I’ve been putting the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805 exercise bike through its paces for a few months now, and I must say, it’s been a fantastic experience. The craftsmanship is top-notch, the resistance options are intense, and the sturdiness is quite impressive. For a fraction of the cost of a Peloton Bikes, it’s an absolute steal.
When the bike arrived, it was well-packaged but incredibly heavy. I had to unbox it at the door and carry the frame, handlebars, seat, pedals, and feet inside separately. Once indoors, the assembly was straightforward and took me less than hour. The instructions were included and mostly made sense.
Adjusting the seat and handlebars is a breeze, making it easy to fit most riders. In the beginning I didn’t bother with the optional clipping riding shoes and found my sneakers worked just fine. Then later for a more secure ride and smoother pedal strokes, I opted for SPD Shimano pedals to clip my specific indoor cycling shoes.
The device holder on the handlebars does a good job of holding my tablet or phone, but since the angle isn’t adjustable, I’m planning to get a gooseneck tablet holder for a better viewing angle.
One of the best things about this bike is how quiet it is. Whether you’re listening to music or watching Netflix while riding, you won’t hear a thing from the bike. The tension adjuster is conveniently located just under the handlebars and is easy to spin while riding.
This model doesn’t come with a built-in screen or wireless sensors for tracking speed or RPM, so I decided to use a Wahoo Cadence sensor. It’s accurate and connects seamlessly to the Peloton app and Zwift when I need it. Now, let’s take a look at how this model has evolved from older versions and what sets it apart from the new models.
Position of Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805 in the SF-B Series
Durability: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805
In the SF-B series, there are three notable indoor bikes, and the SF-B1805 is definitely the star in terms of build quality, sturdiness, and quiet operation. It’s about £100 more expensive than the SF-B1709, the second model in the series. If you’re into high-intensity intervals or if you’re on the heavier side, this is the bike to go for. The 20 kg flywheel delivers an incredibly smooth cycling experience, with no jerking motions or lack of resistance.
Technology: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1709
The SF-B1709 isn’t as robust or as quiet as the SF-B1805, but it does come at a lower price. Despite its cheaper build, it has two standout features that caught my eye: an RPM reading display monitor and dual-side pedals. If you’re looking to save a few pounds and you’re a lighter person, this could be a good choice. Just remember, it has the lightest flywheel at 7 kg among the three bikes in this series.
Affordability: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002C
Lastly, there’s the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002C, the budget option of the three. Its lower price is mainly due to its friction resistance system, which isn’t as quiet or low-maintenance as the magnetic resistance on the other two bikes. Plus, it’s pretty basic in design—no built-in monitor and no device holder for your phone or tablet. However, it does boast a 22 kg flywheel, which is its main selling point. Keep in mind, though, if you have bad knees, this heavier flywheel might be more of a drawback than a benefit.
| Feature | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805 | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1709 | Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £498 | £409 | £279 |
| Build Quality | High | Moderate | Basic |
| Noise Level | Very Quiet | Less Quiet | Less Quiet |
| Flywheel Weight | 20 kg | 7 kg | 22 kg |
| Resistance System | Magnetic | Magnetic | Friction |
| Automatic Resistance | No | No | No |
| Handlebar Adjustment | Horizontal and Vertical | Horizontal and Vertical | Only Horizontal |
| Display Monitor | Not Included | Included (RPM Reading) | Not Included |
| Pedals | Single-Side 9/16″ | Dual-Side 9/16″ | Single-Side 9/16″ |
| Device Holder | Included | Not Included | Not Included |
| Suitable For | High-Intensity Intervals, Heavier Users | Lighter Users, Budget-Conscious Buyers | Budget-Conscious Buyers |
Alternative Exercise Bikes to Consider
While the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805 has been one of my favourites so far and hasn’t given me any major issues, I understand it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. So, here are two alternatives that might suit you better.
Joroto X4S Bike
First up, I recommend the Joroto X4S, mainly because it’s packed with more technology. It features a 4″x6″ backlit display that shows a ton of useful information like RPM, speed, wattage, resistance level, heart rate, calories, and speed. You don’t get any of this with the Sunny SF-B1805, as it doesn’t have a display monitor at all. Plus, it comes with Bluetooth technology to sync with Zwift and Peloton apps, so you won’t need to buy cadence sensors separately if you enjoy online cycling classes. The only downside is its original price of £599, which is £100 more than the Sunny SF-B1805. But if you can stretch your budget a bit, it’s definitely worth it.
Peloton Original Bike
If you’re a Peloton app fan, there’s no better choice than the actual Peloton bike. It connects to the Peloton app seamlessly, with no need for extra accessories or using your tablet or TV. You can even access Netflix on the Peloton Bike’s built-in display if you like to catch up on shows while cycling. The quality of the Peloton Bike Original and Bike+ is exceptional. I’ve never had any issues with my Peloton bike and absolutely love it. If the price is a concern, I suggest checking Facebook Marketplace for second-hand Peloton bikes in great condition, often available at a fraction of the cost of a new one.
| Feature | Sunny Fitness SF-B1805 | Joroto X4S | Peloton Bike Original |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £499 | £599 | £1,345 |
| Display Monitor | Not Included | 4″x6″ Backlit Display | 22″ HD Touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Requires External Sensors | Bluetooth Sync with Zwift & Peloton | Built-in Sensors for Peloton App |
| Flywheel Weight | 20 kg | 13.5 kg | 13.5 kg |
| Resistance System | Manual Magnetic | Manual Magnetic | Manual Magnetic |
| Pedals | Single-Side | Single-Side | Look Delta-Compatible |
| Noise Level | Very Quiet | Quiet | Very Quiet |
| Subscription Services | Not Included | Optional (Zwift, Peloton) | Optional (Peloton) |
| Device Holder | Included | Included | Not Included |
| Suitable For | High-Intensity Intervals, Heavier Users | Tech Enthusiasts, Online Classes | Peloton Fans, Premium Experience |
| Additional Features | Basic, Reliable | Advanced Metrics, Bluetooth | Integrated Classes, Entertainment Options |
Table of Contents
SF-B1805 Specifications, Assembly, and Shipping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Bike Size | 22”W x 47”L x 44”H |
| Bike Weight | 57 kgs |
| Max User Weight | 136 kgs |
| User Compatible Size Range | 5’0” to 6’5” |
| Transportation Wheels | Yes |
| Power Source | None |
| Shipping Box Dimensions | 41″ L x 10″ W x 35″ H |
| Shipping Weight | 63 kgs |
| Monitor | None |
| Connectivity | None |
| Pedals | Caged pedals |
| Resistance | Magnetic |
| Flywheel | 20 kgs |
In my case, the bike shipped directly from the Amazon warehouse in one package and took about two weeks to arrive. The box is quite heavy, so be prepared to have someone help you carry it inside.
When it arrived, I used a box cutter and pushed the well-packaged, partially assembled bike out of the box by sitting on the floor and using my feet. Once it was out of the box, it was smooth sailing from there. Everything you need for assembly is included, but I recommend having a box cutter and scissors handy.
Assembling the bike was surprisingly easy. Given its weight, you’ll definitely need two people to move and set it up. I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the assembly process was. The flywheel, crank arms, and transmission come pre-assembled, but you do need to attach the front and rear stabilisers, seat, handlebars, and pedals. It took me just 30 minutes, although I did need help positioning it.
The toughest part was getting the bike upstairs. Even partially assembled, it’s still quite heavy. However, it’s rock-solid and whisper-quiet. I did initially experience a clicking sound that some users have reported, but tightening the crank bolt fixed it right away.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805 Monitor and Tech Features
There are two versions of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805. One has a built-in monitor, and the other doesn’t. I opted for the one without the monitor because it’s cheaper and the monitor on the other version is pretty dim, low-tech, and hard to read. The smart version provides metrics such as cadence, speed, and distance. It also has Bluetooth connectivity to sync with the Sunny app and a heart rate monitor on the grip to calculate calories burned.
As for this model (the “Dumb” model), you can use it without any monitor. When you’re doing rhythm rides, like pedaling to the beat of the music, metrics like speed, distance, cadence, and time aren’t crucial — just push yourself and listen to your body. Plus, almost everyone has a large TV these days. Just plug in a Roku or other streaming device, connect to the internet, pull up YouTube, and start spinning for free with some of the outstanding instructors on the platform.
If you want to track your progress, a smartwatch can serve as a heart monitor and a cadence sensor as an RMP monitor. I bought the Wahoo Cadence monitor, which was very easy to attach to the crank arm of the bike. I use the Wahoo fitness app free on my phone to monitor my RPMs.
For those who want a more immersive experience, you can install the Peloton app on your iPad, get the Peloton app membership (£12/month), and connect the cadence sensor to the app to closely mimic the £3000 Peloton bike experience, minus the resistance monitor. If you can’t live without knowing your exact resistance, consider the Joroto X4S bike, but be prepared to spend an extra £100 or so.
SF-B1805 Indoor Bike Pedals, Q Factor, and Ergonomics
The pedals on the Sunny SF-B1805 are metal with toe cages for extra security. They have a standard 9/16” thread size and a Q factor of 182 mm. The toe cages have adjustable straps, but they’re not SPD compatible, which was a bit of a letdown for me. I’m planning to purchase SPD-compatible pedals and shoes to get an even smoother ride.
For those just starting out, not having SPD compatibility might be a bit of a drawback if you aim to advance your spinning abilities. However, if you’re just after a solid indoor bike for general use, these pedals will do the trick. Plus, since the Sunny SF-B1805 uses a standard 9/16” pedal thread, replacing the pedals with SPD-equipped ones is straightforward, though it’s an extra expense.
The Q factor on the Sunny SF-B1805 isn’t the narrowest, but it’s narrow enough to ensure ergonomic success and minimise strain on your body. A narrow Q factor positions your feet and knees in a way that drives smoothly downward, allowing maximum power on the pedals and reducing strain on joints and muscles, especially when you’re leaning or moving around on the bike. This is definitely a major pro for the SF-B1805, making it comfortable and efficient for longer rides.
Flywheel and Resistance of Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805 spin bike offers variable magnetic resistance that lets me micro-adjust resistance levels for a more intense workout. The adjustment knob smoothly increases resistance, making for a seamless ride without any jerks or jolts.
One thing to note is that this bike has manually adjustable resistance, which means it doesn’t change resistance automatically when connected to apps like Zwift or Peloton. If you’re willing to spend an extra £150, you can get the SmartSpin2K accessory. It’s designed to work with this bike, and in just two minutes, you can install it on top of the resistance knob. This nifty device enables the bike to automatically change resistance. But honestly, if you’re really into automatic resistance, I’d suggest going for a bike like the Echelon EX3, which comes with that feature straight out of the box.
The flywheel on this bike is a hefty 20 kg, which means you need good knees to get it moving. I feel a bit of resistance even when I set it to zero, simply because the weight of the flywheel adds extra resistance. It’s a front-fixed flywheel, so when I want to take a break, I can’t just coast; I have to stop the bike completely to recover.
The flywheel is mounted in front and lacks a cover, so I find myself frequently cleaning it since my sweat drips directly onto it. This also makes me a bit nervous when my son is running around the bike. I worry he might accidentally fall onto the flywheel or hit his shin.
Handlebars and Seat Adjustments on SF-B1805 Exercise Bike
The seat and handlebars on the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805 adjust both horizontally and vertically, and they do so quite smoothly. However, I did find an issue with the handlebar placement. While the measurements from seat to handlebars are true to size (Min 43 cm / 53 cm Max), if you have a shorter torso like I do, you might find them a bit far.
Even at 5’6″, with the seat and handlebars as close as possible, it still feels like they’re a few centimetres too far when I’m cycling low. I wish I could bring the handlebars just a bit closer, but it’s not a deal-breaker. Every other adjustable setting works perfectly, so it’s puzzling why they limited the horizontal adjustment this way.
The seat is well-padded, wide, and comfortable. Still, I always use my padded shorts for extra support and comfort, and I recommend doing the same to avoid blisters on your inner thighs. Initially, the seat wobbled even after tightening the saddle. I noticed the clamp was stripped and not gripping properly, but once I replaced the clamp and tightened it, the issue was resolved.
Regarding user height, the bike accommodates a wide range. Reviewers under 160 cm have used it without issues. The manual recommends it for people between 5’0” and 6’4” (User Leg Inseam: Min 71 cm / Max 97 cm), and I found it to be true.
The handlebars have a dipped cover that is sweat-resistant and grippy, which I prefer over foam covers. There are plenty of hand position options to prevent numb hands. While drop handles and elbow rests would be nice, you can always add those later from other sellers.
I use the tablet holder for my iPad to stream the Peloton app. Sometimes I place my phone there, but I avoid putting my laptop as it doesn’t feel safe for larger displays. The tablet holder is part of the handlebars and isn’t adjustable, which is a bit unfortunate since an adjustable holder would provide a better viewing angle. There’s a lip where the iPad sits, and in about 50 rides using the Peloton app on this bike, I’ve never had an issue with my iPad not being secure. Overall for comfort and adjustability, I would give this exercise bike at least 8.5 out of 10.
Value for Money and Warranty of Sunny Health Fitness SF-B1805
When it comes to value for the price, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805 is pretty solid. At £450, it packs enough features to justify its price tag. However, the warranty and customer support might make you think twice.
Since this bike is fulfilled and shipped by Amazon, Sunny Health & Fitness doesn’t handle sales or support for UK customers. This means there’s no manufacturer warranty for the bike. Amazon only offers a 30-day return policy. If something goes wrong within those 30 days, you’ll have to ship the entire bike back to Amazon — they won’t just send you replacement parts. So, if you end up with something as simple as a pedal with stripped threads, you’re looking at repacking and returning the whole bike.
Personally, the warranty situation was the biggest downside. Two months in, I needed a new pedal. When I reached out to Sunny Health & Fitness, they couldn’t help because their warranty doesn’t cover the UK. Since it was past Amazon’s 30-day return window, both Amazon and Sunny suggested I buy a new pedal myself, despite the fact I’d spent nearly £450 just a few months earlier.
If you want a UK warranty, you’ll have to purchase optional insurance available on Amazon. However, dealing with insurance companies and filling out those lengthy forms isn’t my thing. Plus, a set of quality Shimano pedals only costs about £35 and can last a lifetime. So, I’m not too keen on buying insurance. Besides, I’m handy with tools and can fix most things on my own.
Pros of Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805 Indoor Cycling Bike
- Durability: Heavy-duty steel frame construction supports users up to 300 pounds.
- Stability: Wide base with four large adjustable stabilizers keeps the bike steady.
- Transport Wheels: Durable wheels make it easy to move the bike around.
- Flywheel: 20 kg chrome flywheel provides consistent momentum.
- Tablet Holder: Integrated holder keeps devices secure and at eye level.
- Crank Assembly: Three-piece solid crank supports all kinds of spin workouts.
- Adjustability: 4-way adjustable seat and handlebar for a custom fit.
- Comfort: Sweat-resistant, multi-grip urethane-dipped handlebar prevents hand fatigue.
- Belt Drive: Low-maintenance, smooth pedaling, and silent operation.
- Magnetic Resistance: Silent and consistent with virtually zero wear-and-tear.
- Emergency Brake: Push-down brake for safety.
- Easy Assembly: Simple to put together.
Cons of Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805 Indoor Cycling Bike
- Monitor: Lacks a computer for tracking workouts and progress.
- Pedals: Comes with regular toe cage pedals, not SPD compatible.
- Warranty: No warranty is offered in the UK.
- Flywheel Protection: No sweat protection guard for the flywheel.
Final Thoughts on Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805 Bike
While the SF-B1805 provides excellent value and durability, it’s worth considering alternatives like the Joroto X4S, which offers more advanced technology, such as a backlit display and Bluetooth connectivity, along with better warranty and support in the UK. The Joroto X4S and other models like the JLL IC400 Pro exercise bike offer a more comprehensive package for a similar price, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
