This MERACH S08 review covers a magnetic recumbent bike with a backrest, Bluetooth and no membership to pay.
The MERACH S08 ranks #2 in our best budget exercise bike guide and makes the top 5 of 1 more.
MERACH S08 Review: The Short Answer
Our verdict
FitScore 69.8/100
MERACH S08
Buy it if you want a light, quiet recumbent with a backrest and free app support at an entry-tier price. Skip it if you want a stated flywheel weight, a screen or more than a basic seat adjustment.
- Recumbent, magnetic, 8 levels
- Rated for 300 lb, 51.97 x 25 in footprint
- 57 lb
Best Usage
- Seated cardio with back support
- Rides tracked in a free companion app
- Low-impact cardio at home
Best For
- Riders who want a backrest
- Stepping on without swinging a leg high
- Riding with no membership to pay
Not For
- Standing climbs out of the saddle
- Comparing flywheel weight (not stated)
- Built-in programs (none listed)
Key Specs
- Type: Recumbent
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Max user weight: 300 lb
- Footprint: 51.97 x 25 in
- Warranty: 2 yr (frame and parts)
Pros
- Recumbent seat with backrest
- Rated for 300 lb
- 51.97 x 25 in footprint
Cons
- No built-in programs listed
- Flywheel weight not stated
- No wheels listed
MERACH S08 Specs at a Glance
| Spec | MERACH S08 | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Recumbent | A recumbent: a backrest seat with the pedals out in front. |
| Resistance | Magnetic, 8 levels | A magnetic system with a short dial of levels; quiet and free of pad wear. |
| Flywheel | Not stated | The listing does not state the flywheel weight. |
| Max user weight | 300 lb | A fair rating for most adults, but not for heavier riders. |
| Size (length × width) | 51.97 × 25 in | Compact for a recumbent, about the size of a large armchair. |
| Product weight | 57 lb | Light for a recumbent, so one person can shuffle it around. |
| Rider fit | Riders 5’3″-6’2″ | Listed for riders from about 5 ft 3 in to 6 ft 2 in. |
| Seat and handlebar | Not stated | The listing does not describe the seat range; owners call the seat adjustment the weak point. |
| Console and programs | Basic LCD console (programs not stated) | A basic LCD console with no stated screen size or program count; this model has no screen. |
| Bluetooth and apps | Bluetooth, Merach (free), Kinomap, Zwift | Bluetooth links the bike to free apps such as Kinomap and Zwift. |
| Heart rate | Not stated | No pulse sensor is stated on the listing. |
| Membership | None needed | None needed: the listed apps are free. |
| Storage and moving | No transport wheels listed, 57 lb | No fold and no wheels, so pick a permanent spot. |
| Warranty | 2 year (frame and parts) | Two years on the frame and on parts. |
Check Amazon for current pricing and availability.
Values come from the MERACH S08 Amazon US listing (checked November 2026), completed from the maker’s page for the same model only where the listing is silent. Neither states the flywheel weight, labor warranty, program count or the heart rate, so they score zero in FitScore and are marked “Not stated” where shown.
Before you order, search the CPSC recall database for the MERACH S08 and its brand: the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission lists exercise bike recalls and the fix offered.
The CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, which steady cycling counts toward. Harvard Health Publishing lists about 252 calories in 30 minutes of moderate stationary cycling for a 155 lb person.
MERACH S08 FitScore
FitScore rates each exercise bike on its published specs, weighted for one buying intent (how we score). This review uses the weights of our best budget exercise bike guide, where the MERACH S08 ranks #2 with the same score. Affordability (35%) counts most, then durability (20%), performance and comfort (15% each), practicality (10%) and features (5%). An entry-tier buyer weighs price heavily, then durability and comfort.
FitScore for Entry-Tier Bikes
How this FitScore was calculated
This FitScore combines 6 category scores using the weights of the buying intent above.
- Comfort (81): recumbent position, fits riders 5’3″-6’2″, seat and handlebar adjustment not stated and a backrest.
- Durability (52.62): rated for 300 lb, warranty: 2 yr frame and parts and a 57 lb frame.
- Practicality (49): 51.97 x 25 in footprint, 57 lb, does not fold and no transport wheels listed.
- Performance (40): magnetic resistance, 8 levels and flywheel weight not stated.
- Features (25): basic LCD console (programs not stated), Bluetooth, no membership needed and no heart-rate input listed.
- Affordability (100): an internal Amazon price tier, never shown on the page.
Design and Comfort
The S08 is a compact recumbent, 51.97 inches long and 25 inches wide, with a backrest and a step-through frame, listed for riders from about 5 ft 3 in to 6 ft 2 in.
Owners call it sturdy and easy to build and use, and say it is good value against pricier bikes. Seat adjustment is the weak point they raise.
Bottom line: comfortable and compact; the seat adjustment is basic.
Resistance and Noise
Magnetic resistance has 8 levels. Owners say changing tension is easy and the bike is quiet, which suits shared homes.
The listing states no flywheel weight, so the feel is best judged against the return window.
Bottom line: quiet, with a short range of levels.
Apps and Console
Bluetooth pairs with Merach, Kinomap and Zwift, all free to start. The bike has no built-in screen, so use your own phone or tablet for rides.
Merach also sells a newer S08 Aura with a 15.6 inch screen. This review covers the screenless model on the Amazon listing.
Bottom line: app-based and free; bring your own screen.
Build and Warranty
The frame is rated for riders up to 300 lb and weighs 57 lb. The listing gives two years on the frame and on parts.
Bottom line: light and fair for the price; not for heavier riders.
MERACH S08 vs Rivals
Here is how the MERACH S08 compares with three other exercise bikes from our best budget exercise bike guide, using the same FitScore weights.
| Comparehead to head | THIS REVIEW | Alternative 1 | Alternative 2 | Alternative 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Recumbent | Spin (indoor cycling) | Spin (indoor cycling) | Folding upright |
| Resistance | Magnetic, 8 levels | Friction, stepless knob | Magnetic, 8 levels | Magnetic, 14 levels |
| Flywheel | Not stated | 40 lb | 13 lb | Not stated |
| Max user weight | 300 lb | 275 lb | 300 lb | 297 lb |
| Size (length × width) | 51.97 × 25 in | 61.8 × 19.7 in | 42.6 × 19.3 in | 33.5 × 21.7 in |
| Warranty | 2 year (frame and parts) | 3 year frame, 6 months parts | 2 year (frame and parts) | 3 year frame, 6 months parts |
| Check Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Alternatives to the MERACH S08
Heavier flywheel: Choose the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901SMART if you want a 40 lb flywheel and transport wheels to roll it between rooms. It ranks #1 in our best budget exercise bike guide.
Smaller footprint: Choose the MERACH S26 if you want a bike 42.6 in long against 51.97 in and a 4-way adjustable seat. It ranks #3 in our best budget exercise bike guide.
Folds away: Choose the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B223011 if you want a frame that folds for storage and transport wheels to roll it between rooms. It ranks #4 in our best budget exercise bike guide.
Final Verdict
The MERACH S08 is a light, quiet recumbent that costs little and works with free apps. Its backrest and Bluetooth are the draw; the trade-offs are a 300-lb rating, no screen and a basic seat adjustment. If you would rather have a 40 lb flywheel, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901SMART is the closer fit.
MERACH S08 FAQ
It ranks in 2 of our exercise bike guides: #2 in best budget exercise bike, #4 in best recumbent bike for small spaces. With the weights of our best budget exercise bike guide it scores 69.8 out of 100, with performance 40, durability 52.62, comfort 81, practicality 49, features 25.
The Amazon US listing rates it for riders up to 300 lb. The bike itself weighs 57 lb.
No. The listing states no paid membership is needed to ride. The free Merach (free), Kinomap, Zwift app tracking is optional.
About 51.97 by 25 inches of floor space, per the listing; add room around it to get on and off.
Owners call it quiet, which suits shared homes and early rides.
No. The listed model has no built-in screen; Bluetooth connects it to free apps on your phone or tablet.
No. The listed apps are free, so nothing has to be paid to ride.
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