If you want a way to train outside of the gym, or you’re avoiding the fitness center altogether, getting an upright bike is smart. It doesn’t take up much space, but it provides plenty of exercise to strengthen your cardiovascular system. Let’s examine two models from Nautilus to see which one has the features you need.
Nautilus U614 Upright Bike
The Nautilus U614 gives you 22 programs with 20 levels of resistance. It will be quite a while before you outgrow this exercise bike. Most people won’t unless they turn pro.
If you’re not the only rider in your home, the U614 can store up to two user profiles. With those profiles, you can track progress as measured by the two built-in fitness tests or your own measurements like heart rate and weight. Of the twenty-two programs, there are eight based on improving your stamina through your heart rate.
While you ride, the two LCD displays reveal thirteen pieces of information like calories burned, distance traveled, and time elapsed. If you grip the heart rate sensors in the handlebars, you can see how fast your heart is beating. And if you place reading material or a tablet in front of one screen, you can still see the information you need to know on the other. At the end of your workout, you can use the USB port to export the data to NautilusConnect or MyFitnessPal.
The same USB port will also charge your device while you ride so you can view a movie or perform other tasks without fear of running down your battery. Should you wish to listen to music, you don’t need headphones. The console has built-in speakers and an audio input jack.
There is also a 3-speed fan built into the console that blows cool air in the direction of your face and chest while you pedal. Besides that little bonus that adds to your comfort, you may be wondering how the bike feels, and if it’s very adjustable.
The U614 bike has several features that make it user-friendly. For one, the seat is padded, although not replaceable. It adjusts up and down with a knob to accommodate the height of most users. The sturdy frame makes it easy to mount and dismount as there is no crossbar to get in the way. You can adjust the angle of the handlebars. And the pedal straps tighten or loosen to suit.
While the U614 fits the needs of most casual riders, you might prefer the U616 below since it comes with Bluetooth connectivity as well as extra features for better customization.
More features of the Nautilus U614 Upright Bike:
- 10-year warranty on the frame, 2-year warranty on the mechanical parts, and 1-year warranty on the electrical parts, plus 90-days labor
- Eddy current resistance with perimeter-weighted flywheel
- Maximum weight of the user is 300 pounds
- Bike weighs 68.1 pounds and has small transport wheels
Nautilus U616 Upright Bike
Why might you prefer the Nautilus U616 to the U614? There are several reasons why. Although their primary structure and functions are the same, the U616 offers more customization and has extra features for comfort.
For example, while the U616 also has two displays, both displays are backlit and easy to read in dim rooms. It also has Bluetooth connectivity for effortless data export to NautilusConnect or MyFitnessPal. You can still transfer data over the USB port, or just use it to charge your portable devices.
The U616 also comes with 29 programs, 7 more than the U614, and it stores up to 4 user profiles, double that of the U614. And instead of relying only on the heart rate sensors in the handlebar grips, you can use telemetry from a chest strap.
Finally, the seat on the U616 is more substantial and softer, plus it can be removed and replaced. And unlike the seat on the U614, you can move it forward and back for the perfect fit.
More features of the Nautilus U616 Upright Bike:
- 10-year warranty on the frame, 2-year warranty on the mechanical parts, and 1-year warranty on the electrical parts, plus 90-days labor
- Eddy current resistance with perimeter-weighted flywheel
- Maximum weight of the user is 300 pounds
- Bike weighs 68.1 pounds and has small transport wheels
Recommendation
If you and one other person in your home occasionally ride an upright bike for fitness, the Nautilus U614 is a good value. But if you have additional riders, or prefer to customize the fit and feel of your exercise bike, consider getting the U616 instead.
Click here to purchase Nautilus U614 on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase Nautilus U616 on Amazon.com!