Cycling offers some fantastic health benefits, but if you don’t want to brave the traffic or weather, you’ll need a solid exercise bike. The main attraction of the Marcy ME-708 is that it’s simple to use for anyone. Many people find the built-in consoles of more complex machines harder to use and they are overkill most users.
The ME-708 tracks the information you really need at your fingertips, such as your speed, the calories burned, and the distance you’ve covered. This is a well-built exercise bike, it’s durable and affordable and it may be the ideal machine to meet your home cycling needs. In this article, we’ll explore this model in more detail to help you make a confident purchase decision.
The Marcy Upright Exercise Bike ME 708 Basics
The ME-708 can be in an upright position for your next workout and you will notice that the handlebars are easy to reach whether you’re short or taller. Some riders will want to adopt a slightly forward leaning riding position, but you’re supported throughout the ride. When you ride in a more upright position you can prevent additional strain on your lower back and the incidence of injuries is lowered. This is entirely possible with this exercise bike and you can get an intense workout due to the magnetic resistance system.
The magnetic resistance system has a choice of eight different resistance levels to select. The transitions between the different levels are very smooth and you can make easy switches during your ride. As you raise the resistance, the pedaling action is harder and this will increase the number of calories that you’re burning. Making adjustments is easy; simply turn the resistance knob that’s located just under the LCD display.
The Marcy ME-708 has a comfortable seat made from high-density foam for longer riding sessions. There are nine different height adjustment settings to select and you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. The lowest seating height is 30” and this rises to a maximum height of 40”.
This exercise bike is well-built and sturdy to provide a good riding experience for users with a variety of body types. This makes the ME-708 a good choice for anyone that wants to tone-up or lose weight at home. The frame is made from 14-gauge steel tubes and it can support a weight of up to 300 lbs. The powder coated finish helps to resist any dents or scratches and a wheel is fitted to transport the exercise bike safely between different rooms in your home.
Special Features of the Marcy ME 708
Let’s take a more detailed look at five of the stand out features of the ME-708, they are:
1. The Handlebars
Sadly, these are not adjustable, the angles are pretty static and this can lead to an awkward grip at times. But, that isn’t the whole story. The positioning will be ideal for many users because it supports a variety of riding stances. If you like to change your stance by leaning back or forth during a longer ride, you will appreciate the handlebar positioning. These handlebars are also covered with a soft foam material that’s both comfortable and slip resistant when your hands get sweaty.
2. The Frame
We’ve already mentioned the durable 14-gauge steel tube construction that can support a weight of up to 300 lbs. But the real surprise here is that this level of durability is available in the ME-708 at a very affordable price point. It’s fair to say that this exercise bike is comparable in strength to other models that cost far more.
3. Stability and Sturdiness
The considerable strength of a steel frame construction typically comes at a cost in terms of overall weight. But, the ME-708 only weighs 41 lbs, it has a small footprint, and yet it is extremely stable when you’re riding. Even when you stand to pedal, there is next to no wobbling but this isn’t recommended if you have an uneven floor. The bike can be further stabilized with handy stabilizers and end caps that can be adjusted to balance the machine. If you have any concerns, it’s a good idea to site the ME-708 on an exercise mat but for most users, this will not be necessary.
4. The Pedals
These are not the premium grade pedals that you’re likely to find on a high-end exercise bike. But they have the grips and straps that you need to keep your feet secure when riding. In fact, we were quite surprised at the overall feel and sturdiness of these pedals on what is essentially a budget exercise bike. However, the adjustment straps are plastic and they can feel stiff until they have been used a few times.
5. The Magnetic Resistance Drive
The ME-708 has a belt drive system that is covered and matched to the flywheel. This is crucial because dirt, dust, sweat, and debris cannot enter the critical drive systems. This keeps the cleaning and maintenance at an acceptable level and performance is not compromised. This drive system is also a safer option when you have kids and pets in your home because they can’t get access to the flywheel which could injure them. The belt drive feels very smooth when pedaling and it matches well with the increased resistance levels for more intense workouts.
Pros and Cons of the ME 708
Pros:
Clear LCD Screen: The LCD screen display is 2¼” wide, the readout is large and easy to read. All the basic information you need is displayed, an odometer tells you how far you’ve pedaled and the unit operates on a pair of AAA batteries.
Easy Switching: It’s easy to switch between the eight resistance levels for more intense calorie burning or to cool down at the beginning and end of your workout ride. Even at the higher resistance settings, this bike is quiet and you can easily watch TV or listen to music as you ride.
Comfortable Upright Position: Even shorter riders enjoyed the ME-708 due to the upright riding position.
Cons:
Seat is not the best: The seat can be uncomfortable for some riders and extra padding may be required.
Rougher transitions: At higher resistance levels, the transitions can be rougher which can disrupt your pedaling until the change is made.
Plastic casing vulnerable to cracking: The steel frame is sturdy, but the casing is covered in plastic which can be prone to cracking during an impact as you move the bike between rooms.
Conclusion
The Marcy Upright Exercise Bike ME-708 is an ideal machine to help you stay in shape or lose weight at home. The weight capacity of 300 lbs, the access for short and taller users, and the seating height adjustments make this bike a flexible option. If you’re on a tighter budget, there is a lot of machine here for a modest investment. The ME-708 can certainly give you a great workout and help you to reach your fitness goals.