The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike is an affordable no-frills recumbent exercise bike.
It has a good simple design which looks smart so won’t be an eyesore in your home.
It does come with some great features – it can be adjusted to fit a range of heights properly to allow for an effective workout, the resistance can be adjusted to suit different fitness levels and has a console for feedback to keep you motivated.
The thing that stands out most is its great price which definitely catches the eye. But the bike does need to be more than just a good price.
It seems from the customer reviews that it is but there a couple of things that you need to take into account and if you aren’t aware may leave you disappointed.
In the review look at how it holds up for getting a good low impact workout in your home.
Sturdiness
The basic design does mean that there is less that can go wrong.
When you consider the price and the relative light weight of the bike (56 lbs) it provides a fairly stable platform for your workouts with the lengthy stabilizer bars providing the stability needed.
Some people have noticed there is some slight wobble on the front half of the bike when pedaling hard. It does need to be used on flat surface and the adjustment knob at the center of the bike needs to tightened up fully to prevent it moving around.
The rear end caps can be turned to level out the bike if there is slight variations in the evenness of the floor.
The bike frame has a 1 year warranty and the parts 90 days which is about average for bikes in this price range.
Adjustability
The bike can be adjusted to cater for a range of heights between 4 ft 9 ins and 5ft 9 ins (from customer reviews – supplier doesn’t provide guidance.
Over 5ft 9 ins you can use the bike but you are likely to find you are cramped and that you don’t get the full range of motion with your knee not being only slightly bent at full extension preventing you from getting the full benefit of the exercise and you may experience pain in your knee if you use the bike for an extended period.
Some people under this height find they can’t get the proper leg extension and this is probably due to them having longer legs than average.
You may be able to use it if under 4ft 9 ins but this will depend on your leg length. Most will find that they have to stretch to reach the pedals and sit forward on the seat. It won’t be that comfortable.
To adjust the bike for different sizes you do this by moving the back of the bike backwards or forwards. You have to be out of the seat to make the adjustment
You undo the knob in the middle of the bike, slide the back of the seat and when you have the seat at the distance you want. You then need ot move it back and forth slightly to be able to insert the pin in the knob into the nearest pre-set holes and then tighten it up into place. You are restricted to adjusting the seat to the closest pre-set hole. The knob needs to be tightened fully to prevent the front of the bike moving as you pedal.
It can take a little muscle to move the back of the seat and get the pre-set holes lined up but it doesn’t take too much time, it just isn’t as convenient as those bikes where you move the seat to fit the bike to your height (leg length). The one advantage is that there is less chance of the seat wobbling as it is fitted in place rather than moving about on a slider of some sort.
Resistance
To adjust the resistance you turn the tension knob at the bottom of the front support bar. On the knob it has 8 levels of resistance marked. Turning it clockwise increases it and counter reduces it.
It is easy to turn but it is in a position where you have to lean forward and down which could add some strain to your back and you’ll probably need to stop pedaling or at least slow down to make the adjustment.
The marked reistance does make it easy to set and return to the level of resistance you want to train at.
The tension knob controls magnets that are moved closer to the flywheel to increase and further away to reduce the resistance. (This is all in the shroud at the front of the bike).
At the low levels it is very easy to push against and should be fine for anyone to get started. The amount of resistance increases incrementally to moderately hard – which is fine for those looking for this level of workout but anyone who wants tough workouts they won’t be satisfied and will find it too easy for them.
It’s very quiet and shouldn’t require any maintenance.
At harder levels of resistance – 7 and 8 you are likely to notice that the pedaling motion starts to break up a little as the pedals slowdown at the top/bottom of the stroke due to resistance starting to work as a brake on the flywheel the pedals work.
Most people find they get a good enough workout at the lower levels of resistance to get their heart rate up to burn calories and work their legs to tone and increase strength.
Drive type
Inside the cover at the front of the bike are the belt drive and 4 kg flywheel. This provides a smooth and quiet pedaling motion. You can pedal forwards and in reverse.
There are no maintenance requirements.
The cover prevents you get caught up in the drive as well as stopping pets and kids from being injured by the moving parts and also helps to prevent damage
Pedals
The large pedals have grip and straps to keep your feet in positioned correctly and prevent them from slipping off.
The straps are made of plastic with holes that fit over a tab on the pedal. These can be difficult to use at first until they soften up.
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike Comfort
Seat It has a large cushioned seat and backrest. It is a flat pad and many do find it comfortable (which is pleasantly surprising for a Sunny Health & Fitness bike). They can exercise for long as they want without any or much discomfort.
But not everyone is a fan which is to be expected due to the nature of seat comfort being a matter of personal preference. Those that do find the seat uncomfortable find a small cushion or folded towel is enough to make it comfortable enough.
It is at good height for getting on and off. To do this you have to step through the bike which you can do without lifting your foot above a couple of inches. It is then like sitting in a chair.
Noise. The bike’s operation is very quiet and there should be no creaks when properly set up. You can use it while others are asleep without disturbing them and will should be fine for use in an apartment. If you want to use it while watching TV you won’t need to turn up the volume.
Cleaning. You should find that you don’t have too much cleaning as a result of the bike. However, there is some cleaning required to keep it working well. If you are like me, you are likely to find you sweat when you exercise and this will drip on the bike and floor. It needs to be cleaned off the bike to stop it’s corrosive effects slowly eating away at the bike causing it to rust and gum up. To stop the sweat damaging the floor you may want to put the bike on a rubber exercise mat.
Handlebars. The bike comes with 2 sets – one set at the front and one at the side of the seat. Both sets are covered which make them easier to grip when hands get sweaty.
The handlebars at the seat are about 20.5 ins apart and 4 ins above the seat. They are at a good height to grip when you are in the seat for support and when you are pushing yourself hard. It can make it difficult to get out of the seat if you want to get out sideways. It is more designed for you to stand up out of the seat forwards and then step through and out of the bike.
The handlebars can take some weight but this type of handlebar overtime may break at the weld – it’s not mentioned by customers but it has happened on other brands bikes.
These handlebars also include the hand pulse sensors for use with the console to monitor your heart rate.
The set at the front can be used to help with getting in and out of the seat giving you something to hold on to for support. You can also use them while you exercise if you want to lean forward as you pedal – they could also be helpful for support when changing the resistance.
Storage
The bike needs an area 57 in by 24.4 ins for storage and it weighs 56 lbs.
It doesn’t come with transport wheels to help with moving it from place to place. But you can lift it at the back so it is just on the front stabilizer.
It slides fairly easy on the end caps making it relatively easy to move for one person, otherwise if you have to carry it then it’s a good idea to have two – as much for the shape as for the weight.
If you are going to slide it on a wood floor you might want to test that out as you probably don’t want to leave a big scratch all the way across it.
Assembly
The bike comes partly completed. To finish the assembly takes about 1 to 2 hours with many people able to do it in less than an hour.
There is no need to be overly concerned with the assembly with the hardest part for most being getting it out of the package. It’s much easier than putting IKEA furniture together.
You are required to add the stabilizer bar, front post, pedals, back seat rack, back stabilizer bar, seat, backrest, handlebars and console – a total of 7 steps in the manual.
The tools required for the job are included. The instructions are easy to follow with clear diagrams and text.
To make it as easy as possible the hardware is in bags that are marked up by step. It certainly saves on having to measure and workout which bolt is the right one.
The assembly can be done by one person but having a second person can help with holding pieces in place while they are screwed and/or bolted on.
Console
The basic console measures time, speed, distance, cumulative distance (odometer), calories burned and heart rate when the hand pulse sensors are gripped.
Using the mode button below the display you can choose which measure to display or you can choose scan and it will rotate through them every few seconds.
There are no pre-set workouts nor does it record your workouts to allow you to compare results over time. You’ll need to do this manually if you want to see how you are progressing.
The hand pulse sensors are not that reliable which is common with all bikes that use this type of sensor. It is hard to get an accurate reading and many people can never get one. If your heart rate is something you want to measure you are probably better off buying a chest strap and monitor and monitoring it separately.
The numbers can be read easily from the seat but knowing which measure you are looking can be hard to know because the little arrow that indicates and the writing are small.
Also, the display is not backlit so can be difficult to read when the light is not at its best.
The console is battery powered. It starts automatically when you start to pedal and turns off after a few minutes of inactivity.
Dimensions
The dimensions and weight of the bike are:
Height 35.42 ins
Width 24.4 ins
Length 57 ins
Bike Weight 56 lbs
Max User Weight 265 lbs
Accessories
The bike doesn’t come with any accessories. If you want to use a tablet or Mp3 player you will need to hold it while using it or making changes.
Also, if you want water close at hand you need to be working out close to a table or bench or hold it in your hand.
The manual doesn’t provide any guidance on workouts or how to set up the bike for the best fit.
Pros
Includes a basic console
8 levels of marked resistance that is easy to adjust
Quick and easy to assemble
Can be adjusted to fit a range of heights between 4ft 9 ins and 5ft 9 ins
Able to pedal backwards and forwards
It is a smooth pedaling experience up to level 6 that is gentle on the joints
A reasonably stable bike with some experiencing a slight wobble at the front
An affordably priced bike
Padded seat and backrest are comfortable for most users
It is easy to get on and off the bike
It is very quiet
Cons
Does not include transport wheels
There are no pre-set programs included
Tension knob is in a bad position that requires leaning forward and down to adjust
The top level of resistance is not hard enough for people looking for tough workouts
Does not come with an accessories – there is nowhere to put your electronics or water bottle
Can wobble slightly at the front when pedaling hard – for some people (might be due to not tightening it up properly)
Company says it is not recommended for therapeutic use
Console is not backlit making it difficult to see in poor light conditions
No guidance on how to use the bike
The adjustment for different heights involves moving the back half of the frame which can involve a little muscle
Doesn’t adjust to fit people over 5ft 9 ins to give them the proper leg extension
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike Consumer Ratings
The bike has good ratings from customers.
Most customers in their reviews are surprised by the quality of the bike for the price.
However, there are some customers that don’t like. They notice a wobble at the front, they don’t like that it doesn’t adjust for people over 5ft 9 ins and a couple have had problems with customer service.
Not everyone has had the experience of it wobbling so it may be as a result of not setting the bike up correctly.
It would be good if the company would give an indication as to the heights the bike fits especially as people don’t get an opportunity to try before they buy.
Overall customers like the bike in that it is easy to assemble, it’s very quiet and has a good smooth pedaling motion for light to moderate workouts. A number of people have used it to help with rehabbing their knee (under doctors advice) as well as their fitness and weight loss goals
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike Price
This bike price is comparable with other bikes in the range with the same type of simple design, along with seat adjustment and a basic console.
When I checked at Amazon it qualified for free shipping.
Review Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike is a good starter bike for beginners and for those wanting light or moderate cardio exercise. If you want something more, then this is not the bike for you (See the Schwinn 230 for a more challenging bike).
I don’t like the way you change the position of the seat – where you move the whole back of the frame but it does do the job effectively. I prefer it where it is just the seat is adjusted as it is easier to move.
It also is limited to height of 5ft 9 ins to get the full leg extension (slightly bent) and movement of the knees.
Adults of all ages have found it a great bike to get low impact workouts at home. It’s very quiet so won’t disturb anyone else while you exercise. You can easily use it while you catch up on the TV so there is no longer a need to feel guilty as you are working on your fitness and burning calories.
Nice, affordable no-frills recumbent exercise bike!
Great bike at affordable price. Excellent quality proven over time with no wobbling as it’s been assembled well.
That’s great to hear.
It was nice at the beginning. In about a month, it was making some kind of clunking noise. I opened the cover and cannot find where the noise coming from. It seems like from the pedal flywheel. I don’t see anything aren’t secure either. Does this problem familiar on this exercise bike?
Sorry for the delay in repsonding. It sounds to me you need to speak to the Sunny Health & Fitness to get this sorted as it shouldn’t be making a clunking noise after a month. They should sort this for you.