SOLE Fitness SB700 Indoor Cycling Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel weight	Resistance	Fitness monitor
SOLE SB700 Check Discounted Price	L:40" W:21" H:42"	300 lbs	48 lbs	Friction	Time, Speed, Distance, RPM, Calories, Pulse, HR target

The SOLE Fitness SB700 is one of the indoor cycling bikes available since 2011. However, several versions have been released since then. In this post, we’re going to address the 2020 model with the black frame. This exercise bike is designed for spin workouts, featuring a pretty solid construction and a heavy flywheel.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 40L x 21W x 42H inches (106L x 53W x 101H cm)
• Assembled weight: 140 lbs (63 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 48 lbs (21.7 kg)
• Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Drive mechanism: Belt
• Resistance: Friction, felt pad
• Fitness monitor: Time, distance, RPM, calories, pulse
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts & Electronics 3 years / Labor 1 year

Frame construction

The SOLE Fitness SB700 indoor cycle features a different frame construction than the standard triangular frame that many other spin bikes have. Its frame reminds of an X-type construction with a solid main tube to which the fork, the seat tubes, and the handlebar tube are welded. Due to this construction, it has a slightly higher center of gravity than other bikes, but the frame still offers superior sturdiness. In fact, the bike is rated as a light-commercial fitness machine and SOLE Fitness offers a light-commercial warranty for it as well.

The main frame features a durable paint finish, highly resistant to chipping and abrasion. As opposed to the older models which had a burgundy paint finish, the 2020 model is black. The seat post, the handlebar post, and the flywheel are chrome-plated.

The bike is not too large. Its assembled footprint is approx. 40″L x 21″W (106 x 53 cm). It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance all around the bike, for easy access and safe usage.

The fully assembled bike is pretty heavy. Its net weight is 140 lbs (63 kg). This being said, the transport of the packaged unit requires two people or at least a box trolley. But on the other hand, once the bike is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person. Its front base has a set of wheels. Also, both its base bars have adjustable levelers which allow you to perfectly stabilize it on any type of floor. Due to its weight, though, it is recommended to place and use the bike on a rubber mat to prevent any damage to the floor.

Seat and handlebars

The SOLE SB700 indoor cycling features a four-way adjustable seat (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers multiple adjustment positions, while its horizontal slider adds a few extra inches of front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate comfortably, users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm), allowing a complete leg extension. It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg).

The included saddle is designed for optimal comfort. It’s similar to the saddle included with the Schwinn IC4. It integrates a layer of padding, and has a durable vinyl cover. It has a large groove in the middle for superior breathability during seated workouts. Also, its attachment system is standard, collar-type; therefore, if you will ever want or need to replace it, compatible options are widely available.

The bike’s handlebar is four-way adjustable, as well. This is a plus, as not many other spin bikes offer front-to-back adjustability for their handlebars. It has a multi-grip design offering the possibility to adopt a climbing grip, an off-road grip, and a cruising grip. It also has a loop bar in the middle, and if you don’t install the tablet holder, you should be able to adopt an aero grip as well.

The handlebar is fully covered by a layer of PVC foam in order to provide superior comfort and contact. It does not have pulse sensors, but the fitness monitor can read your pulse from a wireless transmitter.

Resistance system

The SOLE SB700 exercise bike is equipped with a standard friction resistance system. This means that you don’t need to connect it to an external power source. But it also means that the bike cannot automatically adjust the resistance.

The bike’s resistance system consists of a large felt pad attached to the main tube of the frame. The pad is connected to the tension knob of the bike and guarded by a large cover as well. The mechanism is pretty simple. When you turn the knob to the right, the pad applies more friction to the flywheel which results in a higher pedaling difficulty.

The tension knob also has an emergency braking feature. You can press it down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning. Also, the brake pad may require lubrication from time to time, in order to provide a smoother rotation for the flywheel. Silicone lubricant is recommended for this.

The bike’s brake does not have pre-determined resistance settings. You simply turn the knob until the brake pad provides a pedaling difficulty you’re comfortable with. As a general idea, you can tighten the brake up to the point you can barely pedal.

Drive system

The SOLE Fitness SB700 indoor cycling bike is equipped with an extra-heavy flywheel. It weighs 48 lbs (21.7 kg) and it’s actually one of the heaviest flywheels you can find in a spin bike at the moment. All this weight provides superior inertia and also leads to a very consistent workout, great for leg muscle strength development, not just stamina and toning.

The flywheel can spin in reverse as well. But since the bike has a simple drive system, when pedaling in reverse you will get the same resistance. The fitness monitor will count RPM, calories, etc. when pedaling in reverse as well. Also, it’s important to mention here that coasting is not possible on this bike.

The bike is equipped with a belt drive system. This means you don’t have to worry about periodic drivetrain lubrication. Also, the belt generates less vibration than a chain, which is a plus, as it contributes to the overall smoothness of the ride.

The bike features a heavy-duty crankset with solid steel arms similar to mountain bikes. The pedals are made of a durable aluminum alloy. They are equipped with adjustable toe cages but do not have SPD elements for spin shoes. However, their threads are standard 9/16″, so you can easily find compatible replacements if you will ever want to change them.

Last but not least, the bike’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is approx. 8″ (~20 cm). This is quite a plus, as your feet on the pedals aren’t too far apart, so you won’t experience lateral stress on the knees and ankles.

Fitness monitor

The SOLE Fitness SB700 bike includes a fitness monitor unit. It features a 3″H x 4″V (7.6 x 10.1 cm) LCD display divided into four sub-sections, in order to show as many workout metrics as possible at once. It tracks time, speed, distance, RPM, calories, and pulse.

Speed and distance can be set either to metric or imperial units. The pulse reading function is wireless only. In other words, the unit can only read your pulse if you wear an ANT+ heart rate chest strap or armband. This accessory is not included.

The monitor unit is pretty easy to use. It has two buttons. The left button covers the Mode/Reset functions, while the right button covers the Start/Confirm functions. The unit does not have pre-set workout programs and does not play any role in the bike’s resistance adjustment. However, you can set a heart rate target with an alarm in order to keep yourself in a certain HR interval. You can input your weight and gender for a better calorie calculation. The unit also has a clock function which is shown on the bottom display when the unit is in idle mode.

The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries. The internal RPM sensor is also battery-powered and requires two AAA batteries. The monitor unit starts recording your data when it detects flywheel movement. It also enters idle mode after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the two base bars, the seat, the handlebar, the pedals, and the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than one hour of your time. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions.

For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the bike clean. The brake pad may require lubrication from time to time, and replacement if it wears out. It is also recommended to periodically inspect the bike to make sure that all the bolts still hold tight in their places, and all the moving parts still function properly.

The Pros

• Sturdy steel construction – can support users up to 300 lbs;
• Aesthetic design;
• Adjustable levelers on both bases;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• 4-way adjustable seat;
• 4-way adjustable handlebar;
• Multi-grip handlebar with aero bars;
• Large padded saddle with a groove in the middle for extra breathability;
• Metallic pedals with toe cages;
• Narrow Q-factor for reduced lateral stress on the knees;
• Maintenance-free belt drive system;
• Super-heavy (48 lbs), perimeter-weighted flywheel;
• Standard friction resistance for a wide adjustability range;
• Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, speed, distance, RPM, KCal, and pulse;
• Target heart rate function;
• Clock function in idle mode;
• Device holder included;
• Little maintenance required;
• All the tools necessary for the assembly are included;
• Easy to assemble;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• The fitness monitor does not have backlight;
• The handlebars do not have pulse sensors;
• No online connectivity;
• A heart rate monitor accessory is not included.

Summary

The SOLE Fitness SB700 is a light-commercial indoor cycling bike. It is equipped with a 48-lb flywheel, a standard friction resistance system, and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It also excels in micro-adjustability and offers a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg). It’s an exercise bike for users of all levels, designed for spin workouts, interval workouts, strength development, stamina development, and weight loss.