| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-RB4417 Check Discounted Price | L:57.5" W:25" H:40.5" | 300 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Scan | Frame: 3 years Parts: 180 days |
Although the Sunny SF-RB4417 is not exactly one of the newest recumbent bikes from Sunny Health & Fitness, it hasn’t been discontinued yet and still benefits from 4-5-star reviews from all users. It’s a basic and affordable trainer great for light to medium cardio training. It offers a range of features similar to the Body Xtreme Fitness BXF003. However, it has a different frame construction.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 57.5L x 25W x 40.5H inches (146L x 64W x 103H cm)
- Assembled weight: 54 lbs (24.4 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: Weighted, with straps
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, distance, speed, calories, pulse, scan
- Warranty: Frame 3 years, Parts 180 days
Frame construction
The Sunny SF-RB4417 recumbent bike features a frame construction similar to the Schwinn A20. It reminds
of the frame of a rowing machine. It has a central rail which serves as adjustment base for the seat which attaches to the front section of the unit which integrates the drive and resistance elements. This rail is also reinforced by a curved bar attached underneath it. Therefore, the bike can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
Needless to say, the bike’s frame is made of steel, with the exception of the front covers of the drive and resistance elements. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint; the color used is light gray, this being the only color available for this unit.
The fully assembled bike isn’t extremely heavy. It weighs only 54 lbs (24.4 kg). Thus, its transport and assembly shouldn’t be a problem for only one person. Once the unit is assembled, its relocation can be done with ease as its front base integrates two small wheels. Also, its rear base has adjustable polygonal caps so you can level the unit on an irregular floor if needed.
This Sunny exercise bike isn’t extremely large. However, it still takes approx. 57.5″L x 25″W (146 x 64 cm) of floor space. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it. This being said, it may not fit too well in a small room.
Seat and handlebars
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4417 is equipped with a comfort seat. Its bottom section is 11.5″L x 15.25″
(29 x 39 cm) offering plenty of contact surface. It integrates 2″ (5 cm) of foam cushioning and has a durable vinyl upholstery.
The backrest has a rectangular shape. It features the same upholstery and cushioning as the bottom part. Its exact dimensions are not specified, but as a general idea, it is slightly narrower than the seat. In all, it provides excellent lumbar support and firmness for a comfortable ride.
Both the seat and the backrest are attached to the same bar. This being said, the backrest cannot be adjusted independently from the seat. It does not offer any reclining possibilities. However, the whole seat assembly is adjustable. The adjustment rail offers more than 10 adjustment positions with a spacing of approx. 1″ (2.5 cm) in-between. It’s designed to accommodate users with an inseam between 24″ and 38″ (61 – 96 cm). In other words, it should fit users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 193 cm) with no problem.
The bike only has one set of handlebars. These are attached to the seat assembly. The front mast does not have handlebars; it’s also fairly short compared to other recumbent bikes, such as the Tunturi F20-R, for example. However, this is one of the reasons the bike is one of the most affordable at the moment.
The seat handlebars do not adjust independently from the seat, just as the backrest. Their grips are rubberized and they integrate metallic pulse sensors.
Resistance and drive
The Sunny SF-RB4417 recumbent exercise bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. It
has an internal magnetic brake connected to the tension knob on the front mast via a steel cable. When you turn the knob clockwise, the brake moves closer to the flywheel which increases the intensity of the internal magnetic field. This results in increased pedaling tension.
The bike’s resistance system is completely mechanical. This means you don’t have to connect it to a power source. Also, the console is battery-powered and does not play any role in the resistance adjustment.
The tension knob makes available 8 resistance levels. The first level provides little resistance, which makes it adequate for users who require recovery training. Conversely, the 8th level of resistance delivers a better workout for the legs and gives you the possibility to achieve a higher heart rate in a shorter period of time.
The weight of the internal flywheel is not specified. But considering the total weight of the bike, it shouldn’t weigh more than 10-15 lbs. It is perimeter-weighted, though, in order to provide a smoother motion and a more consistent momentum. It is also bi-directional; in other words, pedaling in reverse is possible.
The crankset features solid steel crank arms. They’re equipped with heavy-duty nylon pedals which have a weighted design. Therefore, they always turn face-up if you remove your feet from them. They’re also equipped with adjustable straps.
Last but not least, the bike’s drive system uses a durable v-belt. This being said, you don’t have to go through the hassle of lubricating the drivetrain. Also, the pedaling motion is very quiet and vibration is almost inexistent.
Exercise meter
As we’ve mentioned above, the bike’s console does not play any role in the resistance adjustment. It does not have
any preset programs, nor it has online connectivity. It’s a simple exercise meter which tracks the main workout metrics, including time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse.
The unit is very easy to use. It only has one button which allows you to select any of the aforementioned workout metrics, or to select the Scan Mode. When this function is selected, the unit rotates all the metrics showing each one for several seconds. The button also covers the Reset function. You can press and hold it for a few seconds to clear all the values to zero.
The meter unit is not telemetric. In other words, it cannot monitor your pulse through a wireless HR chest strap. It can only read your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the handlebars.
Last but not least, the console unit requires 2 AA batteries as its power source. These are included with the bike. It also turns off automatically after four minutes of inactivity on the bike, to increase battery life.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s drive and resistance elements are already assembled, attached to the front part of the frame and secured by the two ABS covers. Therefore, you only have to attach the pedals, the console mast, the console, connect the seat frame to the main rail, connect the rail to the front part, connect the two base stabilizers, and finally add the seat and backrest cushions. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The task is quite straightforward but the manual provides very clear step-by-step instructions. Also, a basic toolkit is included.
Since the bike features a belt drive system, it doesn’t need internal maintenance, at least not for a very long period of time. So, in terms of maintenance, you only have to keep the unit clean and periodically check for loose parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy, steel frame – 300 lbs capacity
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Cushioned seat with a large and firm backrest;
- Multiple adjustment positions for the seat (the bike can accommodate users up to 6’4″);
- Quiet magnetic resistance system;
- Adjustable resistance offering distinctive 8 levels;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Exercise meter that can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little to no maintenance required;
- Decent warranty.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- No front handlebars;
- The meter display does not have backlight.
Summary
The Sunny SF-RB4417 is a basic recumbent bike designed for home use. It is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system, a quiet belt drive, and a basic fitness meter. It does have a pulse reading function and a very comfortable seat, though. It’s an exercise bike for light to medium-intensity cardio training, recovery training, muscle toning, and weight loss. And finally, it’s an affordable trainer, currently available for less than $200.