A stationary bicycle also known as exercise bicycle is a device used as exercise equipment. This bicycle provide a no-impact aerobic workout that can strengthen and tone the muscles of the legs and buttocks. The popularity and durability of exercise bikes have increased over the last few years, driven in part by ‘spinning’ classes. You can have this kind of bicycle in your home, let us see two popular exercise bikes, the Marcy Me 709 and Exerpeutic 900XL.
Sturdiness
The Marcy Me 709 is a well constructed bike from 2 inch steel tubing that holds everything firm. The bike does not have levelers so you do need it to have it on a flat floor or it will rock from side to side. A rubber exercise mat can help to prevent the rocking if your floor is a little uneven. The frame warranty is 2 years.
While Exerpeutic 900XL is made from steel, it is low to the ground and has 22 inch stabilizers which can keep the bike steady while exercising. Same as the Marcy Me it need to be used on a level surface but the small amounts of unevenness can be balanced by turning the end caps in the rear stabilizer to prevent rocking. The frame warranty is 3 years and parts is 90 days.
Adjustability
The back half of Marcy Me can be moved closer and further away from the pedals. On this bike adjust the frame moving the back and front of the bike closer/further apart depending on the setting that is needed. The seat can be adjusted but it involves undoing the pop-pin knob and pulling then sliding the sliding frame to the position you want and re-inserting pin into the pre-set hole and tightening it back into place. The Marcy Me 709 seems to fit people between the heights of 5ft 2ins and 6ft.
| Marcy Me 709 | Exerpeutic 900XL | |
|---|---|---|
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| Product Dimensions | 30.9 x 15.2 x 21.6 inches | 55.5 x 25 x 37.5 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 74.1 pounds | 66.5 pounds |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
On the Exerpeutic the seat can be adjusted properly to fit people from 5ft 3ins up to 6ft 3ins. It has a seat slider and pre-set holes to get it to the proper fit. There are 3 adjustment knobs under the seat and that you loosen with 1 you pull to free the seat slider then you can position the seat where you want it. Then the pin and tighten up the knobs to hold it securely in place.
Resistance
The Marcy Me has 8 levels of magnetic resistance. The change to the levels of resistance is done manually. It is controlled using the tension knob at the front of the bike below the console. Turning it clockwise to increase the resistance and counter-clockwise to decrease it. No maintenance is needed as there are no touching parts and it is very quiet since it is magnetic resistance. The transition between the levels is smooth and incremental.
Exerpeutic 900XL also has 8 levels of magnetic resistance. It is controlled by the tension knob at the front of the bike. The magnets are inside the casing at the front of the bike and when you turn the tension knob they are moved closer to. See also: Nautilus R616 vs R618.
Drive Type
The belt drive on Marcy Me is quiet and enclosed in the casing which keeps it from getting damaged. It stops your ankles and clothes from getting caught up in it and also out of the way protecting children and pets.
The V-belt drive is used in Exerpeutic connecting the crank and flywheel and provides a consistent grip so there is no slipping as you pedal at all levels of resistance. It does not need any maintenance and also very quiet and gives a smooth ride.
Pedals
The counter balanced pedals on Marcy Me give a smooth pedaling experience. It has a textured surface for a grip and a strap to keep your feet securely in place. The straps on the pedals can be hard to adjust as the plastic is hard around the holes.
The pedals on the Exerpeutic make it easy to get your feet on them and give a good platform to push against. It is also textured and have a strap that can be tightened to prevent slipping and give a good grip for pedaling. The pedals on this bike is out in front so there is less pressure on the knees.
Comfort
The Marcy Me has an oversized bike seat with a backrest. The seat is about 16ins wide by 10ins deep and backrest is about 12ins wide by the 16ins tall. The seat is at a height similar to a chair making it easy to get on and off. There is no need to be concerned about dirt and dust, but sweat is likely to be the biggest concern. The sweat drop on the floor and you can protect that with a rubber exercise mat.
This bike is very quiet, so there is no need to worry about people complaining about the noise. There are 2 sets of handlebars on this bike, one at the front and a 2nd set beside the seat. They are both covered with rubberized material that makes it easy to grip. The distance between the handlebars are about 22 inches and are above the level of the seat.
An oversized bike seat with a backrest is also offered by Exerpeutic. The seat height is not high and you can sit down on to it unlike with upright bikes. This bike also comes with 2 sets of handlebars. Both sets are covered with a rubberized coating to give a good comfortable grip even when hands are damp. The handlebars beside the seat have hand pulse sensor that can be grip tightly if you want to see your heart rate on the monitor. Same as the Mercy Me there is no need to worry about the dust and dirt and also noise the bike makes.
Other Specification and Feature
The Mercy Me bike needs an area of 55.5 by 25 inches when not in use, since it does not fold down. The bike arrives part-completed so it will take an hour or so to finish the assembly. The job of assembly involves adding the stabilizer bars, attaching the sliding frame, front post, console, seat support, backrest, seat, handlebars and pedals. This bike has a basic console that measures time, speed (MPH), distance (miles), total distance (miles) and calories burned.The only power needed is 2 AA batteries for the console.
For the Exerpeutic is requires an area of 22 by 54 inches when not in use. This bike also requires some assembly. The steps that needed to finish is to join the back and front of the together, add the front and rear stabilizer bars, add the front handlebars posts, fit the pedals, attach the sliding seat tube, seat, back handlebar, and backrest and the console. The console on this bike measure time elapsed, speed (mph), distance (miles), cumulative distance (miles), calories burned and when you grip the hand pulse sensors you can see your heart rate.
Marcy Me 709 vs Exerpeutic 900XL
Conclusion
Overall both of these bike offers the same features. However, the Exerpeutic is sturdier than the Macy Me. Macy Me seat can be adjusted but by moving the entire frame while the Exerpeutic has an easier adjustment. The Exerpeutic also has a heart rate monitor. Overall, with an easier adjustment, a heart rate monitor and it can also fit a taller person then the Exerpeutic is the winner on this exercise bike.
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