How Good is the Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Trainer SF-E3865? 

We are about to discover how good the Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Trainer SF-E3865 is.  

First, elliptical trainers are the go-to exercise machines for effective low-impact cardiovascular workouts. They mimic jogging in a mechanical way that does not impact the joints as the conventional jogging on treadmills would have.  

So, the Elliptical Trainer SF-E3865 represents all of the aforementioned. It is a front-driven elliptical machine with a heavy 44 lbs./20 kg perimeter weighted flywheel.  

It provides full-body cardiovascular exercises; thanks to the moveable arms.  

It has a fairly good stride length of 20’’ and can support up to 265 lbs./120 kg user weight capacity. It is an ideal exercise machine for the family. 

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The Frame & Construction 

The Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Trainer SF-E3865 is built to last. It can last a couple of years with proper care and maintenance.  

The welded alloy steel frame is coated with black anti-corrosive paint. The parts that are made of plastic include the drive train cover, the pedals, and the console casing. Unlike most elliptical trainers, the flywheel is not concealed with a plastic shroud.   

Users will experience stability because the base has 6 adjustable rubber levelers beneath the stabilizers. These ensure that users do not experience wobbling moments regardless of how crooked the floor may be. 

However, it will be a smart move to place the unit on a protective rubber mat to solidify its stability and also prevent the floor from being damaged.   

The assembled dimensions of this elliptical trainer are 66’’ long by 30’’ wide by 68’’ high. In other words, a workout space with measurements of 5’5’’ (168 cm) in length by 2’5’’ (76 cm) in width will be needed. 

Also, extra clearance of 1’ to 2’ around the bike will be necessary for ease of access and safety during workout sessions.  

The unit weighs less than 144 lbs./65.3 kg, which means is a fairly heavy elliptical trainer. Therefore, this guarantees the overall stability of the bike, but there might be concerns about relocating it around the room.  

However, a handlebar is attached to the rear base, and transport wheels are integrated into the front base. So, it can easily be moved by lifting it via the handle and rolling it over the transport wheels to wherever you wish around the room.   

The Handlebar 

There are 2 sets of handlebars; one set is static, while the other one is moveable.   

These handlebars are designed to be used at the user’s discretion. The moveable handlebar provides an upper body workout, and in the event the user wishes to concentrate solely on the lower body, then, the static handlebar may come into play.  

The moveable handlebar does not have HR sensors on it, instead, they are on the static handlebar. Therefore, your heart rate can only be read and transmitted when the static handlebar is grasped during a workout.  

The static handlebar is attached directly to the console mast/upright bar, while the moveable is attached to the console mast/upright bar and connected to the pedals. So, each time you pedal, the moveable handles also move even if they are being used or not.  

The 2 sets of handlebars are coated with soft anti-slip rubber foam material to ensure firm and comfortable grips.  

The Pedals of the Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Trainer SF-E3865 

The pedals are large, and textured, with an inner safety guard. Thus, different foot sizes can be accommodated firmly and comfortably.  

Each of the pedals is attached to steel bars that are connected to the drive and to the handlebar; and for smooth movement, they have plastic rollers that run on the rear base rails. 

Their stride length is 20’’. This means users will experience extended stride while working out on the elliptical trainer.  

This bike is suitable for users between the heights of 4’10’’ to 6’3’’ tall.  

The Drive 

The Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Trainer SF-E3865 has a belt drive system. Thus, it comprises an anti-stretch belt, a pulley, and the heavy 44 lbs./20 kg perimeter-weight flywheel.  

The drive provides smooth, quiet, and stable operation, thanks to the heavy flywheel that gathers momentum and stability. 

What this means is that users can work out without noise interference from the unit that might be a disturbance to them or to those around them.  

The other advantage of a belt drive system is that no maintenance is needed. No lubrication or adjustment is required.  

The ability to pedal backward is possible because the drive is bidirectional. So, users can pedal backward to target more muscle groups.  

The Resistance 

The Sunny Elliptical Trainer SF-E3865 is equipped with an electromagnetic resistance system, identical to the one on the Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Cross Trainer.  

This works with electricity and not batteries. The resistance system only works when the unit is plugged into a power outlet.  

The reason is that the resistance system comprises a servo motor and a brake pad. So, whenever the resistance level is increased or decreased, the servo motor shifts the brake pad closer or farther away from the flywheel without direct contact or friction, respectively.  

Hence, the bike’s operation remains smooth and quiet no matter the resistance level that is being used. 

Also, this type of resistance system rarely requires maintenance or part replacement because of its mode of functionality.  

There are 16 adjustable resistance levels. The resistance can be increased or decreased by a push of a button on the console.  

As to whether or not the resistance levels offer challenging workouts; well, it depends on the user, because some users are physically fitter than others. So, there were mixed reactions to this question. Some think that the resistance system offers challenging workouts while some don’t.  

That said, users will be able to lose weight, improve their cardiovascular health, and tone muscles with this machine.  

The Console 

The console on the SF-E3865 Elliptical Trainer is not compatible with the SunnyFit app and it’s not telemetric.  

But it has a manual program, 12 preset workout programs, a watt control program, a body fat program, a target heart rate program, 4 heart rate control (HRC) (55%, 65%, 75%, and 85%), and 4 user programs.  

These programs were designed to help you stay focused to achieve your fitness goals. The owner’s manual has a detailed instruction on how to use any of them.  

Aside from the programs, the console also features an LED monitor with a blue backlight. This tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance, Speed, Odometer, RPM, Calories, Heart Rate, and Watts.  

The clarity level of the display is excellent because it cannot be diminished or compromised when viewed in a poorly lit environment or room. 

The pulse rate can only be displayed when the handlebar with HR sensors is grasped.  

Another vital feature would be the Recovery function. This helps to calculate and determine the health of the heart based on its recovery rate. Usually, it puts out results that are between F1 (Excellent), and F6 (Poor), 

Accessory 

This unit has a water bottle holder installed on the front mast within the user’s reach. This helps users to keep water handy for hydration purposes during a workout.  

There is also a tablet holder built into the console right above the LED monitor. This holder can accommodate a smartphone or a tablet device. Users may use a device to watch workout or entertainment videos during a workout session.  

Storage 

This is not a foldable machine and it is a bit bulky. It will need a storage space with dimensions of 5’5’’ (168 cm) in length by 2’5’’ (76 cm) in width. 

Although it weighs about 144 lbs./65.3 kg, yet, it is easy to move around the room. The reason is that there are transport wheels at the front base and a lifting handle at the rear base. So, users can easily lift it from behind and roll it away since most of the weight is concentrated on the front part.  

Pros/Features Overview 

• Sturdy construction with steel frame 
• Stable and durable 
• Supports 265 lbs./120 kg maximum user weight capacity 
• Supports 4’10’’ to 6’3’’ tall individuals 
• Operation is smooth, quiet, and stable 
• Pedals are large and textured with an inner safety guard for secure and comfortable foot placement 
• Moveable/dual-action handles provide upper-body exercises 
• The elliptical trainer enables users to engage in full-body workouts that target the arms, chest, shoulders, back, and legs muscle groups 
• EKG HR contact is available 
• The electromagnetic resistance system provides 16 adjustable levels for productive workouts 
• LED monitor tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance, Speed, Odometer, RPM, Calories, Watts, and Pulse Rate in real time with impressive clarity 
• The console features 7 workout modes that include a manual program, 12 preset programs, 4 user programs, a Watt control program, a body fat program, a target heart rate program, 4 heart rate control program 
• Can easily be moved around the room via the transport wheels 
• Water bottle holder included for hydration purposes 
• Tablet holder included for workout and entertainment purposes 
• Maintenance requirement is minimal 

Cons 

• Assembly might take a bit of time 
• The console is not compatible with any workout app 

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Warranty 

• Frame: 3 Years 
• Parts & Components: 180 Days 

Product Dimensions & Specifications 

• Length: 66’’ 
• Width: 30’’ 
• Height: 68’’ 
• Shipping Dimensions: 41.73’’ L x 35.43’’ W x 17.72’’ H 
• Maximum User Weight Capacity: 265 lbs./120 kg 
• Supported Height: 4’10 – 6’3’’   
• Net Weight: < 144 lbs./65.3 kg 
• Gross Weight: 144 lbs./65.3 kg 
• Frame: Steel 
• Drive: Belt 
• Resistance: Electromagnetic with 16 adjustable levels 
• Flywheel Weight: 44 lbs./20 kg 
• Stride Length: 20’’ 
• Handlebar: Static & Dual-Action 
• Pedals: Large and textured with inner safety guard 
• EKG HR Contact: Yes 
• LED monitor 
• Programs: 7 basic workout modes, which include a manual program, 12 preset programs, a watt control program, a body fat program, a target heart rate program, 4 heart rate control programs, and 4 user programs 
• Transport Wheels: Yes 
• Tablet Holder: Yes 
• Water Bottle Holder: Yes 

Shipping  

The Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Trainer SF-E3865 comes in a heavy box that weighs 144 lbs./65.3 kg with dimensions of 41.73’’ long by 35.43’’ wide by 17.72’’ high.  

Shipping is free, and it gets delivered in a couple of days if purchased from Amazon.  

You will be able to track the progress in transit via a tracking code that will be given to you.  

Assembly 

The assembly kind of takes time because of the parts that need to be attached. So, the assembly is straightforward and doable as long as you have the patience it requires.  

An instruction manual that guides you through the assembly process is included in the package, and also tools that are needed for the job.  

It will be easier if you have a helping hand during the assembly.  

Maintenance 

There is no technical or skill requirement for maintaining this elliptical trainer.  

Its maintenance is basic and generic.  

Always keep it clean and store it in a cool, dry, and clean area.  

Check the parts for any loose or broken parts to prevent accidents and further damage to the unit.  

Conclusion 

The Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Trainer SF-E3865 is an ideal low-impact, full-body cardiovascular machine anyone or family could get. It is not overly priced and has some applaudable qualities.