Head-to-head · Best Exercise Bikes Under $500

Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike (NS-652) vs Marcy ME-709 Recumbent

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike (NS-652) comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 3.3). Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike (NS-652) is best for: Casual riders and beginners in small spaces who want a bike that folds away for light cardio, warmups and cooldowns. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Exercise Bikes Under $500

Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike (NS-652)

4.3

1 source$169.99as of Oct 16

The Marcy NS-652 is a folding upright bike with eight levels of magnetic resistance, a 14-gauge steel frame and a 250 lb weight limit. Garage Gym Reviews tested it and gave it an Editor's Rating of 4.3 out of 5, praising how steady it stayed even when pedaled hard and calling it one it would highly recommend for casual exercisers and small spaces. It is not built for hard training: GGR found the resistance too light for high-intensity work, and the console shows only basic stats with no heart-rate monitoring.

Strengths

— Garage Gym Reviews found it incredibly sturdy for a folding bike, with no rocking even when pedaling hard
— 14-gauge steel frame that GGR says is more durable than competitors use
— Padded seat that GGR's testers found comfortable

Watch-outs

— Not enough resistance for high-intensity workouts, per GGR
— Basic LCD only, with no heart-rate monitoring, tablet holder or programs
— Seat height tops out at 30 inches, which GGR says may not suit riders over about 6 feet

$169.99 · Buy at marcypro.com Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Exercise Bikes Under $500

Marcy ME-709 Recumbent

3.3

2 sources$159.99as of Oct 14

The Marcy ME-709 is the low-impact pick: a recumbent bike with a step-through frame, a large cushioned seat, and a relaxed back-supported position that takes pressure off the knees and lower back. Eight levels of quiet magnetic resistance suit light-to-moderate workouts, and OutdoorGearLab gave it an 8/10 for fit and adjustability. It is the cheapest bike here. The honest framing: this is a gentle rehab-and-recovery machine, not a high-intensity trainer, and OutdoorGearLab's overall 56/100 reflects its bare console and limited resistance ceiling.

Strengths

— Step-through recumbent design with back support, ideal for joint-friendly low-impact exercise
— Large 2-inch-thick, 16-inch-wide cushioned seat that OutdoorGearLab found comfortable for 1.5-hour rides
— Eight levels of quiet, smooth magnetic resistance well suited to light-to-moderate intensity

Watch-outs

— Resistance tops out at a light-to-moderate ceiling, not for high-intensity training
— Basic console with no programs and no preset workouts
— Short 10-inch seat-slide range may not suit very tall riders

$159.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike (NS-652)

The NS-652 is the only folding bike on this page. It shares the Marcy ME-709 Recumbent's eight magnetic resistance levels but puts the rider upright instead of back-supported, and its 250 lb limit is lower than the ME-709's and Schwinn 130's 300 lb. It has no programs or Bluetooth, unlike the Schwinn 130 Upright Bike, and no heavy flywheel like the JOROTO X2 Magnetic and YOSUDA YB001R Magnetic spin bikes.

Marcy ME-709 Recumbent

The Marcy ME-709 Recumbent is the only recumbent in this guide, trading the upright posture of the Schwinn 130 Upright Bike and the spin posture of the YOSUDA YB001R Magnetic and JOROTO X2 Magnetic for a back-supported seated position. It has eight magnetic resistance levels against the Schwinn's 16, and its resistance tops out at light-to-moderate intensity. It costs less than the Schwinn and the YOSUDA.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike (NS-652)	Marcy ME-709 Recumbent
Type	Folding upright	Recumbent, step-through
Resistance	Magnetic, 8 levels	Magnetic, 8 levels
Weight Capacity	250 lb	300 lb
Bike Weight	37 lb	54.2 lb
Footprint	34" L x 19" W x 44" H	—
Folded Footprint	18.5" L x 18.5" W x 51.5" H	—
Seat Height	26 to 30 inches	—
Display	LCD: speed, time, calories, distance, odometer (2 AA batteries)	—
Warranty	2-year limited	2-yr frame and parts
Seat	—	2" thick x 16" wide cushioned
Seat Slide	—	10" range (27-37" inseam)
Dimensions	—	58" L x 24.75" W x 38.5" H

← See the full ranking of best exercise bikes under $500