Marcy ME-706 Recumbent Bike | Features 23 Pre-Set Workout Programs

The Marcy ME-706 Recumbent Bike has heavy-duty construction, and the main parts of the bike are steel. The ME-706’s weight is more than 100 lbs, and its dimension is 57″ Length x 24″ Width. In particular, the bike’s weight adds to its overall sturdiness. Also, the bike’s step-through design allows you to get on quickly and off the bike.

The Marcy ME-706 recumbent bike has a 24-level motorized magnetic resistance system. It also has 23 preset workout program that keeps you challenged to gain your desired fitness goal. Moreover, you can select any preset programs, and the console will auto-adjust the resistance throughout the workout.

The ME-706 features a large fitness monitor LCD with an LED backlight for easy reading. Furthermore, the monitor tracks time, distance, speed, resistance, calories, RPM, and pulse. In addition, the monitor is telemetric and can track pulse either with an HR chest strap (sold separately) or through the handlebars’ integrated sensors. However, Bluetooth and online connectivity are absent from the monitor.

The Marcy ME-706 recumbent bike seat has well-padded foam and durable vinyl upholstery. And its backrest has approx 2″ (5 cm) of foam covering. Moreover, the backrest gives full back support because it has a durable steel backbone.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: Marcy ME-706 Recumbent Bike

Price: For a great deal on this bike, merely go here on Amazon

Warranty: 2 years

My rating: 8/10

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure

Details & Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 57L x 24W x 42H inches (145L x 61W x 107H cm)
• Assembled weight: 102 lbs (46 kg)
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Seat: Adjustable
• Pedals: Weighted, with straps
• Resistance: Motorized magnetic, self-generating, 24 levels
• Fitness Monitor: 23 programs, sound system, tablet holder
• Warranty: 2 years

ME-706 Frame

The bike’s chassis divides into two main parts, the front part, which holds the resistance system, the monitor mast, the fitness monitor, and the rear aspect, which supports the seat assembly. The two pieces connect in the middle via several screws.

The Marcy ME-706 is a reasonably heavy unit; with all the parts assembled, it weighs more than 100 lbs, so that it may require two people for transport and assembly. However, it’s not difficult to relocate once completed due to the built-in front wheels.

The bike’s weight provides plenty of stability. However, its rear base also has a set of adjustable stabilizers, so you can perfectly level it on any floor.

The main parts of the bike’s construction are steel-made, except for the drive system covers, seat base covers, and hard ABS material. The steel bars come with a rust-resistance paint finish; the color is black.

Lastly, this Marcy exercise bike is not an extremely large fitness machine. With the frame fully assembled, it is approx 57″ (145 cm) long and 24″ (61 cm) wide. Thus, it should require a usage surface of at least 70″L x 50″W (178 x 127 cm).

Seat & handlebars

The Marcy ME-706 features a seat built for comfort. Both the seat and the backrest feature approx. 2″ (5 cm) of foam padding and durable vinyl upholstery. The seat base is approx—16″ (40 cm) wide, offering plenty of contact surface. Also, the backrest has a durable steel backbone providing firm back support.

The whole seat assembly is adjustable. It can move front and back on its oblique metallic rail. The adjustment system is lever-based, which means you can adjust its position while seated, and you won’t have to get up repeatedly until you choose the right setting. However, the backrest doesn’t adjust independently from the seat, and the seat doesn’t recline.

The seat offers plenty of adjustment. It can accommodate users between 4’10” and 6’4″ (147 – 193 cm). It’s also durable enough to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).

The bike has two handlebars, one attached to the seat and one to the front mast. The seat handlebars integrate pulse sensors.

The front handlebars offer several grips. Due to the mast’s curvature reaching the users; therefore, you can exercise using the front handlebars without adopting an awkward position. In addition, both handlebars have rubberized grips for extra comfort.

ME-706 Resistance & drive

The Marcy ME-706 features a self-generating motorized magnetic resistance system. It consists of a magnetic brake, a small servo motor, and an internal generator. Therefore, you don’t have to connect it to a power source, as it produces all the necessary energy for powering the console and the resistance system.

The resistance is only adjustable from the fitness monitor. However, if you select one of the onboard workout programs, the monitor will auto-adjust the resistance throughout the program.

When choosing a certain tension level, the servo motor will enable the magnetic brake to move closer or farther from the flywheel, increasing or decreasing the overall pedaling difficulty. Since there is no contact between the brake pad and the flywheel, the pedaling motion remains smooth even during the highest resistance level.

The bike makes 24 levels of resistance available, and the default tension level is 5. The first 1-5 settings provide light workouts, great for injury-recovering users. The top 20-24 levels provide quite a bit of pedal tension, simulating a climb; they will help you achieve a higher cardio-vascular rate during your training and burn more calories.

Since it’s a magnetic exercise bike, it has a belt drive system. Therefore, the pedaling motion is tranquil and vibration-free. The flywheel’s weight is not specified, but it should be around 20 lbs (9.0 kg). It’s perimeter-weighted, so it produces a bit of momentum. It also allows you to pedal in reverse.

The bike’s crankset is durable, but it’s not made for pedaling while standing up, just like any other recumbent exercise bike. The pedals have a metallic core and a nylon shell, being pretty durable. They’re counterbalanced and have adjustable straps to allow you to secure your feet on them correctly.

Fitness monitor

The fitness monitor included with the Marcy ME-706 features a large LCD with an LED backlight for superior readability. It tracks time, distance, calories, speed, RPM, pulse, and the selected resistance setting.

Unfortunately, Bluetooth and online connectivity are not available features for this bike. However, the fitness monitor has 23 workout programs to keep you motivated. The P1 is the manual program and is by default set at level 5.

This program allows you to adjust the resistance as you pedal freely. The P2-P13 are preset programs; they cover various workouts, including Steps, Hill, Rolling, Valley, Fat Burn, Ramp, Mountain, Intervals, Random, Plateau, Fartlek, and Precipice.

The P14-P17 are custom user programs. They allow you to create your workout, save it, and re-use it as many times as you like.

Next, the P18-P22 are heart rate-based programs, with 55%, 65%, 75%, 85%, and custom targets. Finally, the last program is for Watt Control. It keeps a constant value, which means that the bike will decrease the resistance if you pedal faster, and if you reduce the rhythm, it will increase the resistance.

The fitness monitor also includes a Recovery function and a Body Fat function. The Recovery function determines your fitness level depending on your pulse rate at the end of the workouts, rating your performance between 1 (Great) and 6 (Poor). The Body Fat program calculates the users’ body fat ratio and offers a specific loading profile.

The monitor is also telemetric. In addition, it’s compatible with Polar 5 kHz chest straps. Unfortunately, however, the HR chest strap does not come with the bike. Nonetheless, if you don’t opt for one, you can still monitor your pulse rate using the EKG sensors integrated into the seat handlebars.

ME-706 Amenities

Finally, the fitness monitor has two extra non-fitness features. One is the integrated tablet holder, and the other is the sound system. The tablet holder is under the LCD; it can accommodate any tablet or phone.

The sound system consists of two small speakers at the bottom of the monitor. There is also an audio jack on the back of the unit. Thus, you can plug in your phone or tablet and amplify a bit of your favorite music if you listen to it through the integrated speakers.

ME-706 Assembly & Maintenance

Although the drive system with the generator, motor, belt, and magnetic brake comes pre-assembled, there still are quite a few parts to put together. You will have to attach the two main frame parts and add the rear and front stabilizers, the seat, the backrest, the monitor mast, the handlebars, the fitness monitor, the pedals, and several small covers.

Consequently, it may take up to two hours of your time. The manual provides clear assembly instructions, though some of the required tools come with the bike.

For maintenance, it’s advisable to lubricate the moving parts (but not the internal components). Also, periodic bike inspection, searching for loose nuts and bolts, and retighten if necessary.

Pros

• Sturdy frame – can support users up to 300 lbs;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
• Step-through design;
• Foam-padded seat and backrest;
• Adjustable seat;
• Pulse sensors integrated into the seat handlebars;
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• Self-generating, magnetic resistance;
• 24 resistance settings are available
• Multi-panel, telemetric fitness monitor with LED backlight;
• 23 preset programs available;

  

• Recovery Test function;
• Body Fat Index function;
• Tablet holder included;
• The sound system included;
• Little maintenance is required;
• Easy to assemble.

Cons

• The sound system is not too powerful;
• An HR chest strap does not come with the bike;
• A tablet placed on the tablet support will cover the fitness monitor LCD.

Marcy ME-706 Recumbent Bike Summary

The Marcy ME-706 is a recumbent exercise bike featuring a motorized, self-generating magnetic resistance system and a programmable fitness monitor with 23 programs. It has a sturdy frame and a comfortable, foam-padded seat with a lever-based adjustment.

It’s a bike for light to mid-range cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It also has a sound system and a tablet holder. In all, it’s an excellent bike for the price.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.

Please note you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could put your health and safety at risk or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.