| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Niceday CT11 Check Discounted Price | L:48" W:25" H:62" | 330 lbs | No | Manual magnetic, 16 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Pulse, Scan, Goals |
The Niceday CT11 is one of the elliptical trainers released in 2021. It offers a similar range of features to the SNODE E16 model but has a slightly longer stride and 16 levels of resistance rather than 8. It’s also sturdier featuring a superior weight limit.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 48L x 25W x 62H inches (122L x 64W x 157H cm)
- Assembled weight: ~100 lbs (45.3 kg)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Stride: 15 inches (38 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 16 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, pulse, scan, goals
- Extras: Bottle holder, device holder
- Warranty: 3 years
Frame construction
The Niceday CT11 elliptical machine features a frame made of steel tubing. It combines oval and cylindrical
tubes in its construction for improved aesthetics and sturdiness. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish; the color used is black, this being the only color available for this elliptical, at least for the moment.
The machine also integrates several parts made from durable thermoplastic material. The most notable ones are the covers of the drive system and the pedals trays. Several other small covers and the console casing are also plastic-made.
This Niceday elliptical is not too bulky. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 48″ (122 cm) long, and 25″ (64 cm) wide. Its moving arms reach approx. 62″ (157 cm) above floor level. It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance all around the machine for ease of access.
The trainer is fairly heavy. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 100 lbs (45.3 kg). Thus, the packaged unit may require two people. However, once it is assembled, the machine can easily be moved by only one person as its front stabilizer integrates two small wheels.
Like most other ellipticals in this feature and price range, the Niceday CT11 features two sets of handlebars, one fixed, one mobile. The fixed handlebars attach directly to the console mast of the trainer. They have short grips and integrate pulse sensors. The moving arms have considerably longer grips with ball grips at the top. They attach to the pedal bars and the mid-section of the console mast, thus, they cannot remain stationary when you pedal.
Elliptical path, stride, and pedal height
The Niceday CT11 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer. Therefore, its elliptical path is slightly inclined forward.
This means that the pedaling motion resembles a descent on a soft ramp which leads to a slightly better workout for your glutes, thighs, and calves.
As we’ve mentioned above, the pedal trays are made of durable thermoplastic material. They are large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They have side guards and a textured surface for improved foot stability. They are attached to two steel bars and should be able to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg) with no problem.
The machine doesn’t have a super long stride, only 15″ (38 cm). This being said, it should accommodate users up to 6’2″ (188 cm) providing an appropriate range of motion. Taller persons should still be able to use this trainer but their range of motion will be limited.
This Niceday elliptical has a pedal step-up height of approx. 5.5″ (14 cm). Conversely, the pedals stand at approx. 16″ (40 cm) above floor level when they are at their highest point. Therefore, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Resistance and drive
The Niceday CT11 elliptical machine is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This being said,
you don’t need a power adapter for it or an external power source. But on the other hand, the machine cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The trainer’s resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake attached to the flywheel system and connected to the tension knob on the upright mast through a steel cable. Therefore, when you turn the knob clockwise, the brake moves closer to the flywheel which increases the pedaling resistance.
The machine makes available 16 levels of resistance. The lowest level generates a fairly light resistance, great for conditioning, and recovery training. The 16th level, on the other hand, provides significantly more resistance, simulating a hill climb, giving you the possibility to achieve a high cardio level in a short time. The highest tension levels are also great for strength and stamina development.
The weight of the trainer’s internal flywheel is not specified. But considering that it weighs ~100 lbs (45.3 kg), its flywheel probably weighs around 20-30 lbs (9 – 13.6 kg). It is perimeter-weighted for enhanced inertia, consistent momentum, and a steady pedaling motion. It is also bi-directional; thus, you can pedal in reverse if you want.
The Niceday elliptical trainer uses a belt drivetrain. It integrates a durable poly-v belt resistant to stretching. Since the machine uses a belt, not a chain, the drivetrain does not require periodic lubrication. It also generates less vibration than a chain, so it contributes to the overall smoothness and quietness of the ride.
Fitness monitor
The Niceday CT11 elliptical machine includes a pretty basic fitness monitor. It does not have online connectivity
or pre-set workout programs. It features an LCD display that tracks time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance are shown in English units (MPH and miles). The pulse reading function is grip contact only. In other words, the unit can only track your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the small handlebars of the machine. It does not work with wireless heart rate chest straps, smartwatches, or fitness armbands.
The unit features three buttons. These are Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view on the display. This way, you can also select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the metrics showing each one for approx. 6 seconds.
The Set button offers the possibility to select goals for time, distance, and calories burned. If a goal is selected, the monitor unit will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. This way, you can keep track of your progress and push your limits with every workout. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values on the unit to zero.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It starts up when you press the Mode button or when it detects pedal movement. It automatically turns off after a few minutes of inactivity on the elliptical. It also integrates a device holder which consists of a small shelf on which you can place your tablet or smartphone. However, there are no docking ports for your device (no USB, no AUX).
Assembly and Maintenance
Most of the elliptical comes pre-assembled. You only have to unbox it, attach the two base bars, secure the front mast in its upright position, then add the fixed handlebars and the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.
For maintenance, the internal parts don’t need any lubrication. Therefore, you only need to keep the machine clean, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts to make sure your elliptical trainer still functions properly.
The Pros
- Fairly sturdy frame – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear stabilizer;
- Transport wheels on the front base bar;
- Mobile arms with an ergonomic design and round grips at the top;
- Fixed grips with pulse sensors;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive system;
- Large pedals with front and inner guards for improved foot stability;
- 16 levels of magnetic resistance;
- LCD display console that can track time, distance, calories, pulse, and speed;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- A tablet placed on the device holder will cover the monitor display;
- No workout programs;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The Niceday CT11 is an elliptical trainer made for home use. It is equipped with a 16-level manual magnetic resistance system, an internal belt drive, two large textured pedals, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It also has quite an impressive weight capacity for a home-use elliptical of 330 lbs. In all, it’s a great fitness machine for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.