Marcy NS-716R Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Console	Warranty
Marcy NS-716R Check Discounted Price	L:52" W:26" H:38"	300 lbs	Magnetic, 8 levels	Time, Speed, Distance, ODO, Calories, SCAN	2 years limited

The Marcy NS-716R is a recumbent exercise bike in the affordable category. It’s definitely not a commercial grade machine, and can’t be compared with the Body-Solid Endurance B5R or the IRONMAN Triathlon X-Class 410 in terms of construction, but still, it’s a bike perfect for home use.

This exercise bike offers the training setting for light to medium workouts. It features a simple, manual magnetic resistance system. However, compared to other models within this price range, it has a higher weight capacity.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 52L x 26W x 38H inches (132L x 66W x 96.5H cm)
• Assembled weight: 56 lbs (25.4 kg)
• Max. user weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Seat: Adjustable
• Pedals: With adjustable straps
• Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
• Console: Time, distance, speed, calories, odometer, SCAN
• Warranty: 2 years limited

Drive and resistance

Most recumbent exercise bikes are equipped with a belt drive system, and this Marcy model does not make an exception. It features a very quiet, maintenance free, belt drive, using a stretch-resistant, heavy-duty v-belt. The bike’s flywheel is not extremely heavy, but it’s perimeter-weighted, which means it delivers a consistent momentum and a smooth pedaling motion.

Evidently, since it’s a recumbent bike, the Marcy NS-716R is not made for standing up pedaling routines. However, it’s equipped with a sturdy crankset, featuring solid steel crank arms. The pedals supplied with the bike are made of durable PVC material; they feature a weighted design and integrate adjustable straps for maximum foot stability.

This recumbent exercise bike features a narrow Q-Factor, which means the foot positioning onto the pedals is comfortable, without any lateral stress on your knees. Also, in case you’re wondering, pedaling in reverse is possible on this bike.

This fitness bike incorporates a resistance system identical to the one on the older model, the ME 709. It’s a manual magnetic resistance system, which consists of a magnetic pad connected via a steel wire, to the knob on the bike’s console mast. By turning the knob, the resistance pad will change its position in relation to the metallic flywheel, increasing or decreasing drag.

There are 8 resistance settings available. The highest resistance levels (7-8) are not too hard, though. Differently put, this exercise bike delivers light to medium workouts. However, engaging in a fast workout while using the top resistance settings can definitely help you burn some calories.

Exercise meter

Since this Marcy exercise bike is a basic model, the fitness meter supplied with it is also a basic unit. It can track time, speed, distance and calories. It also has an odometer (ODO) function, which keeps count of the miles traveled. Distance is counted in miles, while speed is tracked in miles per hour. Evidently, since the meter unit does not have a function that allows you to insert your weight and age, the calorie burning function is only an estimate.

The unit uses a “SCAN” function to rotate the workout stats, displaying each one for 4 seconds. It’s powered on when it detects pedal movement or when you press its button. It also shuts down automatically after 8 minutes of inactivity on the bike. It uses a set of two AA batteries, which are not included. These batteries should last for approx. 3 months under normal usage. Also, it’s important to know that all the values on the console unit will be reset when replacing batteries.

Frame construction

This Marcy recumbent bike has a frame similar to the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB921. It’s a 2-piece steel frame, with the connection between the two main pieces serving as adjustment for the distance between the seat and pedals. There are several adjustment holes on the seat frame assembly, which enters the tube of the front part and is secured with a knob. The bike offers an adjustment span which can accommodate users between 5′ and 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm). Taller users should also be able to use it, but they may not benefit from a complete leg extension.

Compared to other recumbent bike models, this Marcy model does not have an extremely large footprint. With the seat extended to its last position, it’s 52″ (132 cm) long. Its width is approx. 26″ (66 cm), but the bike requires at least two feet on each side, for safe, unhindered operation.

The frame is not extremely heavy. The fully assembled machine weighs only 56 lbs (25.4 kg). Therefore, it’s easy to assemble, handle and transport. Also, its front base tube integrates a set of transport wheels, which facilitate its relocation. The rear base, on the other hand, integrates rotating polygonal caps which act as stabilizers.

Last but not least, all the steel frame parts are coated with corrosion resistant paint. The color is black, this being the only available color for now. The covers of the bike’s drive system are made of PVC though, black and gray, the “Marcy” logo is yellow.

Seat and handlebars

Although this is one of the most basic recumbent bikes, it still has a pretty impressive weight capacity. Its rear part of the frame, including the seat, can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). 

The seat offers excellent ergonomics. It integrates a layer of foam padding and has a contoured surface. It’s approx. 16″ (40 cm) wide, and 11″ (28 cm) front to back providing optimal comfort. The seat itself does not adjust. However, as we’ve mentioned above, the whole rear frame part can be locked closer or farther from the pedals.

The backrest is attached directly to the seat. It delivers great lumbar support. It features the same padding and synthetic upholstery as the seat and does not adjust or recline.

This exercise bike has two sets of handlebars, one attached to the console mast, and one to the seat. They both have rubberized grips for extra comfort and adherence. The existence of the front handlebars is actually a plus, as they offer a few extra workout postures. Other models, such as the ProGear 190 or Exerpeutic 400XL don’t offer this feature. Each one of the front grips is 6″ (15.2 cm) long, while the grips of the seat handlebars are 8″ (20.3 cm) long. The distance between the seat handlebars is approx. 24″ (61 cm). Thus, the bike should accommodate users of larger sizes as well. They’re non-adjustable, being attached directly to the seat frame via two bolts.

The seat handlebars do not integrate pulse sensors, though. In fact, this exercise bike does not offer any heart rate reading functions.

Assembly and Maintenance

The Marcy NS-716R recumbent cycle is easy to assemble. It shouldn’t take more than an hour. There are several steps for the assembly process which require you to connect the two main pieces of the frame together, attach the rear and front base, the seat, backrest and the console mast, the recumbent handlebars, the pedals, and connect the tension wire and the speed sensor to the console. Documentation and tools for assembly are supplied as well.

Since the bike features a magnetic resistance system, maintenance doesn’t require much at all. You basically need to remove the dust and potential dirt with a damp cloth from the frame, and re-tighten the bolts if necessary.

The Pros

• Solid frame for a light recumbent bike, with a max. user capacity of 300 lbs;
• Adjustable frame; can accommodate users between 5″ – 6’2″;
• Step-thru frame design;
• Cushioned seat and backrest, for maximum comfort;
• Quiet magnetic brake system;
• Adjustable resistance (8 levels);
• Pedals with adjustable straps;
• Fitness meter that can track time, speed, distance, total distance traveled and calories;
• Easy to assemble and operate;
• Lightweight, easy to handle;
• Transport wheels and rear stabilizers;
• Little to no maintenance required;
• Great value for the price.

The Cons

• No pulse sensors or heart rate monitoring function;
• No tablet holder.

Summary

The Marcy NS-716R is a basic recumbent exercise bike for home use. It features a solid steel frame with a weight capacity of 300 lbs and manual magnetic resistance. It has an adjustable frame, padded seat and backrest, and also includes a basic fitness meter. It’s an exercise bike for beginners and intermediate users, great for light to medium cardio workouts, stamina training, recovery training and weight loss. You can actually burn up to 4-500 calories per hour on it, depending on the resistance levels used. And finally, it’s one of the most inexpensive recumbent bikes available at the moment.