| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marcy NS-40504U Check Discounted Price | L:36" W:20" H:50" | 300 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, ODO, SCAN, Goals | 2 years limited |
The Marcy NS-40504U is one of the most affordable upright bikes that you can find at the moment. It currently costs less than $120, and for a bike with a 300 lbs weight capacity, that’s actually not bad. However, keep in mind that this Marcy exercise bike is one of the most basic models, featuring manual magnetic resistance, and a simple exercise meter with no on-board programs.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 36L x 20W x 50H inches (91L x 51W x 127H cm)
- Assembled weight: 52 lbs (23.5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: 2-way adjustable
- Pedals: Weighted, with straps
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness meter: Time, distance, speed, calories, ODO, SCAN, goal setting
- Amenities: Tablet holder
- Warranty: 2 years limited
Frame and parts
Just as the Marcy ME-708, the NS-40504U model features a frame made of steel tubing. The covers of the drive system are made of PVC though. The steel parts are coated with corrosion resistant and scratch resistant paint, silver in color, while the drive system covers are gray 
and white. In all, the bike features an overall design with higher aesthetics than the older ME-708 model.
This upright bike is not extremely heavy. But does weigh approx. two times more than a road bike, having a total assembled weight of 52 lbs (23.5 kg). Therefore, along with the user weight, it should provide excellent stability. However, keep in mind that this is an upright bike not a spin bike, being designed for seated workouts only. It does not support spin workouts of high intensity.
The rear base tube is equipped with adjustable levelers, which offer the possibility to improve its stability. Also, the front base integrates small rollers, to facilitate its relocation if needed. Both bases feature heat injected plastic caps on their ends, for cosmetic and protective purposes.
This fitness machine has a really small footprint. Even though its frame is does not fold, it only takes approx. 36″L x 20″W (91 x 51 cm) of floor space. This means it should easily fit in a smaller room or apartment.
Seat and handlebars
The seat supplied with the Marcy NS-40504U exercise bike is a simple, standard bike saddle, with a thin layer of padding. It’s definitely wider than most seats specific to spin bikes, 
thereby the bike offers more comfort than a spin bike. But still, it’s less comfortable than the large seat on the Exerpeutic Gold 500 XLS. You can easily find a replacement for it though, since it’s a standard model. Also, its comfort can be considerably bolstered via a gel cover.
The seat is only 2-way adjustable, up and down. Its post offers several adjustment positions, being able to accommodate users between 4’10” and 6’2″ (147 – 188 cm), or differently put, users with an inseam up to 35″ (89 cm). Also, the seat and the overall frame construction can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg), which is not bad for a basic upright bike. Other models, such as the Best Fitness BFUB1 or FitLeader UF4 have a weight capacity under 250 lbs (113 kg).
The bike’s handlebars don’t offer any adjustment possibilities. They connect to the upright console mast of the bike via two bolts. They feature a multi-grip design though, promoting several workout postures. They also have rubber foam grips, to provide optimal comfort. This exercise bike cannot monitor heart rate, thus the handlebars do not have pulse sensors.
Resistance and drive
The Marcy NS-40504U features a manual magnetic resistance system, which involves a magnetic resistance pad, and a metallic flywheel. The magnetic pad is connected to the tension knob on the bike’s console mast, via a steel wire. By turning the tension knob 
clockwise, the brake pad come closer to the flywheel adding more drag.
There are 8 “clicks”, or 8 resistance settings specified on the tension knob. The overall resistance provided by this exercise bike is not extreme though. It can supply light to medium workouts.
Due to the fact that the resistance elements do not touch, the bike’s operation is smooth and quiet. It uses a belt drive system, integrating a heavy-duty, no-stretch belt. The flywheel, although not extremely heavy, has most of its weight in its perimeter. Therefore, it provides a consistent, steady momentum, and a smooth pedaling motion.
The bikes is equipped with solid steel crank arms. However, as we’ve mentioned above, it does not support spin workouts. It’s not meant for standing up pedaling routines, only seated pedaling. The pedals are made of heavy-duty plastic material. They have a weighted design, and integrate adjustable straps to provide superior foot stability.
Last but not least, this exercise bike has a narrow Q Factor. In other words, the pedals are not widely separated. Thus, the foot positioning onto them is comfortable, and exercising on this bike does not put extra lateral stress on the knees.
Exercise meter
Although this Marcy upright bike is a pretty basic model, its exercise meter offers one feature more than the basic, similar units. It offers the possibility to setup goals for time, distance 
and calories. However, it doesn’t have any pre-set workout programs. Its display can track time, distance, speed and calories. It also has an ODO and a SCAN function. The ODO function indicates the total mileage on the bike. The SCAN function cycles through aforementioned values, showing each one for 4 seconds. Distance is displayed in miles only, while speed is displayed in MPH.
The console unit is easy to use. It automatically turns on when you begin pedaling, and will self shut-down after 4 minutes of inactivity on the pedals. It has three function buttons: SET, RESET and MODE. The SET button is used to setup a target value for time, distance or calories. MODE toggles on and off the SCAN function, while the RESET button clears all the values to zero.
The console uses 2 AA batteries which are not included.
One more aspect to mention here regards the console’s tablet holder. This consists of a narrow tray, placed under the console keys. It’s wide enough to support any tablet, smartphone or magazine. However, the console does not have an audio jack, nor a USB port to dock your device.
Assembly and Maintenance
This Marcy upright exercise bike is fairly easy to assemble. Its drive and resistance systems come already assembled. All you have to add are the bases, pedals, console mast, seat post, seat, handlebars and console. This shouldn’t take more than one hour. The manual supplied offers clear instructions for assemble, and all the tools required 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
- Solid construction, high user capacity (300 lbs) for a basic bike;
- 2-way adjustable seat, for users with an inseam up to 36″.
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Balanced flywheel, supplying a smooth and consistent momentum;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Quiet belt drive;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Zero friction magnetic resistance;
- 8 distinctive tension settings;
- Exercise meter included, capable of tracking time, speed, distance, calories;
- ODO, SCAN and goal setting functions on the console;
- Tablet holder incorporated in console;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- A tablet placed on the tablet holder may block the view of the console display;
- No heart rate tracking function;
- No bottle holder.
Summary
If you’re looking for budget upright exercise bike, the Marcy NS-40504U is definitely one to put on your list. Even though it’s a basic model, it offers a user capacity up to 300 lbs. It’s a bike with manual magnetic resistance, which also comes with an exercise meter able to track your progress. It’s a bike designed for light to medium workouts. It’s great for cardio training, recovery training, stamina building, muscle toning, and even weight loss. You can actually burn 4-500 calories per hour on it, depending on the resistance levels used. In all, it’s a bike with an excellent price / value ratio.