Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Review (2024)

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A recumbent bike is an exercise bike where users complete a lower-body workout as they sit reclined slightly on the wide base and backrest. The seat is low to the ground, making it easy to get on and off. This is a great addition to any home gym, especially for those who want to reduce joint stiffness and increase muscle strength. There is a wide range of recumbent bikes on the market, all varying in features and price, which may leave you wondering which is the best recumbent bike for you.

The Sole LCR recumbent bike has an adjustable cushioned seat for optimal comfort. It has eight built-in programs to choose from and a custom workout option. As you move, it tracks the calories burned and your heart rate using the sensors on the handles and the included chest strap. With 40 levels of resistance and a mid-range price point, it rivals other big-name brands such as Schwinn and NordicTrack.

In this Sole LCR recumbent bike review, we’ll outline the benefits, cost, technology, workout programs, construction, reviews and more to help you decide if the Sole LCR suits your needs.

Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Features At A Glance

• Dimensions: 57 inches L x 18 inches W x 30 inches H
• Weight: 145 pounds
• User weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Flywheel weight: 30 pounds
• Resistance: Electromagnetic resistance system (EMS) 1-40 levels
• Display: 10.1-inch LCD
• Programs: Eight built-in programs, two custom programs
• Tracking metrics: Revolutions per minute (RPM), distance, pace, resistance level, pulse, heart rate percentages, calories, watts
• Extra features: Adjustable seat, built-in device holder and USB charger, Bluetooth compatible built-in speakers, handles have heart rate sensors, wireless chest strap to monitor heart rate is included
• Warranty: Lifetime frame, five-year electronics and parts, two-year labor; five-year extended warranty available for $139
• Price: $1,599.99
• Best for: Those who want a comfortable seat, lots of incline options and an easy-to-use interface that includes pre-programmed workouts

What Is the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike?

The Sole LCR Recumbent Bike is a cardio machine for home use that provides support and comfort for users of all ages, weights, fitness levels and health. It has eight built-in workout programs and two custom programs, or a workout on a fitness app can be followed using the integrated device holder. Throughout each cardio session, your RPMs, distance, pace, resistance level, pulse, heart rate percentages, calories and watts are tracked on the 10-inch LCD screen.

Benefits of the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike

The Physical Activity Guidelines from the CDC state that adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week and two days of muscle-strengthening activity.

Moderate-intensity aerobic activity is defined as cardio that helps you break a sweat and raises your heart rate. The Sole LCR has two heart-rate controlled programs that increase and decrease the intensity based on your heart rate, measured using the pulse grip handles or the included chest strap. During a heart rate program, the LCD screen displays your beats per minute so you can monitor your intensity level.

There is a strength program that can help you achieve the two days of recommended strength training per week. This program steadily increases the resistance to a high level for an extended period. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) reports that recumbent cycling is a good way to maintain lower-extremity muscle strength and endurance to help with osteoarthritis (OA) induced joint pain. The ACSM advises speaking to a professional before starting a workout routine if you have OA and only exercising if it is pain-free.

The broad cushioned seat has a supportive back that widens where it connects to the bottom for extra support. The pulse grip handles are easily accessible from the relaxed, sitting-back position of the seat. A 2021 study led by the Internal Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that seat-based exercise is an effective and easy way for older adults to maintain and develop strength. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society says that recumbent bikes are an accessible option for people with and without disabilities due to the design that has users sit all the way back into the seat with their legs outstretched to crank the pedals.

How Much Does the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Cost?

Right now, the Sole LCR is priced at $1,599.99 on the Sole Fitness website. A 90-day free trial for the Studio app is included with the bike purchase, and if you choose to subscribe the cost is $19.99 monthly. We want to note that the Sole LCR has eight built-in workouts and a manual mode, so you don’t need a Studio subscription to use it. This bike comes with a limited warranty with the option to upgrade it to a five-year extended warranty for $139.00.

The shipping costs are not included and vary depending on where you live. If you want it delivered to your room of choice it is an additional $199. There is also an assembly option for $350; however, Sole’s website states that the bike comes mostly pre-assembled, which we verified in the user manual. We recommend assembling it yourself if you are able to for some additional savings.

How to Use the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike

Before starting a workout, the bike seat should be adjusted to where your knees are slightly bent when the pedal is at the farthest position forward. Next, you’ll secure your feet using the pedal strap so they don't slip out. Once on the bike, you’ll choose which option you’d like from the dashboard of the main workout home page and hit the start key. You can also hit the start button once the bike is on to start a workout right away, and the resistance can be modified manually. The stop key pauses a workout for five minutes, and if you press it twice it ends the workout.

Working Out with Sole LCR Recumbent Bike

Technology

The first time the bike is powered on, the user is asked to input their age and weight. The heart rate control program uses age to ensure the correct settings are entered, and weight helps calculate a more accurate calorie reading. Sole notes in the manual that calorie readings may not be accurate and should be used as a guide to monitor progress. Manual programs ask for age, weight and workout time and users can save these settings for later use. Names can be added to the custom user-defined programs to differentiate them from others.

The fitness test program assesses your fitness level by asking you to maintain a 50 RPM for as long as possible. Adjustments are automatically made to the workload based on your heart rate monitored by the wireless chest strap. The test ends as soon as you’ve reached 85 percent of your maximum heart rate—220 minus your age—or if your heart rate is above 110 BPM for two consecutive stages. A score is issued based on your heart rate and the level you reached. This number serves as a reference for tests in the future, so you can see if your score and fitness level have improved. 

The SOLE+ app is a free app available on Android and iOS devices that can be connected to the Sole LCR to track workouts. After setting up your account, the app provides instructions on how to sync it with the bike using Bluetooth. When you’re finished, the data is automatically synced to a calendar for personal reference. The calendar holds your full workout history, an in-depth summary of each workout and your overall fitness trends in the app. The SOLE+ app can also be synced with Sole treadmills and other Sole equipment.

Workout programs

The Sole LCR has eight standard programs that offer a variety of workouts. Here is an overview of each:

• Hill: This program stimulates going uphill and downhill by adjusting the resistance, increasing and decreasing it steadily
• Fat burn: During this workout, your heart rate stays around 60 to 70 percent of its maximum potential to simulate a steady workload
• Cardio: To increase your endurance, this program incorporates a higher level of exertion with slight fluctuations in workload
• Strength: This program is designed to increase lower body strength by steadily increasing the resistance to a high level and forcing you to sustain it
• HIIT: High-intensity interval training takes you through levels of high intensity followed by periods of low intensity to recover, repeating this cycle throughout the workout
• Fitness test: Assesses your fitness level by asking you to maintain 50 RPMs making changes based on your heart rate. This can take anywhere from six to 15 minutes
• Heart rate (HR1 or HR2): These are based on your maximum heart rate (MHR) calculated automatically after you input your age. Both programs are the same, except HR1 targets 80 percent of the MHR and HR2 targets 60 percent of the MHR. The wireless chest strap heart rate monitor must be worn for these workouts

Throughout each program, resistance is adjusted automatically and manual changes can be made as needed. The manual mode allows users to control the incline and decline while following a custom workout. These workouts can be saved when finished and accessed from the dashboard.

Buttons

The LCD screen is not a touchscreen, but the buttons on the dashboard are all located at the bottom, so they can be accessed easily while sitting on the bike. There are buttons to access the programs, start and stop, turn on the cooling fan, change the display, pair the heart rate device and controls on the left and right sides to adjust the resistance. The large buttons on the far left and right sides adjust the resistance.

The start key can be pressed to start a manual workout instantly. The stop key has several functions. If you press the stop key once, it pauses the program for up to five minutes. That’s just long enough to take a quick phone call or take a bathroom break. If the stop button is pressed twice, it ends the program and displays your metrics. The display button changes how data is shown on the screen during your workout.

App

The Sole LCR comes with a 90-day free trial to the Studio app which has over 3,000 on-demand boutique fitness classes with new content added daily. While the display cannot stream Studio workouts, there is an integrated device holder where you can use your device to follow along. Workouts are made for all fitness levels and range from 10 to 60 minutes. The Studio App syncs with the LCR to display your RMP, duration, distance and other metrics.

Classes are led by experienced instructors that guide you along and motivate you throughout the training session. The community leaderboard is updated regularly to show how you stack up against others who have taken that class. If you want to reach a specific goal, such as preparing for a long ride, there are programs that have multiple workouts to help you prepare. After each session, you’ll receive a FITCOIN that can be used to redeem prizes, offers and rewards. If you like a sense of community, you can connect with other members and follow them to share workout details in the app.

We want to note that the cycling workouts on the Studio app seem to cater to upright bikes, as far as we can tell on the Sole website. That’s not to say you couldn’t follow these workouts, you would just need to make some modifications. The app offers other classes like rowing, boxing, strength training, treadmill and elliptical classes and yoga, so subscribing is beneficial if you want to integrate other workouts.

Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Construction

Flywheel

The front has a 30-pound flywheel that spins as you pedal. It’s heavy enough to keep the pedals moving smoothly and quietly but light enough for users to propel it from the reclined position. The EMS resistance system works silently to slow down the heavy flywheel using magnets, avoiding wear that friction-based models can cause. There are 40 levels of resistance.

Saddle

The bike seat has a wide, thick cushion on the bottom and back. The back is tall enough to support the lower and mid-back of most users. Each has an ergonomic shape that is designed to keep you comfortable. The seat has 14 adjustment points that can be changed before sitting or while sitting on the bike using the handle to find a comfortable position.

Pedals

The Q factor is the width between the pedals, which is typically wider for stationary bikes to accommodate pulleys, drive components, braking mechanisms and plastic covers. Sole designed the LCR to have a smaller Q factor to more closely mimic the feeling of riding a road bike. The pedals also tilt two degrees inward to align your feet, ankles, knees and hips properly.

Each pedal has an adjustable strap that is used to secure the foot. The pedals are not compatible with cycling shoes; but they'll work with your favorite gym shoes. 

What Customers Say About the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike

The six reviews on the Sole Fitness website rate the Sole LCR 5/5 stars. One verified buyer says, “I had a knee replacement. I spend most of the time sitting down. I need some good, healthy exercise. This bike does it for me. It is comfortable. I can select an adequate level for my needs.” Another review mentions it's quiet and rides smoothly, but notes, “You can't read heart rate from one hand (must have both gripped). You can't connect to standard HR reading devices like Apple Watch.”

We found Google has 110 reviews for this bike, and it’s rated 4.5/5 stars. Common positive themes we noticed were that the bike is smooth and stable, the display is easy to read and the assembly instructions were clear and easy to follow. Critical reviews mention missing or defective parts and some users suggest that the seat back should be adjustable.

Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Pros

• Custom user workouts can be saved for later use
• Fitness test helps track your progress
• Heart rate and calorie metrics are based on your age and weight
• USB charging port
• Transport wheels
• Seat has 14 adjustment points that can be adjusted while on the bike

Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Cons

• Entering information takes time using the keys
• Back is not adjustable
• LCD cannot stream workouts and is not a touchscreen

Who the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Is Best For

The Sole LCR is a bike for beginners and advanced at-home exercisers alike. It’s suitable for users who don’t want to subscribe to an app or connect to the internet because it’s a simple cardio machine with built-in programming. Those who want to build cardio and lower body strength in a supportive comfortable seat should choose this bike. It’s also a great option for those who don’t want to get on and off an upright bike or other tall equipment. The ACSM recommends a recumbent bike for those who experience joint pain since it puts less stress on the joints than walking or running, given that you don’t feel pain during use. This is also a fantastic addition for those purchasing high-quality cardio equipment for home use since the footprint is much smaller than a treadmill or elliptical.

Who the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Will Not Work For

The Sole LCR is not suitable for those who want a cardio machine that streams on-demand workouts. This is not the bike for those who want budget home gym equipment for under $1,000 or those who need a more compact option for storage. Users who work a sedentary job and want to limit sitting time, those who want to build upper body strength or those who want to do full-body workouts should avoid this bike. Those who want to avoid working out in a reclined position may want to consider an upright bike or treadmill.

Looking for more options? Here are some other Sole Exercise Bikes.

Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Accessories

The Sole Fitness LCR comes with everything you need to exercise. However, we recommend considering the exercise mat priced at $99.99 for under the bike to keep your home gym floor or carpet clean. This applies especially to deeply padded, plush or shag carpet since damage to the rug and bike could result.

Exercises To Do With Sole LCR Recumbent Bike

The fitness test setting is a great tool to see if you’re making progress over time. We recommend assessing yourself every four to six weeks to see if your fitness level has improved. We also suggest syncing the bike with the SOLE+ app to log your score and other workout details on the calendar. A fun way to motivate yourself is to look at the previous score before starting a new fitness test to see if you can beat it.

For those with knee pain, one study found that low-intensity cycling was as effective as high-intensity cycling in improving function, gait and aerobic fitness and decreased pain. Participants in this study cycled three times a week for 25 minutes working at 40 percent of their MHR. This is also a great starting point for beginners. If working at 40 percent of your MHR capacity is too much, scale back the time or effort and work to build endurance over time. You can also start small, accumulating five minutes several times per day. This counts toward the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week, and you’ll get more health benefits as you gradually increase your time.

Related post: Best Exercise Bikes for Bad Knees

Assembly and Installation

The Sole Fitness website states that the LCR comes mostly preassembled. We tracked down the manual and found four total steps for assembly that include: adding the rear stabilizer, seat back, handlebar, console, holder and the plastic parts for the pedals and seats. Each has a maximum of five steps, and the necessary hardware is clearly identified. Some additional tools are needed such as a Phillips screwdriver, a 14/15 millimeter wrench and a 12/14 millimeter wrench.

The bike itself weighs 145 pounds, so if this is not a feasible weight for you to move we recommend getting the bike delivered to your room of choice for an additional $199.99. There is also an assembly option for $350 if you’d like.

Warranty and Customer Service

The Sole LCR comes with a lifetime frame warranty, a five-year electronics and parts warranty and a two-year labor warranty. If you’re having an issue, the Sole website says to call the customer service center to talk to a technician. All technicians are based in the United States and have direct access to every model to guide you through basic troubleshooting, and they will coordinate repairs and ordering parts.

The five-year extended warranty is available for $139 and covers product repair, accidental damage and failure protection for issues outside the standard warranty. The warranty states that if the bike cannot be repaired, it will be replaced.

The reviews on Google that mention Sole’s customer service are a mixed bag. Some mention needing parts replaced and not having any issues. One review says, “The HR chest strap was defective but was quickly replaced by customer support, and the new one worked well.” Another reviewer had a different experience, “Bought and had the bike delivered and installed. Installer noticed the seat wasn’t working properly and initiated a repair. Four weeks later, still waiting on repair.”

Sole LCR Recumbent Bike vs Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

The Schwinn 230 is slightly larger than the LCR, and it’s best for those who have a limited budget and don’t mind sacrificing a few additional features. Right now, it is priced at $698, which is significantly less than the LCR which costs $1,599.99. It is seven inches longer, nine inches wider and 15.5 inches taller than the LCR. Despite the larger footprint, the weight capacity is 50 pounds less than the LCR at 300 pounds.

The Sole LCR has 40 resistance levels and the Schwinn 230 has 16. Both machines use an electromagnetic resistance system. The LCD on the Schwinn 230 tracks the same metrics as the LCR and has heart rate tracking capabilities. However, a compatible heart rate monitor must be purchased separately. The Schwinn 230 has 13 pre-programmed workouts, and the Sole LCR has eight. Both bikes have a built-in device holder.

The biggest difference between the two bikes is the price, the number of resistance options and the cushioned ergonomic seat on the Sole LCR. The Schwinn 230 has a contoured seat with no cushioning, so it may not be as comfortable.

For more information, check out the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Review.

Sole LCR Recumbent Bike vs NordicTrack Commercial VU 29 Exercise Bike

The NordicTrack Commercial VU 29 is a budget-friendly upright bike. Like the LCR, it has a simplistic dashboard, but instead of a 10-inch LCD it has a 14-inch HD touchscreen. With an iFit subscription for $39 per month, you can stream workouts and follow along as the resistance is adjusted automatically. The VU 29 has 24 resistance levels, and the LCR has 40 resistance levels. This is a good option if you don’t mind exercising in the upright position, and want to enjoy instructor-led workouts on a bigger HD screen at a lower cost.

The NordicTrack Commercial VU 29 has a slightly lighter flywheel that weighs 19 pounds as compared to the 30-pound flywheel on the LCR. This may cause the ride to feel less smooth at higher speeds. The VU 29 also has heart rate tracking capabilities, but a monitor is an additional $99.

For more information, check out the NordicTrack Commercial VU 29 Exercise Bike Review.

Sole LCR Recumbent Bike FAQs

Does the Sole LCR have a comfortable seat?

The Sole LCR has a thick padded seat and back to provide support as you ride. Reviews mention that it feels comfortable and is easily adjusted.

Is the Sole LCR hard on your knees?

Harvard Medical School (HMS) says cycling on a stationary bike is a low-impact exercise that is easier on the joints. Evidence shows that low-intensity cycling can improve function and decrease knee pain; however, the Arthritis Foundation recommends stopping if you feel pain and taking time off to recover if you need to. If you’re unsure, consult your doctor about using a recumbent bike with knee pain.

Can the Sole LCR recumbent bike help you lose belly fat?

You cannot target specific areas of your body to lose fat. That said, a healthy diet in conjunction with a training regimen can reduce overall body fat and lower visceral fat, and the Sole LCR is a great way to exercise. It also has strength and cardio programs that can help build more lean muscle mass, which burns more calories,

The Takeaway: Is the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike Right for You?

Overall, the Sole LCR provides a comfortable way to work out at home. The large cushioned seat has 14 adjustment settings, and the pedal straps hug the feet securely. It’s an ideal bike for those who don’t want to deal with a complicated interface or pay a subscription fee.

Users who want to use their device for fitness apps or entertainment while they work out will appreciate the integrated device holder, and the handles have heart rate sensors built-in. The LCR comes with a Bluetooth chest strap to monitor your heart rate, and it can be synced with the SOLE+ app to track your workouts.

The eight preset programs work well for any level of fitness, and there is the option to implement and save a custom workout. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a mid-range recumbent bike with quality features such as a 30-pound flywheel and 40 levels of magnetic resistance that’s easy to use.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.