Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike SF-RB4417 Review
Sunny SF-RB4417 Magnetic Recumbent Bike by Sunny Health & Fitness has been there for quite some time and is still enjoying a good users’ response. It’s been designed as a basic and affordable training machine for light to moderate cardio training.
Published: January 20, 2022.
Sunny SF-RB4417 Specifications
- Dimensions when assembled: 57.5 x 25 x 40.5 inches (146 x 64 x 103 cm) (L x W x H)
- Weight when assembled: 54 lbs. (24.4 kg)
- Resistance: 8 levels, manual, magnetic
- Maximum user weight capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg)
- Warranty: 3 years on frame, 180 days on frame
Features of Sunny SF-RB4417 Magnetic Recumbent Bike
Assembly
The drive and resistance of the Sunny SF-RB4417 come already assembled, connected to the front part of the frame and secured by two ABS covers. Thus users only need to attach pedals, console mast and console, connect the two base stabilizers, connect the seat frame to the main rail and rail to the front part and lastly add the seat and backrest.
This entire task shouldn’t take more than an hour. It’s pretty straightforward; plus, the manual contains very detailed and clear instructions. The basic toolkit is also included.
Frame
The frame of the Sunny SF-RB4417 is similar to that of a rowing machine. It consists of a central rail which provides the seat an adjustable base and connects to the front part of the unit which includes the drive and resistance components.
This rail has been added with a curved bar beneath it for extra strength so that the bike can accommodate users of weight up to 300 lbs.
Quite obviously, the frame is made of steel, except the front covers of the drive and resistance components. The steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint. The bike comes in light gray color.
Size
The bike isn’t very large although it takes up around 57.5″L x 25″W (146 x 64 cm) of floor space. Also, leaving a clearance of at least two feet around it is recommended. All in all, it may not fit too perfectly in a small room.
Console
The bike’s LCD console doesn’t have any role in adjusting resistance. It doesn’t even feature any preset programs nor does it have online connectivity. All in all, it’s a simple console to help users track main exercise metrics like distance, time, speed, calories burned and pulse.
It’s also very easy to use featuring only one button that allows users to choose any of the above-mentioned workout metrics or to select the Scan Mode. Upon selecting this mode, all the metrics are seen rotating with each one shown for many seconds.
The button also offers a Reset function. Users can just keep it pressed for a few seconds to bring all the values to zero.
It’s not telemetric, i.e. it cannot monitor users’ pulse through a wireless HR chest strap. It can read the pulse only if users hold on to the sensors fitted into the handlebars.
The console needs 2 AA batteries as a power source. These are included with the Sunny SF-RB4417. The console turns off automatically upon four minutes of inactivity, to maintain the battery life.
Seat and Backrest
The Sunny SF-RB4417 features a comfortable seat with its bottom section 11.5″ (29cm) long and 15.25″ (39 cm) wide that offers ample contact surface. It features 2″ (5 cm) thick foam cushioning and durable vinyl upholstery.
The bike is also equipped with a rectangular backrest that features the same type of cushioning and upholstery as the seat does. It’s a bit narrower than the seat but offers very good firm lumbar support for a comfortable ride.
The seat as well as the backrest are attached to the same bar. However, users cannot adjust the backrest individually from the seat. It also doesn’t have any reclining features. However, the entire seat assembly can be adjusted in over 10 adjustment positions with a gap of around 1″ (2.5 cm) in-between. It’s meant to fit users with an inseam from 24″ (61 cm) to 38″ (96 cm). Thus it should accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 193 cm) of height without any problem.
Handlebars
The Sunny SF-RB4417 features only one set of handlebars that are attached to the seat assembly. There are no handlebars on the front mast. The bike is also quite short when compared to other recumbent bikes.
However, this also contributes to its affordable price among other factors.
The seat handlebars cannot be adjusted individually from the seat, just like the backrest. They have rubberized grips and integrated metallic pulse sensors.
Resistance
The bike comes with a manual magnetic resistance system. There is an internal magnetic brake on the bike connected via a steel cable to the tension knob on the front mast.
When the knob is turned clockwise, the brake moves nearer the flywheel, increasing the intensity of the internal magnetic field which causes increased pedaling tension.
The resistance system is totally mechanical which means that users don’t have to connect it to a power source. Even the console is battery-powered and doesn’t have any role in adjusting the resistance.
The tension knob offers 8 resistance levels. The first one provides only a little resistance which is sufficient for users needing recovery training. On the other hand, the 8th level of resistance offers a better workout for legs and creates the possibility of achieving a higher heart rate quickly.
Drive
Considering the total weight of the Sunny SF-RB4417, the weight of its internal flywheel should not be more than 10-15 lbs. However, it’s perimeter-weighted, so as to offer a smoother movement and a more consistent momentum. Being bi-directional, it allows reverse pedaling too.
Crank arms in the crank set are of solid steel and are equipped with strong nylon pedals that have a weighted design. Therefore if users remove feet from them they always turn face-up. They also feature adjustable straps.
The drive system uses a strong V-belt. Users don’t have to face the hassle of lubricating the drivetrain. The pedaling movement is extremely quiet and vibration doesn’t almost exist.
Portability
The Sunny SF-RB4417 is not a particularly heavy bike. Its weight is only 54 lbs. (24.4 kg). Thus assembling and moving it is not very difficult even if conducted by only one person. Since its front base features two small wheels, it can be easily relocated to a new location after assembly. Moreover, its rear base features adjustable polygonal caps with which users can level the unit if the floor is uneven.
Maintenance
Because the Sunny SF-RB4417 has a belt drive system, it doesn’t require internal maintenance, at least not for a quite long period of time. Therefore, users just have to keep the machine clean and regularly check for any loose parts.
Pros of Sunny SF-RB4417
- Sturdy steel frame
- Transport wheels and adjustable stabilizers on the front and rear bases respectively
- Pulse sensors in seat handlebars
- Cushioned seat and large and firm backrest
- Seat can be adjusted to multiple positions and thus the bike can accommodate users up to 6’4”
- 8 levels of resistance
- Quiet magnetic resistance system
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps
- Quite easy to assemble
- Easy to use
- Little to no maintenance
- Affordably priced
Cons of Sunny SF-RB4417
- No front handlebars
- No bottle holder
- Console display is not backlit
Bottom Line
The Sunny SF-RB4417 is a strong and affordable recumbent bike excellent for users who are looking for a light to medium cardio workout, recovery training, weight loss and muscle toning at home.
Although it’s a basic unit with a basic console and manual resistance system, its resistance system and belt drive is very quiet, and it has an adjustable and very comfortable seat to accommodate users of multiple heights and adjustable stabilizers to work smoothly on uneven surfaces.
All in all, the Sunny SF-RB4417 offers the best bang for the buck.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike - SF-RB4417 Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
