| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny P8400 Check Discounted Price | L:45" W:23" H:36.5" | 220 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Pulse, Goals, Scan | Frame: 3 years Parts: 180 days |
Although the Sunny P8400 is one of the Sunny Health & Fitness recumbent bikes released in 2016, it is still available at the moment. It’s a light-capacity exercise bike similar to the Marcy NS-716R model. However, it has a few extra features such as pulse sensors and a fitness monitor with a goal-setting function.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 45L x 23W x 36.5H inches (114L x 58W x 93H cm)
- Assembled weight: 48.5 lbs (22 kg)
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, pulse, goals, scan
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days
Frame construction
The Sunny Health & Fitness P8400 features a 2-piece frame made of cylindrical steel tubing. The rear piece 
that holds the seat connects on the base tube with the front piece that holds the drive and resistance elements. The longitudinal base bar of the rear piece also acts as a seat adjustment section.
All the steel parts in the bike’s construction are double-coated with a durable paint finish. The color used is white. The bike also integrates several parts made from durable thermoplastic, though. The most notable ones are the covers of the drive system, the casing of the fitness monitor, and several other small parts such as adjustment knobs, base bar caps, etc. The monitor and the drive system guards are pink for a warm, aesthetic touch, while the seat and the other plastic parts are black.
The Sunny P8400 is fairly small for a recumbent bike. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 45″ (114 cm) long, and 23″ (58 cm) wide. However, it still is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it for easy access and safe usage.
The bike is also pretty light. Its net weight is 48.5 lbs (22 kg). This being said, the packaged unit can be carried by only one person. Also, once it is assembled, it is even easier to relocate as its front base is equipped with transport wheels.
Seat and handlebars
The Sunny Health & Fitness P8400 recumbent bike is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. The
bottom pad is approx. 15″ (38 cm) wide and 10.5″ (26.6 cm) long, so it provides plenty of contact surface. Also, in case you’re wondering, the seat height is approx. 20.47″ (52 cm) above the floor level. Both the seat and the backrest integrate approx. 2″ (5 cm) of foam padding and have a thick vinyl cover which is pretty durable and easy to maintain.
The seat itself doesn’t attach to an adjustment rail like the seat of the XTERRA Fitness SB4500, for example. However, as we’ve mentioned above, the whole rear frame section along with the seat is adjustable. Its base bar has several adjustment holes and the bike should be able to accommodate users between 4’7″ and 5.7″ (140 – 170 cm). Although taller persons may still be able to use the bike, they may not benefit from a complete leg extension. Also, the seat is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 220 lbs (100 kg).
The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One attaches to the seat’s backbone, the other is already welded to the front mast of the bike. The seat handlebars have a fairly wide span. They integrate metallic pulse sensors and the included fitness monitor can track pulse.
The front handlebars have shorter grips without any sensors. They’re slightly curved towards the user in order to reduce the awkwardness of the position if holding them. None of the handlebars are adjustable. Both handlebar sets have PVC foam sleeves for improved contact.
Resistance system
The Sunny P8400 exercise bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. In other words, it is not
motorized, so you don’t need a power cord, power adapter, or an external power source for it. The only power source needed is a set of batteries for the fitness monitor.
The main resistance element is an internal magnetic brake that connects to the tension knob on the front tube of the bike via a steel cable. Therefore, if you turn the knob clockwise, the magnets will move closer to the bike’s flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.
The bike’s magnetic resistance system comes with a few advantages. First of all, since the magnets don’t touch the flywheel, the pedaling motion is very smooth. Second of all, since there is no internal friction, the bike generates almost no noise during use. And third of all, you don’t need to worry about used brake pads, their lubrication, or their replacement.
The bike has 8 resistance settings. The first three levels deliver a fairly low pedaling difficulty, great for warm-ups or recovery training. Conversely, the 7-8 tension levels provide considerably more resistance, great for stamina development and stabilizing muscle.
Drive system
The Sunny P8400 recumbent exercise bike is equipped with a belt drive system. This actually pretty much stands
for all exercise bikes that have a magnetic resistance system. It integrates a poly-v belt designed for superior traction. As opposed to a chain drive, the belt does not require periodic lubrication. It also delivers a smoother motion than a chain as it generates less vibration.
The bike’s internal inertial wheel is perimeter-weighted. This leads to more inertia and a more consistent overall pedaling motion. Its exact weight is not specified, but since the bike only weighs 48.5 lbs (22 kg), the flywheel itself probably doesn’t weigh more than 16 lbs (7.2 kg).
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse if you want. This offers the possibility to focus different muscle groups and alternate forward pedaling sessions with backward pedaling sessions. However, coasting is not possible on this bike.
The bike’s crankset features cylindrical, chrome-plated arms. The pedals have a metallic core but their outer shell is made from thermoplastic material. Evidently, they’re not meant for pedaling while standing up. They have adjustable straps and weight elements to self-level when you remove your feet from them.
Fitness monitor
The Sunny Health & Fitness P8400 recumbent exercise bike includes a fitness monitor that offers a few extra features
over a basic model. It is equipped with an LCD display that tracks time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance are shown in British Imperial units (MPH and miles) and there is no option for changing them to metric units. The pulse reading function is grip-only. This means that the monitor does not read your pulse from a wireless transmitter.
The monitor unit does not have Bluetooth connectivity, it is not compatible with any fitness apps, and does not have pre-set programs. However, it has countdown modes for time, distance, and calories. Therefore, you can set a workout goal for any of these three metrics, and the unit will count down from the selected value.
The monitor unit has three buttons – Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to select the workout metric that you want to view or select the Scan Mode. The Reset button clears all the values on the monitor to zero, except the odometer. The Set button is for setting the desired workout goals for time, distance, or calories burned.
The fitness monitor is battery-powered and requires a set of two AAA batteries. It begins tracking your workout data when you start pedaling. It also automatically turns off after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike. The monitor unit does not have a device holder.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front base unit of the bike with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. The rest of the parts require user assembly. You will basically have to attach the front base bar, the front upright bar, the fitness monitor, connect the rear frame part to the front frame part, add the seat pads, and the pedals. This may take more than an hour of your time, but the manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions. Also, all the tools necessary for the assembly are included.
For maintenance, the internal parts shouldn’t need any lubrication for a long period of time. Therefore, you only need to wipe off the sweat that may fall on the frame at the end of the workout, keep the bike clean, and periodically inspect it to make sure that all the parts hold tight in their places and all the moving parts function properly.
The Pros
- Pretty durable construction – can support users up to 220 lbs;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear base bar;
- Transport wheels on the front base bar;
- Two sets of handlebars included;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the seat handlebars;
- Padded seat and backrest, for superior comfort;
- Frictionless magnetic resistance with 8 distinct levels;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories burned;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little to no maintenance required.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- No device holder;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor display.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness P8400 is a recumbent bike made for home use. It is equipped with an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, a comfortable seat, two sets of handlebars, and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It is rated for a maximum user weight limit up to 220 lbs and should be able to accommodate users up to 5’7″. It’s a bike made for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.