3 Best Bikes to Use with Apple Fitness: 2026 Guide

Key Takeaways

• Apple Fitness+ cycling classes work with any exercise bike when paired with an Apple Watch (Series 3 or later), requiring no special GymKit hardware or proprietary connectivity.
• The SOLE SB1200 and LCR feature screen mirroring that displays Apple Fitness+ classes from your iPhone or iPad directly on the bike's 10.1-inch touchscreen.
• The SOLE B94's integrated tablet holder positions your device at optimal viewing height, providing a budget-friendly alternative to touchscreen models.
• The FREE SOLE+ App syncs workout data to Apple Health, consolidating your cycling metrics alongside other fitness activities in Apple's ecosystem.
• SOLE bikes require no monthly subscription beyond Apple Fitness+, avoiding the double-subscription trap of competing platforms.

Your Apple Watch Already Tracks Cycling. Now Get the Right Bike.

Apple Fitness+ cycling classes work with any exercise bike paired with an Apple Watch Series 3 or later. No proprietary hardware is required. That flexibility means the right bike choice comes down to ride quality, comfort, and how you want the class to display while you ride.

The SOLE SB1200 at $699.99 uses screen mirroring to cast Apple Fitness+ classes from your iPhone or iPad directly onto its 10.1-inch touchscreen, making it the strongest choice for riders who want a clean, device-free setup during intense spin sessions. 

The SOLE B94 at $1,099.99 takes a tablet holder approach with a cushioned upright seat, suiting riders who already own a device and want comfortable, moderate-intensity riding without a touchscreen premium. 

The SOLE LCR at $1,999.99 mirrors Apple Fitness+ content on its 10.1-inch screen from a fully reclined position with lumbar support, eliminating joint and contact-point strain for riders who need maximum comfort during longer sessions. 

1. SOLE SB1200: Best Spin Bike for Apple Fitness+

The SB1200's screen mirroring displays Apple Fitness+ cycling classes directly on its 10.1-inch touchscreen while you ride, eliminating the need to position your device.

The SOLE SB1200 transforms Apple Fitness+ from a phone-balancing act into a seamless experience. Cast your iPhone or iPad to the bike's built-in touchscreen, position your Apple Watch on your wrist, and start a cycling class. The instructor appears at eye level on a stable display while your watch tracks every heartbeat and calorie burned.

The spin bike format matches Apple Fitness+ cycling workouts, which feature standing climbs, seated sprints, and rhythm riding. The 35-pound flywheel delivers smooth momentum that responds to the high-cadence intervals instructors frequently program. The 100 resistance levels provide granular control when classes call for specific intensity targets.

The dual-sided pedals accommodate both regular athletic shoes (toe cage side) and cycling shoes (SPD clip side). Apple Fitness+ instructors often reference resistance and cadence targets; the SB1200's console displays your current resistance level in real time so you can match their cues precisely.

Bluetooth speakers built into the bike play audio directly, letting you hear instructor cues and playlist music clearly without headphones. Connect your iPhone's audio output to the bike's speakers for an immersive class experience.

SOLE SB1200 Pricing

The SB1200 is currently $699.99, marked down $900 from its regular price of $1,599.99. For a spin bike with a built-in 10.1-inch touchscreen and screen mirroring capability, this puts it well below comparable touchscreen cycling equipment from other brands. Financing is available at checkout, and the purchase qualifies for HSA and FSA spending through Truemed. 

2. SOLE B94: Best Value Upright Bike for Apple Fitness+

The B94 provides comfortable upright cycling with a tablet holder that positions your Apple Fitness+ classes at optimal viewing height.

Not every Apple Fitness+ setup requires a built-in touchscreen. The SOLE B94 takes a different approach: a quality upright bike with an integrated tablet holder that positions your iPad or iPhone directly in your line of sight. Mount your device, start an Apple Fitness+ class, and ride while your Apple Watch tracks your workout.

The upright seating position and cushioned seat support extended Apple Fitness+ sessions without the saddle soreness common on spin bikes. The 20-pound flywheel delivers smooth pedaling at moderate intensities appropriate for Apple's low-impact and recovery rides. The 20 levels of eddy current brake resistance provide enough range for following instructor cues during most class types.

The 9-inch backlit LCD displays your current metrics, including cadence, time, distance, and calories. While your tablet shows the Apple Fitness+ class, the bike's console provides supplementary data you can glance at between instructor cues.

The B94 connects to the SOLE+ App via Bluetooth, syncing workout data to Apple Health after each session. Your cycling activity helps you close your Activity rings, alongside data from your Apple Watch.

SOLE B94 Pricing

At $1,099.99, the B94 sits in the accessible tier of this lineup. It costs more than the SB1200 but offers a cushioned upright seat in exchange for the spin bike format. Riders who want comfortable moderate-intensity riding without committing to a touchscreen model will find the B94 represents straightforward value. Financing is available, and Truemed eligibility applies for HSA and FSA purchases.

3. SOLE LCR: Best Recumbent Bike for Apple Fitness+

The LCR's reclined position and lumbar support provide maximum comfort for Apple Fitness+ sessions, ideal for riders managing joint issues or prioritizing strain-free workouts.

Apple Fitness+ cycling classes assume you're riding a traditional bike, but the workouts translate effectively to recumbent positioning. Follow cadence and resistance cues while sitting comfortably against a supportive backrest, eliminating the wrist, shoulder, and lower back strain that limits many riders.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen displays your Apple Fitness+ class via screen mirroring, positioned directly in your natural line of sight. The reclined position makes extended screen watching effortless; no neck craning or posture adjustments needed. Your Apple Watch tracks heart rate and calories while you follow along.

The step-through frame design makes mounting simple, particularly valuable for riders with mobility limitations or joint issues. The 2-degree inward pedal angle aligns your knees throughout the pedal stroke, reducing lateral stress during repetitive cycling workouts.

The 31-pound flywheel and 40 resistance levels deliver smooth pedaling. While standing climbs aren't possible on a recumbent, seated resistance intervals work as intended by the instructor. Your heart rate elevates, calories burn, and Activity rings close regardless of body position.

SOLE LCR Pricing

The LCR is priced at $1,999.99. The gap between the LCR and the other two bikes in this lineup reflects the recumbent frame engineering, lumbar-supported backrest, light commercial construction, and 2-degree inward pedal angle rather than any difference in display or Apple Fitness+ compatibility, which is identical across all three. 

Side-by-Side Comparison: 3 Best Bikes to Use with Apple Fitness

Why SOLE Bikes Complement Apple Fitness+ Perfectly

Apple Fitness+ was designed to work with existing equipment rather than locking users into proprietary hardware, and SOLE bikes reflect the same philosophy. The FREE SOLE+ App extends workout options beyond Apple's library on all three bikes without adding subscription costs. Lifetime frame warranties are included with all three models. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need special equipment to use Apple Fitness+ for cycling classes?

No. Apple Fitness+ cycling classes work with any exercise bike when paired with an Apple Watch (Series 3 or later). The watch tracks your heart rate, calories, and workout duration while you follow along with the class on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. SOLE bikes enhance the experience with screen mirroring that displays classes on the bike's touchscreen.

Does SOLE support Apple GymKit?

No. SOLE bikes do not include Apple GymKit hardware. However, GymKit offers little benefit to Apple Fitness+ users, as the Apple Watch already tracks all relevant metrics. The SOLE+ App syncs additional bike data (distance, resistance) to Apple Health, enabling comprehensive tracking without the premium hardware requirements of GymKit.

Can I see my Apple Watch metrics on the SOLE touchscreen?

Not directly. Your Apple Watch metrics display on your iPhone/iPad screen, which you can mirror to the SOLE touchscreen alongside your Apple Fitness+ class. The Fitness+ interface displays your heart rate, calories burned, and workout duration in real time, powered by data from your Apple Watch.

Will my Apple Fitness+ cycling workouts close my Activity rings?

Yes. When you start a cycling workout on your Apple Watch (which Fitness+ prompts you to do automatically), all activity counts toward your Move, Exercise, and Stand rings. The calories you burn, the minutes you exercise, and any standing intervals all contribute to closing your rings.

What is the warranty on SOLE exercise bikes?

All three bikes in this guide carry lifetime frame warranties. The SB1200 and LCR add coverage on parts and electronics, while the B94 includes parts coverage reflecting its upright design. Labor warranty terms vary by model and are confirmed at the time of purchase. Lifetime frame coverage means the structural components most critical to the bike's long-term function are protected for the life of the equipment.

 

Disclaimer: Products and prices mentioned in this article are accurate as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Please visit the official SOLE website for the most current information.