Quick Summary
Considered the flagship of the brand’s F-series treadmills, the Sole F85 is one of the highest rated residential treadmills on the market with bordering-on-commercial/gym specifications. While still foldable—unlike typical commercial or club equipment—the F85 is built to a high standard, supporting long distance running and intense interval training with ease. Fitted with a 4.0 continuous-duty horsepower motor, a larger-than-standard running deck, and capable of supporting a user weight of up to 400 lbs, there’s a ton of value here for a relatively modest price of entry. For 2021 the model has been fitted with a 10.1″ TFT-LCD touchscreen panel that displays workout progress, plus the new F85 can connect with mobile devices and fitness apps by way of an upgraded Android operating system.
Learn more from our Sole F85 review below.
Specifications
| Model | Sole F85 |
| Rating |  96% |
| List Price | $3,799 |
| Best Price | $1999 |
| Speed | 0.5 - 12 mph |
| Incline | 0 - 15% |
| Motor | 4.0 CHP |
| Deck | 22" x 60" |
| Belt | Cushion Flex Shock Absorption (2-Ply 1") |
| Folding? |  |
| Programs | 25 (6 Standard Programs, 12 Custom Programs, 7 Fitness Tests) |
| Max. Weight | 400 lbs |
| Heart Rate | Pulse Grips & Wireless Chest Strap |
| Dimensions | 82" x 37" x 66" Folded: 44" x 37" x 71" Weight: 308 lbs Rollers: 2.75" |
| Display | 10.1" TFT Touch Panel |
| Cooling Fans | |
| Accessory Tray | |
| Speakers | |
| Quick Controls | |
| Warranty | Frame: Lifetime Motor: Lifetime Deck: Lifetime Electronics: 5 Years Labor: 2 Years (In-Home) |
Rating:
Our Rating
Rating: 96/100. According to the brand’s website, the Sole F85 is advertised as “highest rated by independent reviewers” and we have to say that it has consistently lived up to that expectation. As the top folding treadmill from Sole Fitness, the F85 remains a solid choice for home gyms. With the addition of its new LCD screen, WiFi connectivity, and built-in entertainment options, the treadmill now appeals to a wider audience than ever. The new 2021 model comes with seven pre-loaded apps, including Netflix, YouTube, ESPN, CBC news, NBC news, and CNN news, giving runners a chance to focus on something other than the hum of the treadmill and the thump of their feet against the running deck. It is unclear at time of publishing whether or not users are able to download additional apps for the treadmill’s built-in screen, however there is the option to mirror your smartphone to the treadmill screen. This unit also has the ability to export its workout data via WiFi, which is a nice perk for those using fitness tracking apps like Fitbit, Record, Mapmyrun, and Apple Health.
This top-notch folding treadmill is also equipped with a sound-muffling deck with variable shock absorption, keeping novices and hardcore runners alike from doing unnecessary damage to their joints while working out. The Sole F85 treadmill also carries one of the best warranties in the business, with a lifetime warranty its frame, motor, and deck. Parts and electronics are covered for five years—a number that’s pretty much unheard of for electronics on fitness equipment. Lastly, labor is covered for two years.
Pros:
- Best warranty in the business
- Commercial 4.0 CHP motor
- Spacious 22″ x 60″ running deck
- 25 workout programs (6 Standard Programs, 12 Custom Programs, 7 Fitness Tests)
- Seven pre-loaded apps including Netflix, YouTube, ESPN, CBC news, NBC news, and CNN news
- Polar wireless heart rate monitor included
- Wi-Fi mirroring capability from smartphones/tablets
- Integrated tablet holder
- Bluetooth audio speakers
- USB charging port
- CushionFlex variable shock absorption
- Great customer service reputation
Cons:
- Large footprint when unfolded
- Short side rails
Introduction
The Sole F85 is a high quality folding treadmill for home use. It builds upon the bestselling F80, increasing its weight capacity and motor output, among other things. The newly refreshed Sole F85 treadmill’s console is now fitted with a 10.1” touchscreen display, as noted above, which brings a host of additional features to the table without making compromises elsewhere. Also included are small yet much-appreciated extras such as water bottle holders and cooling fans. Here are details about the workout programming, features, and warranty.
Workout Programs
The language on Sole’s website is consistently confusing on this topic, so allow us to clarify here. There are 6 built-in and preprogrammed workouts on the Sole F85, much like on the rest of the lineup. In addition, there are 7 “Fitness Tests” which includes a V02 Max test—an evaluation of how well your body utilizes oxygen. Lastly, there are 12 slots open for users to create their own custom workout programs.
Though a touchscreen is present, the Sole F85 does not connect to 3rd party workouts that allow for streaming training sessions. That said, you could potentially run the Peloton app on your phone, and then mirror your phone to the treadmill display.
Sole F85 Features
All Sole home treadmills in the F series have the ability to fold up when not in use, freeing up useful space in your workout area. With the aid of a hydraulic strut, as is the norm in the category, the F85 can be folded up and lowered with ease by a single person. A locking mechanism is used to keep the deck upright—again much the same as the balance of its competitors.
Workout progress is shown on a 10.1″ TFT-LCD touchscreen mounted to a swivel to accommodate a range of user heights. An improved shelf for iPads, tablets, and smartphones has also been fitted as of the model update. On the technology side of things, Bluetooth remains the go-to connection for linking an audio device to the treadmill’s built-in speakers, as well as for connecting a wireless heart rate monitor. A WiFi connection is used to allow for screen mirroring from your devices to the treadmill’s screen, and for exporting workout data to your devices. It connects with the Sole Fitness app, which can sync with iHealth, MyFitnessPal and other mobile apps that let users easily manage their all-over fitness activity.
The Sole F85 has a 22” x 60” tread track, which is the roomiest available in this year’s Sole Fitness treadmill series. The track is multi-layered for durability and moves over high quality 2.75″ rollers to minimize noise and wear.
For extra challenge the track has 30 ramp settings up to 15 degrees. The incline is controlled by programs, with monitor controls, or with buttons based on the handlebars.
Sole’s commercial quality deck, the CushionFlex Whisper Deck, helps make treadmill running up to 40% gentler on joints compared with outdoor running. It also absorbs the sound of each step for quieter home workouts.
Continuous heart rate readouts are available through touch sensors on the handlebars and a wireless chest strap. A chest strap is included with the sale price.
Other features on the Sole F85 are cooling fans, bottle holders, an accessory tray, an integrated tablet holder, Bluetooth audio speakers, and a USB charging port.
Warranty & Guarantee
The Sole F85 Treadmill warranty package includes:
– Frame: Lifetime
– Motor: Lifetime
– Deck: Lifetime
– Parts & Electronics: 5 years
– Labor: 2 years (In-home)
Direct customers get a 30-day trial period with a money-back guarantee.
Conclusion
The Sole F85 is the top folding treadmill from a leading international brand. It offers more power than most individual trainees need, but for the most avid runners or homes with multiple exercisers it’s one of the best choices available when priced at $1999.
What’s New for 2021
- The 2021 Sole F85 comes pre-loaded with seven apps including: Netflix, YouTube, ESPN, CBC news, NBC news, and CNN news.
- This unit also features an upgraded 10.1″ TFT-LCD touch panel plus Android system.
- New Wi-Fi phone and tablet mirroring capability affords users even more options with regard to interactive programming.
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