Peloton vs SoulCycle At-Home Bike vs SOLE: Differences, Cost & Specs

Key Takeaways

• SOLE's bikes range from $1,299.99 to $1,999.99, Peloton's from $1,695 to $2,695, and SoulCycle's At-Home Bike lists at $2,500.

• Peloton charges $49.99/month for full class access, SoulCycle requires a twelve-month Equinox+ commitment at $40/month, and SOLE+ delivers instructor-led classes for free.

• SOLE's LCB and LCR provide 40 levels of magnetic resistance; SoulCycle uses a Stages power meter, and Peloton's Bike+ offers auto-adjusting resistance.

• SOLE's LCB, LCR, and SoulCycle support riders up to 350 pounds, while both Peloton bikes cap at 297 pounds. SOLE also offers recumbent frames for lower joint strain.

• SOLE backs every bike with a lifetime frame warranty, over 3,000 free SOLE+ workouts from the first ride, and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

What Separates Peloton, SoulCycle & SOLE Beyond Screen Size?

Screen size is the spec most shoppers compare first, but it is the least likely to determine whether a bike is still worth owning two years from now. The differences that shape long-term cost and daily usability sit in membership terms, rider weight limits, and seating options, three details that rarely make the headline of a product page.

Membership costs compound fast. Peloton’s All-Access subscription runs $49.99/month, which adds nearly $1,800 over three years on top of the bike’s purchase price. SoulCycle requires a twelve-month Equinox+ commitment at $40/month before the first class loads. SOLE+ delivers 3,000+ instructor-led workouts from the first ride at no monthly cost. 

Rider limits also narrow the field quickly: Peloton caps at 297 lb, while SOLE’s LCB, LCR, and SoulCycle all support 350 lb. And neither Peloton nor SoulCycle sells a recumbent frame, which rules both out for riders who need back support or lower joint strain.

SOLE covers all three gaps with upright and recumbent frames, subscription-free classes, and a lifetime frame warranty on every bike.

SOLE Fitness Bike Specs

SOLE LCB Upright Bike

The SOLE LCB uses oversized, strapped platform pedals, so riders can train in everyday athletic shoes instead of buying cycling cleats.

The SOLE LCB positions riders in a standard upright cycling stance similar to Peloton's and SoulCycle's frames, but swaps a paid subscription for SOLE+ free integration.

• Resistance: 40 magnetic levels

• Flywheel: 31 pounds

• Display: 10.1-inch touchscreen

• Maximum rider weight: 350 pounds

• Dimensions: 56" long, 29" wide, 60" high

• Machine weight: 112 pounds

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speakers, SOLE+ integration

• Extras: wireless charging, integrated tablet holder

SOLE R92 Recumbent Bike

Recumbent seating places the rider's back against a supportive backrest with pedals extended forward, reducing joint strain compared to upright frames.

• Resistance: 20 eddy-current braking levels

• Flywheel: 20 pounds

• Display: white LED console

• Programs: 6 standard, 2 user-defined, 2 heart rate

• Maximum rider weight: 300 pounds

• Dimensions: 56" long, 29" wide, 60" high

• Machine weight: 128 pounds

• Connectivity: Bluetooth speakers, SOLE+ data transfer (no Wi-Fi or preloaded apps)

The SOLE R92's built-in console displays workout data only; guided SOLE+ classes stream through a connected phone or tablet instead.

SOLE LCR Recumbent Bike

The SOLE LCR's seat slides along a rail with 15 adjustment positions, so riders with different leg lengths can share the bike comfortably.

The SOLE LCR upgrades the recumbent format with a touchscreen console and stronger flywheel.

• Resistance: 40 EMS magnetic levels

• Flywheel: 31 pounds

• Display: 10.1-inch Android touchscreen with screen mirroring

• Maximum rider weight: 350 pounds

• Dimensions: 56" long, 29" wide, 60" high

• Machine weight: 152 pounds

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, screen mirroring, SOLE+ integration

• Extras: wireless charging, integrated tablet holder

Peloton Cross Training Bike & Bike+ Specs

Peloton says the Cross Training Bike's seat is shaped for even weight distribution, aimed at keeping longer rides comfortable. (Image source: Peloton)

Peloton Cross Training Bike

The entry-level Cross Training Bike uses a manual resistance knob rather than automatic adjustment, putting its control style closer to SOLE's bikes than to its own Bike+ sibling.

• Display: 21.5-inch Full HD swiveling touchscreen

• Resistance: manual knob

• Dimensions: 54" long, 23" wide, 61" high

• Machine weight: 129 pounds

• Maximum rider weight: 297 pounds

• Rider height range: 4'11" to 6'5"

• Minimum age: 14

• Pedals: Delta-compatible cleats required

• Audio: front-facing speakers

• Charging: USB-C

Peloton Cross Training Bike+

The Bike+ automatically adjusts resistance to follow instructor cues, a feature absent from both the standard Peloton bike and every SOLE or SoulCycle model.

• Display: 23.8-inch Full HD swiveling touchscreen

• Resistance: manual or automatic instructor-following

• Dimensions: 54" long, 22" wide, 60" high

• Machine weight: 144 pounds

• Maximum rider weight: 297 pounds

• Rider height range: 4'11" to 6'5"

• Minimum age: 14

• Extras: fan, phone tray, Sonos-tuned speakers, movement-tracking camera

• Additional functions: voice controls, rep tracking, strength-form feedback

SoulCycle At-Home Bike Specs

The SoulCycle At-Home Bike marks its seat and handlebar posts with numbered scales, so riders can return to the same fit each ride. (Image source: SoulCycle)

SoulCycle's At-Home Bike model centers on a commercial-grade steel frame and a Stages power meter that tracks power, cadence, and mileage instead of relying on built-in resistance presets.

• Display: 21.5-inch Full HD touchscreen (1920 x 1080)

• Frame: commercial-grade steel

• Metrics: power, cadence, mileage via Stages power meter

• Dimensions: 62.2" long, 22.2" wide, 53.5" high

• Bike weight without touchscreen: 128 pounds; with touchscreen: 142 pounds

• Maximum rider weight: 350 pounds

• Rider height range: 4'10" to 6'10"

• Pedals: accept Delta or SPD-style cleats

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0

• Audio: two 8-watt speakers plus a 15-watt woofer

• Memory: 4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage

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

How Much Do Peloton, SoulCycle & SOLE Bikes Cost?

SOLE Pricing

SOLE Fitness's bikes range from $1,299.99 to $1,999.99, with no required monthly fee. The R92 recumbent sells for $1,299.99, while the LCB upright costs $1,699.99. 

The LCR recumbent tops the lineup at $1,999.99. Because SOLE+ access is free, owners never budget for a recurring bill or sign a twelve-month contract tied to the machine.

Peloton Pricing

Peloton's Cross Training Bike starts at $1,695, with the Bike+ at $2,695. Refurbished Original Bike models run $1,145 and $1,395 for the Bike and Bike+ respectively. All-Access membership costs $49.99 per month, which works out to $599.88 a year.

SoulCycle Pricing

SoulCycle's At-Home Bike lists for $2,500, though a JOIN-PACK promotion brings it down to $1,500. Equinox+ membership runs $40 per month with a mandatory twelve-month commitment, and billing starts once the bike is activated. 

Key Differences Between Peloton, SoulCycle & SOLE

Monthly Membership & Subscription Requirements

SOLE requires no paid subscription; the SOLE+ app delivers more than 3,000 instructor-led workouts at no extra cost. Peloton's All-Access membership, at $49.99 monthly, is needed to unlock the bike's full class library and performance tracking, though the bike still works without it. SoulCycle ties its bike to a twelve-month Equinox+ commitment at $40 monthly.

Resistance Systems

SOLE's LCB and LCR use 40-level magnetic resistance, while the R92 recumbent uses 20-level eddy-current braking. SoulCycle riders set resistance manually and rely on a Stages power meter to track power, cadence, and mileage rather than an automated class-matching system.

Peloton's Bike+ stands alone with automatic instructor-following resistance, adjusting in real time as a class progresses. The standard Cross Training Bike uses a manual knob instead, putting it on equal footing with SOLE's magnetic and eddy-current systems.

Rider Size Limits & Room Clearance

SoulCycle accommodates weights up to 350 pounds. SOLE's LCB and LCR match that 350-pound capacity, while the R92 recumbent supports up to 300 pounds. Peloton's bikes cap out at 297 pounds.

Clearance needs are similar across brands: SoulCycle and Peloton both recommend roughly 24 inches of space on each side, while Peloton also suggests an 8-foot ceiling. 

All three SOLE bikes measure 29 inches wide, more than Peloton or SoulCycle, so measuring your space before ordering helps avoid a tight fit.

Warranty Coverage

SOLE backs its R92 with a lifetime frame warranty, two years on parts, and one year on labor for residential use. The LCB and LCR extend that to three years on electronics and parts.

Peloton covers the touchscreen, frame, and most components under a single twelve-month limited warranty, and SoulCycle offers a twelve-month limited warranty on the touchscreen, frame, and hardware.

Peloton vs SoulCycle At-Home Bike vs SOLE: Comparison Table

For Studio-Style Classes Without a Membership, SOLE Is the Better Buy 

Peloton's Bike+ offers automatic resistance, and the SoulCycle At-Home Bike brings a commercial steel frame to home riders. Both, however, tie their classes to an ongoing membership, with SoulCycle requiring a twelve-month Equinox+ commitment. SOLE gives riders instructor-led cycling classes through SOLE+ without locking them into either arrangement.

We back every SOLE bike with a lifetime frame warranty, and our LCB and LCR support riders up to 350 pounds. More than 3,000 SOLE+ workouts are ready from your first ride, with no membership to activate. Measure your space, choose between our upright and recumbent bikes, and order with our 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which indoor bike has the lowest long-term cost?

SOLE's R92 recumbent bike has the lowest total cost at $1,299.99 with no required subscription. Over three years, Peloton's Cross Training Bike totals $3,494.64, and SoulCycle's promotional bike totals $2,940 once membership fees are included.

Does the SoulCycle At-Home Bike work without Equinox+?

SoulCycle's purchase terms require a twelve-month Equinox+ membership commitment with the At-Home Bike. The bike does include Freestyle and Streaming modes for riding without a guided class, but the membership itself remains mandatory at purchase.

Which bike is better for home use: SOLE, SoulCycle, or Peloton?

SOLE is the better fit for most home riders, offering subscription-free classes and both upright and recumbent options. SoulCycle fits the widest range of rider heights, from 4'10" to 6'10", and matches SOLE's 350-pound capacity, while Peloton's Bike+ offers automatic instructor-following resistance. Both, however, require a paid membership to access their classes.

Do I need cycling shoes for exercise bikes?

SOLE Fitness's specifications don't establish a cleat requirement, which may suit riders who prefer standard athletic shoes. Peloton and SoulCycle both require Delta-compatible cycling cleats, with SoulCycle also accepting SPD-style cleats.

Can you take instructor-led cycling classes on a SOLE bike?

Yes. SOLE's free SOLE+ app includes more than 3,000 instructor-led workouts spanning cycling, running, and rowing, accessible without a paid monthly subscription on compatible SOLE equipment. LCB and LCR riders can stream classes directly on the 10.1-inch touchscreen, while R92 riders follow along on their own phone or tablet.

 

*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.