| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness meter | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-RB4601 Check Discounted Price | L:56" W:28.5" H:43" | 300 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Calories, Distance, Speed, Pulse, SCAN | Frame: 1 year Parts: 90 days |
The Sunny SF-RB4601 is one of the most affordable recumbent bikes available at the moment. It’s also one of the newest models from Sunny Health & Fitness. It’s quite similar to the SF-RB921 model, but there are several differences between the two. In all, it’s a simple recumbent bike, made for home use, featuring a basic stats meter and magnetic resistance.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 56L x 28.5W x 43H inches (142L x 72W x 109H cm)
- Assembled weight: 65 lbs (29.4 kg)
- Max. user weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Handlebars: With pulse sensors
- Pedals: With straps
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Performance monitor: Basic
- Warranty: Frame 1 year / Parts 90 days
Resistance system
The Sunny SF-RB4601 features a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t have to connect it to a power source in order to make available the resistance levels. The 
bike’s brake consists of a magnetic pad connected via cable to a resistance knob situated on the front post. To adjust resistance, you simply turn the knob in order to adjust the distance of the magnetic pad in relation to the flywheel.
This recumbent exercise bike offers 8 levels of resistance. The first (1-2) resistance settings are quite light, while the top ones (7-8) do offer quite a bit of challenge. But nonetheless, this is far from being a bike for strength training or intensive cardio. Like most bikes within this price range, it’s designed for light to medium cardio exercise, with a minimal impact on your joints and back.
Pedaling in reverse is possible on this bike, and it retains the current resistance setting. Also, when pedaling backwards, the fitness meter continues to track your values.
Drive system
Like most magnetic exercise bikes, this particular Sunny model features a belt-drive system, using a heavy-duty belt. This means the bike’s operation is smooth and quiet, while the belt 
doesn’t require lubrication like a chain transmission would.
The bike’s pulley is made of heavy-duty nylon material, finished with steel cranks. Evidently, this crankset doesn’t support stand-up pedaling like a spin bike for example. It’s made to pedaling only from seated position.
The flywheel is not extremely heavy, (approx 8 lbs) but still, it’s a perimeter weighted type, offering a consistent momentum, and enough stability for a really smooth ride.
One last aspect to mention here regards the pedals. The set of pedals supplied are made of heavy duty plasic material, and feature adjustable straps.
Frame construction and parts
The main chassis of this Sunny exercise bike is a one piece part, quite different from the older SF-RB921 model. It’s made of square tubing, while the bases and the front, console post are cylindrical. All steel tubes are coated with an anti-corrosive, gray enamel. The flywheel and pulley guards are made of plastic material though.
When fully assembled, this fitness machine is not too large for a recumbent bike. It takes 56″L x 28.5″W (142 x 72 cm) of floor space, while the top of the backrest reaches approx. 43″ (109 cm) high. The frame is quite sturdy, being able to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). Also, considering its design and overall length, this exercise bike can accommodate comfortably, users between 5’00” – 6’3″ (152 – 190 cm). Taller users should also be able to use this bike, but without the advantage of a full leg extension.
The seat is adjustable, but it features its own adjustment rail with a lever, unlike the frame
of the SF-RB921, which is actually fixed on the rear part of the frame. You can lock it into a position closer or farther in relation to the pedals, and you don’t actually have to adjust the frame’s size. Adjusting the seat is quite easy. You simply pull the lever underneath it, and slide it forward or backward, until you find the position that feels the most comfortable to you.
The backrest of the seat is non-adjustable. Both backrest and seat are pretty wide, featuing 2″ (5 cm) of foam cushioning, in order to provide all the comfort required for an enjoyable ride. The armrests are covered with rubber-foam material, and also integrate stainless steel pulse sensors. Thus, the console is able to track pulse.
This exercise bike doesn’t have front handlebars though, and that’s one of the reasons it’s a bit cheaper than other models within this price range. Also, the frame bases don’t have transport wheels. However, the bike is not very heavy. When fully assembled it weighs approx 65 lbs (29.4 kg), and almost anyone should be able to lift and relocate it if its the case.
Fitness meter
The machine’s console is a pretty basic one. It can monitor time, speed, distance, calories and pulse. In order for it to track your pulse, you must hold onto the sensors on the seat handlebars. It also has a SCAN function, which cycles through these values indicating each one of them for a few seconds, then moving to the next and so on. However, you can lock one of the values to be shown on screen at all times, in case you’re not interested by the others.
The meter is pretty easy to operate. It features 3 buttons: Set, Reset and Mode, which cover all the functions. It uses 2-AA batteries, and it’s powered on when you begin pedaling or when pressing one of the buttons.
Assembly and Maintenance
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4601 is quite easy to put together. In fact, the most difficult parts to assemble (i.e flywheel, pulley, cranks and brake) are already assembled. You only need to attach the bases to the main frame, the seat, and the console. Manual and tools required are supplied.
Maintenance doesn’t require any internal lubrication, as this is a belt-drive bike. Also, the brake parts don’t touch each other, being virtually wear-and-tear free, so they won’t require any replacement after a while. Therefore, maintenance basically requires keeping the bike free of dust, and removing perspiration that may fall on the frame after your workouts.
The Pros
- Solid frame for a light recumbent bike;
- Adjustable seat position, for users between 5′ – 6’3″ ;
- Cushioned seat and backrest, for maximum comfort;
- Quiet magnetic brake system;
- Adjustable resistance (8 levels);
- Pedals with adjustable straps;
- Fitness meter included;
- Easy to assemble and operate;
- Lightweight, easy to handle;
- Little to no maintenance required;
- Great value for the price.
The Cons
- No front handlebars.
Bottom Line
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RB4061 is quite an affordable recumbent bike. It features a durable construction, and offers the possibility of light to medium cardio workouts. In other words, it’s a great bike for toning muscles, keeping a healthy cardiovascular shape, and building stamina. It’s also great for anyone who requires recovery training, as the workouts feature a minimal impact on the joints. Overall, it’s a great bike offering excellent value for the price.