| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Bike computer | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-B2511H Check Discounted Price | L:41" W:24" H:56" | 220 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Basic | Frame: 1 year Mechanical: 90 days |
The SF-B2511H is one of the newest exercise bike models from Sunny Health & Fitness for 2016. It’s also one of the most affordable upright bikes that you can find at the moment. Its frame construction, drive and resistance systems are similar to the Marcy ME708, but it does offer several pluses over the Marcy bike model. In this review we’ll cover each and every aspect regarding this bike, also focusing on these pluses.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41L x 24W x 56H inches (104 x 61 x 142 cm)
- Product weight: 49 lbs (22.2 kg)
- Max. weight capacity: 220 lbs (99.7 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With straps
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Performance monitor: Basic
- Accessories: Tablet holder
- Warranty: Frame 1 year / Parts 90 days
Frame and parts
Like many other upright bikes, this Sunny exercise bike features a frame made of steel tubing. All steel parts including the seat post, are coated with corrosion resistant silver paint. The guards of the resistance mechanism are made of plastic material though.
Although this upright bike has a larger footprint than the Marcy model and several other models, it still doesn’t take a lot of space. It features a 41″L x 24″W (104 x 61 cm) footprint, thus it can easily fit in smaller rooms. However, the frame cannot be folded.
The rear frame base is curved, in order to provide extra stability for the bike. The front base is a simple, straight bar, but does integrate small transport wheels, to facilitate the relocation of the bike after you’ve finished your workout. The fully assembled bike is not too heavy though. At 49 lbs (22.2 kg) of weight, just about anyone should be able to transport it without too much trouble.
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-B2511H features a 4-way adjustable seat. It’s quite a 
generic seat, without a lot of cushioning, but it’s much wider than the seats of indoor cycling bikes, thus offering superior comfort.
The bike can support users up to 220 lbs (100 kg). Even though the frame is pretty solid, and could probably withstand even heavier users, the seat’s horizontal adjustment bar would probably bend. This is actually the element that gives the bike’s 220 lbs weight capacity. Also, when it comes to user height, this bike can accommodate users up to 6’2″ (188 cm). Taller users should also be able to exercise on this bike, but may not benefit from a full leg extension.
Last but not least, the bike’s handlebar is non-adjustable. It features a multi-grip design an it’s covered by rubber foam material to supply a comfortable grip. It integrates stainless steel pulse sensors, the bike’s fitness meter also being able to track your pulse.
Resistance and drive
As the title suggests, this Sunny Health and Fitness bike features a magnetic resistance system. It does not require to be connected to a power circuit though. The resistance 
system consists of a small, adjustable pad with magnets attached to it, connected to a resistance knob via a steel wire. It moves closer or farther in relation to the bike’s flywheel as you turn the tension knob, generating more or less resistance.
As a general idea, the 8 levels of resistance specified on the tension knob can offer workouts from very light to medium intensity. The 1-3 levels are easy to undertake, recommended for users who require a low impact workout. However, the 7-8 resistance settings do offer a more consistent workout, simulating the climb of a hill. Differently put, a person with a lower level of fitness should be sweating after a few minutes of pedaling while using these levels.
When it comes to the bike’s drive system, the first element to mention is its flywheel. It uses a small flywheel, but balanced, with most of its weight in its perimeter. Due to this fact, the pedaling motion is quite smooth and stable. The bike’s crank arms are made of solid steel. However, keep in mind that this is an upright bike, not a spin bike. It’s not made for spin workouts; in other words, it’s not made for pedaling in full stand-up position, as the crankset may not hold that much pressure.
The pedals are made of heavy-duty nylon material, featuring straps with three adjustment positions. They have a non-slip surface, and they’re also weighted. However, just like in most upright exercise bikes, they don’t have clips for spin shoes.
This bike is belt-driven, which means that pedaling is pretty quiet. It’s definitely a bike 
suited for apartment use as your workouts will generate very little noise, far from being loud enough to bother the neighbors. Also, since it’s belt driven, maintenance of the transmission is inexistent.
One last aspect to mention here regards the pedaling motion. Even though it’s a magnetic exercise bike, pedaling in reverse is possible. Due to this fact, you can diversify your workouts a little. But, keep in mind that pedaling in reverse is done at the selected resistance level. “Coasting” on this bike is not possible. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the fitness meter will continue to track your statistics.
Fitness meter and tablet holder
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B2511H upright bike is equipped with a basic fitness meter. It can track speed, time, distance, calories burned and pulse. It features a SCAN
function which cycles throughout all these values, keeping each one of them on screen for several seconds. However, you can select any of the statistics to be displayed on screen at all time.
The meter features only one button which covers all its functions. Evidently, the unit is easy to operate. It’s powered on when it detects activity on the pedals, or you can also turn it on by pressing the button. The same button is used to navigate through the statistics and select the one that you want to be displayed, in case you don’t want to keep it on SCAN mode. Also, by pressing and holding the button, you can reset all the statistics to default.
The meter uses two AA-type batteries which are not included.
When it comes to the tablet holder, the one supplied with this bike is much better than in other bike models. First of all, its angle is adjustable, which is great as sometimes 1-2 degrees can make a lot of difference when viewing the screen of a tablet or smartphone. Second of all, it features a grid of suction cup holds, which will secure your tablet perfectly in place. The tablet holder is 10.5″ (26.6 cm) long, and 7.5″ (19 cm), being able to accommodate just about any tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
This Sunny exercise bike does not come fully assembled. However, the drive and resistance elements come already attached to the frame and sealed by the lateral guards. You will only need to attach the bases, the handlebar and seat posts, the seat and handlebars themselves, and finally the console and table holder. Manual and tools for assembly are supplied.
When it comes to maintenance, lubrication for the moving parts of the bike is not needed. It’s basically a maintenance free fitness machine. In terms of maintenance, the only thing to do is check its joints, bolts and nuts from time to time, an re-tighten them if it’s the case.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction, elegant design;
- Small footprint;
- Comfortable seat, 4-way adjustable;
- Magnetic resistance, with 8 distinctive settings, for light to medium cardio;
- Handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Angle-adjustable tablet holder;
- Fitness meter included;
- Quiet and smooth drive;
- Basically maintenance free.
The Cons
- Not a bike for tall users. Most users over 6’2″ may not benefit from a full leg
extension; - User weight capacity only 220 lbs.
Final Word
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-B2511H is an upright bike designed for light to medium cardio exercise. It’s great for toning muscles, keeping a healthy cardiovascular shape, regaining strength and stamina, recovery training, and of course, for losing weight. It’s a bike featuring manual magnetic resistance, with 8 tension levels, and by using the 7-8 resistance settings you can actually benefit from a more consistent workout, which should be able to help you burn up to 5-600 calories per hour. Overall, it’s a well constructed exercise bike, with a sturdy frame and quiet operation, great for apartment use. And finally, since it costs less than $200, it offers excellent value for the price.