| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marcy NSP-122 Check Discounted Price | L: 48.5" W: 21.25" H: 45.25" | 300 lbs | 40 lbs | Friction, Felt-pad | N/A |
Although the Marcy NSP-122 is one of the oldest exercise bikes from MarcyPro (it was released in 2007), it is still available at the moment. It is a pretty standard indoor cycling bike designed for spin workouts. In terms of features, it is similar to the Marcy XJ-3220. However, it has a more aesthetic design and a different handlebar.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 48.5L x 21.25W x 45.25H inches (123L x 54W x 115H cm)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Assembled weight: 96 lbs (43.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Chain
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness monitor: N/A
- Warranty: Frame 2 years
Frame construction
The Marcy NSP-122 features a heavy-duty triangular frame made of steel tubing, designed to support most types
of spin workouts. As we’ve mentioned above, it features smoother design lines than the older XJ-3220. Most of its main frame combines oval tubing which also results in a superior overall sturdiness.
The main frame is double-coated with a rust-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The main color used is white, this being the only color available for the NSP-122 model. The only exceptions are the flywheel, the seat post, and the handlebar post which are chrome plated.
Of course, the bike also integrates several plastic parts. The most notable ones are the drivetrain guard, the end caps of the base bars, and the side covers of the flywheel.
Like most other spin bikes made for home use, the Marcy NSP-122 is not a large fitness machine. It is approx. 48.5″ (123 cm) long, and 21.25″ (54 cm) wide. This being said, it should fit pretty well even in a small room. However, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it, for easy access and safe usage.
The bike is fairly heavy. Its net weight is 96 lbs (43.5 kg). Therefore, it may require two people for transport when it is still packaged, or at least a box trolley. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front base incorporates two large transport wheels.
Seat and handlebar
The Marcy NSP-122 is equipped with a saddle designed for optimal comfort. It’s technically a spin saddle, a bit slimmer
than a standard bike seat. However, its top section does integrate a decent layer of padding. Also, its attachment system is collar-based, similar to a wide array of other bike seats available in bike shops. So, in case you will ever want to replace it, compatible options are widely available.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has multiple adjustment positions while its horizontal slider adds a few extra inches of adjustment. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’1″ and 6’3″ (155 – 190 cm). It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg), which is not bad for a home-use exercise bike.
The bike’s handlebar features a multi-grip design. It offers the possibility to adopt a climbing grip, an off-road grip, a standard grip, and an oblique grip. It is fully covered by a layer of rubber foam material in order to provide superior comfort and contact.
The handlebar is only two-way adjustable (up, down). Its upright post has several adjustment holes and permits the adjustment of the handlebar up to a height of approx. 47″ (119 cm). The handlebar does not have pulse sensors and the bike does not include a fitness monitor.
Resistance system
The Marcy NSP-122 indoor cycling bike is equipped with a standard friction resistance system. The adjustment
is done manually, so you won’t need a power adapter or power cord for this bike.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a felt pad that connects to the tension knob above the main frame tube. The pad is placed above the flywheel, so when you turn the knob clockwise, it applies more friction to the flywheel. Needless to say, this increases the pedaling difficulty.
The bike’s brake does not have any pre-set level. You simply tighten the pad on the flywheel until the bike delivers a pedaling difficulty you’re comfortable with. As a general idea, you can tighten the pad on the flywheel up to a point you can barely pedal, which is great for a strength workout, or for simulating a steep climb.
The tension knob also has an emergency brake function. In other words, you can press it down which will enable the brake pad to apply maximum contact to the flywheel. This will stop the flywheel from spinning. It’s actually recommended to stop the flywheel this way before dismounting, especially if you’ve been pedaling at a high speed, to prevent any possible injuries.
Last but not least, the bike’s brake pad may require lubrication from time to time, especially if the flywheel doesn’t spin too smoothly when in contact with the pad. A few drops of silicone lubricant on the edge of the flywheel should take care of the problem. Also, the brake pad will eventually wear out and you will need to replace it.
Drive system
The Marcy NSP-122 indoor cycling bike is equipped with a pretty heavy flywheel for a home-use bike. It weighs
40 lbs (18 kg), it is chrome-plated, and has decorative side covers made from a durable ABS material. It has a perimeter-weighted construction which is meant to provide an aggressive inertia and a consistent momentum.
The bike’s flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, the bike allows pedaling in reverse. When pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant, given by the amount of friction the brake applies on the flywheel. Also, coasting is not possible on the bike and the pedals will spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The NSP-122 indoor cycle is equipped with a durable crankset featuring long arms similar to road bikes, coated with a black paint finish. The pedals are made of aluminum alloy. They do not have SPD elements for spin shoes but do have toe cages in case you want to secure your feet on them. Their threads are 9/16″, so compatible replacements are widely available in case you may want to change them.
The bike’s exact Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is not specified. But as a general idea, it is lower than 200 mm. This leads to a natural and comfortable foot positioning, and the pedaling motion does not generate additional lateral stress on your joints.
The bike is equipped with a chain drive system. It integrates a pretty standard bike chain. Needless to say, a chain is considerably more durable than a belt and can last a lifetime with proper care. However, it does require periodic lubrication.
Assembly and Maintenance
Most of the bike’s frame comes pre-assembled. The flywheel, the brake, the crankset, and the chain are already in their places. You only need to attach the two base bars, the seat, the pedals, and the handlebar. This shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the bike clean and wipe the sweat that may drop on the frame at the end of each workout. The brake pad and the chain require periodic lubrication. Other than this, it is also recommended to periodically inspect the bike to make sure that all the moving parts still function properly and all the fixed parts still hold tight in their places.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Aesthetic design;
- Adjustable levelers on both base tubes;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Heavy-duty, durable chain drive;
- Perimeter-weighted, 40 lbs flywheel for high inertia;
- Friction (felt pad) resistance for a wide array of pedaling difficulty levels;
- Durable aluminum alloy pedals with toe cages;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the tools for assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No fitness monitor;
- No pulse reading function;
- The handlebar is only two-way adjustable.
Summary
The Marcy NSP-122 is an indoor cycling bike made for home use. It is equipped with a 40-lb flywheel, a friction resistance system, and a four-way adjustable seat. It has a pretty sturdy construction with a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs. It’s a bike for users of all levels, for spin workouts, and in general, for high-intensity cardio, stamina development, and weight loss.