| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Incline | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Merach 526D Check Discounted Price | L:47.2" W:23.6" H:62.2" | 350 lbs | Motorized magnetic, 24 levels | N/A | 21 programs |
The Merach 526D is one of the elliptical trainers released in 2021. It’s a rear-drive elliptical machine made for home use. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320002 but offers more resistance settings and fewer programs.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 47.2L x 23.6W x 62.2H inches (120L x 60W x 158H cm)
- Assembled weight: 92 lbs (42 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 20 lbs (9 kg)
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Stride: 14 inches (35.5 cm)
- Incline: N/A
- Resistance: Eddy current, 24 levels
- Console: 21 programs, recovery, goals
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The Merach 526D elliptical trainer features a frame made of 4mm steel tubing. It combines cylindrical, 
rectangular, and oval tubes in its construction for improved sturdiness. All the tubes are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this model, at least for the moment.
Of course, not the whole machine is made of steel. It integrates several parts made of durable thermoplastic material. The most notable ones are the drive system covers, the pedals, and the console casing. They’re also black, to match the rest of the machine.
Like most other rear-drive elliptical trainers, the Merach 526D features two sets of handlebars. One is fixed, the other mobile. The fixed handlebars attach to the top of the front mast of the machine. They have short grips and integrate pulse sensors. The mobile arms connect to the pedal bars. They have longer grips without sensors or any other controls. However, they have ball grips at the top. Both handlebar sets have PVC foam sleeves for improved contact and comfort.
The machine is not super large. With all the parts assembled, it is only 47.2″ (120 cm) long, and 23.6″ (60 cm) wide, while the top of the moving arms reaches approx. 62.2″ (158 cm) above the floor. It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance all around the elliptical, for ease of access. Also, its net weight is approx. 92 lbs (42 kg), but its front base bar is equipped with small wheels for easy relocation.
Stride, elliptical path, and pedal height
First of all, the Merach 526D elliptical trainer does not have an incline system. Therefore, the length of its
stride and the angle of its elliptical path are non-adjustable. It offers a medium-range stride of 14″ (35.5 cm). Therefore, it should be able to accommodate users up to 6’2″ (187 cm) with no problem, allowing a comfortable range of motion.
Similar to other rear-drive elliptical trainers, the Merach 526D has a slightly inclined forward elliptical path. This means that the pedaling motion feels like a descent on a soft path and leads to a workout that puts more focus on your thighs, glutes, and calves.
The machine’s pedals and crankset are pretty solid. They’re designed for a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs (159 kg) which is not bad for a home-use machine. The pedal trays are made of durable thermoplastic material. They feature side guards and a textured surface for improved footing. Their bars have three holes each so you can attach the pedal trays a bit closer to the front or to the rear. Also, the pedals do not have extra cushioning or articulations.
The pedals are pretty large; they’re approx. 14″ (35.5 cm) long, and 5″ (12.7 cm) wide, so they should be able to accommodate athletic shoes of most sizes. Also, their maximum height is approx. 16.5″ (42 cm). Therefore, it is recommended to place and use this elliptical in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive and resistance
THe Merach 526D elliptical trainer is equipped with an eddy current resistance system. This being said, you
have to connect it to a power source with the provided adapter in order to adjust the resistance. The machine does not have an internal generator, though, so the console does not power up from the energy generated from the user’s pedaling.
The machine’s resistance system consists of an internal servo motor and a magnetic brake. The motor connects the console to the brake. Therefore, when you make resistance adjustments or when the console automatically makes adjustments, the magnets’ pull is either increased or decreased which leads to more or less pedaling difficulty.
This elliptical trainer offers 24 resistance levels. The lowest one provides a fairly light pedaling difficulty, great for recovery training or a cardio workout warm-up. Conversely, the highest level of difficulty is quite challenging; it delivers considerably more resistance than the lower levels great for anyone who wants to burn more calories and improve stamina.
The machine is equipped with a 20 lbs (9 kg) flywheel which is completely concealed by the large plastic guards. It has a perimeter-weighted design in order to provide superior inertia and a smooth pedaling motion. It is also bi-directional so you can pedal in reverse if you want.
The trainer’s drive system uses a poly-v 460J6 rubber belt. This being said, you don’t have to worry about its lubrication. It also generates less vibration than a chain, contributing to the overall smoothness of the ride.
Console
The Merach 526D elliptical is equipped with a mid-range console. To begin with, it has an LCD display with
blue backlight for improved readability. Its display is divided into 7 sub-sections in order to show as many workout metrics as possible at once. It indicates time, speed, distance, calories, watts, and pulse.
Speed and distance can be set either to metric or imperial units. The pulse reading function is grip only. In other words, you will need to hold on to the sensors integrated into the machine’s handlebar so that the console can show your pulse or run any heart rate programs. It cannot read pulse from a wireless transmitter.
The console offers 21 workout programs. To begin with, it has one Manual program which allows you to exercise freely, adjusting the resistance as you want from the Up/Down buttons on the console. Next, there are 10 pre-set programs. These have various segment layouts. They are Rolling Hills, Valley, FatBurn, Ramp, Mountain, Interval, Cardio, Endurance, Slope, and Rally. As their names suggest, each one provides a specific type of workout.
There also are 4 custom programs, 4 heart rate programs, and 1 watt program, and 1 body fat program. The custom programs allow you to create your own program with the desired resistance shifts. Three heart rate programs are preset for 55%, 75%, and 90% heart rate while the fourth is customizable. These adjust the resistance automatically, depending on your current heart rate. The watt program allows you to exercise at a desired watt value, increasing or decreasing pedaling as the console prompts you. The bodyfat program calculates your body mass index depending on your data input (age, gender, weight, height). And finally, the console also has a pulse recovery function which has a quick access key.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s base body with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will have to attach the two base bars, the front mast, the pedals, the moving arms, the fixed handlebars, and the console. This may take more than an hour of your time but the process is pretty straightforward. Plus, the manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, you only have to check for loose bolts and parts and lubricate the joints in case they begin to squeak. It’s also recommended to keep the machine clean and wipe the sweat that may fall onto the frame at the end of the workout. The internal mechanism does not require lubrication.
The Pros
- Solid construction – can support users up to 350 lbs;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Fixed handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Moving arms with ball grips at the top;
- Perimeter-weighted (20 lbs) flywheel for improved inertia and motion stability;
- Large pedals with front and side guards for improved foot stability;
- Three attachment positions for each pedal tray;
- 24 levels of eddy current, automatic resistance;
- 21 workout programs (1 manual, 10 pre-set, 4 custom, 1 watt, 4 HR, 1 body fat);
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
- Recovery function;
- LCD backlit display;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- All the necessary tools for the assembly are included.
The Cons
- No online connectivity;
- No Bluetooth connectivity;
- No sound system.
Summary
The Merach 526D is an elliptical trainer made for home use. It is equipped with a 24-level motorized magnetic resistance system, a 20-lb flywheel, and a console with 21 workout programs. It can support users up to 350 lbs and offers 14″ of stride. Overall, it offers a pretty decent construction and range of features. It’s great for light to intense cardio workouts, muscle toning, and weight loss. It’s not the cheapest in its category but does offer excellent value for the price.