| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Workout Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nautilus U614 Check Discounted Price | L:41.8" W:21.6" H:57.6" | 300 lbs | Eddy current | 22 | Frame: 10 years Parts: 2 years Electronics: 1 year Labor: 90 days |
If you’re looking for a high-quality upright bike, the Nautilus U614 is most definitely one of the first bikes to put on your list. Not only this is a very well-built, sturdy exercise bike, it also has an astounding amount of training options and capabilities to offer.
Even though it’s an upright bike, the resistance levels that it provides, along with the training posture possibilities, can match the ones in a spin bike. To put it differently , this is not just a bike that will help you burn your daily extra calorie intake. It’s also a bike that will help you shed pounds.
There’s a lot to be said about this upright bike model from Nautilus. Therefore, the following review will provide you with each and every bit of information that you should know about it.
Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41.8L x 21.6W x 57.6H inches (104L x 55W x 146H cm)
- Product weight: 68.1 lbs (30.9 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebar: Adjustable, with pulse sensors
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: With straps
- Brakes: Eddy current
- Resistance: Adjustable, 20 levels
- Progress tracking console: Yes
- Bottle holder: Yes
- Speakers: Incorporated in the console
- Fan: 3-speed, incorporated in the console
- Warranty: Frame 10 years / Parts 2 years / Electronics 1 year / Labor 90 days
Frame
The frame of the Nautilus U614 has a very appealing and professional design. The frame is made of steel, coated with anti-corrosive paint, that will make this bike look just as you’ve unboxed it, even after many years of use. The only plastic components of the frame are the drive mechanism shrouds, which keep sealed and secure.
It has a small footprint, fitting excellently even in smaller rooms. Despite its small footprint, this bike is really solid and stable, being able to support even heavier users than the 300 lbs (136 kg), the capacity it is listed for.
The bases of the frame have a nice finish with levelers, which maximize the bike’s stability if used on uneven flooring. The front base includes transportation wheels, making the bike easy to relocate.
Drive and brake System
The Nautilus U614 is a belt driven exercise bike, which results in a very smooth and very quiet ride. It features a heavy-duty crank, which can support the entire standing-up weight of the user. The flywheel, although not very heavy as in spinning bikes, is perimeter-weighted to enhance the smoothness of the ride.
This exercise bike features an eddy brake system, which means you have to plug it in a wall socket in order to benefit from the tension levels. If not connected to an electric current, the bike’s computer is not functional, and you won’t benefit from any resistance levels. You can still exercise though, but only at the lowest resistance level. The brake offers 20 levels of resistance, from very low, suitable to physiotherapy exercising routines, and up to really high, for a more intense burn.
The crank arms are finished with standard pedals, featuring toe straps. Pedals do not fashion clips for spinning shoes.
Seat
This Nautilus upright bike is equipped with a comfortable seat, vertically adjustable. The seat does not offer the possibility to be adjusted horizontally. But if you’re looking for a feature of this sort, the Nautilus U616 has it.
The seat can be adjusted high enough to accommodate tall users up to 6’5″ (195 cm) height, and as short as 4’10” (147 cm). The distance between the lowest pedal and the seat at the highest setting measures 39″ (99 cm).
Handlebar
The post of the handlebar does not offer any vertical options similar to the seat. However, the handlebar is angle-adjustable. In other words, you can tilt it forward, down or upward before tightening it in place, depending on the workout routine you want.
It’s nicely padded with rubber foam, for a comfortable grip, even if your hands become sweaty. Plus, they include very accurate heart rate sensors, so you won’t have to use a different device to monitor your pulse and heart activity.
Console and accessories
When it comes to console, the one included with this bike is highly capable. It has a plethora of functions, resulting in a superior workout monitoring, and enhanced comfort.
First of all, the console unit is pretty much similar to the one featured by the Schwinn 130. It monitors speed, time, distance traveled (miles / km), RPM, and pulse. The resistance levels are adjusted exclusively through the console. It features 4 gradual resistance buttons, and 10 quick level resistance buttons, making it easier to jump from low to high intensity.
This unit offers 22 programs, including 9 profile, 8 heart rate, 2 fitness test, 2 custom and 1 quick start. Along with the programs functions, there’s also a goal setting and tracking function, which can serve as a very powerful motivation factor.
The console unit of the Nautilus U614 also makes available 2 user profiles. Therefore, you can share the bike with someone else, without having to go through the process of settings and goals adjustments every time you want to workout. Or, you can simply use the profiles to alternate between two exercising routines, goals and settings more easily. The device comes with an internal battery, so all the data will be saved even if you unplug it. 
A nice feature of this console is the USB port, which makes available the the transfer of your workout data onto a USB, and uploading it to Nautilus Connect or MyFitnessPal. These sites, give you superior possibilities to track and analyze your progress.
Apart from the progress tracking functions, this console fashions several other features. It has acoustic chamber speakers with a standard jack, which can be connected to your MP3 player, phone, tablet etc, in order to listen to your favorite music, without the discomfort of earphones. It has an integrated 3-speed fan, great to have especially if working out in extreme heat conditions. Also, the unit features a tablet holder, which allows you to overlay your tablet onto the console, and enjoy your favorite online videos.
Last but not least, this bike includes a bottle holder, feature that will make sure you keep your hydration with you at all times.
Assembly and Maintenance
This Nautilus exercise bike is far from being difficult to assemble. The main part of the frame, including the brake and drive systems, is already assembled. The box includes the user’s manual which will guide you through the assembly part, which is done in about 10 easy steps. You basically have to attach the handlebar and seat posts, the seat and the handlebar, the bike’s bases, pedals and the console, connecting the wires accordingly. Tools required for the assembly task are also supplied.
When it comes to maintenance, this bike does not require much. All you have to do is keep it clean, make sure that all the screws and parts are tightened in place, and keep the console free of moisture.
Ease of Use and Comfort
The console of this upright exercise bike is pretty easy to use. Even though complete instructions on how to operate it are provided in the user’s manual, you shouldn’t really need them. Everything is pretty much straightforward. Overall, this stationary bike is easy to ride and operate. Once assembled, all you have to do is hop on it, and start sweating.
Although it doesn’t offer the comfort of a recumbent bike, the U614 from Nautilus has quite an ergonomic design. It won’t put any strain on your back, while the seat can accommodate even heavier users, without causing any discomfort.
What’s Best About This Bike
The console included with this upright bike has to be one of the pluses that stand high on the list. It offers much more than a basic stationary bike progress tracker. It gives you the possibility to choose between training programs, set up goals, track your progress, and even submit your progress to Nautilus Connect or MyFitnessPal, for a superior analysis. On top of that, it features a 3-speed fan to keep you during intensive training, speakers to connect to your MP3 player, and a tablet or book holder to make your ride more enjoyable.
Excellent price/quality ratio. This bike is an investment that you won’t regret. It’s sturdy, durable with a very neat design that should alone serve as a great motivation factor.
Due to the eddy brake system and belt drive, it’s a really quiet machine. You can be sure you won’t disturb the neighbors even in an apartment building with thin walls.
Does not occupy a lot of space, like a recumbent bike for example, which makes it ideal for users without the luxury of a spacious apartment. Also, it’s easy to handle and move, not being an extremely heavy piece of equipment, like most spinning bikes are.
It’s comfortable, easy on the joints, and on your back, which makes it a great choice for physiotherapy if it’s the case. 
Drawbacks
There’s basically only one drawback regarding this bike, which pretty much stands for all bikes with an electromagnetic brake system. If there’s no power, you won’t be able to operate the console and the resistance.
Final Conclusion
The Nautilus U614 is a highly-performant upright exercise bike. Even though there are many models in this category, offered by various manufacturers, this particular one stands at the top. It’s a sublime combination of quality, comfort and convenience, all at a very affordable price.
Even though it’s an upright bike, designed for light and medium exercising routines, this bike offers pretty high resistance levels and position possibilities, similar to an indoor cycling bike. It’s a machine that can help you lose weight, along with keeping a great cardiovascular health.