In the current Covid-19 pandemic, more people are looking at ways to get a good workout at home. When the gym is closed or you don’t have time to leave your home, you need an alternative to tone-up, lose weight, and have fun. Indoor cycling allows you to access all the benefits of cycling without needing to deal with traffic or inclement weather.
The Sunny indoor cycling bike is a great option if you want a well-built, dependable and affordable exercise bike. Here we’ll delve into this model in a little more detail to help you make a final purchase decision.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Bike Drive Indoor Cycling Bike Basics
This exercise bike is the SF-B1805 model which supports lighter cycling and those high intensity cardio workouts for more experienced users. This bike features a magnetic resistance drive for a virtually silent riding experience and multi-hand grips for comfort.
The adjustable strap pedals have a toe-cage and the heavy-duty steel frame can support a weight of 300 lbs comfortably. The flywheel is a 44 lb unit that supplies significant resistance for efficient calorie burning.
But this is a low-impact machine which makes it an ideal alternative to running for people with lower limb joint problems. The entire cycling experience is micro-adjustable to ensure that you get the exact resistance that you need for your next workout.
A 4-way adjustable seat helps you to get customized seating, with a handy bottle holder and tablet holder to keep you hydrated and entertained during the ride.
Special Features of the Sunny Indoor Cycling Bike
There are seven standout features of the Sunny Indoor cycling bike, they are:
1. The 44 lbs Flywheel Unit
When an exercise bike is designed, close attention is always focused on the flywheel. This critical component dictates the momentum for longer workouts and a heavier flywheel typically equates to a smoother ride.
Sunny Health & Fitness has made no compromises here and this 44 lbs flywheel really makes you feel like you are riding outdoors. There is no jerkiness at any level of resistance or riding speed which means you can concentrate on your workout.
2. The Magnetic Resistance Drive
The primary function of a magnetic resistance drive is to facilitate fast and reliable resistance changes without interrupting your ride. The resistance is generated via a series of metal discs that have a magnetic field and their relative proximity to the flywheel.
As the magnets get closer to the flywheel the resistance is greater and vice versa. An exercise bike with a traditional belt tension resistance system relies on contact which can be noisy, jerky, and unreliable when changing the resistance during a ride.
This not only feels unpleasant but can increase the risk of injury. The magnetic drive on the SF-B1805 indoor cycle is smooth, stable, virtually silent, and very low maintenance.
3. The Micro-Adjustable Resistance Experience
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike has a micro-adjustable resistance feature to tailor to customize your next ride. You can twist the control to increase or decrease the resistance in very precise increments. This allows you to challenge yourself and maintain the efficiency of your fitness routine.
4. The Bottle Holder
Having a dedicated bottle holder on-hand can really enhance your workout experience. When you have to balance a water bottle nearby or even pause your ride to get a drink it can compromise your entire ride. This exercise bike has a handy bottle holder which keeps your preferred workout drink within arm’s length at all times for faster hydration when you need it most.
5. The 4-Way Adjustable Handlebars with a Built-in Device Holder
The cleverly designed 4-way adjustable handlebars have a built-in device holder for your tablet or phone. This allows you to interface with the Sunny Health & Fitness app or you can simply watch videos as you ride.
6. The Lack of a Console
This Sunny indoor cycling bike doesn’t have a built-in console which can be a draw for some riders that find them distracting and a turn-off for others. The most commonly used measurement for more advanced riders is the cadence or rpm when pedaling.
There is a workaround if you attach a dedicated cadence sensor to the pedal crank and then monitor that with a dedicated app on your favorite mobile device.
If you want to use this exercise bike with the Peloton digital app, the cadence sensor is a must. The speed and distance can be measured with an additional bike sensor but this is fiddly.
7. The Adjustments and Fittings
The seat to handlebar distance can be set at a minimum of 17” up to a maximum of 21”. The inner leg measurement is 28” up to 38” and the seat is easily adjustable to the proximity and height of the handlebars. This indoor cycling bike is suitable for both shorter and taller riders.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The magnetic resistance drive is smooth and quiet at all levels of resistance.
- The integrated tablet/phone holder is handy when you want to use fitness apps or watch videos during your ride.
- The bike fittings are simple, the seat and pedals are easy to adjust and you can even switch them out for other alternatives.
- If you want to track your cadence it’s pretty easy to install a sensor on the pedal crank.
- The 4-way adjustable seat allows riders with an inseam of 28” up to 38” to get the best riding position possible.
- This exercise bike feels solid and durable and it can support a weight of 300 lbs.
Cons:
- For Peloton enthusiasts, the lack of SPD pedals and dumbbell holders are significant drawbacks.
- There is no guard for the flywheel and resistance systems.
- There is no console to track speed, distance, and other data.
- Some assembly is required.
Who is the Sunny Indoor Cycling Bike Best Suited For?
If you want a cheap alternative to a genuine Peloton bike and you don’t mind installing your own cadence sensor, this is a viable alternative. This bike can also accommodate more casual riders up to 300 lbs but you won’t get much feedback due to the lack of a console. That being said, this is a well-built, sturdy and affordable option, if you’re on a tighter budget and you want a good workout at home.
Conclusion
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike is an excellent option for both beginners and more experienced users. You can get a great low impact cardio workout at home to meet your fitness and weight loss goals.
Adding SPD pedals, the cadence sensor and the Peloton Digital App is a great upgrade for those that want to go down that route. However, if you can deal with the lack of feedback from a dedicated console, the magnetic drive and 44 lb flywheel feel smooth, changing the resistance is simple and the ride is extremely quiet. Making this bike is certainly worth the modest investment.