| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Exercise meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-E1405 Check Discounted Price | L:33" W:25.6" H:60.3" | 220 lbs | 16 lbs | Friction, Manual | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Scan |
The Sunny SF-E1405 is one of the Sunny Health & Fitness elliptical trainers released in 2016, but it’s still available at the moment. It’s a light-capacity elliptical made for home use, featuring a large flywheel and a friction resistance system similar to spin bikes. It’s also equipped with a basic exercise meter.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 33L x 25.6W x 60.3H inches (84L x 65W x 153H cm)
- Assembled weight: 56.76 lbs (25.7 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 16 lbs (7.2 kg)
- Supported weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Stride: 12 inches (30.4 cm)
- Incline: No
- Drive: Chain
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness meter: Time, distance, speed, calories, scan
- Warranty: Frame 3 years, Parts 180 days
Frame construction
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E1405 elliptical trainer features a steel frame combining rectangular and 
cylindrical tubes in its construction. The fully assembled machine is not extremely heavy, despite its rather large flywheel. It only weighs 56.76 lbs (25.7 kg) so it can be carried and assembled by only one person.
All the steel parts in the cross trainer’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is light gray, this being the only color available for this model. The only exception is the flywheel which has a chrome finish and ABS side covers. Of course, the drivetrain cover and the pedal trays are also made of durable plastic material.
This Sunny elliptical trainer has a pretty small footprint. With all the parts assembled, it is only 33″ (84 cm) long, and 25.6″ (65 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to leave at least 24″ (61 cm) of clearance all around it for ease of access.
Unlike most other elliptical trainers, the Sunny SF-E1405 does not have a front upright bar and lacks the fixed handlebars. It only has the two long moving arms which connect to the main frame and to the pedal bars. These are non-adjustable and feature rubberized grips. They do not integrate pulse sensors, and the trainer does not have a pulse reading function. They cannot be locked, so they continue to move for as long as you are pedaling.
The unit’s pedals are attached to two durable steel bars. This being said, it can support users up to 220 lbs (100 kg). The pedals trays are large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They have inner guards and a textured surface for improved foot stability and positioning. They do not have any articulation or extra cushioning like the more expensive models, though. They are also non-adjustable.
Last but not least, the machine’s rear base bar is equipped with two polygonal caps that can rotate and serve the purpose of adjustable stabilizers. Also, the front base bars integrate two small wheels for easy relocation.
Elliptical path, stride, and step-up height
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E1405 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer; in other words, its crankset is
placed at the rear of the unit. Due to this fact, its elliptical path is slightly inclined forward. Therefore, the ride resembled a descent on a soft path. This leads to a bit of extra workout for the glutes and thighs.
The Sunny SF-E1405 has a fairly short stride. It measures 12″ (30.4 cm). This being said, it’s not a machine for very tall users. It is actually recommended for users up to 6’0″ (183 cm), as taller users may not benefit from a complete range of motion. But nonetheless, they should still be able to use the machine as long as the don’t exceed the 220 lbs (100 kg) weight limit.
Since the trainer doesn’t have an incline system, the angle of the elliptical path is non-adjustable. The length of the stride is non-adjustable as well.
The pedal step-up height is approx. 7″ (18 cm). Conversely, at their highest point, the pedals are situated at approx. 14″ (35 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 17″-18″ (43-46 cm) higher than the height of the taller user.
Resistance and drive
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E1405 features a friction resistance system with manual action, similar
to most spin bikes. This means you don’t need an external power source for it, but on the other hand, the machine cannot automatically adjust the resistance and does not have pre-set workout programs.
The resistance system consists of a felt brake pad attached above the flywheel and equipped with a turn knob. By turning the knob clockwise, the brake pad applies more friction to the flywheel increasing the pedaling difficulty.
The machine’s resistance system is stepless. In other words, there are no pre-determined tension levels on the resistance knob. You simply tighten it until you get the desired pedaling difficulty. As a general idea, it can be tightened up to the point you can barely pedal.
This Sunny Health & Fitness elliptical trainer is equipped with a fairly large flywheel. It weighs 16 lbs (7.2 kg) and is perimeter-weighted for improved inertia. This particular flywheel construction also leads to increased motion stability and adds to the smoothness of the ride.
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse if you want. However, it is important to mention that when pedaling in reverse you will benefit from the same resistance as when pedaling forward, depending on how tight is the brake pad. Coasting is not possible on this machine as it may be on a road bike. The pedals continue to move for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The machine’s drivetrain uses a chain. Its pretty much a standard bike chain. This type of drive system comes with several advantages. First of all, with proper care, it can last a lifetime. Second of all, if by any means it catches rust or it breaks, you can basically find a replacement for it in any bike shop. However, just like any other chain drivetrain, it requires periodic lubrication.
Exercise meter
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E1405 elliptical trainer is equipped with a basic exercise meter. If features
an LCD display (without LED backlight) that tracks four workout metrics. These are time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
The unit is battery-powered. It requires 2 AAA batteries. It also has a sleep mode to which it will enter after four minutes of inactivity on the machine.
As we’ve mentioned above, the unit does not have a pulse reading function. Its handlebars are not equipped with sensors, and the unit cannot communicate with wireless HR transmitters. Thus, if you want to track your pulse during your workout you will have to use a separate device.
Since it’s a basic performance monitor, it does not have workout programs or goal-setting functions. It only has one button which allows you to select any of the metrics mentioned above to view on the display. It also has a Scan Mode; when the Scan Mode is selected, the unit rotates the four workout metrics showing each one for a few seconds. The button also has a Reset function. You can press and hold it for a few seconds to clear all the values to zero.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the machine with the flywheel, drive system, and resistance system, comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will have to attach the two base bars, the pedals bars & moving arms, the pedal trays, and the exercise meter. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The manual provides very clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools for the task are included.
For maintenance, first of all, it is recommended to keep the machine clean. The chain is pre-lubricated but after a while it may need extra lubrication. The brake pad may also need lubrication if it makes a loud noise when in contact with the flywheel (silicone lubricant is recommended for this). Other than this, you should also check for loose bolts and parts from time to time.
The Pros
- Small footprint;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia;
- The flywheel is bi-directional;
- Extra-large, non-slip, durable pedals;
- Chain drive system which can last a lifetime with proper care;
- Standard friction resistance;
- Exercise meter that can track time, distance, speed, and calories burned;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No fixed handlebar;
- No pulse reading function.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E1405 is a compact elliptical cross trainer made for home use. It is equipped with a perimeter-weighted flywheel similar to spin bikes and has a manual friction resistance system. It also includes a basic performance monitor which tracks the most important workout metrics. It’s a fairly decent trainer for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, and stamina development, and weight loss. It’s also an affordable fitness machine, currently available for less than $250.