Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4708

The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4708 is one of the bikes that were proudly launched by the manufacturer in 2017 because of its innovative features. Part of the unique design of this bike is the patented seat with an easy adjuster that allows the user to conveniently adjust the seat without having to get off it.

It also has a console that has an LCD monitor and a smartphone holder designated in a very viewable position for the user. This is not the typical recumbent bike like the Sunny Health and Fitness RB4616 because it allows the user to perform overall body workout due to the movable handlebars integrated into it.

Being that a recumbent bike is one of the indoor exercise equipment that provides low impact exercises that are great for all fitness level folks including those with medical conditions such as arthritis, and a knee/ankle injury, the RB4708 even provides much more practical and convenient low impact exercises for everyone due to its unique overall design and features. The old people will also be ecstatic to have this at their disposal.

Moreover, this is an affordable recumbent bike just like some other Sunny Health & Fitness equipment and it has mostly positive Amazon customer reviews.

Click right here to have a peek at the discount rate of the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike on Amazon.

The Frame/Sturdy

The Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike SF-RB4708 is a sturdy bike because of its steel tubing frame. It has a triangular seat base framework that ensures the seat’s stability. The mechanical mechanism for the moving handlebars connects them to the pedals as well, such that the handlebars move as long as the pedals spin.

This is specifically designed for full-body cardio workouts that target a lot of muscle groups than the regular recumbent bike does.

All the metallic parts of the recumbent bike are coated with anti-corrosion and scratch paint that preserves them from rust invasion or scratches that could deface them. The SF-RB4708 may not be the commercial-grade recumbent bike like the Sole Fitness LCR Light Recumbent Bike but it is strong enough to support up to 350 pounds/159 kg maximum user weight capacity.

In our opinion, this is one of the considerable recumbent bikes in the affordable category.

The unit also has a very good base framework that guarantees optimal stability. Basically, the base framework consists of large horizontal tubing that is also made of steel, and then there are two stabilizer bars, one on each end with a rubber leveler in the middle of the large tubing for a solidified base.

The stabilizer bars feature rubber cap-stand on each end which makes the bike sit conveniently on any type of floor without causing damage to it as a result of weight and workouts.

The unit’s overall weight is 91 pounds/41.2 kg which also adds to its stability.

In case you are wondering if it is possible to easily relocate the bike; well, the answer is YES because two transport wheels are integrated into the front base stabilizer for portability. Simply raise the bike by the rear stabilizer bar and move it to where ever you want it to be in the room.

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 is not foldable neither is it very large but could require a bit of space for workout area and storage. The overall assembled dimensions are 60 inches long by 25.5 inches wide by 52 inches tall. In other words, a workout area of 5 feet long by 2 feet 2 inches wide will be needed and additional clearance of at least 2 feet on each side and the rear for safe and comfortable workout experience.

A room with a ceiling height of 6 feet will just be fine for the unit since there are no workouts that require stand-up pedaling like the spin bikes.

Finally, this is a bike with a frame design that might not be sleek or elegant but it sure delivers and supports the stipulated weight of over 300 pounds with an amazing step thru that is great for everyone and especially the old and the disabled.

The Seat, Handlebars, and the Pedals

As you may already know that the seat, the handlebars, and the pedals are a very crucial part of any indoor exercise bike because they are responsible for comfort and suitability. The recumbent bike is regarded as one of the most comfortable indoor exercise bikes because of its design and the seat in particular.

That said, the seat of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 Recumbent Exercise Bike is large, well-padded, and contoured with backrest. Although, the backrest is not adjustable neither does it recline as it is independent of the seat, however, the seat is adjustable.

The seat sits on a solid rail that allows easy horizontal adjustment without having to get off the seat. There is an adjustment lever by the right-hand side of the seat and could be adjusted to a minimum of 26.5 inches and a maximum of 34 inches.  In other words, the frame upon which the rail and the seat are attached is slightly slanted thereby making it have the adjustable inseam height of 26.5 inches minimum and 34 inches maximum.

The seat’s dimensions are 10.5 inches long by 15.25 inches wide by 2 inches thick.

It is very important to also mention that the seat does not have any side handlebar like many other recumbent bikes such as the one on the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB921 Recumbent bike. However, it has movable handlebars that are connected to a frame at the front base which allows the upper body workout.

The handlebars cannot be used in isolation without having the pedals spin as well because they have interconnected mechanisms. There is no way to lock them in place in order to work out with the pedals either. If you wish to work out the upper body alone simply put your feet on the floor and exercise with the handlebars.

The handlebars are integrated with heart rate sensors that allow the user’s heart rate data to be transmitted to the monitor. The handgrips are also coated with a rubber foam material that provides comfort and firm grips that prevent slippage and blisters in the palms.

The pedals that come with the SF-RB4708 are ribbed designed with adjustable safety straps that primarily secure the feet and prevent any sort of slippage during a rigorous high-intensity workout. The pedals are made of durable nylon material.

The pedals have a standard thread, therefore, a user can easily replace them with another set he/she prefers.

Just as aforementioned, the pedals are connected to the movable handlebars so that both work together. In other words, they are dependent on each other because while the pedals spin the handlebars also move, and vice versa.

The Drive

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 Recumbent Exercise Bike is a belt-driven bike that has the characteristics of smoothness and quietness.

The belt drive system consists of a highly durable stretch-resistant belt that could last for a very long time, a lightweight flywheel that could weigh speculatively about 15 pounds or less since the weight is not indicated, a crankset and crank arms that could support every typical recumbent bike exercises. Differently put, a user cannot perform a stand-up pedaling on this bike even if that is possible because the crankset and the arms were not designed for that, and by the way, it will be ridiculous to try to perform standing ride on a recumbent bike.

Again, the Q Factor (the distance from the inner edge of the left pedal to the inner edge of the right pedal) of this bike is not also indicated, but users have not complained about any awkward off alignment of the legs and the feet to the pedals which indicates that it has a normal narrow Q-Factor that does not negatively impact the knees and the ankles.

The drive system is also maintenance-free, with no lubrication required, and no adjustments required as well.

Its overall performance is great because it is enjoyable while it is smooth and quiet for home use because a user will not have to worry about disturbing the family or the neighbors and can conveniently watch the favorite TV show with the volume at the normal level.

The Resistance

As expected, the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent SF-RB4708 Bike features a manual magnetic resistance system because this usually works well with belt-driven bikes. The magnetic resistance system provides a decent easy and difficult workout that is smooth, quiet, and consistent.

There are 8 levels of resistance which is great for beginners and medium fitness level individuals. Great for the seniors and folks recovering from an injury or other forms of a medical condition that requires physiotherapy.

Advanced users or strong individuals may be disappointed by the maximum resistance level because this provides a decent but not extremely difficult or challenging workout.

The resistance also affects the handlebars when adjusted. In other words, the resistance is felt on the handlebars since they are connected to the pedals.

The adjustment of the resistance is easy and simple. The recumbent bike has tension knob in the form of a lever with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 inscribed on it. Simply shift the lever up to increase the resistance and down to reduce it.

The magnetic pad does not wear out like the pad on a friction resistance system does because unlike the latter the magnet does not have direct contact with the flywheel in order to generate resistance. It only gets close to the flywheel so that the magnetic field will do its job of generating resistance.

The Console

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 is supplied with a basic console that could still have you motivated and focused because you should be able to keep track of your workout progress and be able to maintain your target heart rate zone since it also displays the heart rate data as well.

The LCD monitor displays workout data with clarity as long as it is been viewed in a well-illuminated room otherwise the readability will be compromised because it is not backlit.

Just as aforementioned, the console is situated in a position that is viewable and it is attached to an adjustable protruded curved steel bar.

The monitor displays workout data such as the time, distance, speed, odometer, and calories burned. It also displays heart rate data due to the EKG sensors that are integrated onto the handlebars. This is great because it serves as the heart rate compass that allows the user to know his/her target heart rate zone and consequently and consistently maintain it so that more fat will be burned.

The console has three buttons, namely, SET, MODE, and RESET. The SET button is used to set the value for time, distance, calories, and pulse, while the MODE is used to turn off the SCAN function that rotates the value displayed one at a time for a couple of seconds then to another and so it goes. But the user can turn it off by pressing the MODE button so that the preferred value could be displayed constantly. Then the RESET button is used to clear all values and have them on zero value just as the name implies.

The console also features a tablet holder but the thing is that the tablet or the smartphone will cover the monitor‘s screen if one is placed on it. Differently put, if a user decides to place a tablet on the tablet holder then he/she will not be able to view the monitor because the tablet will cover it.

The console does not require to be plugged into an electric power outlet because it is powered by 2 AA batteries which are included.

Storage

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 Recumbent Exercise Bike is not foldable and could take a little bit of space. The overall assembled dimensions are 60 inches long by 25.5 inches wide by 52 inches tall. Therefore, it will require a storage area of 5 feet long by 2 feet 2 inches wide.

It weighs about 91 pounds/41.2 kg and it is integrated with two transport wheels that make it portable.

Accessory

The SF-RB4708 recumbent bike has only one accessory which is the tablet holder on the console.

It does not have a water bottle holder, fan, or sound system.

But then, this is an inexpensive recumbent bike and therefore it is not a surprise that it does not have many accessories.

Approval Rating

The overall approval rating of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 Recumbent Bike is positive. Most of its users are delighted with the bike’s overall performance and quality; however, there are some that disgruntled.

You can read more of the Amazon customer reviews on the product page if you wish to do so.

Pros/Features Overview

• The recumbent bike is very sturdy because its frame is made of steel
• It supports up to 350 pounds/159 kg maximum user weight capacity
• It has great stability because of its base framework and weight of 91 pounds/41.2 kg
• Features narrow Q Factor for better alignment of the legs to the pedals which reduces the stress often felt in the knees and ankles
• The bike’s operation is smooth, quiet and consistent due to its belt drive system
• It features a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 levels which provides decent easy and challenging workouts
• It is portable because of the transport wheels integrated into the front base stabilizer bar
• It has a large, well-padded and contoured seat with backrest that provides the needed comfort
• The seat is also horizontally adjustable
• The bike has movable handlebars that make it possible to exercise the upper body
• The LCD monitor displays workout data such as time, distance, odometer, speed, calories burned, and pulse with high readability
• The handlebars are integrated with EKG sensors for heart rate data transmission to the monitor
• The handgrips are coated with a rubber foam material that provides comfort and firm grips
• The bike has a step-thru design that is advantageous for the weak, the old, and the those recovering from an injury
• Assembly is relatively easy
• Almost maintenance-free

Cons

• Does not have handlebars by the side of the seat
• The console is not backlit and it is basic
• The monitor’s screen is going to be blocked if a user decides to place a tablet on the tablet holder

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Product Dimensions and Specifications

• 60’’ Length
• 26’’ Width
• 52’’ Height
• Supports up to 350 pounds/159 kg maximum user weight
• Weighs 91 pounds/41.2 kg
• Pedals: Ribbed design with safety adjustable straps
• Seat: Contoured, padded and adjustable with backrest
• Resistance: Manual magnetic resistance system with 8 levels
• Drive: Belt
• Monitor: Basic LCD monitor; displays speed, distance, calories burned, time, odometer, and pulse with SCAN function
• Handlebar: Movable handlebars

Warranty

• 3 Years on Frame
• 90 Days on Parts and components

Shipping, Assembly, and Maintenance

Shipping

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 Recumbent Exercise Bike is shipped in a box with dimensions of 62 inches long by 10 inches wide by 35 inches tall. The box weighs about 102.5 pounds/46.4 kg.

The shipping cost of this unit depends on the retailer you will be purchasing from; however, there are vendors such as Amazon that provide free shipping within the United States.

Assembly

The assembly of this unit is relatively easy and you can put it together within an hour, more or less because it is delivered with the major components preassembled.

You will be required to attach the front and rear stabilizer bars, the pedals, the seat’s adjustment rail, the seat, the movable handlebars, and the monitor.

It is accompanied by an instruction manual that could walk you through the assembling process and the needed for this are included too.

But if you are not up for all of these, then you may opt for the ‘’expert assembly’’ package that is being offered by Amazon. Of course, that comes with a cost.

Maintenance

The SF-RB4708 does not require any serious maintenance since it has a belt drive and magnetic resistance systems.

All that will be required is to always keep it clean from dirt and sweat and always examine the bike for any loose, worn, or broken part, so as to re-tighten, repair, or replace if there is the need.

Conclusion

If you are on a low budget, and you need a recumbent bike that could help you to get back to shape, then the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 Recumbent Exercise Bike will just be fine. If you are old or trying to perform physiotherapy workouts in order to get your groove back, then the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 Recumbent Exercise Bike could be a perfect choice.

However, this is not the recumbent bike for those that seek serious and challenging workouts because it is not designed for that.