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 A20 vs Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike – which is the best for you?
Schwinn A20 vs Marcy ME-709 – Specifications
| Schwinn A20 | Marcy ME-709 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Unit Weight | 76lbs | 61lbs |
| Dimensions | 61" L x 19" W x 40.5" H | 55.5" L x25" W x37.5" H |
| Drive type | Belt | Belt |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Resistance Levels | 8 | 8 |
| Built-in workout programs | 7 | N/A |
| Adjustable Seat | Yes (Fore/Aft) | Yes (Fore/Aft) |
| Adjustable Handlebars | No | No (Built into seat) |
| Weight Capacity | 275lbs | 300lbs |
| Display (Type) | Single 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 | No | No |
| Warranty | 3 years (Frame) 1 year (Mechanical / Electronics) 60 days (Wear Items / Labor) | 2 years |
| Cost (amazon.com) |
Schwinn A20 vs Marcy ME-709 – Similarities
Both the Schwinn A20 and Marcy ME-709 have a similar drive type
- Both bikes are belt driven.
Both bikes have the same resistance type
- Both the Schwinn A20 and Marcy ME-709 use magnetic resistance.
Both the A20 and Marcy have the same number of resistance levels
- Both bikes have eight resistance levels.
The seats for both the A20 and Marcy have a similar adjustment range
- The seats for both recumbent bikes can be adjusted in two ways—front and back.
Neither the A20 nor the Marcy has adjustable handlebars
- There is no handlebar adjustment option for both the A20 and Marcy.
Both bikes feature identical display types
- The A20 and Marcy both have single LCD screens.
Neither of the two is Bluetooth compatible
- Both the A20 and Marcy lack Bluetooth connectivity.
Both the A20 and Marcy feature transport wheels
- Both bikes have transport wheels for easy moving and storage.
Neither of the two has a built-in cooling fan
- Neither the A20 nor the Marcy has a built-in cooling fan for ventilation during workouts.
Schwinn A20 vs Marcy ME-709 – Differences
Both bikes have different unit weights
- The A20 weighs 76lbs, while the Marcy weighs lighter at 61lbs.
The A20 and Marcy have different dimensions
- The A20 has a length of 61”, a width of 19”, and a height of 40.5”, while the Marcy is 55.5” long, 25” wide, and 37.5” tall.
Only the A20 has built-in workout programs
- The A20 has seven built-in workout programs you can choose from. The Marcy bike does not offer this option.
Both the A20 and Marcy have different maximum weight capacities
- The A20 has a maximum weight capacity of 275lbs, while the Marcy can cater to users up to 300lbs.
There is no water bottle holder for the Marcy
- Only the A20 has a water bottle holder, while its rival has none.
Only the A20 has a tablet holder
- There’s a built-in tablet holder with the A20 that is not available with the Marcy.
Only the A20 has a built-in speaker
- The A20 offers a built-in speaker, while the Marcy lacks this feature.
The Marcy doesn’t have a heart rate monitor
- The A20 has heart rate contacts placed on its hand grips, while the Marcy does not have this feature.
The A20 has more additional features compared to the Marcy
- The A20 features an MP3 input and a USB port for charging your device, neither of which are available for the Marcy.
Both bikes offer different warranties.
- The A20 has a 3-year warranty for the frame, a year for mechanical and electronic parts, and 60 days for labor, while the Marcy offers a 2-year warranty.
Conclusion
The Schwinn A20 and Marcy ME-709 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 A20.
- The Schwinn A20 offers several additional features: a water bottle holder, tablet holder, built-in speakers, and a heart rate monitor that the Marcy doesn’t have.
- The Schwinn A20 has more to offer and has a better warranty compared to the Marcy.
- The Marcy has a higher maximum weight capacity.
