SOLE vs. Life Fitness Bike Comparison: Comfort, Resistance, & More

Key Takeaways

• SOLE bikes have advanced features, long warranties, and lower prices.
• Life Fitness bikes are pricier but offer good build quality—a premium choice for serious users.
• SOLE LCR has 40 levels of resistance and advanced connectivity features.
• Life Fitness Ride CX has magnetic resistance with user feedback but at a higher price compared to SOLE’s SB1200.
• In terms of comfort, SOLE bikes have adjustable seating and boosted ergonomic features.

SOLE vs Life Fitness Bike Comparison | Features, Pros & Cons

Today, we’re comparing two high-quality bike brands—SOLE and Life Fitness—to help you decide which bike fits your needs.

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 LCR	Recumbent	40 levels / Magnetic
Life Fitness RS1	Recumbent	20 levels / Magnetic
SOLE LCB	Upright	40 levels / Magnetic
Life Fitness C3	Upright	20 levels / Magnetic
SOLE SB1200	Indoor Cycling	100 levels / Magnetic
Life Fitness Ride CX	Indoor Cycling	Magnetic, adjustable via dials

Recumbent Bikes: Recumbents are great for low-impact, back-supported workouts. The SOLE LCR has 40 resistance levels—great for a wide range of fitness levels. The Life Fitness RS1 has only 20 resistance levels—enough for most users but less customizable.

Upright Bikes: Upright bikes mimic the traditional cycling experience. The SOLE LCB provides a superior 40 levels of resistance for more workout variation. On the other hand, the Life Fitness C3 offers 20 resistance levels—still effective but less granular in intensity control.

Indoor Cycling Bikes: Indoor cycles deliver intense cardio and muscle endurance training. The SOLE SB1200 stands out with an impressive 100 resistance levels—perfect for cyclists who want fine-tuned control over their workout. The Life Fitness Ride CX uses magnetic resistance with dials, though it doesn’t specify as many resistance levels.

Comfort

Model	Seat Comfort	Ergonomics
SOLE LCR	Large, plush seat with supportive backrest	Adjustable for different user heights
SOLE LCB	Cushioned gel seat designed to reduce pain	Vertical/horizontal adjustment
SOLE SB1200	Racing-style adjustable seat	Up/down, fore/aft adjustment
Life Fitness RS1	Standard cushioned recumbent seat	Step-through design for easy access
Life Fitness C3	Deluxe cushioned upright seat	Adjustable height only
Life Fitness Ride CX	Unisex padded sport saddle	Vertical and horizontal adjustment

Recumbent Bikes: The SOLE LCR is more comfortable with a plush, supportive seat that helps minimize discomfort during extended sessions. The Life Fitness RS1 has a standard cushioned seat with a step-through design for easier access, good for users with mobility issues.

Upright Bikes: With the SOLE LCB, you get a cushioned gel seat that reduces pressure and pain during intense or long workouts. Its adjustable design allows both vertical and horizontal adjustments for a perfect fit. The Life Fitness C3 has a well-cushioned upright seat but only offers height adjustments.

Indoor Cycling Bikes: The SOLE SB1200 has a racing-style seat that can be adjusted up, down, forward, and backward. The Life Fitness Ride CX also has a padded sport saddle with similar adjustments—though its design leans more toward gym-goers than road cyclists.

Display, Metrics, & Features

Model	Display	Metrics	Features
SOLE LCR	10.1” touchscreen	Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, RPM, level, laps, heart rate	Bluetooth, WiFi, SOLE+ App, preloaded apps, phone/tablet holder, reading rack, wireless charger
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
Life Fitness RS1	LCD display	Time, distance, calories, heart rate	Contact heart rate sensors, phone/tablet holder
Life Fitness C3	LCD display	Time, distance, calories, heart rate	Wireless heart rate, phone holder
Life Fitness Ride CX	WattRate® LCD computer	Power, time, distance, calories, RPM, heart rate	Bluetooth, ANT+, Coach by Color, ICG® app integration

Size & Portability

Model	Dimensions	Weight	Portability
SOLE LCR	56” L x 29” W x 60” H	152 lbs	Moderate, wheels for easy movement
SOLE LCB	48” L x 25” W x 60” H	112 lbs	Easy, compact and lightweight
SOLE SB1200	57” L x 21” W x 63” H	127 lbs	Moderate, slim and easy to maneuver​
Life Fitness RS1	66.5” L x 25.5” W x 51.5” H	133 lbs	Easy, wheels for easy movement
Life Fitness C3	45” L x 27” W x 56” H	118 lbs	Easy, wheels for easy movement
Life Fitness Ride CX	52” L x 20.5” W x 40.2” H	112 lbs	Easy, wheels for easy movement

Recumbent Bikes: The SOLE LCR is manageable to move, thanks to front wheels, but its larger size and weight may require some effort. The Life Fitness RS1 is slightly lighter and has front wheels for easier mobility.

Upright Bikes: The SOLE LCB’s compact dimensions and lightweight design make it easy to relocate around your home. The Life Fitness C3 is also compact and equipped with front wheels.

Indoor Cycling Bikes: The SOLE SB1200 has moderate portability with its compact design, but its taller frame may require more effort to move. In contrast, the Life Fitness Ride CX is light and easy to transport.

Price & Warranty

Model	Price	Warranty
SOLE LCR	$1,799.99	Lifetime frame, 3 years parts
SOLE LCB	$1,599.99	Lifetime frame, 3 years parts
SOLE SB1200	$1,599.99	Lifetime frame, 2 years parts
Life Fitness RS1	Approx. $2,339.00	Lifetime frame, 3 years parts
Life Fitness C3	Approx. $2,469.00	Lifetime frame, 3 years parts
Life Fitness Ride CX	Approx. $2,999.00	5 years frame, 3 years parts

In terms of value for money, SOLE offers strong warranties that rival Life Fitness at a more affordable price.

Choose the Best Bike for You

SOLE bikes offer premium features—like WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, adjustable features, and durable build—at a price that beats the competition.

Life Fitness bikes are solid but come at a premium.

Start Riding with SOLE

At SOLE, we have a bike for everyone:

• For Beginners: The SOLE LCB provides a comfortable ride with versatile resistance levels.
• For Cycling Enthusiasts: The SOLE SB1200 is perfect for serious cyclists, offering a smooth, customizable ride with advanced tech features.
• For Seniors: The SOLE LCR delivers low-impact, heart-healthy workouts with comfort and support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main differences between SOLE and Life Fitness bikes?
SOLE bikes generally have more resistance levels and advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth, WiFi, and the SOLE+ App. They also tend to be more affordable. Life Fitness bikes have fewer resistance levels but have additional features on certain models like the Life Fitness Ride CX​.

Which brand offers better value for money?
SOLE offers better value for money. Models like the SOLE LCR and SOLE SB1200 are priced significantly lower than Life Fitness models while still offering advanced features, durable construction, and comprehensive warranties.

Which bike is better for intense workouts, SOLE or Life Fitness?
For intense workouts, SOLE bikes like the SOLE SB1200 are great with 100 levels of magnetic resistance.

Which brand has better tech features?
SOLE bikes have more advanced tech features, including 10.1” touchscreens, Bluetooth, WiFi, and the SOLE+ App, which provides free fitness classes and workout tracking.