Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709 Review

Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike is a great machine for those who find it difficult to go to gym, early morning or after a hectic day. For an affordable price, the bike contains loads of features to make exercising comfortable and effective.

As such, riding a stationary bike has a number of benefits like increased muscle mass, improved blood circulation and improved bone density, not to mention that it’s a lot kinder on joints than other aerobic exercises.

However, the bike should be right for the user. Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike takes pride to be such a bike that should be right for a wide range of users.

Published: January 21, 2022.

Specifications of Marcy ME-709

- Dimensions when assembled: 55.5″ (L) x 24.5″ (W) x 37.5″ (H)

- Weight: 64 lbs.

- Maximum user weight capacity: 300 lbs.

- Batteries: 2 AA batteries (not included) required for the monitor

- Color: Black/Copper/Gray color combination

Features of Marcy ME-709

Assembly

Marcy ME-709 comes with clear assembly instructions. It’s recommended to have another person to help in the assembly. Other than this, there is not much help needed and the assembly can be finished in not more than an hour.

However, assembly includes several steps such as connecting the two main parts of the frame together, then connect the front and rear base, backrest, seat and console mast, handlebars, pedals and then attach the tension wire and speed sensor to the console.

Installation of the monitor can be a bit complicated. Users can use a longer screwdriver than the one that comes in the package or a piece of wire or a twisted coat hanger to make the job easy.

Smart Design

Marcy ME-709 features a creative step-through design that makes it easy for users to mount and dismount. It cuts down the risk of injury while getting on the bike. Thus this bike is just right for elderly users.

Strong and Durable Frame

This bike has been built by Marcy with heavy-duty parts. The bike features strong 2” x 2” round 14-gauge steel tubing for the entire construction with a durable powder-coated finish of anti-corrosive paint.

There are two main pieces in the frame that meet in the center. While the front part has a quick-adjustment knob that keeps the connection between the two parts in place at the length setting desired by users, the back part has adjustment holes. The entire back part has fore to aft adjustability that provides a length-wise customization of the frame.

The main bar and the rear part of the frame have squared tubing for added durability. However, there is cylindrical tubing on the bases of the frame and the console mast. There are plastic caps on the ends of the bases that provide better stability, whereas the front base features transport wheels.

Maximum User Weight

ME-709 is listed to support a maximum user weight of 300 lbs. However, even users up to 350 lbs. or even heavier can use it comfortably.

Resistance Levels and Drive System

A bike with multiple resistance levels offers users interval training which is a very efficient way to improve fitness level quickly. Marcy ME-709 features eight resistance settings delivered by eddy current that allows users to pedal intensely for a short period and then slow down.

When this cycle is repeated, interval training is completed.

The knob is easy to turn and makes switching a breeze. The manually adjustable resistance involves a magnetic brake pad linked to the knob via a solid wire. When users turn the knob the magnetic pad moves closer or farther with respect to the flywheel, generating higher or lower resistance.

The eight resistance settings are not only useful for interval training but also for pushing oneself as one is getting stronger. Thus, when a particular level becomes too easy, the user can turn the knob and increase the resistance. If on a particular day, a user is feeling off, s/he can turn the knob back and choose to do an easier exercise.

The multiple resistance settings are also great for users of varying experience levels. Thus they can cater to almost everyone in a household.

The drive system of the bike includes a heavy-duty belt, a small, magnetic flywheel, and a solid pulley with steel crank arms which are finished with weighted pedals that feature straps to secure feet during riding. The entire drive/brake system is covered with a case made of plastic and metallic material.

Since the resistance is magnetic, the components that create it, like the magnetic pad and flywheel don’t touch, causing almost no wear and tear. This also makes the bike super quiet.

They also simulate different terrains.

Marcy ME-709 Console

An easy-to-read and easy-to-use 3.5” LCD screen console works as an odometer and also helps users track their distance, time, speed, and calories burned in large-sized digits for better visibility.

Also, the console doesn’t use up batteries quickly, thus the same batteries can be used for years.

Note: 2 AA batteries are required to power the console - batteries are not included.

All the values saved on the console are reset when the batteries are removed or replaced. The console automatically turns on as the users pedal and will shut off automatically after 8 minutes of inactivity of the bike.

Also, it should be noted that when users finish workouts, the time doesn’t reset automatically, but has to be set manually.

Padded Seat

The adjustable padded seat on Marcy ME-709 makes riding this bike extremely comfortable. Besides being padded with high-density 2” foam cushioning, the seat is also designed to contour the user’s body increasing the comfort level. The seat to pedal distance can be adjusted between 26” and 33”, thus the bike can accommodate users from under 5 feet to over 6 feet. The seat also features contoured foam-covered handles for additional support to the back and arms.

Backrest

The backrest of ME709 is not adjustable but suits people of most heights. A user shorter than 5 feet can either consider moving the backrest closer to the pedals as the whole rear-set of the bike is adjustable or they may place a pillow against the backrest to reach the pedals with ease. The backrest is also padded with high-density 2” foam cushioning.

Handlebars

The handlebars on ME-709 are pretty simple and non-adjustable. They offer a comfortable grip as they’re padded with rubber foam material. Users can either attach them to the seat as per the instructions in the manual or can attach them upside down to obtain a tilt of around 45°.

Counterbalanced Pedals

The pedals of Marcy ME-709 are counterbalanced and perfectly weighted due to which users’ feet get extra support and users get control over the pedals.

To add to the convenience, the pedals have adjustable foot straps that offer users a perfect fit every time and prevent injury.

Portability

ME709 can be easily relocated thanks to the built-in glider transport wheels attached to the front support bar.

Noise

ME709 is extremely quiet and thus allows users to watch TV, read or listen to music while exercising, making the workout time more interesting.

In order to protect the sensitive floors and to decrease the noise even further, a good floor mat is recommended.

Maintenance

ME709 doesn’t require much maintenance since it features a magnetic resistance system. Users just need to clean the dust and dirt with a damp cloth and re-tighten the bolts if they are loosened.

Warranty

ME709 comes with a 2-year warranty on its frame.

Pros of Marcy ME-709

- Affordably priced

- Great price to quality ratio

- Strong construction

- Adjustable frame length

- Step-through design for easy mounting and dismounting

- Excellent stability

- Comfortable, padded, adjustable seat

- Backrest

- 8 resistance levels

- Magnetic brake system with virtually no wear and tear

- Weighted pedals with foot straps

- Quiet and smooth working

- Almost no maintenance required

Cons of Marcy ME-709

- Some users have found parts breaking quickly. However, Marcy’s customer support is excellent and helps fix this issue promptly

- No heart rate monitor

- No preset workout programs

- Tricky installation of monitor

- Weight limit of 300 lbs. so, the bike may not be the right choice for heavy users

- Short warranty

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Bottom Line

Marcy ME-709 recumbent bike is a great budget-friendly machine for those who are looking for losing some extra pounds, exercise while recovering from an injury, building some strength, toning muscles, and many other health enthusiasts, particularly those whose exercising efforts are usually interrupted by mobility issues, pain or injury.

It’s especially suitable for elderly users with its step-through design, comfortable padded seat and backrest, and large pedals with foot straps. It’s also useful for new moms who want to get back into shape but don’t want to wake their babies with the noise of the machine. It offers quite a few features for its price and therefore offers the best bang for the buck.

For more reviews and recommendations feel free to check Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709 Amazon link (link opens in the new window).