3 Best Upright Exercise Bikes with Magnetic Resistance in 2026: Cost & Features

Key Takeaways

• Three magnetic-resistance upright bikes lead in 2026: the SOLE B94, SOLE LCB, and Schwinn 170, all using contactless magnetic resistance for silent, maintenance-free use.
• The SOLE B94 ($899.99) is the value pick, with 20 ECB resistance levels, a 20-pound flywheel, a gel-padded seat, and the free SOLE+ app (no subscription).
• The SOLE LCB ($1,499.99) is the premium option, doubling resistance to 40 levels and adding a 30-pound flywheel, 10.1-inch touchscreen, screen mirroring, wireless charging, and light-commercial durability.
• The Schwinn 170 ($899) offers 25 resistance levels, 29 programs, and a 3-speed fan, but its full content library requires a JRNY subscription ($11.99/month), a fee neither SOLE bike carries.
• SOLE covers every bike style: upright, recumbent, and indoor cycling, all with the free SOLE+ app, lifetime frame warranties, HSA/FSA eligibility, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What Makes Magnetic Resistance the Best Choice for Exercise Bikes?

Magnetic resistance fixes three problems that friction bikes can't: noise, wear, and inconsistent feel. Instead of pressing brake pads against the flywheel, magnets create opposing fields near it that resist rotation without ever touching it, so there's no grinding, no heat, and no pad replacement, no matter how hard or how long you ride.

Three bikes use that technology across different price points: the SOLE B94 ($899.99), the SOLE LCB ($1,499.99), and the Schwinn 170 ($899). They differ where it counts: resistance levels (20–40), flywheel weight, console tech, and whether ongoing content costs extra. 

Below, we break down each bike's resistance system, ride quality, and best-fit rider. SOLE leads the comparison with a subscription-free application, lifetime frame warranties, and HSA/FSA eligibility through Truemed.

1. SOLE B94: Best Value Magnetic Resistance Upright Bike

The B94 uses ECB magnetic resistance for smooth, silent operation with 20 precise resistance levels and a gel-padded seat for comfortable extended sessions.

How the Eddy Current Brake (ECB) System Works

The SOLE B94 uses ECB magnetic resistance, the most refined form of contactless resistance available in home fitness equipment. When the flywheel passes through the magnetic field created by the electromagnets, eddy currents are induced that oppose rotation without any physical contact. 

Twenty levels adjust instantly and silently through the console, with no grinding or clicking during changes. Combined with a belt drive rather than a chain drive, both of the bike's primary noise sources are eliminated.

Flywheel & Ride Quality

The 20-pound flywheel is heavier than budget bikes but lighter than premium models, providing adequate smoothness for most training styles without adding unnecessary machine weight. Each pedal stroke generates momentum that carries through naturally, making the motion feel continuous rather than forced. For steady-state cardio, recovery rides, and moderate interval training, the B94's flywheel delivers what most riders need.

Console & Connectivity

The 9-inch backlit LCD displays speed, time, distance, calories, pulse, and resistance level on a single clear screen. An integrated tablet holder lets you stream from any device or follow the free SOLE+ App without a touchscreen premium. Bluetooth connectivity pairs heart rate monitors and streams audio through the built-in speakers, so workouts can be guided, tracked, or entertained without headphones.

Design & Comfort

Four-way seat adjustment accommodates different leg lengths and preferred riding positions. The gel-padded seat provides comfort for longer sessions, distinguishing the B94 from spin bikes with narrow performance saddles. Ten preset programs provide structured variety beyond manual riding.

Pricing

Priced at $899.99 with a regular price of $1,099.99, the B94 delivers a $200 saving on a bike built to commercial-grade specifications. Truemed enables pre-tax HSA and FSA spending at checkout, and Citizens Pay is available for financing. 

2. SOLE LCB: Best Premium Magnetic Resistance Upright Bike

The LCB delivers 40 levels of magnetic resistance with a 30-pound flywheel for ultra-smooth operation, plus a 10.1-inch touchscreen with streaming capability.

Resistance & Flywheel

The SOLE LCB doubles the B94's resistance levels to 40, providing twice the granularity for heart rate zone training where small intensity adjustments maintain target ranges that larger jumps would miss. 

The 30-pound flywheel adds 10 pounds over the B94, producing noticeably smoother pedal motion, with each stroke flowing into the next without the subtle dead spots that lighter flywheels can generate. During longer endurance sessions, that smoothness reduces micro-fatigue in the stabilizing muscles that compensate for choppiness over thousands of revolutions.

Console & Entertainment

The 10.1-inch touchscreen supports screen mirroring from compatible iOS devices, displaying any app or streaming service on the console. Built-in WiFi enables direct streaming without a paired phone. A wireless charging pad on the console keeps phones powered through extended sessions. Bluetooth speakers deliver audio without headphone discomfort. Beyond the free SOLE+ App, ten built-in programs and 12 user-defined slots provide structured training variety independent of connectivity.

Build Quality & Design

Light commercial construction sets the LCB apart from residential-grade bikes in durability and longevity. The frame is built to withstand daily use in apartment fitness centers and physical therapy clinics; for personal home use, this translates to years of reliable service under demanding conditions. 

The step-through frame allows easy mounting without swinging a leg over a high crossbar, and the 350-pound weight capacity is 50 pounds more than the B94, adding stability for all riders.

Pricing

The LCB currently costs $1,499.99, $200 less than its regular price of $1,699.99. Truemed processes HSA and FSA payments, and Citizens Pay financing is available for buyers who want to spread the investment over time.

3. Schwinn 170

The Schwinn 170 delivers 25 levels of Eddy Current magnetic resistance with 29 built-in programs. 

Resistance and Performance

The Schwinn 170 uses a high-speed, high-inertia perimeter-weighted flywheel paired with 25 levels of computer-controlled Eddy Current magnetic resistance. The resistance adjusts digitally through the console rather than manually, and the 25-level range provides meaningful intensity progression from easy warm-ups through challenging efforts. 

At 41.3"L x 21.4"W x 55.6"H, the 170 is the most compact of the three bikes here, making it a practical choice for smaller spaces.

Console & Programs

The dual blue-backlit LCD display shows time, RPM, distance, pulse, speed, calories, resistance level, and workout profile across its two screens simultaneously. Twenty-nine built-in programs give a structured variety without requiring any connected device. 

The console is Explore the World compatible through the JRNY app, which provides virtual routes and adaptive workouts. A free trial is included, after which JRNY costs $11.99 per month or $99 per year for continued access.

Comfort & Convenience Features

The padded, contoured seat has a post-style design for easy exchange and height adjustment. A built-in 3-speed fan provides airflow during workouts, and in-console speakers play audio from a phone or tablet via a wired MP3 (3.5 mm) input. A USB port charges devices during sessions. 

The frame carries a 10-year warranty, which is the strongest frame coverage of the three bikes in this comparison, alongside 2 years on parts, 1 year on electronics, and 90 days on labor. The 300-pound weight capacity matches the B94 and suits most users.

Pricing

The Schwinn 170 sells for $899 and is available through authorized retailers. A JRNY subscription is required for full Explore the World app functionality at $11.99 per month or $99 per year after the free trial. Built-in programs operate without any subscription.

Note: SOLE does not manufacture or sell the Schwinn 170. This is an independent review of a product for comparison purposes. 

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Upright Exercise Bike with Magnetic Resistance Is Right for You?

All three bikes deliver silent, maintenance-free magnetic resistance, but the two SOLE options carry no ongoing content cost, while the Schwinn 170 adds $11.99 a month for full JRNY access after its trial. The SOLE B94 at $899.99 is the stronger long-term value for most riders, pairing 20 levels of ECB magnetic resistance, a 20-pound flywheel, a gel-padded seat, and a lifetime frame warranty with the free SOLE+ App at no subscription cost, all in a compact 7.7-square-foot footprint.

For riders who want more, the SOLE LCB at $1,499.99 doubles the resistance to 40 levels, upgrades to a 30-pound flywheel, and adds a 10.1-inch touchscreen with screen mirroring, wireless charging, and light-commercial durability, still with zero app fees. Both SOLE bikes qualify for HSA and FSA funding through Truemed, ship free, and are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Shop the SOLE bike collection today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ECB magnetic resistance?

ECB (eddy current brake) uses electromagnets to create resistance against the flywheel via magnetic fields, rather than physical contact. When the flywheel passes through the magnetic field, eddy currents are induced that oppose rotation. The SOLE B94 uses this system for smooth, silent, maintenance-free operation with 20 precise resistance levels.

Is magnetic resistance better than friction resistance?

For most users, yes. Magnetic resistance operates silently, requires no maintenance, and maintains a consistent feel over years of use. Friction resistance is cheaper initially but generates noise, requires brake pad replacement, and degrades over time. The only advantage of friction is lower initial cost.

Do any of these bikes require a subscription?

The SOLE B94 and LCB both include the free SOLE+ App permanently with no subscription fees. The Schwinn 170 includes built-in programs that operate without any subscription, but its Explore the World virtual riding and JRNY adaptive workout features require a JRNY subscription at $11.99 per month or $99 per year after the free trial.

Do magnetic resistance bikes require maintenance?

No resistance system maintenance is required. The contactless operation means no brake pad wear, no lubrication is needed, and no adjustments are necessary. The resistance feel remains consistent indefinitely. Regular cleaning and occasional belt inspection are the only maintenance tasks.

Are SOLE bikes eligible for HSA or FSA funding?

Yes. SOLE bikes are eligible for HSA and FSA funding through Truemed. Selecting Truemed at checkout allows customers to use pre-tax health savings account dollars toward their purchase, effectively reducing the out-of-pocket cost depending on their tax situation.

 

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.