The Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is designed to deliver low-impact cardio workouts as many good recumbent bikes do. It is an entry-level recumbent bike that still offers the opportunity to exercise productively and comfortably.
Recumbent bike benefits include low impact as aforementioned, comfort, and effective cardio that burns tons of fat. This recumbent bike does just that hence its positive approval rating on Amazon.
The Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike has a step-thru design that literally allows you to walk through and sit without any hassle. It features a solid adjustable recumbent seat that has a high backrest that provides all the support and comfort you need.
The frame is sturdy and supports a standard user weight capacity of 380 pounds/172 kg, however, a lower weight limit of 242 pounds/110 kg is recommended and stated in the manual so that the unit may endure longer.
It is a belt-driven recumbent bike with a manual magnetic resistance system that has 8 levels of resistance strength. Its operation is smooth and quiet and doesn’t require any major maintenance.
The console is basic and features a non-backlit yet easy-to-read LCD monitor that tracks time, speed, distance, calories burned, odometer, and pulse. There are pulse sensors on the side arms that help to transmit your heart rate data to the monitor if held or gripped during a workout so that you can track and maintain the target heart rate zone.
The Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is not foldable neither is it very large. It is portable with transport wheels for easy relocation.
Click right here to have a peek at the price of the Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike on Amazon.
Table of Contents
The Frame and Construction
The Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike features a frame that is made up of solid steel and can support a standard maximum user weight capacity of 380 pounds/172 kg, but it is recommended and stated in the manual that a maximum user weight of 242 pounds/110 kg is appropriate so that unit may last longer.
The steel parts are coated with anti-resistant and scratch paint that is designed to preserve and conserve them.
It has other parts that are made up of ABS plastic material such as the coverings for the drive.
Its construction allows space between the seat and the drive thereby making it easy for users to mount and dismount without hassle, in other words, you may call it a step-through design.
It has a simple base framework that features a single chassis that joins the front and the rear steel stabilizer together. Its stability is good and its weight of 52 pounds/23.5 kg further helps to ground it.
The stabilizer bars have a rubber cap on each end which makes the base floor-friendly while the front stabilizer is integrated with transport wheels for an easy relocation process.
The Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike has varying assembled dimensions because different websites have stated different dimensions. The truth is that they are all correct depending on their talking point. The bike’s base dimensions are 48 inches long by 20 inches wide by 39.4 inches tall.
However, you are going to need additional extra clearance of 1-2 feet at the rear and on each side of the bike, especially if you are going to use it in a confined area. This allows you to work out without restriction but with safety and convenience.
The Seat, the Handlebars, and the Pedals
The Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike features an ergonomically designed recumbent seat that is large and padded to provide optimal comfort that allows a user to exercise longer. The seat/backrest is 2 inches cushioned and covered with vinyl material.
The seat is attached and sits on a rail and can be adjusted horizontally (backward and forward). It has easy to reach adjustment lever by the right side of it. However, the seat and the backrest do not adjust independently. In other words, the backrest cannot be adjusted separately to incline because it is fixed together with the seat, they both adjust together.
The seat’s dimensions are 13 inches wide by 16.5 inches long, while the backrest has dimensions of 16.5 inches long by 12 inches wide and both are 2 inches thick.
Due to its adjustability users of different heights (5’2’’-6’5’’) can be accommodated.
There are two sets of handlebars on this recumbent exercise bike.
As aforementioned, the seat has a handlebar on each side of it with EKG sensors embedded into them for the transmission of heart rate data to the monitor when gripped during a workout. This enables you to keep an eye on the pulse rate so that you can maintain your target heart rate zone at all times.
The side handlebars also provide support for aggressive thrust and pedaling, while the other set of handlebars on the console mast are designed to be used when you wish to perform an upright cycling exercise.
They are covered with a soft rubber foam material that prevents soreness and blisters in the palms and instead ensure that a secure and comfortable grip is achieved and experienced.
The pedals are anti-skid designed with adjustable safety straps that allow different feet to fit and be secure during an intense and vigorous workout moment. They are also self-leveling as well.
The Drive
The Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike has a belt drive system that provides smooth and quiet operation. This consists of a durable belt, pulley, flywheel, solid crankset, and crank arms. The flywheel weighs about 10 pounds/4.5 kg more or less.
The drive is bidirectional; you can pedal in reverse if you so wish in order to exercise more muscle groups.
You can exercise at any time of the day without worrying that the family or the neighbors might be disturbed.
The drive system is also maintenance-free; no post lubrication or adjustment is required of you.
The Resistance System
The Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike features a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 levels. The resistance system uses a magnetic brake pad and the flywheel to generate resistance.
Unlike friction resistance system that wears its felt pad out due to the direct contact, it makes with the flywheel the magnetic resistance system is otherwise frictionless. The magnetic pad does not make direct contact with the flywheel instead it gets close enough to emit a magnetic field around the flywheel in order to generate resistance. The closer the magnetic pad gets to the flywheel the stronger the resistance strength becomes.
This means that the resistance system doesn’t have any wearable parts that will require a replacement in the future.
The resistance can simply be adjusted via the tension knob with the resistance levels, low -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 + max., indicated on it. When it is turned clockwise the resistance strength increases and when turned anticlockwise it decreases.
The resistance difficulty provided by the resistance system is suitable for beginners, intermediaries, those recovering from injury, and everyone else that wishes to lose weight and maintain physical fitness. In other words, it is not for an advanced athlete or those seeking to experience extremely difficult workouts.
The resistance system does not need any special maintenance whatsoever.
The Console
The Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is equipped with a basic console that features a non-backlit monitor that is yet easy to read. The monitor keeps you focused and motivated by tracking time, speed, distance, calories burned, odometer, and pulse. The distance and speed are measured in kph and cannot be switched to mph.
To be able to observe the heart rate you must hold onto the handlebars with the sensors while exercising so that the monitor can get your heart reading and display accordingly.
The monitor does not have any fancy or additional features such as preset programs or the ability to sync with your phone.
It is powered by 2 AAA batteries which are included in the package.
There are 3 easy to use buttons available for navigation.
It is worth mentioning that the monitor has a SCAN function that displays all the workout values one at a time after a few seconds and rotationally. You can also set a certain workout value of your choice to display constantly.
Accessory
The Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike does not have any accessory integrated into it. No tablet and water bottle holders. You must improvise to keep water handy during workout sessions so that you can stay hydrated.
Storage
The storage of the Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is not going to be a problem even though it’s not foldable because it is not very large either.
A storage area of 4’ long by 2’ wide will be enough.
It is portable and lightweight as well, therefore, moving it from one room to another won’t be a problem.
Approval Rating
The Merax Magnetic Recumbent Bike has several Amazon customers’ reviews that are positive. The users that reviewed it expressed their satisfaction with the decision to purchase the unit.
Its average approval rating is good at the time of this review.
Pros/Features Overview
- The frame is made of steel
- All the metal parts are coated with anti-corrosive and scratch paint that prevents degradation
- It can support 380 pounds/172 kg, but in order for it to last it is recommended for 242 pounds/110 kg maximum user weight capacity
- It is portable with transport wheels
- It is not very large
- Its seat is comfy and adjustable
- The pedals are anti-skid designed with adjustable safety straps that secure the feet
- The bike features two sets of handlebars
- It has EKG sensors for heart rate monitoring
- Its operation is quiet and smooth due to the belt drive system
- It features a manual magnetic resistance system that provides a decent workout challenge
- The bike is maintenance free
- It is relatively easy to assemble
- It has an LCD monitor that tracks time, distance, calories burned, odometer, speed, and pulse
- It is affordable
Cons
- It doesn’t have accessories such as tablet and water bottle holders
- The monitor is not backlit
Warranty
- 3 Years on Frame
- 90 Days on Parts
Product Dimensions and Specifications
- 48’’ Length
- 20’’ Width
- 39’’ Height
- Supports 242-380 pounds maximum user weight capacity
- Weight: 52 pounds/23.5 kg
- Seat: 2-way Adjustable recumbent seat
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Transport wheels included
- Console: Basic, non-backlit LCD monitor displays time, distance, speed, calories burned, odometer, pulse, and SCAN function
- Handlebars: 2 sets; Side handlebars with EKG sensors and front handlebars
Shipping, Assembly, and Maintenance
Shipping
The shipping weight of the Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is 60 pounds/27 kg and it is shipped out in a box.
The shipping cost of this unit by Amazon is free and it’s delivered within days of order.
Assembly
The recumbent bike comes partially pre-assembled with the drive and the resistance systems attached.
You are only required to attach the seat, the backrest, the console mast, the console, the seat’s handlebars, and the pedals to the core unit.
The tools required for the assembly and the instruction manual that walks you through the process are included in the package.
The assembly takes less than an hour.
Maintenance
As aforementioned, there is no major maintenance required for the Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike. The drive and resistance systems are maintenance-free.
However, you need to examine the unit before use for any loose or broken part in order to prevent an accident or further damage to it. Moreover, always keep it clean from dirt and sweat at all times, especially before and after use.
Conclusion
The Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is an affordable unit designed for home use. It is smooth and quiet during operation; and provides a decent workout challenge that could help the user to shed some weight. The seat is comfortable and adjustable and users of different heights can be accommodated.
It is a low-impact indoor cardio exercise bike that is suitable for everyone that wishes to improve and maintain general physical fitness.
Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike Review
The Merax Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is designed to deliver low impact cardio workouts as many good recumbent bikes do.
Product Brand: Merax
Product In-Stock: InStock
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I am a health and fitness enthusiast. I take anything and everything that improves my health seriously. Hence, I try to share my knowledge in helping people that wish to up their health status to one that enables them to live strong with confidence.
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