The Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike is a budget-friendly stationary bike with a higher user weight and height capacity than most other bikes in its price range, so it appeals to a broad spectrum of people.
Other noteworthy features include fore and aft seat adjustability, adjustable handles, variable resistance, a step-through design for easy access, and a monitor for viewing workout stats.
In this Marcy Me-709 review, we will cover the benefits of a recumbent bike, along with the specs, key features, pros, and cons of this particular model.
Table of Contents
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.
Whom will this bike best suit?
People of most weights and heights can use the bike. However, its resistance levels best suit beginner cyclists and those of intermediate level.
The monitor shows your workout metrics in very large text, suitable for people with poor eyesight.
Being recumbent, this model will be particularly appreciated by those whose fitness and weight loss efforts have been hindered by pain, mobility issues, or injury.
A 22″ gap between the armrests allows access for larger built people. If you need more room, you can remove the armrests.
If you are inflexible or unsteady on your feet, you can use the armrests to help you mount and dismount the saddle.
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 between 27″ and 36″.
Handlebar distance – The distance between the handlebars is approximately 22″.
Weight – It weighs 61 lbs.
User weight limit – The 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.
Color – This model comes in a Black/Gray/Copper combination.
Batteries – The monitor requires 2 x AAA batteries. These are not included.
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-709 Overview
Drive –
The Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike has a belt drive system.
Finish –
Its heavy-duty 14-gauge steel tubing frame and scratch-resistant powder-coated finish resist scratches, chips, and rust.
Stability, Smoothness, & Noise level –
The Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike stays grounded, even during intense workouts performed at high speed.
Unlike as can be the case with flimsy stationary bikes, heavier individuals can safely use this one without fear of it tipping over.
Magnetic resistance allows for smooth, almost silent sessions, so you will be able to easily carry on a conversation or watch the TV as you work out.
Resistance –
The Marcy 709 Recumbent Exercise Bike has 8 levels of magnetic resistance that are accessible at the turn of a 
knob, with the transitions smooth and easy.
The knob is within reach during workouts, so you can ease off if you need a break and increase the tension if you want to go harder.
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.
Console –
An oversized LCD screen allows for easy monitoring of stats, including your Time, Speed, Distance, Calories Burned, and Odometer during workouts. The metrics are in large text that is clear and easy to read.
If you select the Scan function, the metrics will continuously and automatically rotate, with each displayed for 4 seconds.
Pressing Reset will clear your stats.
After 8 minutes of inactivity, the monitor will shut down automatically to help preserve the batteries.
Seat –
The bike’s ergonomically designed saddle contains high-density foam. It is two-way adjustable, with the seat able to be moved closer to or further from the pedals.
Handlebars/armrests on either side of the seat offer support while lowering yourself onto and alighting from the seat.
The vast majority of users consider the seat to be very comfortable. However, comfort is subjective, and some buyers have found it uncomfortable.
Placing a folded towel on the seat will add extra cushioning, as will attaching a gel seat cover or wearing padded bicycle shorts during workouts.
Pedals –
Large, textured counterbalanced pedals provide excellent grip and foot support.
Adjustable straps will prevent your feet from slipping, adding to the comfort and safety of Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike workouts.
Reverse pedaling to target different muscles is possible when working at zero resistance.
Handlebars –
Padded, contoured sweat-resistant handlebars on either side of the seat can be gripped if you need extra support or better balance when pedaling fast.
They can also be used to help you get onto or off the seat.
Transportation wheels – 
The bike’s front end caps act as transport wheels that facilitate moving the bike by tipping it forward then wheeling it.
Assembly –
Assembling the Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle takes about one hour, tops. Easy-to-understand instructions and the tools needed are included.
Warranty –
This model comes with a 2-year Limited Warranty covering the frame and resistance mechanism.
There’s also a 90-day return policy, so if for any reason you are unhappy with the bike, you can return it.
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.
- Step-through design
The bike’s step-through design provides easy access to and from the seat.
- Stable, Fluid, Almost silent rides
Workouts are stable, fluid, and exceptionally quiet, so you’ll be more likely to use the bike.
- Quality parts
The bike’s components are of a far higher quality than one would expect, given its low price.
- Easy, wide access
Getting onto and off the seat is easy.
- Adjustable seat
An adjustable seat makes the Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle customizable to you and others in your household who wish to use it.
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 or heart rate monitor
This model doesn’t have any preset workout programs, but this does not prevent it from providing an effective workout.
It 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. Alternatively, you can use a Fitbit or similar smart device.
- Lacks a backlight
The LCD isn’t backlit, which could make reading your stats difficult in a dimly lit room
- Monitor installation
Some buyers said that 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 adjusts 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. Still, it can provide 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, various brands and models are 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
