According to Harvard Health, there are many great advantages to using a stationary bike on a regular basis in the comfort of your home. These include healthier blood circulation, increased bone density, muscle mass, and there is no pressure on any of the joints.
The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-709 is one design that has been grabbing a lot of attention for several reasons. And this review is going to take a deeper look at why many consider it a best value for the money and a great addition to any home gym.
More...
About The Marcy Brand
IMPEX is the company name behind the Marcy brand, and they cover every area of fitness you can think about. The company itself came into existence during 1982, but it didn't take long for IMPEX to establish itself as a world-class producer of fitness equipment.
As for the Marcy brand, it has been coming along since the 1930's, after Walter Marcyan made a name for himself as the central AAU Light Heavyweight Lifting Champion.
In other words, you already know you are dealing with an effective piece of exercise equipment. The only question is does this particular recumbent exercise bike live up to the other standards set by the company?
Overview Of Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-709
First off, the design of the Marcy Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Exercise Bike is indeed very smart, and you are at liberty to switch between several magnetic resistance levels. With a lot of comfort and ease, you can get into a very relaxing spin session right in the comfort of your own home. Even putting the bike together is very user-friendly, although there are some concerns which are covered in the Con section later.
But as far as first impressions go, this Marcy Recumbent model doesn't disappoint, especially the pedal design.
Let's take a look at this Marcy Exercise Bike in action!
What Are Types of Exercise Bikes?
Looking for a great cardio workout? A stationary exercise bike is a great option for an at home workout that burn calories and is easy on the joints.
There are essentially 2 types of exercise bikes: upright and recumbent. A recumbent bike has a seat back that supports your back making it more comfortable than an upright.
As far as calories burned is concerned, both bikes will do the trick and it really depends on you. Typically you burn more calories on an upright but you can exercise for a longer period of time on an recumbent.
Personally, I have not found an upright seat that I like and is comfortable after 10 minutes of cycling and the Marcy Me-709's comfortably padded seat is just one of its key features.
Either type of bike can be used in a home gym and you have choices in the Marcy line. For more information on Upright bikes, read our review of the Marcy Exercise Bike Air 1.
What Are Key Features?
Marcy ME 709 Features
What makes the Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike special you wonder? The key features include:
- Impressive Design
A common issue people have with a recumbent bike is getting on and off the bike. But you shouldn't have any problems with the step through design of this Marcy model. In fact, it is designed with total convenience in mind, even for seniors who want to minimize the risk of injury. It's a matter of stepping in and sitting down. As a result, nothing more needs to happen and the risk of injury is minimal.
- Eight Resistance Levels
In order to make your workout as effective as it can be, you need to be able to quickly switch between resistance levels. Plus, you want a good choice between the magnetic resistance levels.
This equipment has eight resistance levels.
The Marcy Recumbent Bike with Resistance ME-709 has no less than eight preset resistance levels you can work with. So, if you are looking forward to some interval training, or whether you just want to have more control over the intensity of your workout, simply turn a knob and the magnetic resistance will switch.
- A Comfortable Seat and Back Pad
It goes without saying that an exercise bike without a comfortable padded seat is simply not worth spending money on.
As for the seat used with the Marcy recumbent design, it works with the contours of your body to provide the most comfortable session possible.
The high density foam back pad offers comfort as well as support. It is made with contoured foam covered materials.
- Perfectly Counter-Balanced Pedals
For those with experience using recumbent exercise bikes, you'll know that sometimes the pedals can feel like they have a will of their own. More specifically, it doesn't really feel like you have any control over the pedals. For the most part, when this happens, it's probably a sign the pedals are not properly balanced.
Luckily, this is not a problem with the bike in this review. Instead, you will like you have complete control over the pedals, especially with the adjustable me-709 pedal straps. They allow you to pedal your way to your goal without slippage.
- The LCD Screen - Time Speed Distance
When it comes to exercise equipment, the LCD or computer screen being used should adhere to certain requirements.
For example, the numbers and stats should be easy to read even from a distance, and it should be a user-friendly interface that motivates you to go that extra mile.
The Marcy recumbent bike allows for all these factors, and more. Consequently, not only can you clearly see your stats without having to squint or sit forward, but it allows you to keep track of several important elements
They even include the speed, distance, calories, and the time on this easy to read computer display.
- Easy To Assemble
Don't let the size of the bike intimidate you. The user guide and directions for getting it in one piece are very simple and direct, although it is recommended for two people to handle the assembling.
- Low Noise Level
Certain exercise bikes have a way of announcing to the whole neighborhood that your session has started, but not this one. It operates at a very low noise level, which won't bother you or anyone else in the immediate vicinity.
- Specifications
The dimensions are 55.5Lx25Wx37.5H inches making it compact enough for even small spaces. Although it weighs 60 pounds, it comes with transport wheels for easy portability. It adjusts between 40 and 49 inches. It has a powder coated finish for durability.
Who Should Buy a Marcy ME-709?
The truth is that ANYBODY can benefit from using a Marcy Recumbent Bike, especially the budget conscious.
Why do people end up avoiding exercise? Because they usually have to give up something or compromise to some extent. But with Macy exercise bike, you still have options to do things like reading, watch television, or even work on your laptop while you exercise. You can get fit while staying comfortable at home.
But when getting a little more specific, people with injuries and who can't afford to put pressure on their joints, this is definitely the bike to consider. Seniors will also appreciate the easy mounting and dismounting.
In the end, anyone that wants to get fit in the comfort of their home can look at this bike as a possible part of their home-based gym.
On the other hand, if you need an exercise bike with pulse monitor, this one is lacking. You would need to upgrade to the Marcy Recumbent Bike ME-706.
What Are the Pros and Cons of A Marcy Exercise Bike?
In addition to the features already mentioned, there are other pros to the Marcy exercise bike you might like.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| Cell |
What Are Other Customers Saying?
The theme throughout most reviews is the value. Most people are impressed with what you get for the money compared to other stationary bikes.
Customer are surprised at how sturdy the bike is for the price.
One 78 year old user easily moves the bike around her house due to the transportation wheels.
A reviewer comments to not waste your money for the assembly which is $80, because you can do it yourself. It is that easy.
One customer sums it up nicely, "Does it have all the bells and whistles? Of course not. Does it get the job done? You bet!"
FAQs
How Sturdy is This Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike?
The bike is sturdy and well made. Many users over the recommended capacity use the bicycle without a problem. One heavy gentleman removed the handle bars because they were too narrow and removed the pedal straps because the were too small.
What Is the Weight Capacity Of the ME-709?
The recommended capacity is 300 pounds. However, customers weighing up to 400 pounds report that they have not had an issue.
What Is the Height Capacity Of the ME-709?
The adjustable length is between 40 and 49 inches. Taller reviewers up up to 6' 5" report that they use the bike successfully
Do You Need Special Tools For the Assembly?
The bike comes with all the tools that are needed for the install. One customer states that you may need a knife to cut the wrapping around the protective packaging.
Where Can I Buy A Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike?
Where Can I Find An Owner's Manual?
The owners manual is located at Marcy ME-709 Owner Manual
Final Verdict - Should You Buy A Marcy ME 709 Recumbent Bike?
The Marcy ME 709 Recumbent Exercise Bike reviews are in. This is a best seller and Amazon's 'Choice award winner. With so many customers reviews, this is a solid buy.
Overall, there is no doubt that the Marcy Recumbent Bike holds a good rating for good reason. The parts used for the design are quality, there are enough magnetic resistance levels, and every session will be as comfortable as the next.
The quality is there and the price is right.
So, if you haven't invested in an exercise bike before, you can put this one on your short list of favorites for your home gym.
For more information about recumbent bikes, read Best Recumbent Bike For Home Use.