I have years of experience with attending spin classes and wanted to find a bike for home. Based on this review, which was excellent, I choose this bike and love it. Thank you for the very informative review. :-)
Thanks for another amazing video! super quality content! I spent the last few days doing research and this video really helped me to decide!! many thanks!
Great review! I received my SB900 in September of this year (2021) and it came with a combo dual water bottle/hand weight holder that mounts just below the tablet holder. The console it came with is different than the model in your review also and appears to be an upgrade. It features a rechargeable battery and has a much better screen layout.
Nice review and totally agree. Just wanted to add: the side water bottle holder is small -- hard to reach and useless for anything but 16oz bottles. The pedals are standard sized and can be swapped for something heavier duty. The bottom wheels to move the SB900 are too small for use on carpet making it hard to move. Would I buy it again -- 110%!
I was going to order a SB900 but emailed them to ask a question. It got to be a week and no response. I read about people saying they couldn’t get ahold of them for warranty issues. Well I couldn’t get them to answer a question and I was going to buy one. Well if the sales dept doesn’t answer I can’t imagine customer service being responsive. I gave up on them and bought a Schwinn IC4. Whether a Sole is a better product or not, I don’t know. But what I do know is they are not good at answering their customers. That’s all I needed to know. Very happy with the Schwinn.
Is your Schwinn IC4 giving you noise? I read reviews where they constantly complained about the noise and that many of them came like that from their manufacturer. I wonder if this would be an issue related to previous years of production and it has now improved or it’s still ongoing? Thank you
love this for use with the variis soul cycle app! Soul classes are amazing and the instructors do not use precise resistance levels so you don't need the tech, just a super sturdy bike. I'm tall and have been looking for the four point adjustment which pelotons do not have. I'm returning a peloton to buy this bike to use with the variis app. thank you for this exceptional review!
I'm torn between the Sole SB900, Bowflex C6, and Schwinn IC4! I like the handlebar better on the Sole SB900 and also that it does not need power. I don't necessarily care about tracking/my stats, I just want to stay active. Ideally I'd like to get something similar as to the bikes from my old spin studio, just something simple and sturdy. Do you have a suggestion out of those 3 - or any other bikes? Thank you!
Of those three, we'd recommend the Schwinn IC4. It is the exact same bike as the Bowflex C6, but less expensive. The Bowflex and Schwinn have softer handlebars and the console on the Bowflex/IC4 will sync with 3rd party apps if you want to use Peloton or other cycling app. The Sole SB900 is a solid bike, but the console won't sync with 3rd party apps and it's not quite as comfortable on the handlebars and saddle. Good luck!
Great Review (as all your reviews are). Seems like a great option that offers flexibility for multiple users. That tongue brake is just waiting to be knocked off when getting on the bike. Why the heck does Sole build a nicely engineered spin bike and not think to include a water bottle holder!! Not a show stopper, but how much extra cost or engineering would it take to include a water bottle holder (right next to the tablet holder)?
I received my Sole SB900 on 09/18/2021 and it has a dual water bottle holder which mounts just below the tablet holder. The console I got seems to be an upgrade too!
I have the same issue I had to unscrew the back panel then manually adjust the top grip up or down as there are small teeth that stick out which catch into the side section. There must be an alternative way.
I'm sorry but I'm confused and hope you can clarify. In your answer to a question below you recommend the Schwinn IC4/Bowflex C6 over the Sole SB900 but your websie selects the Sole SB900 best for $1,000.00 or less and the Schwinn/Bowflex is about the same price. Also, how would you rate the Concept2 BikeErg (also about the same price) compared to these two bikes-- I am especially concerned about resistance because I like to train my legs pedaling against high resistance in short sprints. Thanks.
Between the Sole SB900 and the Bowflex C6(Schwinn IC4) which you also reviewed, which would you say has the tougher resistance with the dials turned to max 100? Also, although you have not yet done a video I see you have done a review of the Concept2 BikeErg on your website-- can you say with the BikeErg at max resistance(damper on 10) and the Sole and Bowflex each at max resistance 100-- which would cause muscular failure in your legs fastest in an all out max sprint?
The Sole SB900 and Bowflex C6 have remarkably similar max resistance. I just got on both this morning, turned them up to 100 and pedaled, moving from one straight to the other. I couldn't tell a significant difference. However, I only weigh 125 pounds and I was able to pedal both while standing. If you are looking for extra-high resistance, the Sole SB700 actually has a higher max resistance because it uses friction resistance. You can crank the pad all the way down against the flywheel and I was unable to pedal the SB700 at all when at max resistance. While there is a bit more noise with friction resistance, it's very subtle. The pads do wear out over time and you don't have preset levels, but for total max power, the Sole SB700 is the hardest. We don't have the BikeErg in our studio any longer so I can't give you a straight-across comparison on that one. However, since it uses an air flywheel, the resistance is commiserate with how hard you pedal, so stronger riders can generate more resistance (like on the C2 rower). In a comparison between the Sole SB900, Bowflex C6 and BikeErg, I would presume the BikeErg would fatigue your legs the fastest.
Appeciate anyone's help with a couple of questions based on other reviews as I consider this bike. These are based on comments not covered in the video. One major complaint appears to be the adjustment knob. According to these reviews, it either doesn't loosen or relax enough (meaning constant tension) and/or is more difficult than shown to increase the tension. Another common complaint is customer service. Their availability, responsiveness, etc. Last, a couple of reviews mentioned early signs of rust from workouts. Some felt rust appeared too early. Has this been anyone's experience here?
I did a ton of research and in the end two days ago I ordered a Sole SB900. Can’t wait until it arrives.
Congrats Daniel! It's a great bike - you'll love it
Thanks for the review. My Sole 900 came today and so far, I ‘m loving it.
I have years of experience with attending spin classes and wanted to find a bike for home. Based on this review, which was excellent, I choose this bike and love it. Thank you for the very informative review. :-)
Thanks Deryl! I'm glad the review is helpful! I'm glad to hear you love your SB900.
Thanks for another amazing video! super quality content! I spent the last few days doing research and this video really helped me to decide!! many thanks!
Great review! I received my SB900 in September of this year (2021) and it came with a combo dual water bottle/hand weight holder that mounts just below the tablet holder. The console it came with is different than the model in your review also and appears to be an upgrade. It features a rechargeable battery and has a much better screen layout.
Nice review and totally agree. Just wanted to add: the side water bottle holder is small -- hard to reach and useless for anything but 16oz bottles. The pedals are standard sized and can be swapped for something heavier duty. The bottom wheels to move the SB900 are too small for use on carpet making it hard to move. Would I buy it again -- 110%!
Thanks for sharing!
I was going to order a SB900 but emailed them to ask a question. It got to be a week and no response. I read about people saying they couldn’t get ahold of them for warranty issues. Well I couldn’t get them to answer a question and I was going to buy one. Well if the sales dept doesn’t answer I can’t imagine customer service being responsive. I gave up on them and bought a Schwinn IC4. Whether a Sole is a better product or not, I don’t know. But what I do know is they are not good at answering their customers. That’s all I needed to know. Very happy with the Schwinn.
Is your Schwinn IC4 giving you noise? I read reviews where they constantly complained about the noise and that many of them came like that from their manufacturer. I wonder if this would be an issue related to previous years of production and it has now improved or it’s still ongoing? Thank you
love this for use with the variis soul cycle app! Soul classes are amazing and the instructors do not use precise resistance levels so you don't need the tech, just a super sturdy bike. I'm tall and have been looking for the four point adjustment which pelotons do not have. I'm returning a peloton to buy this bike to use with the variis app. thank you for this exceptional review!
Thanks Nadine! We agree it is nice to be able to use other apps on the Sole bike.
Great review..I personally think this bike is a little on the lower end..just not for someone who take the ride 5-6 days a week..
This was a fabulous review!!!
Thank you for this, great review!! :D
I'm torn between the Sole SB900, Bowflex C6, and Schwinn IC4! I like the handlebar better on the Sole SB900 and also that it does not need power. I don't necessarily care about tracking/my stats, I just want to stay active. Ideally I'd like to get something similar as to the bikes from my old spin studio, just something simple and sturdy. Do you have a suggestion out of those 3 - or any other bikes? Thank you!
Of those three, we'd recommend the Schwinn IC4. It is the exact same bike as the Bowflex C6, but less expensive. The Bowflex and Schwinn have softer handlebars and the console on the Bowflex/IC4 will sync with 3rd party apps if you want to use Peloton or other cycling app. The Sole SB900 is a solid bike, but the console won't sync with 3rd party apps and it's not quite as comfortable on the handlebars and saddle. Good luck!
Bowflex cost more because of the better quality paint job and improved seat
Love the bike and a really thoughtful informative review
Thanks for watching!
An information packed review. This great video really helped me to decide which bike to buy.
Glad it was helpful!
Great review. Very thorough.
Do you know what size water bottle fits into the bottle holder?
Great Review (as all your reviews are). Seems like a great option that offers flexibility for multiple users. That tongue brake is just waiting to be knocked off when getting on the bike. Why the heck does Sole build a nicely engineered spin bike and not think to include a water bottle holder!! Not a show stopper, but how much extra cost or engineering would it take to include a water bottle holder (right next to the tablet holder)?
That's a good question. I'm not sure why there isn't a water bottle holder. In all other ways, this is a great bike!
I received my Sole SB900 on 09/18/2021 and it has a dual water bottle holder which mounts just below the tablet holder. The console I got seems to be an upgrade too!
Just received my SB900 yesterday. Has anyone had an issue with the tablet holder being so tight it doesn’t move? Is there a trick to adjusting it?
I have the same issue I had to unscrew the back panel then manually adjust the top grip up or down as there are small teeth that stick out which catch into the side section. There must be an alternative way.
I'm sorry but I'm confused and hope you can clarify. In your answer to a question below you recommend the Schwinn IC4/Bowflex C6 over the Sole SB900 but your websie selects the Sole SB900 best for $1,000.00 or less and the Schwinn/Bowflex is about the same price. Also, how would you rate the Concept2 BikeErg (also about the same price) compared to these two bikes-- I am especially concerned about resistance because I like to train my legs pedaling against high resistance in short sprints. Thanks.
Sorry, I apologize for my error, I somehow goofed, you did select the Bowflex as the best at that price range.
good review
Thanks!
Between the Sole SB900 and the Bowflex C6(Schwinn IC4) which you also reviewed, which would you say has the tougher resistance with the dials turned to max 100? Also, although you have not yet done a video I see you have done a review of the Concept2 BikeErg on your website-- can you say with the BikeErg at max resistance(damper on 10) and the Sole and Bowflex each at max resistance 100-- which would cause muscular failure in your legs fastest in an all out max sprint?
The Sole SB900 and Bowflex C6 have remarkably similar max resistance. I just got on both this morning, turned them up to 100 and pedaled, moving from one straight to the other. I couldn't tell a significant difference. However, I only weigh 125 pounds and I was able to pedal both while standing. If you are looking for extra-high resistance, the Sole SB700 actually has a higher max resistance because it uses friction resistance. You can crank the pad all the way down against the flywheel and I was unable to pedal the SB700 at all when at max resistance. While there is a bit more noise with friction resistance, it's very subtle. The pads do wear out over time and you don't have preset levels, but for total max power, the Sole SB700 is the hardest.
We don't have the BikeErg in our studio any longer so I can't give you a straight-across comparison on that one. However, since it uses an air flywheel, the resistance is commiserate with how hard you pedal, so stronger riders can generate more resistance (like on the C2 rower). In a comparison between the Sole SB900, Bowflex C6 and BikeErg, I would presume the BikeErg would fatigue your legs the fastest.
@@TreadmillReviewGuru Thanks very much!
What is the inseam measurement. Is this bike okay for someone who is 6 foot 6
The span from the top of the seat when raised to its highest point to the lower pedal is 39"
How difficult is the maximum resistance?
You can still pedal. It's challenging but doable at the top resistance.
@@TreadmillReviewGuru Thank you.
Appeciate anyone's help with a couple of questions based on other reviews as I consider this bike. These are based on comments not covered in the video.
One major complaint appears to be the adjustment knob. According to these reviews, it either doesn't loosen or relax enough (meaning constant tension) and/or is more difficult than shown to increase the tension.
Another common complaint is customer service. Their availability, responsiveness, etc.
Last, a couple of reviews mentioned early signs of rust from workouts. Some felt rust appeared too early.
Has this been anyone's experience here?