| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness meter | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marcy NS-1206R Check Discounted Price | L:55" W:25" H:38" | 300 lbs | Magnetic 8 levels | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Scan | 2 years |
The Marcy NS-1206R is one of the newer recumbent bikes released by Marcy Pro in 2019. It’s a basic exercise bike offering the same range of features as the older Marcy NS-908R or the pooboo W268 but has a different design. It doesn’t have preset programs or online connectivity, but on the other hand, it is also an affordable bike.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 55L x 25W x 38H inches (140L x 63W x 96H cm)
- Assembled weight: 58.5 lbs (26.5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: Weighted, with straps
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, SCAN
- Warranty: Frame 2 years
Frame construction
The Marcy NS-1206R features a steel frame; the only major ABS plastic parts in its construction are the
covers of the flywheel and magnetic brake. Although it’s a basic bike made for home use, it’s rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg) which is not bad. Other models can only support users up to 220 lbs or 250 lbs.
The bike’s frame consists of two main parts; the front section holds the drive and resistance elements and the front mast, while the rear part supports the seat assembly. The two parts are connected in the middle by a turn knob which allows the length adjustment of the bike.
Compared to other recumbent bikes, such as the Schwinn 270 model, for example, the Marcy NS-1206R is smaller. It is only 55″ (140 cm) long, and 25″ (63 cm) wide. Therefore, it should fit even into a smaller room or apartment. However, it still is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it.
The bike has a step-through design. Although this may seem to be an insignificant feature, it can be quite a plus for users with certain disabilities. The possibility to step through the frame promotes an easier entry and exit.
The fully assembled bike isn’t extremely heavy; it weighs approx. 58.5 lbs (26.5 kg) so it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Once it is assembled, its relocation can be done with ease as its front base integrates a set of small wheels. Also, its rear base features polygonal caps that rotate as well and can act as stabilizers.
Last but not least, the bike’s frame is coated with a durable paint finish, resistant to abrasion and corrosion. The finish color is gray, while the ABS covers of the drive and resistance elements are gray and black to match the rest of the bike. These are the only colors available for this bike, at least for the moment.
Seat and handlebars
The Marcy NS-1206R is equipped with a large, comfortable seat. The seat pad is approx. 14″ (36 cm) 
wide so it provides plenty of contact surface. Both the seat pad and the backrest pad integrate approx. 1.5″ (4 cm) of foam padding for extra comfort. Also, their covers are made of thick, durable vinyl material, easy to maintain.
As we’ve mentioned above, the bike is divided into two main parts, the rear one with the seat, and the front one with the resistance parts. So, the seat doesn’t have the rail adjustment system like the Sunny SF-RB4958, for example. The rear part of the frame with the seat slides into the front section of the frame and the two parts are connected by a turn knob. The base bar of the seat has 6 adjustment positions so the bike can accommodate users up to 6’2″ (188 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 is attached to the seat, the other is attached to the front mast. The front handlebars are directly welded to the front upright bar. They have shorts, straight grips with a layer of rubber foam material for improved comfort. Also, the front upright bar of the bike is slightly curved towards the user so holding on to the front handlebars does not result in an awkward position.
The seat handlebars feature longer grips. They’re also rubberized for extra comfort. However, they don’t have pulse sensors as it is the case for other recumbent bikes. None of the handlebars are adjustable.
Drive and resistance
The Marcy NS-1206R is a manual magnetic recumbent bike. Therefore, it integrates a magnetic 
resistance system with manual adjustment. This means it does not require an external power source or a power adapter. But on the other hand, its console cannot adjust the resistance automatically and does not have preset workout programs.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake which is connected through a steel cable to the tension knob on the front unit. By turning this knob, the brake moves closer or farther from the flywheel which increases or reduces the pedaling difficulty.
Similar to many other magnetic recumbent exercise bikes in this price range, the Marcy NS-1206R has 8 tension levels. The first two levels provide light resistance for gentle exercising, great for blood circulation improvement and workout warm-ups. The 3-5 tension levels deliver moderate workout intensity, while the 8th level provides extra resistance for workouts that simulate a hill climb.
The bike’s internal flywheel is not too heavy. Its exact weight is not specified, but given the fact that the bike’s weight is only 58.5 lbs (26.5 kg), the flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 15 lbs (6.8 kg). It has a balanced structure, though, in order to provide a steady pedaling motion. It is also bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want.
The bike is equipped with a belt drive system. It integrates a heavy-duty v-belt resistant to stretching which provides excellent traction. As opposed to a chain drive, the belt doesn’t require lubrication which eliminates the hassle of taking the front unit of the bike apart periodically for internal lubrication. It also delivers less vibration than a chain and the pedaling motion is whisper-quiet.
The bike’s crankset is pretty durable, but since it’s a recumbent bike, it is not meant for standing up while pedaling. The included pedals are weighted so they always self-level when you remove your feet from them. They also have a textured, non-slip surface and adjustable straps to keep your feet secured during pedaling.
Console
Since the Marcy NS-1206R recumbent bike doesn’t have a motorized resistance system, its console 
cannot automatically change the resistance. In fact, the included console is nothing more than just a fitness meter. It features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned.
Speed and distance are shown in English units (MPH and miles). It cannot be set to metric units. It does not have a pulse reading function, and the bike’s handlebars don’t have any EKG sensors. Therefore, if you want to keep track of your heart rate as you pedal, you will have to use a separate device.
The console unit is easy to operate. It only has one button. By pressing the button you can select the workout metric that you want to view on the display. However, a Scan function is also available. So, if you select the Scan Mode, the unit will rotate all the metrics showing each one for 6 seconds.
The console unit is battery-powered. It requires 2 AAA-type batteries which are not included. It starts up when you press the button or when you begin pedaling, and also stops automatically after 4 minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
The Marcy NS-1206R recumbent bike requires some assembly but the drive and resistance parts are already attached to the front part of the frame. Thus, you only have to connect the two main frame parts together, add the front and rear stabilizers, seat pad, backrest pad, handlebars, front mast, console, and pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time. All the assembly instructions are provided by the included manual. A basic toolkit is also included.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. All you have to do is keep the bike clean and periodically check for loose parts. The internal parts shouldn’t need any maintenance for a long period of time.
The Pros
- Durable frame – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Cushioned seat with a large and firm backrest;
- Adjustable frame – can accommodate users up to 6’2″;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system;
- Adjustable resistance offering distinct 8 levels;
- Counter-balanced pedals with straps;
- Exercise meter that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned;
- Tablet holder included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little to no maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No bottle holder;
- No backlight on the exercise meter.
Summary
The Marcy NS-1206R is a recumbent exercise bike made for home use. It features a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 difficulty levels, a comfortable seat with 6 adjustment positions, and an exercise meter that tracks time, distance, speed, and calories burned. It’s a fairly decent recumbent bike, great for light cardio training, muscle toning, and weight loss. It’s also an affordable bike, currently available for less than $200.