By Katie Pierson CPT

Certified Spinning® Instructor & CPT

With so many recumbent bike models available today and ranging up into the thousands of dollars, it can be hard to cut through the noise. So, when I was asked to demo the Merach S19, I was excited to see what this recumbent bike was all about. I have tested the S19 for over 45 days and can’t wait to share my experience. Read on to learn whether this bike stacks up to its 4.5 online star rating.

My Verdict & Pros/ Cons

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Merach S19 Recumbent Bike

4.5

The Merach S19 Recumbent Bike is a fantastic value for the affordability of this bike. I still can’t believe that this model is below $500 because of the level of its craftsmanship.

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Amazon Reviews Buy from Merach

If you are looking for an affordable recumbent bike with the necessary components for a great workout at a fraction of the cost of other bikes on the market, then you should check out the Merach S19. This bike, while only priced at $449, delivers a great riding experience. This bike is ideal for people looking for a low-impact workout, who might be a little older, or who are recovering from an injury. I loved how sturdy, well-made, and quiet the S19 is and have enjoyed riding it. Below are a few pros and cons to consider for this cycle.

Pros:

Affordable
Great construction quality
Comfortable saddle
Quiet
Free on-demand classes

Cons:

Recumbent handlebar wobbles
Only a 12-month warranty

How We Rated the Bike

To ensure that we can objectively rate the equipment we test, the team at Girl Bike Love created grading criteria to evaluate each piece objectively. Please view our list below to learn more about what we look for in every piece of equipment we test.

Rating System Categories

Construction Quality & Durability
Assembly Process
Comfort & Adjustability
Console, App Experience & Content
Support, Financing Options & Warranty
Value for Money

First Impression

I was very pleased with the riding experience that the S19 offers. While it might not be the recumbent bike with the most features available, it has just enough to provide a powerful workout.

Main Specs & Features of the Spin Bike

Console: This model has a standard console that displays basic metrics, including time, distance, miles, speed, calories, pulse rate, and an odometer. The console also includes a tablet rest so you can use your smart phone or tablet to watch your favorite shows.
Saddle: The S19 features an ergonomic padded seat that is wider than a standard upright bike.
Pedals: The oversized pedals also include foot straps and a textured surface to help keep your foot safely in place during each pedal stroke.
Resistance: An 8-level car-style adjustment resistance system is available on the frame of this bike.
Flywheel: This model includes a 6.6lb perimeter-weighted flywheel that is encased in the front of this cycle.
Drive: This cycle also has a dual-belt drive system.
Handlebars: This model includes two different sets of handlebars. The handlebars surrounding the saddle also measure your heart rate, displayed on the console. The other set of handlebars is located below the console.
Apps: The Merach S19 also includes a free app available for download for Android and iPhone.

Merach S19 Recumbent handlebars — Console

Detailed Review

Riding Experience & Performance: 4.5 out of 5

Smoothness of Pedal Stroke: You never know what you will get with bikes with such a light flywheel, as they can often have a choppy pedal stroke. That subpar riding experience is something you will NOT experience with the Merach S19. The pedal stroke is incredibly smooth, and if I didn’t already know the price, I would have guessed that it cost more than it does because of it.
Resistance: I wish the S19 had a little more resistance, but for most users, the resistance currently offered will be more than enough.
Noise: The Merach S19 is very quiet. How quiet, you might ask? This model is quiet enough that I have ridden the bike during more than one conference call without anyone knowing.

Construction Quality & Durability: 4.5 out of 5

The construction quality was a wonderful surprise due to the affordability of this model. This bike is well-designed and sturdy. I was in the market for a recumbent bike for my mom to aid in her recovery after an upcoming surgery. Still, I do not have to look any further after trying the Merach S19 since I think this will be a great model to help with her rehabilitation.

My only concern in this section is that the handlebars surrounding the saddle are a little wobbly due to the bike‘s design of the bottom bracket where they attach, which might take older riders a little time to get accustomed to. I understand this might be because these handlebars are designed to go up and down to get in and out of the saddle easily, but I feel like they could be a little more secure.

Assembly Process: 3.5 out of 5

While the main body of the bike comes assembled, many other components require assembly. These components include the seat, handlebars, backrest, pedals, and console. Although it took me a little over an hour to assemble the bike, I think I had an advantage as this is not the first cycle that I have put together. Merach not only provides an owner’s manual to help with assembly but also a video option as well.

Merach S19 Recumbent before assembly process all the components of the — Box Components

Merach S19 Recumbent assembly tools — Box Components

I feel that for older people, assembling some of these components might be a challenge due to having to hold them and being able to tighten the bolts at the same time, depending on their level of mobility.

Comfort & Adjustability: 5.0 out of 5

The Merach S19 offers a high level of comfort and adjustability. The vented backrest and padded seat allow for maximum comfort while riding. I could easily watch an entire movie with my family while riding without my tailbone feeling numb or my shirt stuck to my back from sweat, which was fantastic!

Merach S19 Recumbent handle — *The handle helps you move the seat easily.*

I also liked how easy it is to move the saddle and lock it into the correct position. My mom, who is 70 years old, could also easily adjust this bike to get into the proper set-up to accommodate her. This bike accommodates a wide range of inseams from 17.72 to 35.43 inches.

Console, App Experience, and Content: 4.2 out of 5

This model has a standard console we discussed previously.

If you would like to take classes, Merach also offers a free application that includes a variety of classes that can be taken on the S19. The app can be paired with exercycles, rowers, treadmills, and ellipticals. The S19 falls under the exercycle category and connects to the app via Bluetooth. This connection helps riders to see themselves on the leaderboard, which awards the top spots based on the number of calories they burn. I liked that I could choose the duration and intensity level of the classes I wanted to take. If you do not feel like taking an on-demand class from the app, you can also select from a virtual video that provides beautiful scenery.

Support, Financing Options & Warranty: 4.7 out of 5

The support team is highly responsive in assisting customers, and I should know since I needed their help. I experienced their customer service after having issues with one of the bike‘s components, which ended up being that I was just a little too apprehensive to tighten this piece as much as was needed for it to operate correctly. After I spoke with the support team, they quickly helped me resolve my issue.

This bike is not available for financing options on the Merach website, but financing options are available if the cycle is purchased through Amazon.

Merach offers a 12-month limited warranty on the S19. If purchasing this bike from Amazon, an extended warranty is available. I wish the warranty was a little longer.

Value for Money: 5.0 out of 5

This bike is exceptionally affordable and offers fantastic value for the price.

Comparison with Alternatives

Slim Cycle

Original Slim Cycle (As Seen On TV)

4.2

Slim Cycle is a well-known brand endorsed by many famous figures. It provides a full-body workout with top-of-the-range heart rate technology to help you reach your goals.

Price & Reviews Check Today's Deal

Bulbhead’s Slim Cycle is priced at $199.99 and can be used upright or recumbent. This Slim Cycle can accommodate riders weighing up to 300 pounds from 4’11”- 6’4”. This model includes a belt system and eight levels of magnetic resistance. Bulbhead’s built-in resistance band adds an extra training element to maximize your workout. The Slim Cycle also includes a console that tracks basic metrics and heart rate. This model also has a wide padded seat, one of the most comfortable I have tested. A unique feature of the Slim Cycle is that with the purchase of the Echelon App, you can follow along with instructor-led classes on the Slim Cycle.

Yosuda X-Bike Pro

The X-Bike Pro from Yosuda is also a foldable bike with a belt drive and eight magnetic resistance levels. This $199.99 bike also contains resistance bands, which are tethered to the back foot of the cycle and rest on the recumbent handlebars when not in use. This model also includes an LED screen that tracks basic metrics and has real-time pulse rate detection.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B2989

Also priced at $199.99, the SF-2989 offers riders sixteen levels of magnetic resistance and accommodates riders with an inseam between 29” and 35.5”. It also includes non-slip handlebars with pulse-rate sensors. Sunny Health & Fitness offers free online classes that can be watched through their free app.

Verdict