| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marcy NS-40501E Check Discounted Price | L:50" W:24" H:64" | 300 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, ODO, Speed, Calories, SCAN | 2 years |
The Marcy NS-40501E is one of the most affordable elliptical trainers available at the moment. Evidently, it’s not a commercial-grade unit, but for home use should be just enough for a light, low-impact cardio training. In terms of specs and design, it’s similar to the Efitment 006. It’s a manual resistance machine, equipped with a basic console, without preset programs.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 49L x 24W x 64H inches (125L x 61W x 163H cm)
- Assembled weight: 73 lbs (33 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Stride: 12 inches (31 cm)
- Incline: No
- Footplates: Standard, ribbed
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Exercise meter: Time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, goals, SCAN
- Extras: Tablet holder
- Warranty: 2 years
Frame & parts
The Marcy NS-40501E features a frame made of steel tubing. Its construction is pretty durable; according to the manual, it should 
be able to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). Of course, there are several ABS parts in the machine’s construction as well. The pedals and the covers of the flywheel and resistance system are some of them.
Compared to other ellipticals, such as the Kettler ELYX1 or the LifeFitness E1, this model is fairly small. With the frame fully set up, the NS-40501E is only 49″ (125 cm) long and 24″ (61 cm) wide. This being said, it should fit even into a small room or apartment. However, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the unit for safe access and operation.
The unit is not extremely heavy. Fully set up, it weighs approx. 73 lbs (33 kg). This weight offers plenty of stability. Also, its rear base is equipped with adjustable levelers, while the front base features transport wheels to facilitate its relocation.
This Marcy elliptical trainer is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one fixed and one mobile. The fixed handlebars do not have pulse sensors like other machines, and the unit’s console is not telemetric. Therefore, if you want to keep track on your pulse during your workouts, you will have to use a separate device. The mobile handlebars are fairly long; their top is placed at approx. 64″ (163 cm) above floor level. They also have top, ovalized grips. Both sets of handlebars feature rubberized grips to prevent hands from slipping during exercises and to deliver optimal comfort.
As we’ve mentioned above, the unit’s pedals are made of durable, thick ABS material. Their sustaining bars are steel-made, though. Thus, they should be able to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg) with no problem. The pedals are pretty large; they can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They have front and side borders, and a ribbed surface for superior foot stability. However, they do not have any articulation or extra shock absorption elements as the pedals on gym-grade machines. But still, the unit delivers a very low impact ride.
The position of the pedals is adjustable. There are three connection holes on each side of a metallic pedal arm. Therefore, you can connect each pedal closer to the front, or closer to the rear.
One last aspect to mention here regards the unit’s paint finish. The NS-40501E features a non-corrosive powder coating. The color used is gray, this being the only color available for this trainer.
Elliptical path, stride & step-up height
Since it’s an elliptical machine with a rear drive system, its elliptical path is slightly inclined forward. Therefore, it may generate 
the feeling of marching down a soft ramp. This doesn’t necessarily have a negative effect. On the contrary, it should provide a more consistent workout for the glutes.
The machine’s stride isn’t extremely long. It’s actually only 12″ (31 cm). Therefore, a ride on this machine may not be too satisfying for a tall person, over 6’0″ (183 cm), as they won’t benefit from a full range of motion. But nonetheless, anyone can achieve a high cardio workout on this machine, depending on how fast they pedal.
The pedal step-up height is approx. 10″ (25.4 cm). Also, the pedal highest point is approx. 16″ (40.6 cm). Therefore, it’s recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling of at least 20″ higher than your own height.
The elliptical’s Q-Factor is not specified. However, the spacing between the pedals isn’t extremely wide, measuring only a few inches. Thus, the machine doesn’t generate any extra lateral stress on the knees and ankles during exercising
Resistance & drive
The Marcy NS-40501E is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t have to connect it to a power
source to benefit from the adjustable resistance. Also, the console doesn’t play any role in the unit’s resistance adjustment.
The resistance system consists of a small magnetic brake attached to the tension knob on the console mast through a steel wire. By turning the knob, the brake changes its position in relation to the metallic flywheel, which results in more or less resistance on the pedals.
There are 8 distinct tension levels available. The first level generates almost no resistance. Therefore, exercising by using this tension level is great for users with certain disabilities. The 8th level of resistance, on the other hand, does provide quite a bit of pedal tension. Although the unit’s top resistance cannot be compared to a commercial-grade elliptical, its still offers the possibility to burn more calories and achieve a higher cardio activity.
The weight of the flywheel is not specified. But considering that this isn’t an extremely heavy elliptical trainer, its internal flywheel isn’t extremely heavy either. Its weight should be somewhere between 12 and 20 lbs (5.4 – 9.0 kg).
The flywheel is perimeter-weighted. This means it delivers a pretty consistent momentum and a steady motion. It’s also bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse if you want, and when pedaling in reverse, the console will continue to track your calories burned, or distance traveled.
Like most fitness machines with a magnetic resistance system, the Marcy NS-40501E elliptical features a belt drive system. Since it uses a belt, the pedaling motion is almost completely silent. Also, the belt doesn’t require lubrication.
The machine’s crank system is quite durable. Its crank arms are made of steel. They’re tough enough to sustain users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). Their connection points to the pedal arms, as well as the connection of the moving handlebars to the pedal arms and the console mast, integrate stainless steel ball bearings for a smooth operation.
Console
This Marcy elliptical trainer is equipped with the same console as the Marcy NS-40504U upright bike. It has an LCD display
which tracks time, distance, speed, and calories. It also has an odometer function which basically indicates how many miles you have traveled on the bike so far.
The unit doesn’t have a pulse reading function. As we’ve mentioned above, the meter unit is not telemetric and there are no pulse sensors integrated into the handlebars. Therefore, in case you need to monitor your pulse during the workout you will have to use a separate device.
The speed and distance are displayed in imperial units (mph and miles). There is no metric setting available.
Since it’s a basic unit, the console doesn’t have any built-in preset programs. However, it does offer goal settings for time, distance, and calories. You can select a value for any of these metrics and it will begin to countdown from the selected value until it reaches zero.
The unit is quite easy to operate. There are three main buttons: MODE, SET, and RESET. The MODE button allows you to toggle the unit’s SCAN function ON/OFF. When the SCAN function is ON, the display shows each workout metric for 4 seconds. The SET button allows you to set up goals for time, distance, and calories. And the RESET button clears all the values to zero.
The unit uses two 1.5V (AA) batteries which are not included. It starts up when you begin to pedal or press a button. It also has a sleep mode to which will enter if there is no activity on the bike for 4 minutes.
Finally, the console integrates a tablet holder. This accessory is large enough to accommodate any type of tablet. However, there is no USB or connection port for the tablet on the console.
Assembly & Maintenance
This Marcy elliptical machine isn’t extremely difficult to put together. Its base frame with the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. Therefore, all you need to do is attach the stabilizer bars, the pedal bars, the pedals, the console mast, the moving arms, the stationary handlebars, and the console. This may take more than an hour. The manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions and schematics, and some of the tools required for the assembly are already included.
For maintenance, the machine’s joints may require lubrication from time to time. The internal parts shouldn’t need any lubrication, though. It’s also recommended to periodically inspect the unit for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Solid construction for a light elliptical – can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg);
- Small footprint;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Fixed and mobile handlebars;
- Bi-directional flywheel providing a smooth and steady pedaling motion with a consistent momentum;
- Extra-large, durable pedals;
- Three attachment positions for each pedal;
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
- Exercise meter that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned;
- Countdown functions for time, distance, and calories;
- Tablet holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- A tablet placed on the media holder will cover the console display;
- No pulse reading function.
Summary
The Marcy NS-40501E is a home-use elliptical trainer offering 8 levels of manual magnetic resistance. It’s equipped with a console that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned. It’s durable enough to support users up to 300 lbs. In all, it’s an excellent machine for light cardio training, recovery training, muscle toning, stamina development and losing weight. And finally, it’s one of the most affordable machines of this type.