The Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike is a budget-friendly stationary bike that has some desirable features. These include fore and aft adjustability, adjustable handles, variable resistance, and a monitor for viewing workout stats.
This model also has a higher user weight capacity than most exercise bikes in its price range, so it will suit a broad spectrum of people.
Also going by the name of the Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle, it is one of the most popular fitness aids of its type.
In this Marcy Me-709 review, we will cover the benefits of a recumbent bike, along with the specs, pros, and cons of this particular model.
Why Buy a Recumbent Bike?
A recumbent bike is an excellent exercise option for anyone who loves cycling but finds it stressful on their joints. It offers all of the benefits of cycling on a regular street or upright stationary bike, along with the added advantage of its pedals being only slightly below seat level.
When exercising in this position, your legs will be extended to the front, rather than beneath your body. As a result, less stress will be placed on your knees, ankles, and back.
Recumbent exercise bikes come in many brands and models. The one covered in this review has proven to be consistently popular with purchasers. Keep reading this Marcy ME-709 review to find out more.
Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike Specs
Dimensions – The Marcy Me-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike measures 55 1/2″ (L) x 24 1/2″ (W) x 38″ (H).
Seat height – The seat is 19″ above floor level.
Seat to pedal – The seat to pedal distance (inseam length) adjusts to between 27″ and 36″.
Handlebar distance – The distance between the handlebars is approximately 22″.
Weight – It weighs 61 lbs.
User weight limit – The recommended upper user weight limit for this model is 300 pounds. Far heavier people claim to have used it without a problem, but it’s wise to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
User height – Buyers from under 5′ tall to 6′ 4″ have left positive feedback for this model.
Batteries – The monitor requires 2 x AA batteries. These are not included.
Color – This model comes in a trendy Black/Gray/Copper combination.
Who will this bike best suit?
Coming with variable resistance, this model is suitable for cyclists of most fitness levels, including first-timers and those with some experience.
Very experienced cyclists may require a model capable of providing more challenging workouts.
Being recumbent, it will be particularly appreciated by those whose fitness and weight loss efforts have been hindered by pain, mobility issues, or injury.
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-709 Overview
With its heavy-duty 14-gauge steel tubing frame and scratch-resistant powder-coated finish, the Marcy 709 Recumbent Exercise Bike is built to last.
It has 8 magnetic resistance levels that are accessible at the turn of a 
knob.
The resistance can be changed during your sessions. This means you can ease off if you need a break and increase the tension if you want to go harder. It will also enable you to do interval training. Reverse pedaling is possible when working with zero resistance.
The higher the resistance level, the more challenging your workout will be. Level 1 offers negligible resistance, with the tension increasing as you turn the dial. The highest levels should accommodate all but very seasoned athletes.
An oversized screen allows for easy monitoring of stats including your Time, Speed, Distance and Calories Burned during workouts. The metrics are in large text that is clear and easy to read.
The bike’s ergonomically designed saddle seat contains high-density foam. The vast majority of users have stated that it is very comfortable to use.
The distance between the seat and pedals adjusts to accommodate users from under 5 feet tall, through to well over 6 feet tall.
A step-through design makes it easy to access and leave the seat. No climbing is involved, which makes this model suitable for users with mobility issues and seniors. Just walk in, sit down and start pedaling.
Counterbalanced pedals provide excellent foot support and enable a forward or reverse cycling motion.
Contoured adjustable handlebars on either side of the seat can be gripped if you need extra support or better balance when pedaling fast.
Large footplates with adjustable straps will prevent your feet from slipping, adding to the comfort and safety of Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike workouts.
End caps on the base protect your floor from scratches. The front caps act as rollers that make it easier to move the bike when required.
This model comes with a 2-year Limited Warranty covering the frame and resistance mechanism.
The next section of this Marcy ME-709 review covers its pros, followed by its cons.
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike Infomercial
Pros
- Low price
The Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle is one of the best quality recumbent bikes 
you will find for the price.
- Small footprint
While not as compact as an upright bike, this Marcy stationary bike has a smaller footprint than most recumbent models. This makes it more suitable than most for anyone with limited space.
- Variable resistance
Variable resistance makes the bike a viable option for both new and more experienced users.
This feature also enables the intensity of workouts to be increased over time, as the cyclist’s fitness improves.
- Sturdy and well-constructed
Heavier individuals can safely use the Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike without fear of it tipping over.
- Quality parts
The bike’s components are of a far higher quality than one would expect given its low price.
- Stable
It stays grounded, even during intense workouts performed at high speed.
- Smooth and quiet
Magnetic resistance allows for smooth, almost silent sessions, with easy transitioning between resistance levels. With this bike, you can easily carry on a conversation or watch the TV as you work out.
- Easy, wide access
Getting onto and off the seat is easy. You can use the armrests for support while lowering yourself onto or alighting from the seat.
A 22″ gap between the armrests allows access for larger built people. If you need more room, you can remove the armrests.
- Adjustable seat
An adjustable seat makes the Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle customizable to not only you but also others in your household who wish to use it.
The seat is 19 inches above floor level, making it easy to mount and dismount, even if you lack flexibility or are unsteady on your feet.
- Easy assembly
Assembling the Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle takes about one hour, tops. The tools needed for this are included.
- Warranty
The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-709 comes with a 2-year warranty for its frame.
Cons
- Seat comfort
A firmly padded seat and ergonomically angled back provide quite a comfortable workout platform. However, the Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle doesn’t have as much padding as some more expensive bikes.
Many owners have stated that they use the bike for thirty minutes or more at a stretch without a problem. Others have put a cushion or towel on the seat for extra padding or bought a bicycle seat cover. One that works well with the bike is the Domain Extra Large Gel Exercise Seat.
- Backrest position
The backrest of the Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike screws into place, so it is not adjustable. It will still suit people of most heights. Anyone under 5 feet tall may have to put a pillow against the backrest to enable them to reach the pedals comfortably.
- No workout programs
This model doesn’t have any preset workout programs, but this does not prevent it from providing an effective workout.
- No heart rate monitor
The Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike doesn’t come with a heart rate monitor. If you want to use one with the bike, you will need to purchase it at an extra cost.
- Monitor installation
Wiring up the monitor is a little fiddly. A longer screwdriver than the one provided, or a bent coat hanger or piece of wire, will facilitate the task.
Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike Summary
If you’re looking for an affordable stationary bike that has everything you will need to improve your health and fitness, the Marcy Recumbent Bike should be on your shortlist.
The bike’s variable resistance will enable you to increase the challenge of your workouts, so you don’t hit a plateau. 
A further benefit of this model is that people of differing fitness levels will be able to share the bike.
The bike’s easy to access seat can be adjusted to suit the individual’s preference. Being able to customize it means your workouts will be more comfortable. It also makes the bike suitable for people of just about any height.
Able to support users weighing up to 300 pounds, heavier purchasers have left positive feedback for the Marcy Recumbent Bike. I would, however, recommend that anyone over the recommended weight limit consider a different model.
Having magnetic resistance, the Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle delivers a smooth and exceptionally quiet ride.
While some purchasers said they would like the seat to have more padding, most are happy with it as is and find it to be comfortable.
The Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle doesn’t have any preset workout programs, but it is capable of providing as good a workout as some far more expensive models which come with a range of programs and accessories that some purchasers won’t ever get around to using.
This model does not come with a heart rate monitor. If you would like to use one in conjunction with your Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike, there are various brands and models available that will suit.
With excellent feedback and reviews from many satisfied customers, if you would like to experience the benefits a stationary exercise bike can provide, the Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-709 would be a great purchase.
Not the bike for you? Click here to read reviews of other popular recumbent bikes
