In this comparison of the Marcy ME 709 vs Exerpeutic 900XL are put up against each other side by side to match up their advantages/disadvantages .
These are two very popular and highly rated recumbent exercise bikes at affordable prices. There are a number of similarities between the bikes but in this post the focus is the differences to help answer the big question as to whether the difference in price is justified.
Both bikes get these very good ratings from customers despite being simple bikes without any of the bells and whistles of the more expensive bikes.
It does mean they are easier to operate and there is less to go wrong.
Before checking out how they both match up and get into their differences here is a quick introduction to them.
Marcy ME 709 Recumbent Exercise Bike
This bike has been selling day in day out since 2009 and maintaining its standing as a best seller. It provides a good affordable solution for a comfortable and low impact way to get fit and burn calories in your own home.
It does come with a large seat and backrest. The pedaling motion is smooth and fluid.
It has 8 levels of resistance. The amount of resistance is controlled manually using the tension knob at the front of the bike. It goes from easy to moderately hard so you can exercise at the level you want.
The bike includes a basic console that measures time, distance, speed and calories burned to help to keep you motivated as you exercise.
Customers on the whole like the bike and like how quiet it is and steady so they can use it when they want to get in shape and burn calories
Exerpeutic 900 XL
This bike has also been a regular top seller for years.
It’s quiet and can be used by multiple users. The seat can be moved manually to fit people between the heights of 5ft 3 ins and 6 ft 3 ins.
It is a basic bike with a console, the only real extras are the pulse sensors in the handlebars. It provides good feedback to help keep you on track as you exercise. It measures time, distance, speed, burned calories and heart rate when the sensors are gripped.
It has an oversized seat with backrest that many find comfortable allowing them to exercise for as long as they want. It has 8 levels of magnetic resistance that is manually controlled by the tension knob on the front post.
Customers like the comfort and low impact exercise they get and the quality of the bike especially for the price.
How Are These Bikes Different
There are a few differences between the bikes and these are the areas that will make the most difference in deciding which one is the right one for you
Seat Size. Both seats are cushioned with Exerpeutic have slightly larger seat measuring 16 by 12 ins whereas the March ME 709 comes in at 16 by 10 ins.
Adjustment. Both bikes can be adjusted to fit a range of different heights. Neither of them is as straightforward as other bikes with it involving more steps than normal. The Exerpeutic 900 XL is the easier option with having to loosen 3 knobs and sliding the seat into place and then tightening them up again. The Marcy ME 709 you only have one knob but you have to move the entire back of the bike backwards/forwards to the required position. It can take some muscle to do this.
Height Range. The height ranges that the bikes accommodate are different with the Exerpeutic being best for those between 5ft 3 ins to 6 ft 3 ins and the Marcy ME 709 being best for people between 5 ft 2 ins and 6ft.
Bike Weight. The Marcy ME 709 is the lighter bike by about 7lbs weighing in at around 56 lbs.
Footprint. The Marcy ME 709 is a slightly larger bike with a footprint of 55.5 by 25 ins compared to Exerpeutic at 54 by 22 ins
Levelers. The Exerpeutic has leveler in the end-caps which can help even out bike to prevent rocking from side to side if the floor is slightly uneven.
Handlebars. The handlebars are at the side of the seat on both bikes. The Marcy ME 709 are slightly higher up and there is about 22 inches between them. On the Exerpeutic the handlebars are about 20 inches apart giving slightly less room.
Heart Rate Sensors. The Exerpeutic 900 XL has pulse sensors in the handlebars so you can monitor your heart rate as you exercise which can be helpful to exercise optimally.
What The Price Difference?
When I checked the Marcy ME 709 was less than the Exerpeutic 900 XL.
Which One Should I Buy?
Customer feedback on both bikes is good. They like the durability, smoothness of the pedaling motion and that they provide stable basis for low impact exercise.
The Exerpeutic 900XL is much easier to adjust even with the three knob adjustment process. If more than one person is going to use the bike you will find it much more convenient and you can easily get on with your exercise. It also seems to have a better range with it more ably accommodating people up to 6 ft 3 ins tall.
It also comes with a heart rate monitor which can help people train at the best level for their age, fitness level and their goals.
If these things aren’t important to you then it probably worth considering the price to make the decision as to the one to go for.
Up Against Each Other Side By Side
The table below has the two bikes in detail listing side by side comparing their features, specifications and dimensions to give you a fuller picture of how they compare.
| Feature | Marcy ME709 | Exerpeutic 900XL |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Resistance Levels | 8 | 8 |
| Pedals | Straps | Straps |
| Weighted Flywheel | No | No |
| Bike Weight | 57 lbs | 63 lbs |
| Max User Weight | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Min User Height | 5 ft 2 ins | 5 ft 3 ins |
| Max User Height | 6 ft 0 ins | 6ft 3 ins |
| Handlebars Adjustability | No | No |
| Seat Adjustability | No - sliding frame | Horizontal |
| Use Dimensions | Height 37.5 ins Width 25 ins Length 55.5 ins | Height 34 ins Width 22 ins Length 54 ins |
| Folded Dimensions | Height 45 ins Width 21 ins Length 19 ins | Doesn't fold |
| Drive Type | Belt | Belt |
| Accessories | None | None |
| Console | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Sensors | No | Yes |
| Frame Construction | Steel | Steel |
| Gear | Fixed | Fixed |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Quiet | Yes | Yes |
| Back Support | Yes | Yes |
| Distance between seat handlebars | 22 ins | 20 ins |
| Pre-Set Programs | No | No |
I hope you now have a good idea of these two recumbent exercise bikes and have the information you need to decide on the bike that is best for you. Please let us know your thoughts on them below.
Thanks for all those details. One question- when I pedal I cannot have my knee come up too close to my abdomen – also the higher the seat the easier it is for me.
Which one of these bikes would you recommend is easier to adjust, if it can be done at all.
Thanks for any help you can give me-it’s hard to buy this kind of thing without trying it!
Both bikes can be adjusted to accommodate range of heights using the adjustment knobs – which are in different places with the Marcy ME709 having it on the frame so you have to move the back half of the bike to make the adjustment and Exerpeutic 900XL has 3 knobs to move just the bike. I think the Exerpeutic is the easier of the 2 to adjust even with 3 knobs, also it adjusts for a wider range of heights between 5 ft 3 ins and 6ft 3 ins.
Thanks Paul. I think easier to adjust would probably be best for me. Do I have this right? The seats can go forward or back, I was more concerned with the seat height from the floor. They both seem quite low, I wondered if a gel seat from a bike store might solve this.
Yes, the seats can be adjusted back and forward. Recumbent bike seats are lower to the ground than upright bikes so you are in a more “recumbent position” or reclined. You’ll need a large gel seat cover and won’t raise them that much a cushion might give you a little more height.
I used a Marcy recumbent for several years without any problems but I had to switch when the pedal kept falling off so I bought an Exerpeutic….what a difference I am having. It is harder for me to pedal. I ride an upright as well….more than 100 miles per week so I am strong in my legs. Is it possible that it is assembled incorrectly? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
I hope you got this sorted. It sounds like there could be problem with the assembly – it can be an issue when in Step 3 of assembly attaching the tension cable – if that is wrong that may cause the resistance being harder than it should be.
Thanks for this review. Just had a knee replacement (6 weeks pist surgery) and my physical therapy is now just me at home. I have my program, a recumbent would be great to keep my motion. I will buy one of these. The reviews at Amazon can make a person nuts so your info is very appreciated. I am on the slighter side of medium boned, 5’5”, 145 or less pounds, 67 years old. Once the seat is adjusted it will stay put. I would like the smoothest, quietest unit. Thanks again. If you have more feedback please feel free.
You’re welcome. It’s great to hear that my comparison article helped you.