Buzz
Not everyone has the budget for a Peloton, but honestly, that's not a problem. If you're simply after a straightforward home workout bike, there are plenty of affordable options. The quality of these bikes can vary based on the price, but the Merach S26 stands out as a solid choice for the price. (I've been using it for a couple of months as part of my ACL recovery, and it was sent to me by Merach for review.) While it's not flawless, it has definitely exceeded my expectations, especially after my experience with the budget rowing machine from the same brand, which didn't impress me much.
Advantages and Drawbacks of the Merach S26
Advantages
Silent Operation: Even at full speed, the bike remains remarkably quiet.
Budget-Friendly: Easily available for under $200 on Amazon.
Sturdy: Its solid frame makes it almost impossible to fall off.
Easy to Move: Equipped with front wheels for effortless portability.
Useful App: The Merach app offers free, practical metrics to track your progress.
Drawbacks
Resistance Adjustment is Complicated: Despite having "100 levels," it's challenging to smoothly transition between them.
Battery Drain from Motion Detection: The constant activation of the screen due to motion detection significantly reduces battery life.
Specifications:
Display:
LCD rotary display (requires two AA batteries)Pedal Resistance: Friction-based (with "100" levels)
Weight of Bike: 61.7 lbs
Height Range: Fits riders from 4'8" to 6'2"
Maximum Rider Weight: 270 lbs
Dimensions: 42.6 x 19.3 x 48.6 inches
Simple to assemble, quiet, and sturdy
It took me just around 20 minutes to put together the Merach S26. The setup was a breeze, thanks to a helpful assembly tutorial video. The bike operates very quietly. The only sounds it produces are from the belt as you pedal and the soft whoosh of the wheel spinning, but it’s quiet enough that even when I push myself hard, it doesn’t disturb my fiancée, who works from home right next to it.
I was surprised by how stable the bike remained once I set it up properly. Each corner has four adjustable bolts that let you raise or lower them, which is ideal for uneven floors. Since mine is flat, I kept them at their shortest setting. I was able to bike at full speed without feeling any instability or concern about the bike tipping over. It also comes with two front wheels, making it very easy to move around the house. However, there’s no way to prop it up for storage.
At first, I found the seat comfortable, but after about 20 minutes, it became painful. My fiancée, however, couldn’t last more than 10 minutes before she found it uncomfortable.
I initially thought the pedals would be comfortable enough for barefoot use or with socks, given that it's a home exercise bike, but I wouldn’t recommend that. Shoes are necessary for a smooth ride. The grooves on the pedals are designed to enhance grip with shoes, which makes using them barefoot quite painful.
Both the seat and handlebars can be adjusted to fit users between 4'8" and 6'2", as per Merach's specifications. At 5'7", I had no issues finding the ideal positions. The seat can also be moved forward or backward to enhance comfort, which is especially helpful for those with longer or shorter torsos. I did notice that the seat post would slightly rock back and forth when I adjusted it by hand, but this did not affect the actual riding experience.
The LCD screen and resistance controls are not my favorites.
While Merach claims this bike offers 100 resistance levels, it’s hard to tell for sure. To change the resistance, you rotate the knob positioned between the seat and handlebars. The problem is that there is no indication of what level you’re on. You have to rely on feel. Once you find some resistance, it doesn’t take much turning to significantly change the intensity, so realistically, I’m just adjusting within the same narrow range the whole time.
Merach offers two types of exercise bikes: the friction model I have (MR-S26B1) and a magnetic version (MR-S26B2). I'm not certain about the material used for the resistance in the friction version, but it feels like a rough thread. After two months of using it for my ACL rehab, I managed to wear through a small bundle of the thread (see the picture above). I’d estimate it’s about 5% of the material. (I’ve contacted Merach to inquire about how long they expect this material to last and if it can be replaced when worn out. I’ll update this post once I receive a response.)
The higher-priced magnetic model will, of course, avoid this issue.
I appreciate that Merach opted not to include a bulky, low-quality LCD screen. Instead, they provided a stand where I can place my phone or tablet. It's designed with a grippy surface to prevent devices from slipping, but I wouldn't trust it with a laptop (and I’d definitely recommend using a case for any device placed on it).
The included LCD screen tracks exercise time, speed, distance, power (watts), cadence (rotations), and calories. However, it's not very intuitive and navigating through it can be cumbersome—the app is a far better option. The biggest issue I've encountered is with the motion sensor that activates the LCD screen. Since I keep my bike in a high-traffic area, the screen constantly turns on and drains the battery. (I resolved this by disconnecting the sensor cable from the screen, which solved the problem.)
The Merach app significantly enhances your experience, making your workouts even more engaging.
The Merach app, which does not require a subscription, acts as a convenient companion, providing a much clearer view of your progress compared to the standard LCD screen. It's simple to connect the bike to the app and set your phone on the stand. Once your workout ends, the app logs detailed data like calories burned, average frequency, average resistance, maximum power, and more. For those seeking a quick workout, the app offers preloaded options such as "ultra burning," "target practice," "timed practice," and "free training."
You can also access free pre-recorded guided sessions that are tailored to your specific objectives, explore simulation rides offering stunning bike rides through beautiful landscapes, and take part in challenges with leaderboards to compare your performance with others.
Final thoughts
The Merach S26 is a reliable and affordable exercise bike, ideal for anyone searching for a quiet spin bike without breaking the bank. With frequent discounts bringing it under $200, it offers great value for the price. While it's not without flaws—like a stiff resistance knob and an LCD screen that drains the battery due to constant motion detection—the benefits outweigh these drawbacks. The bike is very stable, easy to move, and the Merach app provides enough useful free features for most users.
