Sunny Health & Fitness Evo-Fit Cardio Recumbent Bike SF-RB4954

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Programs	Warranty
Sunny SF-RB4954 Check Discounted Price	L:62.6" W:25" H:49.2"	300 lbs	Eddy current, 24 lvls	1 manual, 12 preset, 1 watt, 1 personal, 4 HRC, Recovery	Frame: 3 years Parts: 180 days

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4954 is a mid-range recumbent bike, pretty close to the feature range and overall quality of a light-commercial model but costs considerably less. It’s comparable with the Circuit Fitness AMZ-587R that we’ve already reviewed. It doesn’t have online connectivity, but its console offers a fairly decent range of workout programs and other features.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 62.6L x 25W x 49.2H inches (159L x 63.5W x 125H cm)
• Assembled weight: 100 lbs (45.3 kg)
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Seat: Adjustable
• Pedals: Weighted, with straps
• Resistance: Eddy current, 24 levels
• Console programs: 1 manual, 12 preset, 1 watt, 1 personal, 4 H.R.C, Recovery
• Extras: Sound system, Bluetooth, USB charging port, cooling fan, bottle holder, tablet holder
• Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days

Frame construction

The Sunny Health & Fitness Evo-Fit Cardio SF-RB4954 features a heavy-duty steel frame; it’s rated for a user weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg) which is not bad for a home-use exercise bike. Of course, the bike also integrates several ABS plastic parts in its construction, but these shouldn’t influence its overall sturdiness as their role is only protective or cosmetic. Some of the most notable ABS parts are the seat base covers, the flywheel covers, and the casing of the console.

The bike is fairly large compared to a spin bike or an upright bike. With the frame fully set-up, it is approx. 62.6″ (159 cm) long and 25″ (63.5 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access. Therefore, it may not be the best choice for an exercise bike if you must place it in a small room or apartment.

It’s important to mention that the bike has a step-through design and the gap between the seat and the bike’s front unit is fairly large. Therefore, it offers an easy entry and exit which can be quite a plus for users with certain disabilities.

The bike is fairly heavy; its net weight is approx. 100 lbs (45.3 kg). This weight plus its rather large footprint deliver excellent stability. Plus, its rear base is equipped with adjustable levelers.

In terms of relocation, the bike can easily be moved and handled once it is assembled. Its front base bar has a set of small wheels while the rear base integrates a lifting handle. This being said, by using the handle and the wheels to relocate the bike if its the case, you won’t be handling more than 30% of its total weight.

Last but not least, all the steel parts in the bike’s construction are powder coated with a durable enamel, highly resistant to corrosion. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this bike. The only exception is the seat rail which has a gray finish.

Seat and handlebars

The Sunny Health & Fitness Evo-Fit Cardio SF-RB4954 is equipped with a seat designed for extra comfort. Both its seat and backrest pads feature a thick layer of foam cushioning. They also both contoured for improved ergonomics, while the backrest has a firm backbone for improved lumbar support. Both seat and backrest pads have a durable vinyl upholstery.

The seat is two-way adjustable (forward, backward). However, its sliding rail is oblique in order to provide a better positioning and leg extension for users of all heights. Its rail provides plenty of adjustment length so the bike can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem.

It’s important to mention, though, that the backrest is directly attached to the seat frame. It does not have a reclining mechanism and cannot be adjusted up or down, independently from the rest of the seat.

The Sunny SF-RB4954 has two sets of handlebars. One attaches directly to the seat frame, the other to the front mast. The seat handlebars integrate pulse sensors, and the console has a pulse reading function. The front handlebars have a multi-grip design, but they do not have any sensors. Both handlebars have rubber-foam grips for extra comfort, and none of them is adjustable independently from the bar or frame part that it is attached to.

Resistance and drive

The Sunny SF-RB4954 Evo-Fit recumbent exercise bike features an eddy current resistance system. This means it requires an external power source. An adapter (9V, 2.5A) is included with the bike. It also means that its console can adjust the resistance automatically.

The bike’s resistance system consists of two main elements, a servo motor, and a magnetic brake. As you adjust the resistance from the console or when a program is selected for automatic adjustment, the servo motor changes the position of the magnetic brake in relation to the flywheel. This adds or reduces resistance.

This Sunny exercise bike offers 24 levels of resistance. The 1-3 difficulty levels offer light resistance, great for recovery training or a light warm-up. The 4-6 levels are for advanced aerobic exercise and burning calories The 7-10 levels are great for toning leg muscles, and improving strength and stamina. And finally, the 20-24 levels allow you to achieve a higher calorie burn and an increased cardiovascular rate in a shorter period of time.

Despite its rather heavy construction (100 lbs / 45.3 kg), the Sunny SF-RB4954 does not have a very heavy internal flywheel. It only weighs 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg). However, it is perimeter-weighted, so it provides a bit of extra momentum. Plus, the eddy current brake adds considerable pedaling difficulty, especially if one of the top levels is selected. It also allows reverse pedaling.

The bike is equipped with a durable, 3-piece crankset. Its arms are slightly longer than for other recumbent bikes or upright bikes so they offer a slightly ampler pedaling motion. The pedals have counterweights to always self-level. They’re also equipped with adjustable straps.

Last but not least, the bike is equipped with a belt drive system. It uses a poly-v belt, 430 J6 type. As opposed to a chain drive, it comes with a few advantages. For example, you don’t have to worry about its lubrication. It also delivers a smoother motion than a chain drive.

Console

The console included with the Sunny Evo-Fit Cardio SF-RB4954 offers quite an impressive range of features. To begin with, it has a multi-window LCD display that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, pulse, RPM, and watts. It also indicates room temperature when in idle mode.

Speed and distance are shown in English units (MPH and miles). For pulse reading, you will have to use the integrated sensors; the console is not telemetric and cannot read your pulse from a wireless strap.

As we’ve mentioned above, this Sunny exercise bike doesn’t have online connectivity. However, it has a fairly decent range of preset programs. First of all, it has a Manual program which allows you to exercise freely, adjusting the resistance as you like during your workout. During the Manual program, you can also set targets for time, distance, calories, and pulse. The next 12 programs are preset. They have various segment layouts and give you the possibility to perform different workouts.

The Fitness Mode allows you to exercise under a fixed time and resistance level. The Watt program adjusts the resistance depending on your speed allowing you to maintain a certain constant watt output. The Personal program gives you the possibility to create your own program profiles. While the HRC programs adjust the resistance based on your pulse rate. There are 4 HRC programs set for 55%, 75%, 90%, and custom.

A Pulse Recovery function is also available. This counts your pulse at the end of your workout and based on the result it gives you a fitness rating between F1 (perfect) and F6 (poor).

The Sunny SF-RB4954 also has several non-fitness features. These are a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, sound system, and cooling fan, and a tablet holder. The USB port only offers recharging possibilities for your phone or tablet. It doesn’t allow workout data transfer. The sound system consists of two speakers places one on each side of the unit. The Bluetooth function is for the sound system. It allows you to sync your smartphone with your bike, in order to play your music through the integrated speakers.

The cooling fan is integrated at the bottom center of the unit. It is not super powerful but does offer a bit of cooling if needed during the most intense workouts. And finally, the tablet holder is placed at the top of the console and can accommodate any tablet.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. Also, all the drive and resistance parts are already attached to the main frame. Therefore, you only need to attach the base bars, the seat, the backrest, the handlebars, the pedals, and the console. This may take more than an hour but the task isn’t too difficult. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and schematics, and all the necessary tools are included.

Once the bike is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. All you have to do is periodically check for loose parts and keep the unit clean.

The Pros

• Sturdy, steel frame – 300 lbs capacity;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Lifting handle on the rear base;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
• Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
• Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
• Cushioned and contoured seat pad and backrest;
• Lever-based rail adjustment system for the seat;
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• Eddy current resistance system;
• 24 resistance levels available;
• Mid-range console with an LCD display which can track time, distance, speed, RPM, Watts, calories, and pulse;
• 20 workout programs (12 preset);
• Tablet holder included;
• Sound system included;
• USB charging port included;
• Bluetooth connectivity for the speakers;
• Cooling fan;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• The calorie reading is not too accurate;
• The console is not telemetric;
• No online connectivity;
• Water bottle is not included.

Summary

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4954 Evo Fit is a heavy-duty recumbent bike made for home use. It features an eddy current resistance system, superior ergonomics, and a console with 20 workout programs (12 preset). It’s a mid-range exercise bike, great for recovery training, light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, interval training, and weight loss. In all, it’s a pretty inclusive and durable bike, offering excellent value for the price.