SB900 Indoor Cycle Review
A high-quality exercise bike for any level of fitness.
SB900 Indoor Cycle Specs
| Rating | 9.0 |
|---|---|
| Type | Stationary |
| Console display | LCD |
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Seat type | Adjustable |
| Programs | 10 |
| Flywheel | 35.27 |
| Weight capacity | 300 |
| Dimensions | 54" L x 21" W x 40" H |
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews
Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Sole SB900 Review
At ExerciseBike.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of exercise bikes so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the exercise bikes we review. We install them, ride them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every exercise bike we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles riding. We listen and record the sound of the motor, try out all aspects of the console and try the bike’s features, such as the Sole+ app.
Every exercise bike we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think.
Our reviewers are exercise bike and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at exercise bikes, has been on this bike, and you can trust his opinion on all of the bikes he reviews.
In Brief
The 2023 Sole SB900 represents the brand’s mid-level studio bike and brings a solid package, in my opinion. As a bodybuilder, I happen to be a big fan of spin classes as a means of cutting fat, and if you’re seeking a mid-priced alternative to the Peloton, this might be it. Sandwiched in between the Sole LCB and SB1200, the SB900 is priced at $1,099.99 online against an MSRP of $1,199.99. Not bad for a studio bike tricked out like this, I really like the lifetime frame warranty for which Sole has become known on most of its products.
This unit is only 123 pounds and I’d say easy enough to roll around the house that any adult of average ability should have no problem with it. With 100 levels of magnetic resistance, there’s no chance you’ll outgrow this bike.
Pros of the Sole SB900
- Backlit Console: The Sole SB900 is perfect for those who want a simple little screen that gives them workout data, including RPM, calories burned, time and distance. The unit is Bluetooth-enabled and this screen can sync with the Sole wireless heart rate monitor, as well as the Sole+ app, or any of the built-in workout programs.
- Compatible With the Sole+ App: Priced at $14.99 per month, the Sole+ app brings more than 3,000 on-demand classes in categories ranging from biking and running to elliptical and more. You can download this onto your phone or tablet and take it with you, storing your workouts as you go. Workouts range from 10 to 60 minutes and incorporate heart rate metrics.
- Quiet Magnetic Resistance: This bike utilizes silent magnetic resistance, which is the preferred type these days. With a 35.27-pound flywheel, there’s little chance of wobbling about here. The great thing in my experience about magnetic resistance is the silence and smooth flow. Magnetic resistance tends toward the unlimited, frankly. I can’t imagine ever needing more than 100 levels of resistance while seamlessly flow from one to the other.
- Built-In Programs: Another big plug for Sole is the built-in programs, which mean you don’t necessarily need to pay for an app. With 10 pre-programmed routines, one of which can customize, you won’t run out of variety here.
- Media Rack: This bike is built for those who want to duck out of the big flashy screen. Instead, you can place your own tablet or smartphone into the shelf and watch whatever you want. I’ve had no trouble with the bike’s movement jarring my iPad as I ride.
- Bluetooth: I just assume Bluetooth these days, and with this bike it’s great. You can use the Bluetooth speakers for your headphones or transfer data from the Sole+ app to your phone. Or just use a tablet and watch Hulu.
- Weight Capacity: I tend to use the weight maximum as an indicator of overall stability, and with a 300-pound max I’m happy with this bike. I typically weight between 165 and 200 pounds between competitions and there’s little chance of outgrowing this unit.
- Compact Steel Bike: In my experience, you want a bike that fits your house. This unit measures 54” x 21” 51” and is easy to wheel about when done. At only 101 pounds in machine weight, it’s easy to move.
- Great Pedals: The pedals come with SPD/toe clips.
- Great Warranty: A lifetime guarantee on the frame, with a two years for parts and wear items, you’ll get one year for labor and 90 days for cosmetics. As far as bikes go, that’s a good deal.
Cons of the Sole SB900
- Slow Customer Service: In fairness, this has become a complaint of mine across all boards. With all things in the world going AI, don’t be surprised if your questions are answered by a robot.
SB900 Indoor Cycle Specs
| Rating | 9.0 |
|---|---|
| Type | Stationary |
| Console display | LCD |
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Seat type | Adjustable |
| Programs | 10 |
| Flywheel | 35.27 |
| Weight capacity | 300 |
| Dimensions | 54" L x 21" W x 40" H |
Our In-Depth Review Of The Sole SB900
The Sole SB900 comes in as a mid-level studio bike above the Sole B94 and LCB and below the SB1200. Equipped with a simple read-out screen, riders can see their workout data easily enough in terms of distance, time, RPM, calories burned, and heart rate if you’re using a connected Bluetooth monitor. Right off the bat, this bike isn’t for you if you’re looking for a big, flashy, high-definition movie screen. Bluetooth-enabled and built with an integrated media shelf, you can either bring your own tablet or, as I like to do, park the bike in front of your television. You can either use the Sole+ app, one of your own choosing, or any of the 10 built-in programs. I’m pretty satisfied with the built-in programs in terms of earning the old burn, but for just $14.99 per month, you can unlock thousands of on-demand workouts with the Sole+ app.
Priced at $1,099.99 with online discounts, the SB900 is built to last. Measuring 54″ x 21″ x 51″ at a machine weight of 123 pounds, the bike will hold up to 300 pounds in user weight. With a 35.27-pound flywheel, stability is assured. This bike uses silent magnetic resistance with up to 100 levels. What I like about magnetic resistance is how smooth the action is. It’s also silent and there will be no sound interference with your workout. As someone who does a lot of leg workouts with barbells, I really like cranking up the resistance on a studio bike and flushing those quads with lactic acid.
If you’re looking for large, flashy screens, the NordicTrack or ProForm models might be more your speed. Like the Sole brand and its Sole+ app, they bring the iFit app and with it automatic trainer control. The downside to those is that without the iFit app and its subscription, the screen loses value. It’ll still work in manual mode, but what’s the point of having that large screen? What’s easy to like about the Sole machines is they’re designed to be used with or without app support. With the tablet holder, you can either use the built-in programs, the Sole+ app, or just watch whatever you want on your tablet. You can download about any app you want onto a smart television and get a much bigger view than any high-definition screen could afford anyway.
Who Should Use The Sole SB900?
The Sole SB900 is a great bike for those wanting a hard-core ride without the big frills. With 100 levels of magnetic resistance, there’s no chance of outgrowing the machine. A compact little bike, you’ll be able to use this along with most family members. With a 300-pound weight max I’m satisfied most people can use this, as folks who weigh more than 300 pounds should probably be looking at a recumbent bike.
Bottom Line
For $1,099.99, a Sole SB900 customer gets a great studio bike with a lifetime warranty on the frame. Engineered with an emphasis on the machine rather than a particular app, you can use one of the built-in programs or bring your own tablet if you don’t want to pay for the Sole+ app. Sole has a terrific reputation for quality overall, and if you want to bring the spin class into your living room for about $1,000 mark, this could be a great buy.
