The Marcy Recumbent Bike ME-1019R has similar features to the Marcy NS-908R and ME-709. However, the latter (NS-908R & ME-709) support up to 300 lbs./136 kg maximum user weight capacity while the ME-1019R supports 250 lbs./113 kg.
The only recumbent bike that seems to be a little bit advanced (even though is still in the entry-level category) in the series is the Marcy Regenerating Recumbent ME-706. This has 24 resistance levels, 23 workout programs, and it features an LED monitor (powered by lithium-ion battery) that displays more workout metrics and more.
That being said, the Marcy Recumbent Bike ME-1019R is an affordable and typical basic low-impact cardio machine that enables you to work out in the comfort of your home.
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Table of Contents
Frame & Construction
The Marcy Recumbent Bike ME-1019R features a sturdy steel frame that is conjoined in the middle. In other words, the frame is originally two separate parts but are joined together during assembly to become a single frame.
The frame is coated with anti-rust paint that preserves it from degradation over time.
The unit’s protective and cosmetic parts such as the seat base coverings, the drive system shrouds, and the end caps on the stabilizers are made of ABS material.
Therefore, the steel and ABS materials used for the construction of the bike make it sturdy, safe, and elegant.
As aforementioned, it could support up to 250 lbs./113 kg maximum user weight capacity.
The front and rear steel stabilizers (with adjustable diagonal-shaped end caps at the rear) help to keep the bike stable. Although, the use of a protective rubber mat usually improves and optimizes the stability.
It can easily be moved around the room because it only weighs 75 lbs./34 kg, and there are transport wheels as well at the front base.
This unit is not overly large when other recumbent bikes are taken into account. However, it takes a little bit of space for workouts and storage since it is not foldable.
The overall assembled dimensions are 57’’ (144.78 cm) length by 25’’ (63.5 cm) width by 45’’ (114.3 cm) height. This means a workout area with measurements of 4’75’’ length by 2’’ width will be required; plus of course a 2’ clearance on each side of it for safety and easy access.
The Seat of the Marcy Recumbent Bike ME-1019R
The Marcy Recumbent Bike ME-1019R seat is large (16.5’’ width x 12.5’’ length) and basic. Both the seat and the backrest are cushioned for maximum comfort. However, most users usually purchased a gel seat cover to improve its comfortability.
The seat is attached to a strong rail base, and it can technically be adjusted backward and forward. This allows users whose inseams are between 27’’ to 32’’ to be accommodated without feeling cramped.
You can easily adjust the seat via the adjustable knob that is located beneath the seat on its right side.
The Handlebar
There are two sets of handlebars on the Marcy Recumbent Bike ME-1019R. One set is located on the seat, while the other set is on the console mast.
The seat handlebars are integrated with EKG heart rate sensors while the other set on the console mast doesn’t have any.
They are both cushioned with a soft rubber foam material that provides secure and comfortable grips. Therefore, they can be grasped longer without feeling sore, slippage, or calluses. Nevertheless, they cannot be adjusted, but they are strategically positioned to fit users of different sizes.
The Pedals
The balance-weighted pedals are standard; they are made of durable plastic with a metallic core and are textured with adjustable safety straps.
They are designed to be ridden with standard gym shoes.
The Drive
The Marcy Recumbent Bike ME-1019R has a belt drive system that comprises a durable Poly-V belt. This type of drive system usually provides silent and smooth operation without the need for pre or post-lubrication.
This means you should be able to work out in a room with a sleeping newborn baby without a problem.
Its operation is also vibration-free due to the integrated perimeter-weighted flywheel.
The drive system is bidirectional; you can pedal in reverse if you so wish to diversify your workouts and tone more muscle groups. However, you can’t coast on it since the pedals and the flywheel are attached.
The Resistance
The resistance system of this recumbent bike is magnetic. It has a manual magnetic resistance system that includes a magnetic brake pad, a flywheel, and a tension adjustable knob.
The resistance system offers 8 adjustable levels.
Upon adjusting the resistance, what happens in effect is that the magnetic brake pad shifts close or farther away (depending on whether you are increasing or decreasing the resistance level) from the metallic flywheel thereby releasing magnetic fields that generate resistance without any element making any physical contact.
To increase or decrease the resistance level, simply turn the tension knob clockwise or counterclockwise, respectively.
The 8 resistance levels provide easy to relatively difficult workout challenges that could help anyone with the goal of losing weight or improving strength and endurance.
Console
The Marcy Recumbent Bike ME-1019R comes with an entry-level LCD monitor. This means it is a standard display with basic functions; its display is not backlit nor telemetric, and there are no preset workout programs on the console either.
In other words, the display window does not have light in it that improves readability when viewed in a poorly lit environment, and it is not compatible with a wireless HR chest strap. Therefore, the only way to have your pulse rate tracked is by grasping the seat handlebars with EKG HR sensors during workouts.
That said, on the flip side, the monitor tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Odometer, and Pulse. Its SCAN function rotationally displays these workout stats one at a time after every few seconds, because they (workout stats) cannot be displayed all at once.
However, you can override the SCAN function and instead set up a certain preferred workout value to display constantly without switching to another.
The Distance and Speed stats units are measured in miles and mph, respectively.
The monitor is powered by 2 AA batteries (not included).
There are 3 simple navigation buttons that include Mode, Set, and Reset. These are used to toggle on/off SCAN function and to also set up countdown targets for Time, Distance, or Calories.
Accessory
This bike is integrated with a water bottle holder that is designated on the outer side of the console mast. Its position is strategic for easy reach.
So, you can keep water handy during a workout session for the maintenance of proper hydration.
Storage
As aforementioned, this is not a foldable bike, however, it is not overly large to overwhelm your space. Its dimensions are 57’’ (144.78 cm) length by 25’’ (63.5 cm) width by 45’’ (114.3 cm) height. Therefore, a storage space with measurements of 4’75’’ length by 2’ width can accommodate it.
It can easily be moved around the room via the integrated transport wheels and it only weighs 75 lbs./34 kg.
Pros/Features Overview
- Affordable
- Sturdy and elegant
- Supports a maximum user weight capacity of 250 lbs./113 kg
- Operation is smooth, quiet, and vibration free
- It provides low-impact workouts that are gentle on the joints
- Its step-thru design enables every user to easily mount and dismount it
- There are transport wheels for easy relocation process
- The magnetic resistance system with 8 adjustable levels provides different workout challenges for weight loss, strength and endurance improvement, and muscle group toning
- The LCD monitor tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Odometer, and Pulse
- Goal setting for Time, Distance, and Calories
- The seat is large and padded (including the backrest)
- Users whose inseam are between 27’’ to 32’’ are supported
- There are 2 sets of handlebars that are cushioned with soft rubber foam
- The pedals are textured with adjustable safety straps for proper and secure foot placement
- Easy to assemble
- Low maintenance
- A water bottle holder is included
Cons
- The LCD monitor is not backlit
- The console is not telemetric and there are no preset workout programs
- No tablet holder
Warranty
- Manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty
Product Dimensions & Specifications
- Length: 57’’
- Width: 25’’
- Height: 45’’
- Shipping dimensions: 35’’ L x 13’’ W x 22.5’’ H
- Net weight: 75 lbs./34 kg
- Gross weight: 78 lbs./35.38 kg
- Inseam: 27’’-32’’
- Maximum user weight capacity: 250 lbs./113 kg
- Frame: Steel
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic resistance with 8 adjustable levels
- Seat: Large & padded (including the backrest)
- Handlebar: 2 sets (seat & front mast)
- Pedals: Textured with adjustable safety straps
- Monitor: LCD nonbacklit
- Water bottle holder
- Transport wheels
Shipping
The Marcy Recumbent Bike ME-1019R ships in a box that weighs 78 lbs./35.38 kg with dimensions of 35’’ long by 13’’ wide by 22.5’’ high.
Shipping is usually free and delivery takes a couple of days to weeks depending on where you reside.
Assembly
This unit needs to be assembled. However, the difficult parts have been done in the factory. Therefore, it won’t be a problem to assemble no matter your skill level.
An instruction manual and tools are included in the package to help you put it together without hiccups.
It takes about an hour or less to completely assemble it.
Maintenance
This workout machine does not need any serious maintenance.
Simply keep it clean at all times, and do not expose the console to direct sunlight or to moisture. Hence, make sure it is been stored in a clean, dry, and cool environment.
Before use, inspect it to ensure that every part is tight and in good condition.
Conclusion
The Marcy Recumbent Bike ME-1019R is an affordable entry-level, low-impact cardio workout machine.
It supports a maximum user weight capacity of 250 lbs./113 kg and those that have inseams that are between 27’’-32’’.
The integrated LCD monitor tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Odometer, and Pulse, and its resistance system is magnetic with 8 adjustable levels.
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