The Sole SB700 is a mid-priced spin bike also known as the Sole Fitness SB700 Exercise Bike.
First available in 2011, there have been several upgrades since then. The 2020 model is the focus of this review.
Designed for home use, the bike is sleek, compact, and functional.
It is categorized as a light commercial grade model and has the feel of spin bikes you may have used at your local gym or an upmarket hotel’s health spa.
Very solidly built, your sessions will be smooth, quiet, and comfortable.
Keep reading this Sole SB700 bike review to find out more, including an overview, its pros, cons, and what purchasers have to say about it.
Table of Contents
Whom does it suit?
This model suits individuals of any fitness level who want to improve their fitness, tone their lower body and lose some weight.
Coming with all of the features most people look for in a spin bike, it provides an excellent cardio workout that is gentle and, therefore, should be safe for individuals with joint issues and those recovering from an injury.
NB: If you have joint pain or are rehabilitating from an injury, check with your doctor before undertaking a new fitness program.
Sole SB700 Specs
Dimensions – The Sole Fitness SB700 Exercise Bike measures 40″ (L) x 21″(W) x 42″ (H)
Clearance requirement – Allow a minimum of 2′ free space to the front and rear of the bike and 1′ on either side for safe, unobstructed workouts
Weight – It weighs 140 lbs
User weight – The bike’s user weight limit is 300 pounds
User height – Users from under 5′ to 6′ 5″ have left positive feedback for the bike
Color – It is black and silver with red highlights
Batteries – 2 x AAA batteries (not included) are needed for the monitor
Overview
Drive –
The Sole SB700 is user-powered with a belt drive. It has a 48 lb flywheel.
Construction and Finish –
The bike’s frame is 2 ml thick steel tubing painted to resist scratches, chips, and rust. Its shroud is aluminum.
The seat post, handlebar post, and flywheel are chrome-plated.
Stability, Smoothness, and Noise Level –
The bike’s heft, weighty flywheel, and X-frame construction provide excellent stability.
Your workouts will be vibration-free, no matter how hard or fast you pedal.
Extremely quiet to use, you will be able to work out without fear of disturbing your housemates.
A Kevlar braking system adds to the smoothness and quietness of the machine.
Resistance –
The Sole Fitness SB700 uses friction, felt pad resistance, which you can adjust by turning an easy-to-access knob.
Changes are pretty immediate, with no delay for the new level to kick in.
The knob also acts as a brake.
Console –
The Sole SB700 Indoor Cycle has a 3″ x 4″ LCD panel with a blue backlight you can activate by pushing a button.
Stats shown include Time, Resistance, RPM/Cadence, Speed, Trip Distance, Kcal, and Heart Rate.
Time is shown in minutes and seconds. If you stop cycling, the time will stop changing after 3 seconds.
Cadence – an indicator of how quickly the cranks rotate per minute – can be displayed in MPH or KPH. There’s also a bar graph for this metric.
Distance shows how far you’d have traveled using a road bike.
Kcal is an estimate of how many calories your sessions burn. Factors such as your gender and weight determine your actual calorie burn.
Along with tracking your heart rate so you can exercise in your best training zone, using a chest strap will provide a more accurate Kcal reading.
The time (of the day) is also shown.
Pressing and holding any console button will activate it, taking you to the Quick Start or Start-Up Screen.
Heart rate monitor –
If you want to monitor your heart rate, you can do so with a compatible Polar wireless heart rate chest strap.
Seat –
The seat is four-way adjustable – up, down, back, and forward – to accommodate users of different heights.
Adjustments are made by pushing a lever, moving the seat to your preferred height, then repositioning the lever to lock the seat in position. This is a quick and easy process.
The seat is cushioned, with many experienced riders saying this model is more comfortable than others they have ridden.
Inexperienced cyclists will probably find it uncomfortable initially but should become accustomed to the feel over time.
Placing a folded towel on the seat, attaching a gel seat cover, or wearing gel cycling shorts will immediately make for more comfortable workouts.
Pedals –
Cage pedals with adjustable straps provide security and can accommodate athletic shoes of any size.
You can easily swap the pedals to clips or another type if desired.
Handlebars –
The bike’s slender, padded, textured handlebars provide a comfortable, secure grip, even for people whose hands perspire a lot. Multiple grip positions are available.
They adjust fore and aft to cater to people of different heights.
Adjustments are made by pushing a lever, moving the handlebars to the desired position, then pushing the lever back to lock the handlebars in place.
Transport wheels –
Transport wheels in the front base enable the bike to be moved more easily if required by tipping and rolling it.
Accessories –
Two water bottle holders behind the handlebars provide access to hydration, making this model ideal for long cycling sessions.
A reading rack/cell phone shelf is handy for holding an electronic device you want to access during workouts.
Assembly –
The Sole SB700 Exercise Bike comes partially assembled. Completing the job takes most people between 40 and 60 minutes.
You will need to attach the front and rear stabilizer bars and the latter’s cover. Synchronize and install the console and transmitter, and attach the handlebar and pedals.
The assembly instructions are easy to understand, and you will find the required tools in the box.
Warranty –
The warranty covers a lifetime for the frame, 3 years for parts and electronics, and 1-year for labor.
Next, in this Sole SB700 Bike review, we will look at its pros, then its cons.
Sole SB700 video review
Pros
- Solid and durable
- Compact and stylish
- Workouts are quiet, smooth, and stable
- Transport wheels facilitate moving what is a heavy bike
- Quick and easy assembly
- Great warranty
Cons
- Heart Rate Monitor costs extra
- The LCD screen is smaller than some
What Purchasers are Saying about the Sole SB700
In the main, purchasers who have left feedback for the Sole Fitness SB700 Exercise Bike have been very happy with it.
Most consider the bike to be great value for money.
Some reviewers have stated that it is as good as the stationary bikes they’ve used at the gym.
Most reviewers said they find the bike comfortable, with some using it for 90 minutes at a time.
Numerous purchasers commented on the bike’s sturdiness. Likewise, the smooth, quiet workout the bike delivers.
Some reviewers said they have been using their bike for several years without a problem.
While most purchasers have only praise for the Sole SB700, it has received some negative feedback.
Most of this has been due to inadequate packaging, resulting in some people receiving dented or scratched bike parts. The affected customers were, nevertheless, pleased with how quickly Sole dispatched replacements.
Final Thoughts on the Sole SB700 Indoor Spin Bike
The Sole SB700 Exercise Bike is a gym-quality spin bike that is available for a surprisingly affordable price, considering its quality and features.
It delivers a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride.
Some exercise bikes fall short in one or more of these areas. When this is the case, we tend to look for excuses to skip workouts. With this model, there are no excuses, so sticking to an exercise regimen will be easier.
While the bike has a little negative feedback, most issues have been minor.
Sole is renowned for its excellent customer service, so if you receive a bike that is not up to standard, it will quickly be replaced.
Something to be aware of is that the Sole Fitness SB700 Exercise Bike is heavy.
Transport wheels make moving it easy, but it would be best to find a dedicated space for it and leave it there.
If you’re seeking a quality stationary bike that will enable you to experience the benefits of spinning workouts, look no further!
Click here to check out the Sole SB700 Spin Bike on Amazon.
