Marcy is a well-respected manufacturer of home exercise equipment, including weight machines, free weights, ellipticals, and exercise bikes. The ME-709 Marcy recumbent bike has received many positive reviews and it’s an affordable option. There are many models available and it can be difficult to make a final choice. We will attempt to make this process easier with our Marcy ME-709 recumbent exercise bike review.
The Marcy ME 709 Recumbent Exercise Bike Basics
This Marcy recumbent bike is a simple no-frills model with a large, padded seat, backrest, and a step-through design. The length can be adjusted to fit a wide variety of riders and the footprint can be reduced when the bike is not in use.
There are eight levels of magnetic resistance which feel smooth and they are quiet in operation. The resistance provided by this bike is better suited to moderate-intensity workouts. The user interface is pretty simple, but it gets the job done and each function works as you would expect. The ME-709 is a great recumbent exercise bike for people that don’t need high-intensity workouts and/or the extra bells and whistles.
Special Features of the Marcy Recumbent Bike
Let’s take a look at five key Marcy ME-709 recumbent exercise bike features in more detail, they are:
1. The Smart Design of the Marcy ME 709
The step-through design allows the user to mount and dismount quickly without risking injuries. When tired legs need to move, it can lead to accidents and any design features that remove or reduce these risks should be applauded. This one feature alone makes the ME-709 a great option for seniors that want to work out at home. The overall build quality is excellent, Marcy has used 14-gauge steel tubing for the frame and heavy-duty components.
2. Marcy Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike
To get the most out of interval training it’s important to vary the resistance settings during the ride. The Marcy ME-709 has eight resistance settings for shorter bursts of intense pedaling. The resistance is altered with an easy to reach single knob and the changes feel smooth.
3. The Marcy Recumbent with Padded Seat
A recumbent bike must have a comfortable seat or people will not use it regularly. The ME-709 has a padded seat that’s designed to mold to the body to work with the rider. This creates an excellent riding position and allows the user to focus on their fitness goals.
4. The Counterbalanced Pedals of the ME-709
Some exercise bikes have pedals that are hard to control and this diverts attention away from the workout. The Marcy ME-709 has weighted counterbalanced pedals that feel substantial during pedaling. The feet feel supported and there are adjustable foot straps to prevent pedaling injuries.
5. LCD Screen on the Marcy ME
Most people tend to focus on their LCD screens as they ride because clocking miles and meeting other goals can be a great motivator. The ME-709 has a basic LCD screen to track the speed, distance, time, and the calories burnt during the ride. The numbers are large and easy to read and you know what you’re doing at all times.
Pros and Cons of the Marcy ME 709
At this point in our Marcy ME-709 recumbent exercise bike review, we need to take a closer look at the various pros and cons of this product. They are:
Pros:
- The LCD screen is basic, but we liked the large numbers and simple functionality. At no point did we feel the need to stop our ride or squint to understand what we were doing. Some users have reported using the same set of batteries for years which is great news for your wallet and the environment.
- The overall build quality is excellent and the design is suitable for people recovering from injuries and seniors with limited mobility. Anyone that wants a medium-intensity workout can mount and dismount the ME-709 easily.
- This Marcy recumbent bike is pretty easy to assemble, but the manufacturer recommends that two people take part in the build. The assembly instructions are easy-to-understand and most people could put it together in an afternoon.
- This is a quiet exercise bike and when you step on it for the first time the lack of noise is surprising. The quiet operation means that you can work out at any time without disturbing others. If you like to watch TV or listen to music as you ride you will be able to listen to your favorite media without straining to hear.
Cons:
- Some users have reported that certain components have broken quickly after purchasing. At this time, it’s unclear if this is a quality control issue that will be rectified on future ME-709 models. But it seems that Marcy is responding to these problems quickly and new components are sent out to resolve any problems that may arise.
- Shorter riders may have difficulty reaching the pedals on this recumbent exercise bike. It’s also important to note that this bike has a hard weight limit of 300 lbs only. If you are above this weight, we recommend that you look elsewhere.
Who is the Marcy ME 709 Best Suited For?
We have seen a huge increase in the ownership of home exercise equipment in recent years. The Covid-19 pandemic closed many gyms and lock downs made riding outdoors impossible. It’s understandable that people are nervous about the future and many people now prefer to work out reliably at home. When you’re in the market for an exercise bike, it’s easy to get carried away and get a model with all the bells and whistles. But, these features usually increase the price and they don’t tend to add much to the overall workout experience. The Marcy ME-709 may be basic, but it’s comfortable, adjustable, quiet, easy-to-use, and very affordable.
Conclusion
We hope that this Marcy ME-709 recumbent exercise bike review has been helpful. At the time of this review, this bike is one of the most affordable models on the market. It may have a light feature set, but the build construction is solid and it feels durable. This is a very comfortable and quiet exercise bike that is a joy to use on a daily basis. If you’re looking for a high-intensity workout, you need to look elsewhere. But, for those that need a fun and challenging repeatable workout at home, this may be what you’re looking for.