Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB1117 Review
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB1117 Magnetic Folding Recumbent Bike is one of the most useful recumbent bikes on the market today.
While it’s a fusion of a recumbent bike and an upright bike, it has a small footprint and it can be even smaller when folded, offers a significant amount of resistance, and is pretty comfortable to use. Plus, it’s one of the most affordably priced recumbent bikes.
Published: January 21, 2022.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB1117 Specifications
- Dimensions when assembled: 32 x 20 x 46 inches (81 x 50 x 117 cm) (L x W x H)
- Weight when assembled: 37 lbs. (16 kg)
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Maximum user weight capacity: 220 lbs. (100 kg)
- Warranty: 3 years on frame, 180 days on parts
Features of Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB1117 Magnetic Folding Recumbent Bike
Assembly
Assembly of the Sunny SF-RB1117 is very easy. Some parts like the brake and drive system come already assembled i.e. attached to the frame. Even the two main parts of the frame are attached already. Thus, users only need to attach the bases of the frame, seat post, seat and backrest, pedals, handlebars, and console.
This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes although the user is not very tech-savvy. The user’s manual with detailed assembly instructions and tools required are included in the package.
Frame
The frame of the Sunny SF-RB1117 is solid, made of steel, and coated with anti-corrosive silver paint. Plus it also has stylish pink covers which offers the bike a cute look. Drive and braking system covers are the only plastic parts. Although it’s specified as supporting users up to 220 lbs. it’s strong enough to support users up to 250 lbs.
However, it’s designed for light workout routines and not for heavy spinning. Hence it doesn’t provide a good posture for a workout while standing up.
Stability
Since the Sunny SF-RB1117 has a fairly high center of gravity, is very narrow, and doesn’t have a broad base, it is somewhat wobbly and unstable.
Size
The Sunny SF-RB1117 is ideal for small spaces like apartments due to its small size. Moreover, it’s foldable. This feature scores over other models that are not generally foldable.
Console
The console of the Sunny SF-RB1117 is fairly basic, suitable just for the bike’s low price. Its digital display shows workout metrics like distance traveled, time spent exercising, calories burned, and scan. It operates on 2 AA batteries that are included in the package.
Seat and Backrest
The seat of the Sunny SF-RB1117 is a bit different than the seat of an average recumbent bike. It’s a standard seat having an adjustable backrest and lateral handlebars. Both seat and backrest are cushioned. The seat is 10.5” long and 9.5” wide and has a 2.5” thick cushion. Although it doesn’t offer a lot of comfort typical to most other recumbent bike models, it does offer just enough comfort for a workout.
The seat is adjustable so as to accommodate users in the range of heights from 4’11” (150cm) to 6’ (183cm) as specified by the manufacturer. However, the lower height is actually 5’4” as users shorter than 5’4” find their legs not reaching the pedals. Users taller than 6 feet can also exercise on this bike though they won’t benefit from full leg stretch.
Handlebars
There are two sets of handlebars on the Sunny SF-RB1117, one attached to the front mast and the other attached to the seat assembly. They are non-adjustable; however, they offer the possibility of many workout postures. Their handles are also well-padded with rubber foam and thus offer a firm and ergonomic grip.
Resistance and Drive System
The drive system of the Sunny SF-RB1117 is belt-powered, requiring only a little maintenance. The resistance system is magnetic thus providing a very quiet and smooth operation and low maintenance.
Resistance is adjustable and has 8 levels. With the twist of a very convenient tension knob placed on the front mast, users can easily increase or reduce the resistance. However, the highest resistance level can offer only a medium intensity exercise since this bike is not designed for heavy training or spinning.
Pedals
The crank of the Sunny SF-RB1117 is pretty solid and made of steel, having standard textured pedals that have adjustable toe straps for improved foot stability.
Portability
Thanks to the transport wheels on front base bars, the Sunny SF-RB1117 can be easily moved to store away after a workout.
Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, the Sunny SF-RB1117 doesn’t require much maintenance. The internal parts are lubricated already, whereas the drive system doesn’t need lubrication at all. Thus, users just have to keep the bike clean and store it in a dry place, and keep it dry, particularly the console.
Pros of Sunny SF-RB1117
- Inexpensive yet strongly built
- Sturdy, durable and stable
- Easy on joints, therefore great for elderly users and physiotherapy
- Adjustable seat and backrest
- Small footprint
- Foldable design
- Quiet and smooth operation
- Can be easily relocated and stored away
- Almost no maintenance required
- Easy assembly
Cons of Sunny SF-RB1117
- A little wobbly due to high center of gravity and narrow base
- Backrest doesn’t provide adequate lumbar support
- Seat handlebars rather close to the seat which is right for a slimmer user, but heavier users may find it too tight
- Design may be a problem while mounting and dismounting for users who have had an injury and need rehab training
Bottom Line
The Sunny SF-RB1117 is a slim, strong, and durable recumbent bike that can last quite long if used carefully. Being an exercise machine designed for light to medium workouts, it’s excellent for physiotherapy and rehab training.
Although it cannot offer very high-intensity training, it burns up to 300 calories per hour and helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. With its sturdiness and other impressive features, it offers the best price to quality ratio.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to follow Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB1117 Magnetic Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
