction points.
It is a comfortable saddle. I found the black surface material on the saddle to be just a bit friction-generating. There was a swishing noise as my leg rotated along the sides of the seat. It doesn’t slow you down, but on long rides, this could lead to hot spots or friction points for the rider. A gel pad that fits tightly over the saddle would remove this issue.
Resistance
Although friction resistance isn’t my favorite, I couldn’t tell the difference between this and the Sole SB900 bike with magnetic resistance. Both bikes had equally responsive tension, and neither made any noise during use.
The resistance and stop and stop knob is easy to reach and adjust.
I can’t say that the SB700 may not produce some noise with extended use—often, friction pad resistance bikes can whine a bit when the pads begin to break down—but this is typically after several hundred hours of use.
There is no calibrated or digital resistance. It has a tension knob, so resistance is generated via a Kevlar brake system that slows the flywheel. Tension resistance creates friction, so there is more noise and wear with this system. But it is very sensitive and responsive, so just a touch on the knob goes a long way.
It has slightly more noise than magnetic resistance, but not too bad. You won’t notice cycling noise while riding. You could use this in a bedroom or other shared space without disturbing those around you. There is also no impact noise — even when riding out of the saddle. This is a great option for anyone who needs quiet exercise equipment.
Should You Buy the Sole SB700?
The Sole SB700 is for riders who don’t want to pay for subscription content and don’t need an attached screen. The simple LCD is battery-powered, easy to read, and lights up when pedaling. While the bike doesn’t sync to the app directly, you can easily ride along to a Peloton cycling class and enjoy the content on a much cheaper exercise bike.
The Sole 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. We are impressed with the comfortability of the saddle and the expansive handlebars. We’d love a little more padding on the bars, but a hand towel adds extra cushion if needed.
Take a look at the Sole SB700 if you are in the market for something simple, affordable, quiet, and well-engineered.
Sole SB700 Q&A / FAQ
Is the Sole SB700 magnetic?
The Sole SB700 is not magnetic. It uses friction resistance to create unlimited resistance levels with a Kevlar braking system to slow its 48-lb chrome-plated flywheel.
What is the difference between the SB700 and the SB900?
The Sole SB700 is a light-commercial-grade exercise bike. It uses friction resistance and has a simple, low-tech console. The SB900 is a residential bike that uses magnetic resistance. It also has a low-tech console but has Bluetooth.
Is the Sole SB700 a good spin bike?
The Sole SB700 is a good spin bike for cyclists who do not want high-tech features but desire a good warranty and durable construction. The SB700 uses friction resistance and is best for indoor cyclists who want a traditional spin biking experience.
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