| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Drive | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MarcyPro JX-7301 Check Discounted Price | L:61" W:26.75" H:47.5" | 300 lbs | Belt | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Speed, Goals, Scan |
The MarcyPro JX-7301 is one of the recumbent bikes released in 2021. It’s a dual action trainer equipped with a set of moving handlebars that attach to the pedals and offer the possibility to exercise your arms as well. However, it does not allow standing up on the pedals, though, like a trio trainer such as the Body Champ BRT1875, for example.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 61L x 26.75W x 47.5H inches (155L x 68W x 121H cm)
- Shipping weight: 88 lbs (40 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: Weighted, with straps
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, goals, scan
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: 2 years limited
Frame construction
Like most other recumbent bikes in this price range, the MarcyPro JX-7301 is built on a steel frame. It’s a two-piece
frame; the rear piece with the seat and the front piece with the drive system connect in the middle. There is also an extra leveler under the connection point of the two frame parts for improved stability.
The frame combines rectangular and cylindrical tubes in its construction for improved safety and aesthetics. It’s important to mention that the bike’s seat has a two-point base which considerably improves its sturdiness. This is one of the reasons the bike is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg).
The fully assembled bike is fairly large. Its footprint is 60″L x 16″W (152 x 41 cm). However, the widest point of the unit is at the handlebars, this being approx. 26.75″ (68 cm). The bike’s highest point is also at the handlebar grips; these reach approx. 47.5″ (121 cm) above the floor level.
The bike is not super heavy. Its shipping weight is 88 lbs (40 kg) so the transport of the packaged unit may require two people or at least a box carrier. However, once the bike is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front base is equipped with adjustable levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The MarcyPro JX-7301 is a dual-action recumbent exercise bike. Therefore, instead of being equipped with 
a standard handlebar attached to its front mast, it has two long moving arms similar to the ones on elliptical trainers. These attach to the mast and the pedal cranks; they cannot be locked to remain stationary, and they will always move for as long as you pedal.
The two moving arms of the bike have simple grips with PVC foam covers for improved contact. They do not have pulse sensors or other controls. Also, the bike doesn’t have fixed front handlebars like elliptical trainers, and also does not have a set of grips for the seat like most other recumbent bikes.
The bike’s seat is designed for superior comfort. To begin with, its bottom pad is fairly large, approx. 15″ (38 cm) wide, and 11″ (28 cm) long, so it provides plenty of contact surface. The backrest is pretty long as well; it reaches approx. 39″ (99 cm) above the floor so it delivers plenty of back support. Both the backrest pad and the bottom pad integrate a thick layer of foam cushioning. They’re also contoured and have a durable vinyl cover which is easy to maintain.
The bike’s seat is adjustable. It’s attached to a slanted rail, so if it’s placed all the way at the front, it’s also at its lowest position. Conversely, if locked into position at the rear of the rail, it is also at its highest point.
The seat adjustment system involves a small lever placed under the seat on the right. This type of adjustment system makes it much easier to find the right position for the seat as you can make the adjustment while seated, and there are no holes or pins. The seat offers an adjustment span of 11″ (28 cm), for an inseam range of 25″ – 36″ (63 – 91 cm). This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’1″ and 6’4″ (155 – 193 cm) with no problem.
Resistance system
The MarcyPro JX-7301 dual action recumbent exercise bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance
system. Therefore, you don’t need a power cord or an adapter for it. The only power source needed is a set of batteries for the fitness monitor. It’s also important to mention here, that since the bike is not motorized, it cannot adjust the resistance automatically, and the fitness monitor does not have pre-set programs.
The resistance system consists of a magnetic brake attached to the internal flywheel system and to the tension knob on the front unit of the bike. When you turn the knob, the brake changes its angle in relation to the flywheel which changes the magnets’ pull, allowing you to increase or decrease the workout load.
The bike’s resistance system is an 8-level standard one. On the lowest resistance level, it provides a fairly light workout load. Conversely, on the 8th tension level, the bike simulates a hill climb and offers a distinguishably higher workout load.
The main advantage of the magnetic brake over a felt-pad brake system is a very smooth and quiet pedaling motion. The magnets never touch the flywheel, so the flywheel spins seamlessly. Also, the magnets will never wear out, so you won’t have to worry about brake pad replacement or lubrication.
Drive system
The MarcyPro JX-7301 recumbent bike is equipped with a perimeter-weighted flywheel. Its exact weight is not
specified, but since the bike only weighs around 80 lbs (36 kg), the flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 25 lbs (11.3 kg). The perimeter-weighting improves inertia, though, leading to a smoother and more consistent motion.
The flywheel is bi-directional. Therefore, you can pedal in reverse if you want. However, coasting is not possible; the pedals will spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains the same, given the selected tension level.
The bike is equipped with a fairly sturdy crankset. However, as we’ve mentioned above, the JX-7301 is not a trio trainer, so it is not recommended to stand on the pedals. The crank arms are pretty long, cylindrical, and with a black paint finish as the rest of the bike. The pedals are made from a durable thermoplastic material. They have weight elements so they always self-level, and adjustable straps.
The bike uses a belt drive system. It’s equipped with a poly-v belt resistant to stretching and abrasion. This being said, its transmission does not need any lubrication or maintenance. Also, the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet.
Fitness monitor
The MarcyPro JX-7301 dual action recumbent bike is equipped with a fitness monitor that offers a range of 
features similar to the one included with the Marcy NS-40501E elliptical. It features an LCD display (without backlight) that tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned. The bike does not have a pulse reading function. Also, speed and distance are shown in MPH and miles.
The monitor unit does not have pre-set programs. It also does not have online connectivity. However, it does have a goal-setting function. You can select a workout goal for time, distance, or calories burned. When a goal is selected, the monitor will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. It also has a Scan Mode. When the Scan Mode is selected, the monitor shows the workout metrics in a sequence; each one appears on the screen for a few seconds.
The monitor unit is very easy to use. It has three buttons – Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to select the workout metric that you want to view or select the Scan Mode. The Set button covers the goal selection function. The Reset button clears all the values on the monitor to zero, except the odometer.
The fitness monitor is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries which are not included. It also integrates a device holder. However, it does not have any connection ports for your phone (no USB, no AUX).
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s drive and resistance unit comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts pretty much require user assembly. This may take up to two hours of your time. You will basically have to connect the two main frame pieces together, attach the seat, the pedals, the pedal bars, the moving arms, the console mast, and the console. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
Once the bike is assembled, you don’t have to do much for maintenance. It’s recommended to keep the bike clean, lubricate the joints if they begin to squeak, and periodically check for loose bolts. The internal mechanism does not require lubrication.
The Pros
- Dual action bike for pedaling and arm exercising;
- Sturdy construction – can hold users up to 300 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Weighted pedals with straps;
- High-comfort seat with thick cushioning;
- Lever-based seat adjustment system;
- Zero-friction magnetic resistance;
- 8 levels of resistance;
- Quiet belt drive system;
- Fitness monitor included – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories;
- Goal settings and Scan Mode;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Tools for assembly are included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Device holder included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness monitor;
- No pulse reading function;
- No RPM function.
Summary
The MarcyPro JX-7301 is a dual action recumbent exercise bike made for home use. It features an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, a comfortable and adjustable seat, a set of moving arms, an internal belt drive, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, speed, distance, total distance, and calories burned. It’s an affordable exercise bike, great for light to medium-intensity cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.