Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936 Cross Trainer Recumbent Bike Review 

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936 Cross Trainer Recumbent Bike provides full body and low-impact cardiovascular workouts. The reason is because it has front mobile handlebars (also known as arm exercisers) as opposed to the static type that is featured on traditional recumbent bikes. 

It features a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 adjustable levels. The console is basic as it features a nonbacklit LCD monitor.  

The unit is an affordable and entry-level exercise machine designed for those who wish to exercise the upper body as well.  

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The Frame & Construction 

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936 Cross Trainer Recumbent Bike comes with a silver-colored steel frame and plastic protective coverings for the drive system.  

It is sturdily constructed to support a maximum user weight capacity of 265 lbs./120 kg. The base structure includes cylindrically shaped front and rear steel stabilizers with adjustable polygonal shaped levelers.  

Thus, users can work out without experiencing wobbling during intense workouts.  

That said, the use of a protective rubber mat underneath it will also enhance stability and prevent damage to the floor.  

The bike has a step-thru design that allows users, including those with joint issues and the elderly to comfortably and safely mount and dismount it without much effort.  

The assembled dimensions are 60’’ long by 26.5’’ wide by 46.5’’ high. Consequently, the workout area measurements it requires would be 5’ (152 cm) in length by 2’2’’ (67.31 cm) in width and additional extra clearance of 2’ on both sides for easy access and safety.  

Users can move it around the room via the transport wheels at the front base even though it weighs 69 lbs./31.2 kg. 

The Seat of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936 Cross Trainer Recumbent Bike 

The seat and the backrest are wide, padded, and covered with vinyl material. It is highly water resistant and can easily be wiped and cleaned.  

It provides comfort to the butt and protects the back. However, the use of a gel seat cover can improve comfortability for a prolonged workout without feeling sore.  

The seat to floor height is 19.5’’ min to 21’’ max. The reason for this is because even though the seat is only horizontally 2-way adjustable, it also increases or decreases in height when adjustment is made due to the angled rail base.  

A handlebar is attached to the seat. It has a handle on both sides of the seat to allow users to have support whenever they need it during a workout.  

Moreover, heart rate sensors are integrated into the handles so that when they are grasped while exercising the user’s heart rate data can be read and transmitted to the monitor for real-time observation.  

The Handlebar 

This bike is a cross trainer; thus, its front handlebars are mobile. This means they are not static, but they are arm exercisers that enable the user to also workout the upper body.  

They don’t move or operate independently but are connected to the pedals, so that when you cycle the mobile handles also swing.  

The non-slip handles feature soft rubber foam material that keeps your grip firm and comfortable. 

The Pedals  

The pedals on this bike are balance-weighted, wide, and textured with adjustable safety straps. They are made of plastic material and a metallic core.  

Different foot sizes and shapes can be accommodated comfortably, and they can be ridden with standard gym shoes.  

The crankset and crankarms they are attached to are strong enough to support the maximum user weight the bike supports.  

The Drive 

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936 Cross Trainer Recumbent Bike features the famous belt drive system. This consists of mainly a pulley, anti-stretch v poly belt, and a 4.5 lbs./2 kg perimeter weighted flywheel.   

The drive system provides a soothing near silent and smooth operation that allows users to exercise with the bike without the apprehension that someone around them might be disturbed by their activity. 

Also, a belt drive system doesn’t require any sort of maintenance as opposed to a chain drive system that may need periodic lubrication and adjustment.   

You can of course pedal backward if you want since the drive is bidirectional. However, resistance does not work when pedaling in reverse.  

The Resistance 

The resistance system of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936 Cross Trainer Recumbent Bike is magnetic with 8 manual adjustable levels.  

The resistance system comprises a magnetic brake pad, a perimeter weighted flywheel, and the control adjustment knob.  

Resistance is produced by the release of magnetic fields around the flywheel. Hence, the closer the magnetic brake pad is to the flywheel the stronger the resistance becomes and the farther away it is to the flywheel the weaker the resistance gets.  

So, to increase or decrease the resistance level, simply turn the tension control knob clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively.  

The 8 resistance levels offer decent workout challenges to users who wish to lose weight and maintain their fitness level. 

The good thing about a magnetic resistance system is that it does not interfere with the quietness and the smoothness of the bike because there is no friction during the process of generating resistance.  

Furthermore, no maintenance is also needed for it.  

The Console 

The console of this recumbent cross trainer is basic. It is not Bluetooth enabled, or compatible with any workout app, nor does it feature a backlit LCD monitor.  

The digital monitor is about 3’’ in width, and it tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, and Pulse.  

These workout progress reports are displayed one at a time after every few seconds by the SCAN function because they can’t be simultaneously displayed due to the small monitor screen.  

However, you can set a certain workout data to display constantly if you want.  

The readability status of the display is good if viewed in a room with good lighting, else, it may be difficult to see due to lack of backlight in the monitor. 

Speed and Distance are measured in mph and miles, respectively, and can’t be toggled to km/h and km.  

There are three buttons on the console which include Set, Mode, and Reset. These enable you to navigate through the settings of the digital monitor.  

Countdown goal setting for Time, Distance, and Calories are possible.  

The console is powered by 2 AAA batteries (included), and the monitor automatically turns off after 6 minutes of inactivity on the bike to conserve batteries’ power. When the user resumes exercise the monitor turns on automatically as well.  

You can turn on the monitor by pressing the Mode button on the console.  

Accessory 

There is a built-in tablet holder on the console, right above the display screen. This is good because when a device is placed on the holder, the display won’t be blocked. Thus, you can still view your workout progress while watching a workout video from Sunny Health & Fitness workout videos library on your smartphone.  

No water bottle holder is available. Therefore, you will have to improvise to keep water handy for proper hydration and uninterrupted workout session.  

Storage 

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936 Cross Trainer Recumbent Bike can be stored in the corner of the room or better still, leave it in a dedicated workout area location if you can afford the space.  

A storage area with measurements of 5’ (152 cm) in length by 2’2’’ (67.31 cm) in width would be good.  

It weighs 69 lbs./31.2 kg and can easily be moved around the room via the integrated transport wheels.  

Pros/Features Overview 

• Sturdy construction 
• Its stability is good 
• Step-thru design allows users to mount and exit the bike safely and easily 
• Supports 265 lbs./120 kg maximum user weight capacity 
• Supports 24’’ min. to 32’’ max. inseam (length of an inner thigh to the ankle) 
• Its operation is smooth and quiet 
• Its magnetic resistance system provides 8 adjustable levels for a variety of challenging workouts 
• Users get low-impact and full body workouts, thanks to its arm exercisers 
• The seat is horizontally adjustable (2-way) 
• The pedals are wide, self-leveling, and textured with adjustable safety straps 
• EKG HR contact grips for heart rate monitoring 
• LCD monitor tracks Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, and Pulse 
• Countdown goal setting for Time, Distance, and Calories 
• Easy to assemble 
• Transport wheels included 
• Tablet holder included 
• Minimal maintenance requirement 

Cons 

• Resistance system does not provide extremely workout challenges 
• No workout programs 
• No online connectivity 
• Not telemetric 
• Only supports 265 lbs./120 kg maximum user weight capacity 
• No water bottle holder 

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Warranty 

• Frame: 3 Years 
• Parts: 180 Days 

Product Dimensions & Specifications 

• Length: 60’’ 
• Width: 26.5’’ 
• Height: 46.5’’ 
• Shipping Dimensions: 55.2’’ L x 11.2’’ W x 22.8’’ H 
• Net Weight: 69 lbs./31.2 kg 
• Gross Weight: 83.3 lbs./37.7 kg 
• Maximum User Weight Capacity: 265 lbs./120 kg 
• Supported Inseam: 24’’ min. – 32’’ max. 
• Flywheel Weight: 4.5 lbs./2 kg 
• Drive: Belt 
• Resistance: Manual magnetic with 8 adjustable levels 
• Seat: 2-way adjustable  
• Handlebar: 2 sets (seat & arm exercisers) 
• Pedals: Self-leveling, textured, and wide with adjustable safety straps 
• Monitor: Nonbacklit LCD 
• Transport Wheels: Yes 
• Tablet Holder: Yes 
• Power: 2 AAA batteries 

Shipping  

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936 Cross Trainer Recumbent Bike ships in a box that weighs 83.3 lbs./37.7 kg with dimensions of 55.2’’ long by 11.2’’ wide by 22.8’’ high.  

The product is prepared and shipped out immediately after an order is placed.  

It can arrive in a couple of days or weeks depending on the destination.  

A tracking code will be sent to you to be able to know its progress on transit and when it may arrive.  

Assembly 

Just like most similar products, this unit’s major components are preassembled.  

Therefore, you are left with other parts such as the stabilizers, the pedals, the seat, the seat base, the handlebars, and the console to be assembled by you or by a hired person.  

The assembling steps and details are included in the instruction manual. Tools for the assembly are also included in the package.  

To get someone to assemble the bike on your behalf you will have to choose that option on the checkout page of your purchase which will incur extra cost.  

Maintenance 

No serious or time-consuming task is required of you.  

The maintenance needed is rather basic. Simply keep the bike clean and ensure that the parts are tight and in good condition.  

The storage area has to be dry, cool, and clean.  

Conclusion 

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4936 Cross Trainer Recumbent Bike supports 265 lbs./120 kg maximum user weight capacity. Its selling point has to be its arm exercisers which enables users to also exercise the upper body.