Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME 709 Review

Improve your health from the comfort of your own home with the Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME 709. Learn about its key features and benefits on my blog.

For a number of years, the Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME 709 has been a best-seller. It appears to be capable of combining low prices with excellent user satisfaction. It is a simple recumbent exercise bike, but it does what people want it to do and usually goes above and beyond what they expect when they buy it.

A lot of people use it to enhance their overall fitness, reduce weight, or recover from an injury (of course, on the recommendation of their doctors). Along with the price, its popularity is due to its comfortable seat, backrest, and low-impact cardio.

I believe that the lack of bells and whistles (simplicity) also helps since it makes it easier to operate and less likely to malfunction. As with any product, the Marcy ME 709 is not for everyone. In this review, I discuss the pros and cons in-depth so that you can determine if this is the best recumbent exercise bike for your fitness goals.

Our Verdict

The Marcy ME-709 is a competitively priced exercise bike with a straightforward, functional design. This comfy model has an easy-access design, a spacious cushioned seat with a backrest, and a comfortable reclining position.

It can be adjusted long enough to fit a wide range of rider heights or short enough to take up less space when not in use. With its eight degrees of magnetic resistance, it gives you a resistance range that is optimal for light to moderate workout intensity.

Its user interface is extremely simple but effective and functional. I believe this budget-friendly model is a fantastic recumbent alternative for users who do not demand sophisticated features or really intense exercise.

Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME 709 Review

Marcy manufactures a variety of home fitness equipment, including free weights and weight machines, in addition to cardio equipment such as ellipticals and exercise cycles.

The Marcy ME-709 has attracted the attention of many fans of indoor cycling, both with its affordable price and with the positive reviews of many owners of this simple and functional sports device.

Exercise Quality

When it comes to the exercise quality of the Marcy ME-709 bike, it is very similar to that of the Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright. On the other hand, it offers a fairly limited range of resistance that some sports enthusiasts will not like.

However, this recumbent exercise bike is ideal for customers seeking low-to-moderate intensity exercises who are less concerned about demanding resistance levels or features such as pre-programmed exercises.

This budget-friendly model has a simple design without additional features. This greatly reflects on the overall quality of exercise. The Marcy ME-709 recumbent bike has a comfy seat with a step-through design that makes it simple to enter and exit. It offers eight levels of magnetic resistance, and you can adjust them by using the adjustable knob located on the main mast right underneath the console.

The resistance levels on this bike go from extremely easy to fairly demanding, which is a smaller range than other competitors. Nevertheless, it will certainly provide sufficient range for the majority of users, but those wanting a really intense workout should look elsewhere.

However, this bike is considered most effective for moderate-intensity exercise. Also, with the ME 709 exercise bike, you can train at high-intensity intervals to the maximum resistance level for an extended amount of time with relative ease. This tells you that the bike has a pretty solid and durable construction. People who used this recumbent exercise bike noticed that at lower RPMs, the resistance seemed a bit uneven at its highest levels, but as RPMs went up, it became more consistent.

The Marcy Recumbent ME-709 has a simple dashboard that shows training data like time, distance, pace, and calories burned, but it doesn’t have any pre-set workouts or other tricks. You can set a time, distance, or calorie target for your workouts, but that is the limit of its functionality. The user has full control over their workout, and moving the resistance knob in front of them changes the level of resistance.

Comfort and Usability

Although the Marcy Recumbent has a simple appearance and few functions, I think it is a comfortable and fun bike for indoor exercise. It offers a broad range of height adjustments, a cushioned and adjustable seat, a comfortable backrest, and a usable handlebar, which is all you need besides its simplicity.

The recumbent design of the Marcy ME-709 provides a step-through design, making it simple to enter and exit the seat. Plus, the two handles located on the front of the bike’s main mast, along with the large, cushioned handle, are also suitable for support when you sit or get off the bike.

I think that the spacious cushioned seat, which is 2 inches thick and 16 inches broad, is pleasant for cycling for up to 1.5 hours. The wide, padded backrest is great for supporting your back, and the padded handlebar is set up so that your arms can rest comfortably while you pedal.

Also, the length of the front and back components of the frame may be adjusted to accommodate your pedal stroke. For a total of 12 inches of fore/aft adjustment, there are two inches between each of the seven indexed locations. Marcy also confirms that this recumbent exercise bike has an inseam range of 27 to 3 inches.

The Console and User Interface

When it comes to the display and controls of the Marcy ME-709, they are not the best compared to the display and controls of most exercise bikes. But they are sufficient, generally straightforward, and fully functional.

The compact, battery-powered computer is located in front of you, where you can easily view your necessary metrics while riding and where it can be simply adjusted if necessary. Like the Exerpeutic Folding, which also has eight resistance levels, the ME-709 has a resistance knob below the LCD that can be turned to change the level of resistance.

The ME-709 recumbent bike does not include the two AA batteries needed to operate the display; you must purchase them separately. When it comes to the display and controls, it is not very difficult to figure out how they function, but I recommend studying the user guide before using them.

The computer on the ME-709 features an auto-start and auto-stop function. It turns on when you start cycling, and it turns off after 8 minutes of inactivity. Otherwise, the screen is 3 inches wide and 1.5 inches high, with large numbers that can be easily read. But, the downside of this screen is that it has no backlight. This makes it difficult to read the information on the screen in dimly lit rooms.

When the computer is turned on, it goes through all five modes for about four seconds before defaulting to scanning. The modes that are displayed are speed, distance, time, calories burned, and odometer (the result is in miles).

Also, below the LCD screen, there are 3 buttons: set, mode, and reset. By pressing the Mode button in the middle, you can select any of the modes to show on the screen. But, if you press and hold the Reset button, all of the modes, such as time, distance, and calories, will be reset to zero. You can also set your training goals by choosing the right mode, such as duration, distance, or calories, and clicking the Set button until you reach your goal.

So, when your workout target is selected and you start cycling, the display counts down from your selected goal to zero. The level of resistance can be changed by rotating the resistance knob on the bike’s front panel, underneath the computer. Turn the knob counterclockwise to lower the resistance and clockwise to raise it.

Adjusting the resistance is simple and straightforward, but you must lean forward when cycling to reach it. Some people may not be able to reach this knob easily, and those who change the resistance level often may not like it.

Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike: Key Features

Okay, let’s now discuss the features of the Marcy ME-709 recumbent exercise bike in a little more detail.

Sturdiness

The construction of the bike is sturdy and durable. Actually, it is made from 2-inch steel tubing that secures everything in place as you workout. It doesn’t move or wobble, so you can work out, watch TV, or do other things that keep your mind busy. The bike does not have levelers, so it must be placed on a flat surface or it will swing from side to side. If your floor isn’t even, you can use a rubber exercise mat to help keep the bike from wobbling.

But some users point out a few problems with this recumbent bike, such as the bearings giving up and making a grinding sound after a few weeks. If something like this happens to you, the company will easily replace your bike with a new one. Otherwise, this is an old issue that has happened before.

The other issue that has happened to a few users is that placing excessive weight on the handlebars might cause them to shatter. It does not occur frequently, and when it does, the supplier can easily replace them.

Even though a few users have had these problems in the past, it’s unlikely that they will happen to you. In reviews, users who have had the Marcy ME-709 for more than three years said that they still get great workouts from it and use it often to get in better shape.

Adjustability

So, when we talk about the adjustability of the Marcy ME-709, you are able to move the back section of the bike closer to or farther from the pedals. This means that in order to adjust the seat horizontally to the desired position, you don’t need to move the seat back or forward; instead, you move the frame backward or forward. The adjustment is made on the moving bar that runs down the bike’s floor from front to rear. This can be problematic when attempting to adjust the seat.

The adjustment can be made in less than a minute, but it takes more muscle than other cheap recumbent exercise bikes, like the Exerpeutic 900XL, where the seat can be moved back and forth. To do this, you have to loosen the pop-pin knob and move the sliding rear frame of the bike to the position you want. Then, you have to put the pin back into the pre-set hole and tighten it.

According to consumer feedback, the bike appears to accommodate individuals between 5 feet 2 inches and 6 feet tall. At the end of the pedal stroke, those users who are shorter than 5 feet 2 inches must extend to reach the pedals, most of them, but not all of them, depending on their leg length.

Some people who have trouble reaching the pedals push themselves forward on the seat with a cushion so they can reach the pedals well. But, some users have added another hole in the sliding bar, which is not advised by the company. On the other hand, if you are over 6 feet tall, you are likely to feel constricted and have a restricted knee range of motion.

Magnetic Resistance

The Marcy ME-709 has eight magnetic resistance settings. You can make changes to the resistance levels manually by using the tension knob. The tension knob is located at the front of the bike, below the dashboard. In order to modify the resistance, you must lean forward, which some users may not like.

When you turn the knob in a clockwise direction, the resistance goes up, and when you turn it in a counterclockwise direction, the resistance goes down. Due to magnetic resistance, it is extremely silent and requires minimal maintenance as there are no moving components.

The changes between levels are smooth and gradual, so there are no sudden jumps in how hard it is to pedal when the amount of resistance is changed.

Belt Drive System

The belt drive is housed within the case, protecting it from harm and keeping it out of the way of kids and pets. It also prevents your ankles and clothing from becoming entangled.

The Pedals

The counterbalanced pedals provide a seamless pedaling experience. They include a rough surface for traction and a strap to secure your feet. They are intended for use with sports footwear.

It can be difficult to tighten the straps on the pedals because the plastic around the holes is rigid. Also, individuals with larger shoe sizes will discover that there is insufficient space to tie their shoes. You may cycle backward on them, but it is not recommended; there is no resistance, but the computer will continue to track your effort.

Dimensions and Weight

This specific recumbent bike has accurate dimensions of 58 inches in length, 25 inches in width, and 38 inches in height. The weight of this item is 61 pounds (27.67 kg), while its maximum weight for users is 300 pounds (136 kg). As a result, it is incredibly light and easy to move around, especially considering the built-in transport wheels that help you a lot.

Storage

The bike is not foldable and requires a space of 58 by 25 inches while not in use. It has wheels on the front of the stabilizing bars that help a lot when transporting the bike.

So, in order to transport the bike, you need to lift the back of the bike to rest it on the transportation wheels. Transportation is easy on hard surfaces, but it can be a little bit challenging on the carpet, where the wheels might become “jammed” and need to be dragged.

Also, you need to keep in mind that when transporting the bike on a wooden floor, you need to ensure that the wheels do not damage the surface before moving the bike across the entire wooden surface.

Assembling

The Marcy ME-709 arrives incomplete, so to finish the assembly of the bike, you will need about an hour. But, if you have another person to support the bike while assembling the parts, that is an advantage, especially when the two stabilizing bars need to be attached.

One of the most challenging steps is when you need to attach the front post that connects the computer wire and tension cable. You will need to pay special attention to the instructions in the manual.

If you don’t do the assembly properly, it might result in either little resistance or excessive resistance when cycling that you cannot alter. The majority of users do not have difficulty, but some do, which is typically resolved by rereading the instructions. Actually, the assembly requires attaching the sliding frame, front post, and console, as well as the seat support, backrest, seat, handlebars, and pedals.

People Also Ask

What are the positive things about the Marcy recumbent exercise bike ME-709?

According to the experience of many users, the Marcy ME-709 recumbent exercise bike has some positive features:

First of all, it has a comfortable design. The ME-709 has a step-through design that is comfortable. This design makes it easier for the elderly and those with mobility issues to use the exercise bike without having to climb on top of it.

The second is adjustable and supportive. The bike offers ample length adjustment to accommodate a wide range of rider heights, ensuring a comfortable fit. It also features a large padded seat and backrest that provide support during workouts.

I don’t want to forget to mention that it has durable construction. The Marcy ME-709 is constructed with heavy-duty parts, including 14-gauge steel tubing, making it sturdy and built to last.

In addition, this sports equipment is affordable. The ME-709 is a budget exercise bike, providing an affordable option for those seeking a home workout. It features a straightforward, cost-effective design that gets the job done.

And of course, it is suitable for home use. Owning the Marcy ME-709 allows individuals to skip the gym and have a convenient workout option at home. It provides a practical solution for incorporating daily workouts into one’s routine.

Is the Marcy ME-709 recumbent exercise bike worth it?

The answer is simple, yes; it is worth its money. The Marcy ME-709 is a popular recumbent exercise bike that is designed to provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout.

It features adjustable resistance levels, a comfortable padded seat and backrest, and an easy-to-read LCD display that tracks your time, speed, distance, and calories burned.

The bike also has transport wheels for ease of movement and storage. Reviews from users indicate that the Marcy ME-709 stationary bike is a good value for its price point, offering a sturdy build and a smooth ride. Ultimately, whether or not the Marcy ME-709 is worth it depends on your individual fitness goals and needs.

Conclusion

The Marcy recumbent exercise bike ME 709 may not be the best indoor exercise bike, but it is a good way for people who want light to moderate exercise to get a low-impact cardio workout. It is gentle on the knees, and most individuals find it comfortable. The biggest disadvantage and rather frustrating aspect of the bike is its size-adjustment system. If only one person is using the bike, then there is no issue.

But, if there are many people using the bike, you must be willing to accept a more complicated method of adjusting it to the right fit each time individuals of different heights use the bike. If you desire hard or really demanding exercises, this bike’s resistance will be insufficient. For others, it is a nice, quiet, and easy-to-use recumbent exercise bike that costs very little to use.