REVIEW – Last year, I underwent surgery for the first of 2 necessary total knee replacements. My recovery has been going well, and attending physical therapy has proven to be invaluable. However, earlier this year, I found out that my insurance company only pays for a finite number of PT sessions, and now I am on my own to complete the rehab for my knee. While I was at PT, I found the recumbent exercise bike to be my best friend. I used it at each session to strengthen my knee and keep it rotating, as movement is a key part of rehabilitation. Now what will I do? Enter the MERACH S23 Recumbent Exercise Bike.
⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $269.99 – Amazon; $259.99 – Merach
Where to buy: Amazon, Merach website
What is it?
The MERACH S23 Recumbent Exercise Bike is a home fitness machine designed for low-impact cardiovascular workouts and full-body exercise. It utilizes a magnetic resistance mechanism with eight adjustable levels, allowing users to set intensity from gentle rehabilitation to challenging endurance sessions. The bike is equipped with integrated resistance bands, so in addition to lower-body cycling, users can perform upper-body strength training simultaneously, enhancing overall fitness and rehabilitation.
What’s included?
- 1 x MERACH S23 Recumbent Exercise Bike
- 1 x AC Adapter
- 1 x Installation Tools
- 1 x Exercise Rope
- 1 x User Manual
Tech specs
Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic
Number of Resistance Levels: 8
Power Source: Battery Powered
Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Product Dimensions: 40.55″D x 25″W x 39.96″H
Product Weight: 57 lbs
Compatible Apps: Merach, Kinomap, ZWIFT, FantomFite
Design and features
- MERACH Self-Developed App: Syncing with your Bluetooth exercise bike. Track real-time stats like distance, time, calories, and heart rate. Plus, the FantomFite app turns cycling into a fun game experience!
- 8-Level Quiet & Smooth Magnetic Resistance: Our recumbent stationary bike for senior adults features a larger seat, allowing you to customize your workout based on your needs. 1-3 levels are equivalent to warm-up exercises, 4-6 levels are equivalent to running body-building exercises, and 7-8 levels belong to climbing mountain sports.
- Bottle Cage: The bottle holder of this recumbent exercise bike for short people serves as a gentle reminder to hydrate promptly throughout your workout.
- Heart Rate Tracking: You can use the heart rate data from a pulse sensor to adjust your intensity, maintain an appropriate pace, and boost your cardiorespiratory endurance.
- LCD Monitor: The distance, time, calories burned, heart rate, and other workout data will be displayed. Your achievements are worth recording!
- Easy to Assemble: Our MERACH S08 magnetic recumbent exercise bike for seniors can be easily assembled within 30 minutes by most users. It is partially pre-assembled and can be moved around easily at home. Please adjust the resistance knob to the 8th level before installation to ensure that the resistance of the recumbent bike can operate normally.
- Comfortable Seat: An Adjustable padded seat and backrest can make your ride more comfortable!
The MERACH S23 Recumbent Exercise Bike features a compact and ergonomic design with magnetic resistance. The bike is well-built and sturdy, and has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds. The overall dimensions are approximately 40.55″ x 25″ x 39.96″, and the bike weighs approximately 57 pounds. There are wheels on the front that make it easy to move it. The seat and backrest are well-padded. The resistance knob is positioned on the side and offers eight resistance levels. The bike includes a built-in LCD monitor for real-time data tracking (speed, distance, calories, and pulse) and a phone holder above the display. There is also a cup/bottle holder on the side.
Assembly
The MERACH S23 Recumbent Exercise Bike is quite easy to assemble, and the instructions are easy to follow. The tools are provided. My hands are not very large nor small, and I found the tools to be a bit small for me to handle without dropping them. Nevertheless, here is a quick timelapse video of my assembly experience:
Performance
The MERACH S23 Recumbent Exercise Bike offers a smooth and comfortable exercise experience that works well for all-around fitness and for folks like me who are in rehab from surgery. Its recumbent design ensures proper back support and accomplishes what a bike like this should, which is minimal strain on the joints while still providing an effective workout. The seat is decently padded, and it is adjustable to accommodate a wide range of body types and leg stretching needs. The sturdy frame feels stable, even during longer sessions and regular use.
The magnetic resistance system provides quiet and seamless transitions between intensity levels, and the multiple resistance levels can accommodate beginner to advanced users as well as the gradual increase needed for rehabilitation exercises. The display panel is functional, showing key workout metrics such as time, distance, calories burned, and heart rate, though the interface remains fairly basic and does not include a backlight.
You can pair it with the MERACH app, as well as some other third-party platforms. The Merach app provided access to guided workouts, training programs, and performance tracking. While I do use the app at times, I would prefer a more integrated touchscreen display with all that I need displayed in front of me and preferably in color.
Overall, the MERACH S23 Recumbent Exercise Bike stands out as a reliable and user-friendly option for my rehabilitation. The smooth resistance and companion app make a good fit, especially for the price.
App:
Merach also has an app that provides access to expanded features. Here are some screenshots:
Final thoughts
The MERACH S23 Recumbent Exercise Bike has become my go-to piece of exercise equipment for continuing my rehab. It is well-built and offers enough resistance and adjustment. Well done.
What I like about the MERACH S23 Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Smooth and quiet magnetic resistance
- Stable and sturdy frame
- The companion App
- Comfortable recumbent design
What needs to be improved?
- The placement of the cup holder
- The placement of the tension/resistance adjustment knob
- The display is not backlit and is very basic
- Extended features require a smartphone/tablet,
Price: $269.99 – Amazon; $259.99 – Merach
Where to buy: Amazon, Merach website
Source: Merach provided a free sample for this review. Merach did not have a final say on the review and did not preview it before it was published.
Check out these other reviews!
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$19.98 (as of September 13, 2025 09:45 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
