Marcy Revolution Cycle XJ-3220 Review

We purchased the Marcy Revolution Cycle XJ-3220 so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full product review.

I’ve long dreamt of having an at-home gym where I could stay in shape at my leisure, and with the Marcy Revolution Cycle XJ-3220 stationary bike, this dream became a reality. Indoor cycling has always been my go-to exercise, but the gear is expensive. That’s what led me to the lower-priced but highly reviewed XJ-3220. Did this indoor cycling bike live up to my expectations? Read on to find out.

Setup Process: Tricky for novice builders

I’ll be the first to admit I’m not the best at building furniture or gear that requires more than five (easy) steps, but given my fiancé was away on a work trip—and I couldn’t wait any longer—I decided to test my luck with assembling the Marcy Revolution Cycle XJ-3220 on my own. It went OK.

The directions are clear, and there really aren’t too many pieces; my only issue was getting the screws into the bottom bases. I also realized about five minutes into my first workout that the pedals needed to be screwed in extremely tight (they fell off when I first tried standing).

The moral of this setup story? Take your time and screw things in as tightly as possible. Once I did that, getting this bike up and running—which took about 90 minutes total—wasn’t hard at all. (Note, if assembly is not up your alley, you can pay for assembly upon purchase through the retailer.) 

Design: A sleek and compact build

I was instantly attracted to the look of this black and lime green bike. The Marcy Revolution Cycle XJ-3220 fit right into my home gym, and it didn’t take up much space at 40 inches long and 20.5 inches wide. The bike’s handlebar is padded with foam and adjusts vertically. It offers four different holding positions, which suits my workouts, as I alternate between numerous forms of sitting and standing to work different muscles. The adjustable pedals also kept my feet safely in place.

The only issue I had with this bike is that, though the frame is made of steel, it’s not the most stable. I noticed it was a bit wobbly when I first started cycling; I had to tread cautiously when standing mid-workout to make sure it didn’t teeter too far one way or the other. Even after I tightened the screws, it was obvious this bike is not as sturdy as some of the higher-quality bikes you may find among the best indoor cycling bikes. 

Comfort: A cushy, ergonomic seat

The ergonomic and cushy seat was definitely a welcome surprise. I knew it was technically “ergonomic,” but that’s such an easy buzz word to slap on a product box without backing it up. Except, wow! This seat is actually ergonomic and adjusts both vertically and horizontally. And not just that—it’s comfortable!

I no longer wake up with a sore behind the day after sitting and spinning at high speeds (which often happened with the higher-priced bikes I’ve used at former gyms). The seat really makes this bike for me—I can’t get over how comfortable it is!

Performance: Sweating within minutes

The Marcy Revolution Cycle XJ-3220 is definitely a low-frills bike. It doesn’t have a TV screen or a heart rate monitor. It’s compact and, as I said, a little unsteady at times. But to me, that doesn’t matter, because this bike delivers awesome workout results. It has a resistance knob to help me build muscle and up the sweat on high-intensity interval workouts, but it’s also comfortable enough for me to ride steadily for over an hour. Plus, with the 40-pound balanced chrome flywheel, the ride stays smooth and steady when I’m all-out sprinting, steadily climbing, or finally pedaling along a “flat road.”

The Marcy Revolution is driven by a chain, which makes it feel like I’m riding a typical outdoor bike. The chain connects the wheel to the pedals just like a mountain bike, but that does mean it’s a bit noisier than the alternative: a quiet belt-driven bike. (The downside to a belt-driven bike is that it doesn’t really feel like an actual bike, which is one of my favorite things about the Marcy Revolution.) 

 I enjoy spinning because the workout really depends on me and how much I’m willing to put into it, and this functional and affordable bike—paired with my own pump-up cycling playlist—helped me get back in shape after two weeks of vacation.

Features: Limited features

The Marcy Revolution Cycle XJ-3220 doesn’t come with bells and whistles. It has a water bottle holder and a resistance knob with a wide range of levels, as well as a quick-stop brake mechanism for safety (which I, fortunately, haven’t needed yet). It’s significantly scaled down from the high-end bikes at the gym, but given I have a TV and speaker in the same room, this bike has everything I need.

Price: An inexpensive option

At around $260, the XJ-3220 makes cycling at home affordable and effective—and I have the sweat to prove it! I expected to pay a lot more for a spinning bike after researching the bike brands from my former gym, but this inexpensive alternative surprised me with its results. Plus, it comes with a two-year warranty for the frame and parts, so the purchase is protected in that way.

Competition: A variety of affordable options

Sunny SF-B901 Pro Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike: At around $270, this bike from Sunny Health & Fitness is another low-cost cycling option. It can hold up to 275 pounds (while the Marcy Revolution Cycle holds up to 300). The compact seat is adjustable, but it doesn’t have nearly the same cushioning as the Marcy Revolution Cycle. This bike also comes with multiple handlebar grips, with wheels for easy transport between rooms. For more exercise bike options, check out our list of the best exercise bikes.