Marcy ME-706 Regenerating Magnetic Recumbent Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Drive	Console
Marcy ME-706 Check Discounted Price	L:57" W:24" H:42"	300 lbs	Motorized magnetic, Self-generating power 24 levels	Belt	23 programs, BMI, Recovery

The Marcy ME-706 is the recumbent version of the ME-702. It’s one of the bikes released by Marcy Fitness at the beginning of 2018, and so far it benefits from quite a positive feedback from most users. It’s a mid-range programmable recumbent bike, and one of the most important aspects about it is that it has a self-generating magnetic resistance system.

Technical 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
• Console: 23 programs, sound system, tablet holder
• Warranty: 2 years

Frame

The bike’s chassis is divided into two main parts, the front part which holds the resistance system, the console mast, and th console, and the rear part which supports the seat assembly. The two parts connect at the middle via several screws.

The Marcy ME-706 is a fairly heavy unit; with all the parts assembled, it weighs more than 100 lbs, so it may require two people for transport and assembly. However, once it is assembled, it’s not difficult to relocate 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 type of floor.

Needless to say, all the main parts in the unit’s construction are made of steel, with the exception of the drive system covers and the seat base covers which are made of hard ABS material. The steel bars are coated with a rust-resistance paint finish, the color used being black.

Last but not least, 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. This being said, 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 a 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 a firm back support.

The whole seat assembly is adjustable. Its 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 is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one attached to the seat, one attached to the front mast. The seat handlebars integrate pulse sensors. The front handlebars offer several grips, and due to the curvature of the mast, they are positioned within the reach of the users; therefore, you can exercise by using the front handlebars without having to adopt an awkward position. Both handlebars have rubberized grips for extra comfort.

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. This being said, 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 control can only be done from the console. Also, if you select one of the on-board workout programs, the console will auto-adjust the resistance throughout the program. When you select 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 very smooth even during the highest level of resistance.

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

Since it’s a magnetic exercise bike, it’s equipped with a belt drive system. Therefore, the pedaling motion is very quiet 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 just as for any other recumbent exercise bike, it’s not made for pedaling while standing up. The pedals have a metallic core and a nylon shell, being pretty durable as well. They’re counterbalanced and have adjustable straps as well, to allow you to perfectly secure your feet on them.

Control unit

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

Bluetooth and online connectivity are not available features for this bike. However, the console has 23 workout programs to keep you motivated. The P1 is the manual program which, as we’ve mentioned above, is by default set at level 5. This program allows you to freely adjust the resistance as you pedal. The P2-P13 are preset programs; they cover various types of workouts including Steps, Hill, Rolling, Valley, Fat Burn, Ramp, Mountain, Intervals, Random, Plateau, Fartlek, Precipice.

The P14-P17 are custom user programs. They give you the possibility to create your own program, save it and re-use it as many times as you like. Next, the P18-P22 are heart rate based programs, with targets set for 55%, 65%, 75%, 85%, and custom. 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.

A Recovery function and a Body Fat function are also included. 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 is designed to calculate the users’ body fat ratio and offer a specific loading profile.

The console is telemetric. It’s compatible with Polar 5 kHz chest straps. An accessory of this sort is not included though. But nonetheless, if you don’t opt for one, you can still monitor your pulse rate by using the EKG sensors integrated into the seat handlebars.

Finally, the console has two extra, non-fitness features. One is the integrated tablet holder, the other is the sound system. The tablet holder is placed under the display; it can accommodate any tablet or phone. The sound system consists of two small speakers at the bottom of the console. 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 your favorite music if you listen to it through the integrated speakers.

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 basically have to attach the two main frame parts, add the rear and front stabilizers, the seat, the backrest, the console mast, the handlebars, the console, the pedals, and several small covers. This may take up to two hours. The manual provides clear assembly instructions, though, and some of the required tools are included.

For maintenance, it’s recommended to lubricate the moving parts (but not the internal parts). Also, a periodic inspection of the bike in search for loose bolts and parts may be a good call.

The 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 available
• Multi-panel, telemetric console with LED backlight;
• 23 preset programs available; 
• Recovery Test function;
• Body Fat Index function;
• Tablet holder included;
• Sound system included;
• Little maintenance required;
• Easy to assemble.

The Cons

• The sound system is not too powerful;
• An HR chest strap is not included;
• A tablet placed on the tablet support will cover the console display.

Summary

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