For seasoned cardio vets and newbies alike, hopping on a recumbent bike like the Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike offers a low-impact form of exercise with a wide range of intensity. Whether you’re considering starting a new fitness plan, recovering from an injury, or just want to add a little intensity to your Instagram scrolling, the best recumbent bikes offer an accessible path to reaping the benefits of indoor cycling. (1)
Our team of fitness pros — including certified personal trainers, cyclists, and CrossFit coaches — has tested over 20 exercise bikes, including multiple Marcy bikes, to bring you the full scope of options to get your heart pumping. During our time with the Marcy ME-709, we chronicled our experience and awarded scores — 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) — across 10 categories, including durability, workout experience, and adjustability. If you’ve been searching for an entry point into the wide and wonderful world of indoor cycling, the reclined seat and eight resistance levels on the ME-709 are waiting with open arms.
This bike isn't fancy, but it still has everything you need for a solid at-home cardio workout. It offers eight levels of magnetic resistance, and you can track your stats on the LCD display screen. Use code MARCY24 for 25% off site-wide until Nov. 15.
Main Takeaways
- Folks looking to ease into a cardio routine or recover from an injury may like the low-impact workouts afforded by its recumbent design and padded seat and backrest.
- The basics are all here on this affordable bike: an LCD screen to display your metrics, adjustable straps on the pedals, and 8 levels of magnetic resistance.
- If you’re looking for a heart-pounding workout, look elsewhere. We primarily recommend this bike for those with limited mobility who want to stay active.
- Because this bike is user-powered, it requires no power outlet and can mimic the feel of pedaling an actual bicycle.
- At $185, this budget machine is on the low end of the price range of recumbent bikes we’ve tested — $177 to $1,499.
Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike Highlights
- Price: $185
- Dimensions: 38″ H x 58″ L x 20″ W
- Display: LCD screen
- Weight: 53lbs
- Resistance: 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Footprint: 8.06 sq. ft.
When you sit down for a ride on a recumbent bike like the Marcy ME-709, you can reap the benefits of exercise bikes in a gentler and less intense manner than you would from an upright spin bike. “Recumbent bikes open up the cycling experience to more people, particularly those with back, hip, or knee issues,” says expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. “The reclined position reduces stress on the lumbar spine and does not require as much flexibility in the hip joints.”
While the ME-709 — a budget buy at just $185 — eschews the high-tech features of more expensive options, the essentials are still here. The powder coat finish on the 14-gauge steel tubing can help prevent rust and corrosion. Its 8 levels of magnetic resistance won’t satisfy a seasoned cyclist like the 16 to 32 levels you’ll find on pricier offerings, but it’s plenty for those in search of a low-intensity cardio workout.
[Related: The 6 Best Recumbent Bikes for Seniors]
Its padded seat and backrest offer comfort and support, while the side handrails bring additional stability to the seated position. The LCD screen, meanwhile, features large numbers that make it easy to track metrics like speed, calories, or the odometer, even from your seated position. “It only has a few buttons, so while you can toggle through the different modes, it’s not overly complicated,” said our tester.
Because the bike is completely powered by you — save for the AA batteries in the display — you won’t be tethered to a wall outlet. Add that to its 53-pound overall weight — lighter than other recumbent bikes by roughly 25 to 135 pounds — and built-in wheels and it’s one of the more portable recumbent options we’ve tested. “With its transport wheels and lightweight design, I felt like the ME-709 was very easy to move around,” said our tester, rating its portability 4 out 5.
[Related: The 9 Best Portable Exercise Bikes]
All in all, we think the Marcy ME-709 is a solid starter bike for anyone curious about whether indoor cycling is for them. As our tester said, “For someone just trying to figure out if this is a brand of cardio they can stick with, this is a great starting point.”
Pros
- The comfortable padded seat and backrest on this recumbent bike can help ease the impact on your back, hips, and knees.
- It weighs just 53 pounds, roughly a quarter of the weight of some high-end recumbent bikes.
- Its magnetic resistance results in a quieter ride than bikes utilizing friction-based resistance.
Cons
- Because the seat and backrest are not individually adjustable, the entire seat needs to be moved to find a comfortable fit.
- While recumbent bikes allow for more accessibility, the intensity of your workouts can be limited.
- Without a device holder or media shelf, there is no place to set your phone or tablet to follow a virtual ride on the best fitness apps or stream shows and movies.
Training With the Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike
There were several aspects of training with the ME-709 that pleasantly surprised us, but also a few we found inconvenient. From settling into its comfortable, padded seat to adjusting the resistance and tracking our metrics, here’s what we thought about our time on the Marcy ME-709.
Step-Through Design
An occasionally-overlooked design feature on exercise bikes is the very first part of your experience — climbing aboard. As anyone with limited mobility can attest, lifting your legs over a bulky frame to settle into the seat can sometimes be more of a challenge than the actual ride. Fortunately, the absence of heavy parts between the seat and pedals makes the ME-709 accessible for the majority of users.
The step-through design of the ME-709 let our tester do just that — step through and not over to get into the seated position. With their elongated shapes, recumbent bikes tend to be a bit bulkier than upright bikes, but this design makes finding your seat as easy as any other chair.
Magnetic Resistance
Eight levels of resistance are low compared to the 16 to 32 — or 100, in the case of Peloton — you’ll find on pricier models. However, our tester believes it’s a solid range for those looking for a low-impact workout. They rated the ME-709’s adjustability and customizations a 3.5 out of 5. “Someone who is just starting out on an exercise bike or is in need of a low-intensity workout should be fine with the eight-level range,” they explained.
[Related: The 8 Best Magnetic Exercise Bikes]
The quiet ride afforded by the magnetic resistance system makes it ideal for apartment dwellers or those with sleeping children nearby. Its quiet operation was a big factor in our tester’s rating of 4 out of 5 for their workout experience, but beyond that, a magnetic system requires less maintenance than a friction-based system. Without a brake pad coming into contact with the flywheel, magnetic systems can lead to fewer mechanical issues down the road.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The first thing we noticed when getting ready to fire up the ME-709 was just how comfortable the seat and backrest were. Compared to upright bike seats, which tend to be hard and narrow, the high-density foam cushioning was just right. “The seat was far more comfortable than a normal bike seat,” our tester said. Instead of handlebars, there is a pair of handrails on either side of the seat, which can add a bit of stability as you get deeper into a workout.
While the seat and backrest can’t be adjusted individually, the entire seat can slide forward or backward within a 10-inch range. This means the inseam measurement — the distance from the middle of the seat to the pedals — ranges from 27 to 37 inches.
While Marcy doesn’t list a specific height range for users, our tester thinks anyone over 6 feet may start to feel a bit cramped. “I think the majority of people, though, would be able to slide the seat into a comfortable position,” they said.
Once you’re seated, you can use the adjustable foot straps on the pedals to help secure your feet in place. Whether you’re lacing up your best running shoes or even riding barefoot, these straps have six notches available to find a comfortable setting. The counterbalanced pedals are also weighted, which can make sliding your feet in and out easier for those with limited mobility.
Console and Conveniences
Outside of the LCD window to keep track of metrics like speed and calories burned, there’s not much technology on the Marcy ME-709. “I think the idea of such a simple console is to not overwhelm people with a ton of tech or buttons,” our tester said. The tech capabilities onboard the ME-709 earned just 1 out of 5, though we doubt a lot of tech is what you’re looking for in a bike like this.
The console requires two AA batteries, and it only stays on while you’re pedaling or for 10 to 20 seconds after you stop. Even though there are no preset workouts, the three buttons below the LCD window will let you toggle between your stats or reset them when you start a new ride. We noticed that when you start a new ride and the LCD window wakes up, it picks up where you left off from your previous ride. This is a nifty feature, as you’ll be able to hop off to grab a drink or take a break without losing your progress.
[Related: Best Budget Exercise Bikes]
And you will need to hop off to grab a drink because the ME-709 doesn’t have a water bottle holder on the console or frame. There’s nowhere near enough space on the console, but finding space for it on the frame might have bumped up its rating for conveniences — just 2 out 5.
The console also lacks a device holder for your phone or tablet, although one customer review showed how they attached a magnetic dashboard phone holder just above the LCD window. DIY enthusiasts, take note.
What to Consider Before Buying the Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike
Before clicking add to cart, consider whether the recumbent design of the Marcy ME-709 aligns with your physical needs, as well as your fitness goals. With minimal tech onboard, also consider the type of workouts you plan to complete. Knowing what to look for when buying an indoor cycle can be tough, so ask yourself a few questions.
Are you just hoping to get your heart pumping while you watch TV? Or are you looking to ratchet up the intensity with a virtual workout? Here are a few factors to ponder as you consider the Marcy ME-709.
Your Physical Needs
Getting your leg over the frame of an upright bike simply isn’t in the cards for those with limited mobility, and those with back or joint issues may struggle with the core strength required to stay stable on the hard seats of traditional stationary bikes. If this sounds familiar, you might be best suited for a ride on a recumbent bike.
A recumbent bike is worth checking out if you’re new to indoor cycling or are dealing with achy joints, a sore back, or recovery from an injury. The ME-709’s padded seat, backrest, step-through design, and stabilizing side handrails are all designed to ease the impact on your body so you can stay active despite mobility issues.
Your Fitness Needs
Whether you’re looking to start doing cardio workouts at home or working your way back into shape, the low-intensity exercise the Marcy ME-709 provides could be a good match for your current fitness level. With 8 levels of resistance to try out, those new to cycling should be able to find a level that can help them break a sweat without breaking their back.
If you’re looking for a bike that can handle daily use and high-intensity rides, you’ll likely want to look for an upright exercise bike with more than 16 levels of resistance. If you want to split the difference, there are recumbent bikes on the market that can deliver more of a challenge, as well as a bounty of features. The NordicTrack R35, for example, features 26 levels of resistance and iFIT workouts streaming through the 14-inch screen, though it’ll cost you. The R35 goes for $1,499, more than $1,000 more than the ME-709.
Tech
As a no-nonsense recumbent bike, the Marcy ME-709 likely won’t satisfy the tech-savvy, as it lacks an HD touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and media shelf. With the rising popularity of app-connected home gym equipment, more recumbent bikes are incorporating fitness apps that allow riders to hop in virtual studio classes or follow scenic routes from around the world.
When you’re considering the kind of features you need in a recumbent bike, ask whether a utilitarian model like the ME-709 fits into your fitness plans. If you’re looking for something that’s just a bit more challenging than sitting on your couch, one of the best exercise bikes with screens may be too much. For some, a recumbent bike with trainer-led workouts and convenience like fans or speakers may be a better fit. However, these bikes can be as much as ten times as expensive as the ME-709 (like the $1,499 NordicTrack R35), so be sure to consult your wallet.
Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike Vs. Other Popular Brands?
One area where the Marcy ME-709 is tough to beat in a head-to-head showdown is its price. However, the Exerpeutic 400XL comes close, costing just $5 more. To provide a bit of context for our rundown, we also stacked the ME-709 against the NordicTrack R35, one of the more luxe options in the recumbent bike space.
| Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike | Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike | NordicTrack R35 | |
| Price | $185 | $190 | $1,499 |
| Dimensions | 38″ H x 58″ L x 20″ W | 46″ H x 31″ L x 19″ W | 53.42” H x 68.22” L x 23.69” W |
| Weight | 53lbs | 39lbs | 192lbs |
| Weight capacity | 300lbs | 300lbs | 350lbs |
| Display | LCD display | LCD display | 14” HD touchscreen |
| Resistance | 8 levels of magnetic resistance | 8 levels of magnetic resistance | 26 levels of magnetic resistance |
| Built-In Programming | N/A | N/A | iFIT |
| Warranty | 2-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 10-Year frame, 2-Year parts, and 1-Year labor |
In the neighborhood where the ME-709 and 400XL hang out, value is king. Along with the ME-709, the Exerpeutic 400XL is one of our favorite budget exercise bikes. They cost relatively the same, and share many of the same features, though the big difference is in their design.
They’re both recumbent cycles, but the ME-709 has a more traditional frame that’s best left in a single spot. The Exerpeutic 400XL, on the other hand, is foldable, making it ideal for those in the market for a bike they can tuck away when not in use. As such, the 400XL isn’t going to be as stable as the ME-709.
As we know from our testing, the 14-gauge steel tubing adds a bit of heft to the ME-709, which may account for the 14-pound weight difference between the two. That added weight is also going to contribute to the stability of the ME-709.
The R35, on the other hand, is roughly 140 pounds heavier than the ME-709, as it comes with a lot more features and a tougher frame capable of supporting 350 pounds. There’s its 14-inch HD touchscreen, for one, and its 26 levels of magnetic resistance — more than three times the 8 levels of the ME-709 and 400XL. It’s also compatible with the iFIT app, which allows access to thousands of immersive virtual classes and scenic rides.
Related: [NordicTrack Commercial R35 Exercise Bike Review]
Places to Buy the Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike
You can buy the Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike on the Marcy website or Amazon.
Customer Experience
The Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike is eligible for free shipping with Amazon Prime and includes a 2-year limited warranty. It also qualifies for Amazon’s Return, Refund or Replacement policy, so long as it’s submitted within 90 days of receipt.
Company Information
MarcyPro provides affordable at-home exercise equipment, including exercise bikes, treadmills, and ellipticals. You can reach the customer care center by filling out a form on their website, emailing them directly at info@marcypro.com, or by calling (800) 999-8899.
Final Word
If you’re debating the merits of recumbent bikes vs. upright bikes or high-tech vs. low-tech, step back and ask yourself a simple question: “Which type is the best fit for me?” Recumbent bikes, in general, are more accessible and comfortable than an upright bike. And with the step-through design on the Marcy ME-709, even climbing aboard can be as easy as sitting in a chair. Those with chronic joint or back issues may benefit from the relaxed seated position on a recumbent bike.
Whatever your situation, consider if the no-frills design of the Marcy ME-709 will help you reach your fitness goals. If those goals include working your way back from an injury, adding a little movement to your movie nights, or saving some money, the ME-709 might be a good fit. We took the time to break down this basic recumbent bike to give you a sense of what you can expect before committing to a new exercise bike.
FAQs
How much does the Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike cost?
At $185, the ME-709 is one of the most affordable exercise bikes that we have tested, coming in at the low end of the wide range we typically see for recumbent bikes — $177 to $1,499. With magnetic resistance, a padded, adjustable seat, and no electricity required, we think it provides excellent value for senior riders and those recovering from an injury.
Is Marcy a good brand of exercise bike?
MarcyPro manufactures all kinds of at-home fitness equipment, including 25 different exercise bikes, from under-desk models to spin bikes. We’ve tested two Marcy bikes — the ME-709 and the NS-654 Foldable Upright Exercise Bike — and we found both bikes to be solid, affordable tools for getting your cardio in.
Who makes Marcy recumbent bikes?
All of Marcy’s exercise bikes are manufactured by IMPEX Fitness, a fitness conglomerate that features brands such as Marcy, Steelbody, and Bionic Body.
References
- Chavarrias, M., Carlos-Vivas, J., Collado-Mateo, D., & Pérez-Gómez, J. (2019). Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 55(8), 452.
