Concept2 vs Peloton vs SOLE Bikes: Specs & Reviews

Key Takeaways

• SOLE covers upright and recumbent models like the LCB and R92, Concept2's BikeErg uses air resistance and a PM5 monitor, and Peloton's Cross Training Bike+ automates resistance through touchscreen classes.

• Peloton requires an All-Access membership for full class content, Concept2 offers the free ErgData app for tracking, and SOLE's free SOLE+ app includes 3,000+ instructor-led workouts.

• SOLE's LCB, R92, R98, and LCR carry lifetime frame warranties, far longer than the 12-month limited warranty listed on Peloton's current bike pages.

• SOLE owners praise comfortable seating and a quiet ride, BikeErg users value its sturdy build despite seat complaints, and Peloton riders love the classes but question membership costs.

• SOLE is the only brand of the three offering a recumbent option, giving riders a supported seated position that Concept2 and Peloton lack.

Who Concept2, Peloton & SOLE Bikes Are Built For

Peloton suits riders who want an instructor controlling the intensity for them, with automatic resistance changes synced to a live or on-demand class. Concept2 suits riders who want raw performance data, watts, pace, and calories, and prefer to set their own effort without video content or guided coaching. SOLE suits riders who want guided classes included in the purchase price, with the option to choose between an upright cycling position and a recumbent frame with full back support.

Shoppers often treat these three brands as interchangeable exercise bike options, but the resistance systems, screen technology, and ongoing costs behind each one point to very different training experiences and ownership costs over two or three years. A Peloton rider who cancels All-Access loses the feature that justified the purchase. A Concept2 rider who wants guided workouts has to pay for a third-party app. A SOLE rider gets 3,000+ instructor-led workouts from the first ride with nothing added to the price.

SOLE’s lineup also stands apart by offering more than one frame type. The LCB handles traditional upright cycling, while the R92, R98, and LCR give riders three recumbent options at different price points, a category neither Concept2 nor Peloton sells in at all.

*Note: SOLE does not manufacture or sell the Concept2 or Peloton bikes. This is an independent review of a product for comparison purposes.

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Concept2 vs Peloton vs SOLE: Specs Comparison

SOLE Bike Specs

The SOLE LCB brings gym quality to an upright bike, with a stable frame and smooth resistance built for steady rides at home.

SOLE’s current selection covers upright riding with the LCB and recumbent riding with the R92, R98, and LCR. These models offer a choice between an upright cycling position and a reclined position with a supportive backrest.

Console technology ranges from a white LED display on the R92 to a 10.1-inch touchscreen on the LCB, R98, and LCR. Riders can choose a simple workout display paired with a personal tablet or an integrated touchscreen with Wi-Fi and preloaded apps.

• SOLE LCB, upright: 40 magnetic resistance levels, 10.1-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi, wireless charging, and a maximum user weight of 350 pounds.

• SOLE R92, recumbent: 20 magnetic resistance levels, 20-pound flywheel, white LED console, mesh seat, and a maximum user weight of 300 pounds.

• SOLE R98 (recumbent): 20 ECB magnetic resistance levels, 20 lb flywheel, 10.1-inch tilting touchscreen with preloaded streaming apps, 15-position mesh seat, 300 lb weight capacity.

• SOLE LCR, recumbent: 40 magnetic resistance levels, 31-pound flywheel, 10.1-inch touchscreen with screen mirroring, Wi-Fi, wireless charging, adjustable supportive seat, and a maximum user weight of 350 pounds.

Warranty terms depend on the model’s intended use. The R92 and R98 come with lifetime frame coverage, two years for parts and wear items, and one year for labor. The LCB and LCR provide lifetime frame coverage, three years for parts and wear items, and one year for labor.

Concept2 Bike Specs

The Concept2 BikeErg pairs an air flywheel with a simple performance monitor that keeps the focus on tracking every ride.

Concept2 narrows its cycling lineup to one machine, the BikeErg. Its air-resistance flywheel pairs with a manually adjustable damper, so effort changes resistance in real time while the damper itself only adjusts how the flywheel feels, not how hard it automatically gets.

• Resistance: Air-resistance flywheel with manual damper

• Monitor: PM5 performance monitor

• Max user weight: 350 lbs

• Machine weight: 68 lbs

• Footprint: 48 x 24 inches

The BikeErg's clutch lets the flywheel keep spinning after a rider stops pedaling, a detail that matters for interval training where quick rest periods are common. Its monitor runs on two D-cell batteries supplemented by power generated from pedaling, and the frame stays fully assembled with transport wheels for repositioning rather than folding flat.

Peloton Bike Specs

The Peloton Bike follows a classic studio cycle design, with a manual resistance knob and a large screen mounted above the handlebars.

Peloton's current new-bike range consists of the Cross Training Bike and Cross Training Bike+, both built around a swiveling touchscreen that shifts between cycling and floor workouts. The Bike+ adds automatic resistance that follows instructor cues directly, while the standard Cross Training Bike relies on a manual knob.

• Cross Training Bike: 129 lbs, max user weight 297 lbs, manual resistance, 21.5-inch swivel screen

• Cross Training Bike+: 144 lbs, max user weight 297 lbs, automatic resistance, 23.8-inch swivel screen

Peloton's product pages list a 12-month limited warranty covering parts and labor for the touchscreen, frame, and most components. The Bike+'s built-in Movement-Tracking Camera supports form feedback and rep tracking for off-bike strength workouts. Both current models require mains power and Wi-Fi to function, plus an All-Access membership to unlock their full class library and connected features.

Concept2 vs Peloton vs SOLE: Customer Feedback

SOLE Bike Reviews

Owners frequently rate the LCB among the most comfortable upright bikes in its price range, crediting its wide gel seat for easing the soreness common with narrow saddles. Riders also describe the frame as sturdy and sleek, holding up well to frequent, high-mileage use. The recumbent LCR and R92 earn similar praise for comfort, though the most common critique is their larger footprint compared to an upright bike.

Concept2 Bike Reviews

BikeErg owners praise its durable build and smooth, responsive ride, along with a compact frame that fits easily into a home gym. Some also value the detailed workout data from the PM5 monitor and its compatibility with apps like Zwift. Comfort draws the most complaints, as riders often find the stock seat hard on longer sessions and note that moving it forward or back requires a wrench.

Peloton Bike Reviews

Peloton owners enjoy the wide variety of live and on-demand classes, crediting the instructors and community for keeping workouts motivating. Many also describe the bike as sturdy and quiet, with a compact frame that suits smaller spaces. Complaints center on the ongoing membership cost on top of the bike's price, along with reports of mechanical issues and slow customer service.

Concept2 vs Peloton vs SOLE Bikes: Comparison Table

SOLE Fitness Delivers Value Without Monthly Membership Fees

Choosing between these brands comes down to what a rider wants long-term: raw performance data, class-based motivation, or a durable bike without ongoing fees. Peloton's classes require a monthly membership, while Concept2 skips fees but lacks instructor-led workouts. SOLE alone includes guided classes at no extra cost.

We built our bike lineup, from the upright LCB to the recumbent R92, R98, and LCR, to stand up to years of daily riding with more than 3,000 free SOLE+ workouts. Every bike is backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime frame warranty, so you can try one at home and see the difference for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Concept2 BikeErg worth it for home use?

The Concept2 BikeErg suits riders focused on measurable training data like watts, pace, and calories rather than streaming classes. Its air-resistance flywheel, PM5 monitor, and 68-pound frame make it a compact, durable option for a multipurpose room, though it lacks a touchscreen or guided class library.

What are the differences between the Peloton bike and the Concept2 bike?

Peloton's Cross Training Bike and Bike+ use touchscreens and instructor-led classes, with the Bike+ automatically adjusting resistance to match instructor cues. Concept2's BikeErg instead uses a manual damper and a performance monitor focused on metrics like watts and pace rather than video content.

Can you use Zwift with an exercise bike?

Concept2's BikeErg supports compatible third-party apps, including Zwift, for virtual riding experiences beyond its free ErgData app. Confirm compatibility with your specific bike model, since not every exercise bike on the market offers the same level of third-party app integration.

Do exercise bikes require a monthly subscription?

Not all of them. Peloton requires an All-Access membership to unlock its full class library and connected features. SOLE's SOLE+ app, by contrast, comes free with compatible equipment and offers more than 3,000 instructor-led workouts with no recurring subscription fee.

What makes SOLE Fitness bikes different from Peloton and Concept2?

SOLE offers the widest range of riding positions among the three brands, spanning upright and recumbent bikes. SOLE pairs that variety with a free SOLE+ app, lifetime frame warranties, and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, all without a monthly subscription requirement.

*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.