1, The Marcy Start Upright Exercise Bike
Quick Overview:
- The first model up for review is the Marcy Start Upright Exercise Bike which tends to be one of the lowest priced options under this brand and is considered to be very easy to use and has 10 different seat height adjustment levels.
- The LCD screen is also very user friendly, the handlebars can be adjusted and there are the counter balanced pedals that are non-slip. The seat has a 10cm wide density foam, there is also the rapid spring-loaded adjustment pin and of course the anti-shake feet for additional stability.
- There are 8 different resistance tensions levels to choose from, the flywheel weight comes in at 4kg and has the easy transporter wheels built in to make movement around your home simple to do. The maximum user weight allowance here is also 110kg and comes packed flat upon delivery.
- The console provides the basic information you need such as distance, speed, pulse and calories burned and the price tends to one of the main attractions which was seen in the range of £130 to £150 at the time of this review which can be double checked below.
Pros:
- One of the lightest Exercise bikes we have come across coming in at just 20kg so it is very easy to move around
- Attractive low entry price level is provided with great overall value for what you get.
- Smooth easy ride and very low levels of noise and wheels integrated into the feet.
- Saddle heights can be adjusted to suit your height level and batteries are included.
Cons:
- Low levels of tension levels available – only 8 where many more are available from different models/brands
- Limited to a maximum user weight of 110kg (a little over 17 stone) and no water bottle holder
- No MP3 connectivity available and the LCD screen would be seen as too basic for many users
- Saddle tends to be uncomfortable after prolonged use and takes time to become accustomed to it.
- Lacks user programmes which are seen in premium more expensive models
2, The Marcy Onyx B80 Exercise Bike
Quick overview:
- The 2nd model under this particular review is the Marcy Onyx Exercise Bike which has a much higher price point that the Start Upright so be prepared in advance to dig deeper into your pockets for this one.
- This particular model has 16 different levels of magnetic resistance to choose from, the transporter wheels are built into the feet holders, there are 23 different user programmes to work with and also a holder for your tablet, phone or MP3 layer. The self-balance or counter balance pedals come as standard along with the pulse sensors on the hand grips and it can handle a heavier weight of up to 120kg.
- There is also the towel rail holder to keep your dry and the 9 seat height adjustments and please be aware that the seat can also be adjusted horizontally. The console gives all the standard information you need including the fat burning, rpm and recovery.
- In addition, this model has a solid reliable 3-piece crank arm, it is powered by mains, has a flywheel weight of just 5kg and the price can range anywhere from £250 to £300 depending where you look and local discount activities.
Pros:
- 8 more tension levels than the Start Upright (16 total) to give you more difficult workouts
- Saddle can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically and the pedal straps has 5 adjustments
- Extremely low level of noise with the 5kg flywheel
- Great selection of 23 programmes available to eliminate any guesswork be it for fat burning, random, hill etc.
Cons:
- Much higher price level than one would expect - over £250 at the time of this review.
- Assembly will be seen as tricky for some – you must allocate sufficient time for this
- Must always be plugged into the mains.
- You must be in the height range of 4 foot 10 to 6 foot 5 inches to use this bike.
3, The Marcy Recumbent Start Mag Cycle ME709
Quick Overview:
- At number 3 under this review is the Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle which is battery operated, has 6 adjustable lengths and is ideal for people in a height range for 5 foot 2 inches to 6 foot 4 inches. No mains are needed and it has 8 different levels of resistance tensions available to choose from.
- The flywheel weight here comes in at 4kg also, there is a 2 inch thick wide foam seat for additional comfort and the LCD screen outlines all the main features that you would expect such as the distance, speed levels, pulse rates and calories used.
- Please note that the maximum user weight allowance for this recumbent bike is 110kg (approx 17 stone) and it is also EN-957 compliant and CE certified. There are also the stability bars either side to ensure you are fully balanced as you work on the pedals.
- In addition, the warranty available here on the frame and the parts is 2 years and the price level tends to be very competitive with great value against other recumbent bike models which is always worth a closer look.
Pros:
- Super low entry price point for a recumbent bike - ideal for people with lower type budgets
- No mains are needed as it is battery operated and stability arms are provided either side
- Comfortable saddle and back support – 2 Inch thickness, great to relieve lower back aches.
- 2-year warranty is available on the parts and frame.
- Includes 5 strap adjustments to secure your feet as you pedal
Cons:
- No user programmes to choose from unlike many other more premium options and the LCD screen is quite basic.
- Will only suit people with a height range of 5 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 4 inches. If your height is out of this range you will need to look elsewhere.
- Largely untested in the UK market and lower user weight than the ProForm 310 CSX by 15kg
- 8 resistance levels less than the Onyx and assembly will need to be carefully planned as it will take up to 2 hours duration to complete depending on how fast you can work.
Educate Others
Have you any previous experiences of using Marcy Exercise Bikes?
Then please educate and share to the wider UK community by leaving your feedback in the comment section below – So that they can learn also!
I have been looking for an exercise bike to buy for home use and came across this article on the Marcy Recumbent. I was eyeing the Schwinn, but these seem way better priced, so you may just have changed my mind. I like the Marcy Start Upright bike as it is lightweight to carry around, however, I would like a more complex computer system. Do you know whether it is possible to change the computer system to be a better one for the cheaper bikes or do they come standard? I am also wondering if should choose the recumbent, as it is better for your back, good to know all the finer detail so cheers for the info in this review
Sorry, the computer system provided needs to remain in place but you will find that it is more than adequate for your needs.