| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Drive | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-B1002C Check Discounted Price | L:44" W:20" H:44" | 275 lbs | Friction, leather pad | Chain | N/A |
Although it’s one of the older Sunny bikes, the SF-B1002C is still available in 2018, and still continues to benefit from a wide array of positive reviews. It’s similar to the Sunny SF-B1002 model, however, this one has a chain drive; that’s what the “C” at the end of the model number stands for. Also, this model’s handlebar is slightly different than for the SF-B1002.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002C is an indoor cycling trainer designed for home use. It doesn’t include a fitness meter, but on the other hand, it’s quite an affordable exercise bike.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 44L x 20W x 44H inches (112L x 51W x 112H cm)
- Assembled weight: 109 lbs (49.4 kg)
- Flywheel weight 49 lbs (22.2 kg)
- Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Handlebars: Vertically adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe-cages
- Drive mechanism: Chain
- Resistance: Friction, leather pad
- Bottle holder: Yes
- Fitness meter: Not included
- Warranty: Frame 3 years, Parts 90 days
Frame construction
Although the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002C indoor cycling bike isn’t a commercial-grade bike, its frame construction is pretty close to a light-commercial model. Its frame is quite sturdy, made of heavy-duty, precision-welded steel bars. In fact, most of the bike
parts are steel-made, with the exception of the chain guard, the seat and several small covers.
The main frame of the bike features a rust-resistant and scratch-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, with the Sunny logo painted red. However, the seat upright bar and slider, as well as the handlebar upright post feature a chrome finish (which is also rust-resistant).
This Sunny bike is designed to support most spin workouts. It also has a metallic step-up pad welded directly on the frame, right above the crank. This element not only that can help you mount the bike, it’s also useful for certain spin workouts that require you to dismount, and step up/down from the frame. Not all indoor cycling bikes have this element, so it’s a plus.
Like most spin bikes, the Sunny SF-B1002C isn’t extremely large. Its fully assembled dimensions are approx. 44″L x 20″W (112 x 51 cm), while its tallest point also reaches approx. 44″ (112 cm). This being said, it can fit rather well even into a small room or apartment. However, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe operation.
This trainer isn’t extremely heavy but does weight over 100 lbs, which is more than twice the weight of the average steel mountain bike. This weight is reflected in the bike’s overall stability. Its stability is also enhanced by the large, adjustable and rubberized levelers, which allow you to perfectly stabilize it on any type of floor. And when it comes to relocation, this shouldn’t be too difficult either as the front base features two large transport wheels.
Seat and handlebars
Like all spin bikes, the Sunny SF-B1002C is not a trainer designed for comfort. At least for 1/3 of your cycling training, you should be pedaling while standing up on the pedals. Therefore, the bike comes with a spin seat, with a slim design, only 6.5″ (16.5 cm) wide, and
10″ (25.4 cm) long. The seat does integrate, though, a slim layer of padding in order to provide optimal comfort. But on the other hand, it has a standard attachment system to the slider so you can easily find a compatible seat with more cushioning, if its the case. Also, its overall comfort can be improved by a gel cover.
The seat is 4-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers 9 adjustment positions, while its horizontal slider has 5 adjustment settings. This being said, the seat can be adjusted in order to accommodate users with an inseam between 29″ and 40″ (73.6 – 101.6 cm); or, differently put, it can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm). Also, the bike’s user weight capacity is 275 lbs (125 kg), so the seat should support you with no problem is you weigh this much.
As we’ve mentioned above, the bike’s handlebar is slightly different than for the Sunny SF-B1002 (the belt drive version). The aero bar unifies the two side bars and only has a small curvature in the middle. But nonetheless, this handlebar offers the possibility to exercise by using multiple grips.
The bike’s handlebar is only 2-way adjustable. It’s fully rubberized in order to deliver a secure and comfortable grip. Also, its mid bar can accommodate just about any fitness meter if you opt for one.
Drive system
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002C features a chain drive system. It’s equipped with a standard bike chain 1/2 1/8 106. A chain drive system comes with several advantages. One of them is durability; with proper care, it can last a lifetime. The second one is availability.
In case you need a new one, you can basically get it from any bike shop. But on the other hand, it requires periodic lubrication for rust prevention.
One of the most important drive elements of an exercise bike is its flywheel. This Sunny bike comes with an extra-heavy, inertia-enhanced, 49 lbs (22.2 kg). This flywheel delivers a very consistent momentum, and a smooth, steady motion.
The flywheel is also bi-directional. This means you can pedal in reverse if you want while retaining the same resistance (coasting is not possible). However, the pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning. Therefore, in order to prevent any injuries, it is recommended to use the bike’s emergency brake to stop it from spinning before changing the way you pedal.
This Sunny exercise bike is equipped with a very solid, 3-piece crankset. It has solid steel crank arms which can support users up to 275 lbs (125 kg) while standing up on the pedals. The pedals are also very sturdy, made of a metallic alloy. They don’t have SPD clips for spin shoes, but they’re equipped with toe cages in case you need extra foot stability. Also, they have standard 9/16 threads, so in case you want to replace them, compatible options are widely available.
The bike’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is 7.5″ (190 mm). It’s not extremely wide, but it’s definitely wider than for other models such as the Sunny SF-B1714 (122 mm) or the Spinner Edge (155 mm). A wider Q-Factor will put a bit of extra lateral stress on your knees. So, in case you have knee problems, this bike may not be the best choice for you.
Resistance system
The Sunny SF-B1002C features a friction resistance system. It uses leather brake pad, attached to the main tube of the frame, and connected to the resistance dial. The brake pad comes
in contact with the flywheel in a top-to-down manner.
There aren’t any resistance levels specified on the resistance dial. You simply turn it until you find the adequate resistance level for your desired training. You can basically tighten the brake up to the point where you can barely pedal. Needless to say, you can adjust the resistance during pedaling.
The resistance knob also acts as an emergency brake. Since the bike has a rather heavy flywheel, it will build up quite a momentum. Therefore, it is recommended to always manually stop the flywheel from spinning whenever you need to stop pedaling or change the way of pedaling from reverse to front, or vice-versa.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s main frame, with its drive and resistance elements, comes pre-assembled. All you have to do is attach the bike’s bases, the seat post, the seat, the handlebar post, the handlebar, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30 min. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and schematics, and all the tools you’ll need for it are included.
Maintenance requires lubricating the chain periodically. Standard bike chain oil should be the best choice for it. Also, the resistance pad may require a bit of lubrication in case it generates a squeaking noise when in contact with the flywheel. For this, a few drops of silicone lubricant applied on the edge of the flywheel should be enough. Other than that, it’s recommended to periodically inspect the bike for loose or damaged parts, and keep it clean.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 275 lbs;
- Elegant design with a durable paint finish;
- Small footprint in comparison to other fitness equipment;
- Large, rubberized foot stabilizers
- Transport wheels;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Durable chain drive;
- Friction resistance system which basically allows you to tighten the resistance up to the point you can barely pedal;
- Extra-heavy, perimeter weighted flywheel for an aggressive inertia;
- Standard-threaded, metallic alloy pedals, with adjustable toe cages;
- Bottle holder;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent price/quality ratio.
The Cons
- No fitness meter;
- Pedals don’t have SPD clips;
- The seat is not very comfortable, but it’s a standard seat, so it’s easy to find a replacement for it.
Summary
The Sunny SF-B1002C is an indoor cycling bike designed for spin workouts. It features a heavy, 49 lbs flywheel, a chain drive system, and friction resistance. It has a durable construction and can support users up to 275 lbs. It’s perfect for medium to high-intensity cardio workouts, interval training, muscle toning, weight loss, and stamina development. In all, it’s an affordable trainer, and even though it doesn’t include an exercise meter, it still offers an excellent value for the price.