| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marcy NS-40502R Check Discounted Price | L:56.7" W:24.8" H:43.3" | 300 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, ODO, SCAN, Goals | 2 years limited |
The Marcy NS-40502R is basically the recumbent version of the Marcy NS-40504U exercise bike. It’s a budget trainer, it doesn’t offer a wide array of features, but does have a pretty sturdy construction and offers the possibility to perform light to medium intensity cardio workouts.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 56.7L x 24.8W x 43.3H inches (144L x 63W x 110H cm)
- Assembled weight: 69 lbs (31.2 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: With adjustable straps
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Drive: Belt
- Console: Time, distance, speed, calories, ODO, SCAN, goal settings
- Warranty: 2 years limited
Frame construction
The Marcy NS-40502R has a durable steel construction being designed to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). Its frame is made of ovalized and rectangular steel tubing, a feature which not only 
improves the unit’s overall sturdiness and stability, it also offers an aesthetic, professional-looking aspect.
The bike’s frame consists of two main parts, the front part with the flywheel and driving mechanism, and the rear part with the seat. The two parts connect in the middle with several screws. Also, the connection point is equipped with a small adjustable stabilizer.
All the steel parts within the bike’s construction are coated with a rust-resistant and scratch-resistant paint finish; the color used is gray, this being the only color available for this bike. Of course, there are several ABS parts within the unit’s construction, such as the covers of the flywheel and the covers of the seat base frame. However, these don’t affect the machine’s overall sturdiness as their role is protective and cosmetic.
Like most recumbent bikes, the Marcy NS-40502R is not exactly a small fitness machine. With all the parts assembled, it is 56.7″ (144 cm) long and 24.8″ (63 cm) wide. The width of the base is a bit smaller actually, the 24.8″ width is given by the seat handlebars, this being the bike’s widest point. On top of these dimensions, it’s also recommended to assign a slightly wider area for using the bike. At least two feet of clearance on the sides and rear and at least one foot of clearance at the front should suffice.
The frame of this Marcy exercise bike features a step-through design. This considerably improves the access to the seat, the entry and exit. It’s a great feature for users with certain disabilities or for elderly users.
Like most recumbent bikes, the Marcy NS-40502R offers an excellent stability. On top of that, its rear base is equipped with adjustable levelers.
The assembled unit is not extremely heavy. It weighs approx. 69 lbs (31.2 kg), so one person should be able to unbox it and assemble it without extra help. Plus, once the unit is fully assembled, its relocation is facilitated by the small wheels integrated into its front base.
Seat and handlebars
This Marcy upright bike is equipped with an adjustable seat. The whole seat assembly is attached to an oblique bar and has a sliding mechanism with a pop-pin at the bottom which allows you to
lock it in the desired position. It offers several adjustment positions and can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm), promoting a complete leg extension.
In terms of comfort, the seat is pretty much a standard one. It’s approx. 16″ (40 cm) wide; it’s padded with 2″ (5 cm) of foam material and has a durable vinyl upholstery.
The backrest features the same padding as the seat. It doesn’t recline, nor does it offer any other type of adjustment features independently from the seat. Its backbone is quite sturdy and does provide an excellent lumbar support.
As we’ve mentioned above, the bike’s weight capacity is 300 lbs (136 kg). However, users up to 350 lbs (159 kg) have reported that they have been using the bike without any issues.
The Marcy NS-40502R is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one attached to the console mast, and one attached to the seat assembly. Both handlebar sets are covered by a layer of rubber foam material in order to provide a sure grip.
An important aspect to mention here is that the console mast is inclined towards the user, and using the front handlebars isn’t too awkward as for other recumbent bikes. But on the other hand, the seat handlebars do not integrate pulse sensors, such as the Merax RB1020, for example.
Drive and resistance
The Marcy recumbent bike NS-40502R is equipped with a fairly light flywheel. Its exact weight is not specified, but considering that the whole bike weighs only 69 lbs (31.2 kg), its flywheel 
shouldn’t be heavier than 20 lbs (9 kg). It’s perimeter-weighted, though, and provides a smooth pedaling motion.
The bike’s transmission is made available by a durable rubber belt. As opposed to a chain drive, this type of belt drive produces less vibration during pedaling, which leads to a smoother pedaling experience and almost no noise generated. Also, as opposed to a chain drive, a belt drive doesn’t require lubrication.
The pedals included with the unit have a weighted design and a non-slip surface. They’re equipped with adjustable straps to secure your feet for each workout. The crank arms are made of solid steel; however, in case you’re wondering, standing up on them is not recommended. Plus, since it’s a recumbent bike, standing up while pedaling would result in a very awkward, unhealthy posture.
This Marcy exercise bike features a manual magnetic resistance system. It integrates a small magnetic brake which is attached to the knob on the console mast through a steel wire. By turning the wire, the brake will adjust its position closer or farther from the flywheel, increasing or decreasing the resistance.
Since the machine’s resistance is exclusively manual, the unit doesn’t need to be connected to a power source. Also, the console doesn’t play any role in the resistance adjustment.
There are 8 resistance level available. The overall resistance provided by this exercise bike is not extreme though. It can supply light to medium workouts. The lower levels deliver a very light pedal tension, great for recovery training. The 8th resistance setting promotes, however, a more intense training, with a higher muscle burn.
Exercise meter
This exercise bike includes basically the same console as the Marcy NS-40504U. It’s equipped with 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. 
Unfortunately, the bike doesn’t have a pulse reading function. The console 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 not 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.
Last but not least, the bike’s 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 and Maintenance
The unit’s drive elements and its internal brake come pre-assembled, attached to the front part of the frame and sealed by the ABS covers. Therefore, all you need to do for assembly is connect the two main parts of the frame together, add the base bars, the seat, the backrest, the console mast, the handlebars, the pedals, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The included manual provides clear assembly instructions and schematics, and the tools for it are included.
Since the bike has a belt drive system, you don’t have to lubricate its internal parts. In fact, you don’t really have to do much for maintenance. The periodic check of its joins, bolts, and nuts is recommended though.
The Pros
- Sturdy, steel frame, capable of supporting users up to 300 lbs;
- Adjustable base stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
- Both front and seat handlebars (other recumbent bikes don’t have front handlebars);
- Padded seat and backrest, for optimal comfort;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system;
- Adjustable resistance offering distinctive 8 levels;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Exercise meter that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
- Tablet holder included;
- Lightweight, easy to handle;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little to no maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No bottle holder;
- Batteries for the console are not included;
- A tablet placed on the media holder will cover the console controls and its display.
Summary
The Marcy NS-40502R is a basic recumbent exercise bike meant for home use. It offers 8 levels of manual magnetic resistance and comes with a basic console. It has a sturdy construction, an adjustable, padded seat with a large backrest. It’s an exercise bike made for light to medium cardio workouts, stamina training, recovery training and weight loss. And finally, it’s one of the most affordable recumbent bikes available at the moment, a fitness machine with an excellent price/quality ratio.