About Bicycles Online > Fitness Bikes > Nautilus U514 Review

Nautilus U514 Upright Review
Grip and Wireless Heart-Rate with Chest Strap Included

The Nautilus U514 has been on the market for a while now and some of the things that keep this bike so popular are large easy to read console screen and that it comes with both handle grip heart-rate monitors and the console is compatible with the more accurate Polar wireless heart-rate monitor and the chest strap is included so there is no need to purchase add-on equipment.

Nautilus Stationary Bikes are very similar to the Schwinn models since they are built by the same company although there are differences in the designs and the features that each brand (and bike) has.

The Nautilus U514 Upright is most similar to the Schwinn 140 Upright. Both are very reasonably priced Upright Bikes with many of the same features. The console designs are different and, as I mentioned above, you get the chest strap HR-transmitter included with the Nautilus where you need to buy it separately on the similarly priced Schwinn model.

The other nice feature that comes with this bike is that the console comes with 4 built-in heart-rate control (HRC) programs. These programs allow you to set your target heart-rate zones then control the bikes resistance levels to get you and/or keep you with in the zone(s) selected automatically.**

You also get a very comfortable seat that is adjustable both vertically and horizontally, a reading rack and water bottle holder along with the many other features on this model.

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Note: The Nautilus U514 Upright is is no longer available from this site or no longer for sale online.

Please see our Exercise Bike Ratings page for a full listing of the exercise bikes that are available with prices and ratings.

(was selling directly from Bowflex for $449).

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More Features of the Nautilus U514 Upright

A good indicator of a stationary bikes quality and durability is the user weight limit specification. The Nautilus U514 has a 300lb user weight capacity. Even if you weigh much less this is still a good specification to consider.

The Nautilus U514 also has a 10 year warranty on the frame, along with 2 years on mechanical parts and 1 year on the electronics. This is a pretty good warranty for a mid-range stationary bike.

This bike also has 16 Resistance Levels, 17 Workout apps, a rear stabilizer, built-in fan, transport wheels and adjustable handlebars.

About-Bicycles Review

The Nautilus U514 is a good quality, durable Upright Bike with a lot of good features, a good warranty from a reputable company and sells at a very affordable price.

Nautilus has focused more on the practical, ease-of-use and fitness features of this bike more so than the entertainment and motivational features.

For example the wireless chest strap that is included with this bike not only gives you a more accurate HR reading it also frees your hands (from the handle grip monitors) so you can vary your handlebar positions (for less fatigue) or use your hands for other things as needed and still get the heart-rate reading through out your entire ride.

I have used a chest-strap HR transmitter on my outdoor and indoor bike and for me this is an important piece of equipment. I know what my HR zones are outdoors and I like to keep them close to that on my indoor bike. Also, if you are not used to wearing one, they are easy to use, comfortable and you don't even know it's on after awhile.

The other features of this bike (the 16 Resistance Levels, 17 Workout apps, transport wheels, adjustable handlebars and so on) are comparable or better than other bikes in its price range.

The features that you do not get with this bike are mostly the newer technology features for entertainment and motivation that you can get on other (slightly more expensive) stationary bikes.

For example, you do not get any options to upload or download your workout stats or new workouts to the internet (as you get with many of the Proform, NordicTrack and Livestrong bikes). You also do not get an iPod/MP3 player jack and built-in sound system. I have found that I actually prefer a small stereo for this in my exercise room anyway.

Customer Reviews:

This Upright Stationary Bike has been around for a few years now so there is no shortage of Customer Reviews online. Here are a few summaries from the major review and related brand sites.

At the time of this review, the Nautilus U514 Upright is currently rated at (4 of 5 stars) by 6 customers on the BowFlex site, (4 of 5 stars) by 69customers at Wal-Mart and (4 of 5 stars) by 61 customers on Amazon.

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Nautilus U514 Features at a Glance:

• Workout Programs: 17
  
• Resistance Levels: 16
  
• Resistance System: Quiet
• Magnetic ECB (Eddy Current Brake)
• Consol Display: Blue Backlit LCD
  
• Polar heart rate system with chest strap (included)
  
• 4 Heart Rate Control (HRC) programs
• Reading rack
  
• Water bottle holder
  
• Built-in fan
  
• Rear stabilizer and frame levelers
  
• Transport wheels
  
• Adjustable handlebars
  
• Fully adjustable seat (horizontal and vertical)
  
• Oversized pedals
  
• Oversized, heavily padded saddle
  
• Maximum User Capacity: 300 lbs
• Machine Weight 88 lbs
  
• Dimensions: 42"L x 21"W x 52"H

Warranty:

Frame: 10 years
Mechanical: 2 years
Electric: 1 year
Wear Parts: 6 months

** Please check with your doctor before you start a workout program based on heart rate.