| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness meter | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-B901B Check Discounted Price | L:48.5" W:20" H:46.5" | 275 lbs | Felt-pads | No | Frame: 3 years Parts: 90 days |
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901B indoor cycling bike is almost identical to the older model, the Sunny SF-B901. The major difference between the two is that the B model features a belt drive system. It costs a little bit more than the version with a chain drive, but the belt drive does come with a series of benefits. Although it’s a basic exercise trainer, it features a sturdy construction, allowing you to perform all kinds of spin workouts.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 48.5L x 20W x 46.5H inches (123L x 51W x 118H cm)
- Product weight: 102 lbs (46.2 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18.1 kg)
- Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Bottle holder: Included
- Computer: No
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The Sunny SF-B901B features a frame made of rectangular steel tubing, coated with corrosion resistant paint. The finish used for this particular exercise bike model is gray, this being the only version available so far. The flywheel, the seat post and the handlebar upright post feature a
chrome finish. The crank arms coated with a black paint finish.
The bike is not extremely heavy; however, when fully assembled it does weigh over 100 lbs, delivering excellent stability. On top of that, the base bars are equipped with adjustable rubberized stabilizers, which give you the possibility to perfectly level the bike on any type of flooring.
The frame does not fold in any way. However, its front base integrates a set of silicone transport wheels which facilitate its relocation. By leaning the bike onto its front, transport wheels you won’t have to handle more than half of its total weight.
Like most spin bikes, this Sunny exercise bike doesn’t have a large footprint. Therefore, if you’re looking for an item of fitness equipment for cardio training and storage/usage space are a problem, this bike, or basically any spin bike, can be an excellent choice. The Sunny SF-B901B takes only 48.5″L x 20″W (123 x 51 cm) when fully assembled; thus, it should fit with no problem even in a smaller room or apartment. However, a clearance of at least two feet all around it is recommended, so that you can perform all the workouts without any hindrance.
Seat and handlebars
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901B indoor cycling bike features a pretty standard seat. It’s the regular slim seat that you can find in most spin bikes. It’s not designed for utmost comfort;
however, it does have a slightly contoured surface and integrates a thin layer of padding. It features a standard connection system to its adjustment post. Therefore, compatible, more comfortable options are highly available. Also, its cushioning can be improved by placing a gel seat cover or sheepskin cover on it.
The seat has 4-way adjustability (up, down, forward and backward). You can also slightly tilt it forward or backward if you want. Its upright post offers an adjustment span of 12.5″ (31.7 cm). It is designed to fit users with an inseam between 28.5″ and 41″ (72 – 104 cm), or differently put, users between 5’0″ – 6’5″ (152 – 195 cm).
The handlebar is only 2-way adjustable (up, down). It integrates a middle loop bar in order to provide a wider array of grips and workouts. It’s covered by a thin layer of rubber foam material for a secure and comfortable grip.
Both the seat and handlebars are easy to adjust. They are equipped with large knobs which can be gripped and turned with ease. Therefore, adjusting the bike to your own size shouldn’t take more than a minute.
Drive system
As we’ve mentioned above, this Sunny exercise bike is a “B” model, which stands for “belt”. It’s equipped with a heavy-duty rubber belt, designed to last for many years of use, without stretching or losing durability. This belt drive system comes with several advantages. To begin
with, it doesn’t generate as much noise as a chain drive (although, a chain isn’t extremely loud either), being almost silent. Also, a belt drive doesn’t require lubrication, doesn’t catch rust etc.
The Sunny SF-B901B is equipped with a very solid crankset, with steel crank arms designed to support the user in standing up pedaling routines, or spinning workouts of all sorts. The bike’s weight capacity is 275 lbs (125 kg), so as long as you don’t exceed this weight, you should be able to stand up on the pedals without the fear that they will break.
The crank arms are finished with metallic pedals, with toe cages and straps for an extra thrust during pedaling. However, they do not integrate SPD elements for spin shoes. But on the other hand, they have standard threads so you can easily find replacements for them.
This Sunny exercise bike is equipped with a bi-directional flywheel. This means you can pedals in reverse as well. However, if you stop pedaling, the flywheel and the pedals will continue to spin so it is strongly recommended to use the emergency break to stop it before changing the way of pedaling, in order to avoid injuries.
The flywheel of this indoor cycling trainer is fairly heavy, weighing 40 lbs (18.1 kg). It is perimeter weighted, designed to deliver a consistent momentum and a smooth pedaling motion. But due to its weight, the bike is not recommended for users who must undergo recovery training after any kind of leg surgery. In this case, an upright bike or a recumbent bike such as the Nautilus U618 or Schwinn M17 270 is a better choice.
Resistance system
The Sunny SF-B901B exercise bike is equipped with a friction resistance system slightly different than most other spin bikes. Its brake reminds more of a standard road bike brake than the average brake of most indoor cycle trainers. It uses two brake pads which come in contact
with the flywheel from each side, rather than only one, top-to-down brake pad. This doesn’t have any impact on the pedaling feel, though.
The bike’s brake is attached via a steel cable to the knob mounted on the main frame tube. By turning the knob clockwise, the pads tighten onto the flywheel generating more resistance. There aren’t any resistance levels (or clicks) specified on the resistance knob. You simply turn it until you obtain the required amount of resistance for your workout.
The resistance knob is also equipped with a small lever, which fulfills the role of an emergency brake. When pushing the lever down, it will lift up the knob, tightening the brake onto the flywheel at maximum and instantly stopping the flywheel. It is recommended to use this emergency brake when you change the way of pedaling or when you stop your workout, to avoid injuries. But this pretty much stands for just about any other spin bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901B indoor cycling bike is quite easy to put together. Its whole assembly shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. Most of the parts come pre-assembled. For example, the pulley, the belt, the brake system, and the flywheel are already attached to the main frame. Therefore, you will only have to attach the base tubes to the frame, the seat and the handlebars with their posts, and the pedals. The included manual provides all the necessary instructions for the assembly, while the tools required for it are also included.
Since the bike doesn’t have a chain drive, its transmission doesn’t require any maintenance. Therefore, you only have to check for loose bolts and parts from time to time. Also, in case the resistance pads develop a burnt scent due to friction, lubricating them with a little bit of silicone lubricant is an excellent solution.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction, with a decent weight capacity of 275 lbs (125 kg);
- Adjustable, rubberized stabilizers on both base tubes;
- Transport wheels;
- Accommodates users between 5’0″ – 6’5″;
- Fairly heavy, perimeter weighted flywheel, which delivers a consistent momentum and a smooth pedaling motion;
- Solid crank assembly, which can support all kinds of spin workouts, including standing up pedaling routines;
- Durable, metallic pedals with toe cages and standard threads;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Extra-quiet, maintenance-free belt drive;
- Basically limitless resistance settings;
- Bottle holder included;
- Little overall maintenance required;
- Really easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No fitness meter.
Bottom Line
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-B901B is an indoor cycling trainer designed for home use. It’s a bike made for spin workouts, being able to withstand users up to 275 lbs, standing up on the pedals. It features a standard friction resistance system, durable alloy pedals, and a 4-way adjustable seat. It’s an exercise bike for users of all levels, great for light to intense cardio, interval training, and weight loss. Although it’s not the most affordable exercise bike within this spec range, it’s still at least a few $100s cheaper than an authentic spin bike and does offer similar sturdiness and quality. Therefore, it definitely offers an excellent value for the price.