Schwinn and Marcy make some of the most popular recumbent exercise bikes. We have an in-depth look at two of their most popular models, the Schwinn 230 vs Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike – which is the best for you?
Schwinn 230 vs Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike – Specifications
| Schwinn 230 | Marcy ME-709 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Unit Weight | 81.6lbs | 61lbs |
| Dimensions | 64" L x 27.7" W x 49.9" H | 55.5" L x25" W x37.5" H |
| Drive type | Belt | Belt |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Resistance Levels | 20 | 8 |
| Built-in workout programs | 22 | N/A |
| Adjustable Seat | Yes (Fore/Aft) | Yes (Fore/Aft) |
| Adjustable Handlebars | No | No (Built into seat) |
| Weight Capacity | 300lbs | 300lbs |
| Display (Type) | DualTrack 2 LCD | Single LCD |
| Bottle Holder | Yes | No |
| Tablet Holder | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth compatible | No | No |
| Built-in speakers | Yes | No |
| Transport wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate monitor | Yes (Contact) | No |
| Other Features | MP3 input, USB (charging only) | |
| Cooling Fan | 3-speed | No |
| Warranty | 10 years (Frame) 2 years (Mechanical Parts) 1 year (Electronics) 3 months (Labor) | 2 years |
| Cost (amazon.com) |
Schwinn 230 vs Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike – Similarities
The Schwinn 230 and Marcy ME-709 both have a similar drive type
- Both bikes are belt driven.
Both the Schwinn 230 and Marcy ME-709 bikes have the same resistance type
- Both bikes use magnetic resistance.
The seats for both the Schwinn and Marcy have a similar adjustment range
- The seats for both recumbent bikes are adjustable in two ways—front and back.
Neither of the two bikes has adjustable handlebars
- There is no handlebar adjustment option for both the Schwinn and Marcy.
Both bikes have the same maximum weight capacity
- Both the Schwinn and Marcy have a maximum weight capacity of 300lbs.
Neither of the two is Bluetooth compatible
- Both the Schwinn and Marcy do not have Bluetooth connectivity.
The Schwinn and Marcy both have transport wheels
- Both bikes have transport wheels for easy moving and storage.
Schwinn 230 vs Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike – Differences
The Schwinn and Marcy have different unit weights
- The Schwinn weighs 81.6lbs, while the Marcy is lighter at 61lbs.
When it comes to dimensions, both bikes differ
- The Schwinn has a length of 64”, a width of 27.7”, and a height of 49.9”, while the Marcy is 55.5” long, 25” wide, and 37.5” tall.
Both offer a different number of resistance levels
- The Schwinn has 20 resistance levels, while the Marcy offers 8.
Only the Schwinn has built-in workout programs
- The Schwinn offers 22 built-in workout programs you can choose from, while its rival does not have this feature.
Both bikes feature different display types
- The Schwinn features 2 DualTrack LCD screens, while the Marcy has a single LCD screen.
There is no water bottle holder for the Marcy
- Only the Schwinn has a water bottle holder, while the Marcy has none.
A tablet holder is only available with the Schwinn
- For convenience, the Schwinn has a built-in tablet holder. This feature is not offered with the Marcy.
Only the Schwinn has a built-in speaker
- The Schwinn offers a built-in speaker, while the Marcy has none.
Only the Schwinn has a heart rate monitor
- The Schwinn has heart rate contacts placed on its hand grips. This feature is not available with the Marcy.
The Schwinn has more additional features
- The Schwinn features an MP3 input and a USB port for charging your device, neither of which are available for the Marcy.
Only the Schwinn has a built-in cooling fan
- The Schwinn has a 3-speed cooling fan for ventilation during workouts.
Both bikes offer different warranties.
- The Schwinn has a 10-year warranty for the frame, two years for mechanical parts, a year for electronics, and three months for labor, while the Marcy has a 2-year warranty.
Schwinn 230 vs Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike – Differences
Conclusion
The Schwinn and Marcy are both reliable recumbent bikes. Choosing between the two will depend on your preferences.
Here are some notable differences you might want to consider:
- The Marcy is lighter and occupies less space than the Schwinn 230.
- The Schwinn 230 offers different features such as a water bottle holder, tablet holder, built-in speaker, and heart rate monitor that the Marcy lacks.
- The Schwinn 230 has more to offer and has a better warranty compared to the Marcy ME-709.