| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-B1423C Check Discounted Price | L:47" W:20" H:44" | 265 lbs | 40 lbs | Friction, Felt-pad | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, SCAN |
The Sunny SF-B1423C pretty much offers the same range of features as the SF-B1423 that we’ve already reviewed here. However, this unit is equipped with a chain drive; that’s what the “C” in its part number actually stands for. It’s an affordable alternative to most spin bikes, perfect for home use. It also comes with a basic fitness meter, an accessory that many light-commercial or commercial cycling trainers do not include.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 47L x 20W x 44H inches (119L x 51W x 112H cm)
- Assembled weight: 94 lbs (42.6 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Supported weight: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive: Chain
- Resistance: Friction
- Exercise meter: Time, distance, speed, calories, SCAN
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1423C indoor cycling trainer features a steel frame designed to support most spin workouts. It 
even has the small bar that connects the main curved tube with the seat tube, to serve as a step up element. The main tube of the frame, as well as the base tube that connects the two base stabilizers, are curved; this leads to a higher sturdiness and a better overall aspect.
As opposed to the SF-B1423 belt drive model, the SF-B1423C features a gray paint finish, with the exception of the seat post, handlebar post, and crank arms which are black. The paint finish is corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant.
The bike is not extremely large. With the frame fully assembled, it’s approx. 47″ (119 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide. Of course, it is recommended to assign a usage area of at least 70″ x 50″ (178 x 130 cm) for this bike, to be able to perform all the spin workouts without any hindrance. But even so, it takes considerably less space than a treadmill or a front drive elliptical trainer.
Compared to other items of fitness equipment, the SF-B1423C isn’t extremely heavy. However, with the frame fully assembled, it has a net weight of 94 lbs (42.6 kg). This is more than twice the weight of the average mountain bike. Along with your own weight, it results in an excellent stability during exercising. Plus, both its bases have rubberized, adjustable levelers.
Relocating the unit, once it is assembled, isn’t too difficult, though. Its front base is equipped with transport wheels. So, by using these wheels to move the bike, you will be handling less than half of its total weight.
Seat and handlebars
Sunny SF-B1423C is equipped with a standard bike saddle which is a bit wider than the average spin bike seat. It doesn’t have the
middle, longitudinal cutout like the seat on the Body-Solid Endurance ESB250 for example, nor does it have its thick foam cushioning. However, its surface does have a contoured design and integrates a thin layer of padding, in order to deliver optimal comfort.
Due to the fact that the seat’s connection system to its post has a standard design, it’s pretty easy to find a replacement for it, if needed. You should be able to find compatible saddles in any bike shop. Also, the seat’s comfort can be improved by a gel cover.
The seat offers 4-way adjustability (up, down, back, front). Its horizontal slider allows several inches of front-to-back adjustment, while its upright post also has several adjustment positions. This being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm). Also, in terms of weight, the bike is rated for a user weight capacity of 265 lbs (120 kg). Its pedals and crank could actually support more, but the seat slider may bend under a heavier user.
This Sunny exercise bike features a multi-grip handlebar. It actually offers the possibility to adopt up to 4 types of grips. It has an elongated, loop aero bar which provides plenty of forearm resting space. The bike’s handlebar is fully covered by a layer of high-density foam material in order to provide a secure grip and superior comfort.
As opposed to the seat, the bike’s handlebar is only 2-way adjustable (up, down). If you’re looking for a bike within this price range that has a 4-way adjustable handlebar, you can check out the Sunny SF-B1712.
Resistance system
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1423C features a standard friction resistance system with a top-down brake pad made of felt material. 
The brake pad is connected to the tension knob on top of the main tube of the bike. By turning this knob, you can change the amount of friction applied to the flywheel, and thus adjust the pedal resistance.
Like most exercise bikes with a friction resistance system, the Sunny SF-B1423C doesn’t have pre-determined resistance settings. You can simply tighten the brake pad on the flywheel up to the point you can barely pedal. Therefore, you can get a high resistance setting for a superior leg muscle burn.
The bike’s tension dial also serves as an emergency brake. You can press it down in order to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning. This is actually recommended every time you want to step off the bike or begin pedaling in reverse because the flywheel if heavy; attempting to stop the pedals by holding feet still may lead to injuries.
Drive system
As we’ve mentioned above, the Sunny SF-B1423C is an exercise bike with a chain drive system. This type of transmission comes
with several advantages. To begin with, it can last a lifetime. It’s also a standard bike chain, so in case it catches rust, or simply sustains any damage, you can find a replacement for it in any bike shop. On the other hand, it requires periodic lubrication, while a belt drive doesn’t.
This Sunny Health & Fitness indoor cycling bike is equipped with a heavy flywheel. It weighs 40 lbs (18 kg) and has a perimeter-weighted design. This type of flywheel produces a highly aggressive inertia and can help you achieve a high cardio activity quite easily. It also delivers a very smooth movement and a consistent momentum.
Reverse pedaling is possible. But since the bike doesn’t have a derailleur system like road bikes, you can’t coast on it. When pedaling in reverse, the resistance on the pedals remains the same, consistent with the amount of friction that the brake pad applies on the flywheel.
The crankset is a 3-piece element; it features solid steel crank arms which can support the user while standing up, as long as they don’t exceed the 265 lbs (120 kg) weight capacity specified for the bike.
The pedals are also made of a durable metallic alloy. They don’t have SPD elements for spin shoes, but they are equipped with toe cages and straps, to provide maximum foot stability if needed. They have standard threads, though. Thus, you can easily find replacements for them.
Exercise meter
This Sunny exercise bike is equipped with a basic fitness meter featuring an LCD display which shows time, distance, speed, and
calories burned. It doesn’t read pulse, it cannot communicate with an HR chest strap and does not show the RPM reading. Also, the calorie reading isn’t extremely accurate. The unit doesn’t have personal settings so that you can input your weight end height, so it simply calculates your average calories burned based on the rotations of the flywheel.
The meter unit is very easy to use. It only has one button which covers all of its functions. By pressing its left (MODE) side, you can toggle the SCAN function ON and OFF. With the SCAN function set ON, the workout metrics rotate, each one being shown for several seconds. If you press MODE to disable the SCAN function, you can lock it on the value that interests you the most.
The right side of the console button covers the CLEAR function. By pressing it, you can clear all the values to zero.
The meter unit uses two AA batteries. It starts up when it detects flywheel movement or when you press the MODE button. It also has a sleep mode to which it will enter after 4 minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike, including the drive and resistance elements, comes pre-assembled. You only have to add base bars, the seat post, the seat, the handlebar post, the handlebars, the meter unit, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes. A basic toolkit is included, while the manual provides very clear, step-by-step assembly instructions.
For maintenance, it’s recommended to lubricate the bike’s chain every few months; standard bike chain oil should do. The brake pad may require lubrication as well. Applying a few drops of silicone lubricant on the flywheel should take care of this as well. Other than this, you should periodically inspect the bike for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Solid construction – can support users up to 265 lbs;
- Heavy frame, offering excellent stability for spin workouts;
- Small footprint;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Integrated aero bars, offering multiple grip positions;
- Solid crankset, can support just about any spin workout;
- Inertia-enhanced, 40 lbs flywheel;
- Durable, metallic pedals with adjustable toe cages;
- Friction resistance, offering virtually limitless levels;
- Heavy-duty, quiet chain drive;
- Exercise meter that can track time, distance, speed, and calories burned;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The calories reading on the meter is not too accurate;
- No pulse sensors or pulse reading function.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1423C is an indoor cycling bike designed for spin workouts. It features a chain drive and a friction resistance system. It also includes a basic fitness meter that can track time, distance, speed, and calories burned. It’s equipped with a heavy flywheel, designed for an aggressive inertia and high-intensity cardio workouts. It’s also a great bike for muscle toning, stamina development, weight loss, and interval training. And finally, it’s an affordable trainer, offering a pretty decent value for the price.