| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marcy NS-908R Check Discounted Price | L:47.6" W:24.8" H:37" | 300 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, ODO, Calories, SCAN | 2 years limited |
The Marcy NS-908R recumbent bike features a similar construction and specs as the NS-716R model. It’s slightly smaller, though, but does have a wider backrest. It’s not a commercial grade bike, but if you’re looking for an inexpensive model, for light cardio or rehab training at home, this is definitely a choice to consider.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 47.6L x 24.8W x 37H inches (121L x 63W x 94H cm)
- Assembled weight: 53.5 lbs (24.2 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
Frame construction
This Marcy exercise bike features a light frame, with an assembled weight of 53.5 lbs (24.2 kg), which basically means it’s easy to assemble, transport and handle. But nonetheless, it’s a sturdy frame, made of steel tubing and able to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). The only major non-metallic parts in its frame construction are the flywheel guards, which are made from durable ABS material.
The frame is composed of two main pieces: the rear part with the seat assembly and the front part with the resistance elements, console mast, and console. The two parts join at the middle; the main bar of the rear part serves as an adjustment bar, featuring 6 adjustment holes. The two parts attach together via a turn knob. The frame does not fold. It has a step-through design which can be quite a plus for users with disabilities or elderly users.
The Marcy NS-908R recumbent exercise bike isn’t large. As we’ve mentioned above, it’s slightly smaller than the NS-716R, featuring an assembled footprint of 47.6″L x 24.8″W. It does, however, require at least two feet of clearance on each side and at least one foot of clearance at the rear and front, for safe operation.
The bike offers excellent stability. Its front base is equipped with rotating caps which serve as wheels to facilitate its relocation. Its rear base features polygonal stabilizer caps, which allow you to perfectly level it on basically any type of flooring. A mat is not required for it, but it is recommended. Also, the midsection of the frame integrated a small rubberized foot which adds to this fitness machine’s overall stability.
The frame has a white, corrosion resistant powder coating finish, this being the only color available for this Marcy recumbent bike model.
Seat and handlebars
Even though it’s a pretty inexpensive exercise bike, the Marcy NS-908R is equipped with a very comfortable seat. Both the seat and backrest integrate a thick layer of high-density foam, covered by a durable sheet of vinyl material. 
The backrest does not adjust independently from the seat and does not offer any reclining possibilities. It’s considerably wide, offering excellent lumbar support.
The seat itself doesn’t have an adjusting mechanism. It’s completely attached to the rear part of the frame. But the bike does offer adjustment; the whole rear part of the frame with the seat can be locked in a position closer of farther in relation to the pedals. Differently put, the bike offers an adjustment span of 23″ – 28″ (58.4 – 71.1 cm), being able to accommodate users between 4’10” – 6’0″ (147 – 183 cm). Also, the seat can support riders with a weight up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
When it comes to handlebars, this exercise bike is equipped with two sets, one on the console mast and one attached to the seat assembly. Both handlebar sets are covered by a sheet of rubber foam material in order to provide a secure and comfortable grip.
Since this is the Marcy NS-908R, it doesn’t have pulse sensors integrated into the seat handlebars, nor it does have any pulse reading functions. This is the older version. There is, however, a newer version with pulse sensors, the NS-908RP.
Resistance and drive
The Marcy NS-908R features a manual magnetic resistance system. It consists of a magnetic pad connected via a steel wire, to the knob on the bike’s console mast. When you turn the knob, the resistance pad will change its position in relation to the metallic flywheel, increasing or decreasing the tension on the pedals. 
There are 8 resistance settings available. The highest resistance levels (7-8) are not too hard, though. Differently put, this exercise bike delivers a light workout, being an adequate choice for users who require recovery training or elderly users.
When it comes to the bike’s drive system, just as most other models with a manual magnetic resistance system, this particular one features a belt drive. It uses a stretch-resistant, heavy-duty belt, designed to last for many years of use. Since it’s a belt drive, it doesn’t require any lubrication. The bike’s operation is also very smooth and quiet.
Since it’s a recumbent bike, the Marcy NS-908R is not made for spin workouts. Differently put, you will probably break it if you try to pedal while standing up on the pedals. 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. They also have standard threads, so it’s easy to find replacements for them if needed.
This recumbent 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.
Fitness meter
The Marcy NS-908R recumbent exercise bike is a basic model; therefore, its console 
unit is also basic. But nonetheless, it can track speed, distance, total distance (ODO), time and calories burned. If you’ll opt for the NS-908RP model, the console can also track your pulse. Since it’s a basic unit and does not have any functions that allow you to input personal data such as age, weight, or height, the calorie reading is only an estimate.
The meter unit has 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 your press its button. It also shut’s down automatically after several minutes of inactivity on the bike. It uses a set of two AAA batteries which are not included.
Assembly and Maintenance
This exercise bike is really easy to put together; the whole assembly process shouldn’t take more than an hour. The included manual provides very clear assembly instructions and the tools are included. Basically, for assembly, you will have to connect the two main frame parts together, connect the base tubes, the seat, the console mast, the console and the pedals.
Since the bike features a magnetic resistance system, there isn’t any maintenance required for the internal parts. So, the only thing to do for this matter is to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Solid frame for a light recumbent bike, with a max. user capacity of 300 lbs;
- Adjustable frame; can accommodate users between 4’10” – 6’0″;
- Step-thru frame design;
- Cushioned seat and backrest, for maximum comfort;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system;
- Adjustable resistance (8 levels);
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps and standard threads;
- Fitness meter included;
- Easy to assemble and operate;
- Lightweight, easy to handle;
- Transport wheels and rear stabilizers;
- Little to no maintenance required.
The Cons
- No tablet holder;
- No bottle holder;
- The console display does not have backlight.
Summary
The Marcy NS-908R 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 wide backrest, being also equipped with an exercise meter. It’s an exercise bike for beginners, great for light 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. It’s one of the most affordable recumbent bikes and does offer excellent value for the price.