SOLE vs. Echelon Comparison: Which Smart Bike Wins?

Key Takeaways

• SOLE bikes focus on durability, comfort, and strong warranties, making them a great long-term investment for any fitness level.
• Echelon bikes lean into technology and interactive features.
• Recumbent, upright, and indoor cycling models offer distinct benefits, but SOLE provides more precise control with a wider range of resistance levels.
• SOLE bikes offer superior warranty coverage, with lifetime frame warranties compared to Echelon’s shorter, more limited options.

SOLE vs Echelon Bike Comparison | Features, Pros & Cons

Choosing between SOLE and Echelon bikes can be tough, especially since both brands offer high-performance models.

SOLE focuses on durability, comfort, and long-term reliability, while Echelon leans into technology and interactive features.

At SOLE Fitness, we're proud to offer the best treadmills for your home or gym. These machines are crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, ensuring they are ideal for anyone - from fitness novices to seasoned athletes. Featured Product SOLE Bikes: Starting at $1,099.99, SOLE bikes are the top choice for durability, ergonomic design, and competitive pricing. Ideal for both fitness enthusiasts and beginners, they offer a superior cycling experience with smooth, quiet operation and user-friendly consoles for easy progress tracking. Adjustable seating and handlebars ensure ultimate comfort, while compatibility with heart rate monitors optimizes workouts. Known for their build quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, SOLE bikes also boast exceptional warranties and customer service, making them the best choice for a gym-quality workout at home. For unmatched quality and performance, choose SOLE bikes.

Bike Type & Resistance Levels

Model	Type	Resistance Level
SOLE R92	Recumbent	20 levels/Eddy Current
SOLE LCB	Upright	40 levels/Magnetic
SOLE SB1200	Indoor Cycling	100 levels/Magnetic
Echelon EX-5	Indoor Cycling	32 levels/Magnetic
Echelon EX-5s-22	Indoor Cycling	32 levels/Magnetic
Echelon EX-8s	Indoor Cycling	32 levels/Magnetic

Recumbent Bikes: As a recumbent bike, the SOLE R92 offers a comfortable, low-impact workout. With 20 resistance levels, it’s ideal for users with joint issues who need a gentler yet effective workout.

Upright Bikes: Upright bikes like the SOLE LCB offer a traditional cycling experience. With 40 resistance levels, it provides a wider range of intensity options compared to other bikes, allowing for fine-tuned workouts.

Indoor Cycling Bikes: Indoor cycling bikes like the SOLE SB1200 and Echelon models are built for intense cardio sessions. The SOLE SB1200 offers 100 resistance levels, giving you more precise control over your workout compared to Echelon’s 32 resistance levels.

Comfort

Model	Seat Comfort	Ergonomics
SOLE R92	Padded seat with lumbar support	Adjustable backrest, low-impact design
SOLE LCB	Cushioned gel seat designed to reduce pain	Vertical/horizontal adjustment
SOLE SB1200	Racing-style adjustable seat	Up/down, fore/aft adjustment
Echelon EX-5	Vented competition-style seat	Adjustable seat and handlebars
Echelon EX-5s-22	Ventilated competition-style seat	Fully adjustable seat and handlebars
Echelon EX-8s	Vented competition-style seat	Adjustable seat and ergonomic bullhorn bars

Recumbent Bikes: The SOLE R92 is great for users with back or joint issues—providing a well-padded, supportive seat and a low-impact pedal system for better posture and reduced strain.

Upright Bikes: The SOLE LCB offers a cushioned gel seat designed for long sessions, allowing more comfort on extended rides. You can adjust the seat both vertically and horizontally to find the perfect position.

Indoor Cycling Bikes: The SOLE SB1200 and Echelon models focus on racing-style seats. All models allow adjustments to ensure proper alignment—which helps reduce discomfort during high-energy workouts.

Display, Metrics, & Features

Model	Display	Metrics	Features
SOLE R92	9” LCD	Time, speed, distance, RPM, heart rate, calories	Bluetooth, SOLE+ App, phone/tablet holder, USB port
SOLE LCB	10.1” Touchscreen	Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, RPM, watts, MET	Bluetooth, WiFi, SOLE+ App, preloaded apps, phone/tablet holder, reading rack, wireless charger
SOLE SB1200	10.1” Touchscreen	Wireless LCD readout for watts, speed, time, RPM, calories, BPM, distance	Bluetooth, WiFi, SOLE+ App, preloaded apps, phone/tablet holder
Echelon EX-5	Flip screen, tablet holder	Metrics available via Echelon Fit App​	Tablet holder, Bluetooth, app connectivity
Echelon EX-5s-22	22” HD Touchscreen	Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, heart rate	Bluetooth, soundbar, app integration, adjustable screen​
Echelon EX-8s	24” Curved HD Touchscreen	Time, speed, distance, calories, RPM, pulse, heart rate	Bluetooth, LED flywheel lights, app integration​

Size & Portability

Model	Dimensions	Weight	Portability
SOLE R92	56” L x 29” W x 60” H	130 lbs	Moderate
SOLE LCB	48” L x 25” W x 60” H	112 lbs	Easy to move
SOLE SB1200	57” L x 21” W x 63” H	127 lbs	Moderate
Echelon EX-5	58” L x 20” W x 55” H	129 lbs	Moderate
Echelon EX-5s-22	58” L x 20” W	106 lbs	Easy to move
Echelon EX-8s	58” L x 20” W	124 lbs	Moderate

Recumbent Bikes: The SOLE R92 offers moderate portability, but its larger footprint makes it more stationary, suitable for those with dedicated workout space.

Upright Bikes: The SOLE LCB is lightweight and easy to move, making it ideal if you need to regularly adjust your workout space. It’s more portable than the Echelon EX-5 and EX-8s.

Indoor Cycling Bikes: Both the SOLE SB1200 and Echelon models are fairly compact, with moderate portability. The EX-5s-22 is notably lighter, making it easier to reposition in smaller spaces.

Price & Warranty

Model	Price	Warranty
SOLE R92	$1,299.99	Lifetime frame, 2 years parts
SOLE LCB	$1,599.99	Lifetime frame, 3 years parts
SOLE SB1200	$1,599.99	Lifetime frame, 2 years parts
Echelon EX-5	$799.99	1-year comprehensive, 10-year frame​
Echelon EX-5s-22	$1,099.99	1-year comprehensive, 10-year frame​
Echelon EX-8s	$2,499.99	1-year comprehensive, 10-year frame​

SOLE stands out for offering strong warranties and competitive pricing, giving you long-term durability. While Echelon offers a range of prices, their warranty coverage is shorter. This makes SOLE a smart choice for those looking for both quality and long-lasting protection.

SOLE vs Echelon: Which To Choose?

The right choice depends on your fitness goals, budget, and preferences.

SOLE bikes stand out for their durability, comfort, and strong warranties—offering a great balance of performance and price. Echelon provides a variety of tech-focused options, appealing to those who prioritize interactive workouts.

For long-lasting quality and a smooth, reliable ride, SOLE is the clear winner for value.

Find Your Perfect SOLE Bike

At SOLE, we have a bike for every fitness level and goal:

• For Comfort Seekers: The SOLE R92 offers a comfortable, low-impact workout with excellent back support—perfect for those with joint concerns.
• For All-around Fitness: The SOLE LCB provides the ideal mix of resistance and tech features, great for both beginners and seasoned riders.
• For Serious Cyclists: The SOLE SB1200 delivers the performance and precision you need for intense cycling sessions, with customizable comfort and resistance levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main differences between SOLE and Echelon bikes?
SOLE bikes emphasize durability, comfort, and long-term reliability, with a strong focus on resistance control and solid warranties. On the other hand, Echelon bikes focus more on tech and interactive features.

Which brand offers better resistance levels: SOLE or Echelon?
SOLE bikes offer better resistance levels—with up to 100 magnetic resistance levels on the SB1200, compared to 32 resistance levels on Echelon models.

Do I need a subscription to use Echelon bikes effectively?
Yes, Echelon bikes need a subscription to their Echelon Fit app to unlock interactive features like live and on-demand classes, which is key to fully utilizing the bike’s capabilities.

Which is more budget-friendly: SOLE or Echelon?
Echelon offers more budget-friendly options, starting at $799.99 for models like the EX-5, while SOLE bikes start at $1,299.99. However, SOLE provides better value for long-term durability and performance.

Which brand offers a better warranty: SOLE or Echelon?
SOLE offers a better warranty, with lifetime warranties on frames for all models. Echelon offers a 10-year frame warranty.