| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-RB420046 Check Discounted Price | L:56.7" W:26.4" H:46.1" | 300 lbs | Manual magnetic, 12 levels | Time, Distance, Speed, RPM Calories, Pulse, Goals, Recovery, BMI, Bluetooth, SunnyFit compatible | Frame: 3 years Parts: 180 days |
The Elite Interactive Series includes several fitness machines released in 2022 by Sunny Health & Fitness. The Sunny SF-RB420046 is one of them. This is basically the recumbent exercise bike version of the Sunny SF-E320047 elliptical. That’s because it has the same type of resistance system, and the same console.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 56.7L x 26.4W x 46.1H inches (144L x 67W x 117H cm)
- Assembled weight: 81 lbs (36.7 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Inseam range: 22.1″ – 31.2″ (56 – 79 cm)
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 12 levels
- Console: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, RPM, goals, scan, goals, recovery, body fat
- Extras: Bluetooth, compatible with the SunnyFit app, device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days
Frame construction
The Sunny Health & Fitness Elite Interactive Series SF-RB420046 recumbent exercise bike is built on a steel frame. It combines
rectangular and oval tubes in its construction, coated with a durable, gray paint finish. The only exception is the seat adjustment rail which has a chrome plating finish.
Of course, the bike also integrates several plastic parts. The most notable ones are the guards of the drive system, the base bar caps, the backrest frame, and the console casing. These are made of various durable thermoplastic polymers.
The bike is fairly large. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 56.7″ (144 cm) long and 26.4″ (67 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to allow a few feet of clearance all around it, for easy access. And speaking of easy access, the bike has a step-through design. This can be quite a plus for users with certain disabilities, for example, as it allows an easy entry and exit.
The bike’s gross weight (while packaged) is approx. 97.2 lbs (44 kg) so its transport may require two persons. After unboxing and assembly, its net weight is 81 lbs (36.7 kg) and its relocation is considerably easier. That’s because its front stabilizer features transport wheels. Also, both base bars have adjustable levelers, which is a plus.
Seat and handlebars
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB420046 is equipped with a two-way (front-back) adjustable seat. It attaches to a 
durable chrome-plated rail and features a lever-based adjustment system. This means that you can easily adjust its position while you are seated. The rail offers approx. 9″ (23 cm) of adjustment and the applicable inseam length for this bike is 22.1″ – 31.2″ (56 – 79 cm). This being said, it should be able to accommodate users between 4’10” and 6’3″ (147 – 190 cm). It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg).
The seat is designed for superior comfort. The bottom pad integrates approx. 2″ (5 cm) of foam padding. Its cover is made of durable vinyl material which is moisture-proof and easy to maintain. The backrest features a mesh structure with a durable and flexible thermoplastic frame (probably polypropylene). It’s important to mention, though, that the backrest does not have a reclining feature, nor it adjusts independently from the rest of the seat.
The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One is attached to the front upright bar of the machine, the other to the seat assembly. The front handlebars have a pretty simple design. They do not have any sensors or controls for the bike. The average height of their grips is at approx. 43″ (119 cm) above the floor.
The seat handlebars integrate stainless steel pulse sensors and the console can monitor your heart rate. None of the handlebars are adjustable. Both handlebar sets have rubber foam sleeves for an improved and comfortable grip.
Resistance system
The Sunny Elite Interactive Series SF-RB420046 exercise bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. 
Therefore, no adapter or power cord is needed for it. However, the console cannot adjust the resistance automatically and does not have pre-set workout programs.
The bike’s resistance system features a magnetic brake connected to the internal flywheel, and to the tension knob on the front mast of the bike. Thus, when you turn the knob, the magnets move either closer or farther from the flywheel, which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
There are quite a few advantages to the magnetic resistance system. First of all, the magnets don’t touch the flywheel, so there is no friction and the flywheel moves freely and smoothly. Second of all, the pedaling motion is whisper-quiet which can be quite a plus. And finally, since there is no friction between the magnets and the flywheel, the brake doesn’t wear out and you don’t have to worry about lubricating it.
The bike makes available 12 levels of resistance, while previous Sunny Health & Fitness recumbent bike models, such as the SF-RB4905, only have 8 tension levels. The first level of resistance is fairly light, providing little pedaling difficulty. Conversely, the 12th level offers considerably more pedal tension, great for anyone who wants to improve strength and stamina.
Drive system
The exact weight of the bike’s internal flywheel is not specified. But considering that the bike has a very similar drive 
and resistance unit as the Sunny SF-E320047 elliptical, its flywheel probably weighs the same (11 lbs – 5 kg). It is perimeter-weighted, for improved inertia. It is also bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want.
The bike is equipped with a belt drive system. It uses a PJ390 poly-v rubber belt highly resistant to abrasion and stretching. As opposed to a chain drive, the belt transmission doesn’t require lubrication. It also delivers slightly less vibration than a chain so the pedaling motion is very smooth.
The crankset features a large pulley made of strong thermoplastic material and two solid steel crank arms. The arms are chrome-plated and have a flat structure similar to the crank arms of road bikes. However, since this is a recumbent bike, it is not meant for pedaling while standing up.
The included pedals are made of a durable ABS material. They have adjustable straps so you can secure your feet on them, if necessary. They also have weight elements, so they self-level if you remove your feet from them. The exact Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) of the bike is not specified. But as a general idea, it’s a pretty narrow Q-Factor, so your feet assume a pretty comfortable position on the pedals, while the pedaling motion doesn’t generate extra lateral stress on your knees and ankles.
Console
The Sunny Health & Fitness Elite Interactive Series SF-RB420046 recumbent bike includes a multi-function console. 
First of all, its display is divided into several sub-sections, in order to show as many workout metrics as possible at once, which is a plus. It tracks time, speed, RPM, distance, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance are shown in imperial units. The pulse reading function is grip only; the console cannot read pulse from a wireless transmitter.
Like all the other fitness machines in the Elite Interactive series, the Sunny SF-RB420046 has Bluetooth connectivity. In other words, you can sync the bike with your phone or tablet via the SunnyFit app, through a Bluetooth connection. The app is free and available for both iOS and Android systems. It offers access to a database of workout videos with trainers, it gives you the possibility to track your progress online and view your performance in real-time. Plus, you can benefit from virtual rides based on various beautiful locations in the world.
The installation and usage of the app are not necessary, though. Even though the console does not have pre-set programs, you can still set workout goals for time, distance, calories, and pulse. It also has a pulse recovery function and a body fat function (these two have quick access keys on the console). The pulse recovery function requires you to hold on to the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars. It counts your pulse when you finish the workout and based on the BPM cooldown, it rates your fitness performance (F1 – excellent, F6 – poor). The Body Fat function will prompt you to input data such as weight, height, gender, and age; based on your input, it will calculate your body mass index.
Finally, the console is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you press one of the buttons. It also automatically turns off after 4 minutes of inactivity on the bike. In idle mode, the display shows time, date, and room temperature.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s drive and resistance system comes pre-assembled and attached to the base frame. The other parts require user assembly, though. You will basically have to attach the two base bars, the pedals, the seat, the front mast, the front handlebars, and the console. This may take more than one hour of your time, but the manual provides clear, step-by-step assembly instructions accompanied by detailed schematics. Tools for the assembly are also included.
The bike’s internal mechanism doesn’t require any lubrication. In fact, once the bike is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. All you have to do is keep the bike clean and periodically inspect it to make sure that there are no broken or loose parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on both base bars;
- Two sets of handlebars;
- Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive system;
- Large pedals with straps;
- 12 levels of magnetic resistance;
- Multi-function console – it tracks time, distance, RPM, calories, speed, and heart rate;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, calories, and pulse;
- Body Fat and Recovery functions;
- Bluetooth connectivity – compatible with the SunnyFit app;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Batteries for the fitness monitor are included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Tools for assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- The console display doesn’t have backlight;
- A tablet placed on the device holder will cover the console display.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness Elite Interactive Series SF-RB420046 is a recumbent bike made for home use. It features a 12-level magnetic resistance system, a large, comfortable seat, and a pretty sturdy overall construction with a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs. The bike also includes a console that tracks the most important workout metrics, has Bluetooth connectivity, and is compatible with the SunnyFit app.