I ordered this on a Sunday when it was offered as a Daily deal here on Amazon and the bike arrived at my house early Tuesday afternoon. There has been a lot said about problems with the bike that seemingly occur during shipping, almost to the point where it seems like a crap shoot on whether your bike will work when you get it together. I was lucky in that mine worked. I honestly believe that the the majority of bikes received work and that those who are rightfully upset about a receiving a non-functional unit are just more likely to write reviews. The box it arrives in is big and heavy so it is bound to get handled less delicately.As the other reviews stated assembly took about 2 hours for me to do on my own. All the tools you need are included, with the exception of some scissors or a knife to get the hardware from it''s very tightly blister-wrapped cardboard holder. As I said, I assembled it on my own but there were a few times that an extra pair of hands would have come in handy.
Once the bike was together I wasted no time trying it out. I set up my profile (a little more on this later) and chose to ride the Course 1 program. I chose the program and the console prompted me for the level and the length of time. I left these settings at level 3 and a time of 30 minutes. I started pedaling and was pretty amazed at how smooth the pedaling was and how quiet the bike itself was. I finished that first 30 minute workout riding 8 miles and burning 240 calories. I have used it every day since.
Others on this model, and the previous 514 model, have stated that they had issues with their knees bumping the handle bars or console. I''m 5''10" and have no issues. If I had to guess I might say that some of these people had the seat too far forward.
The console it self is big and very readable and gives you constant feedback on things like RPM, MPH, Distance, Calories burned and heart rate. The heart rate monitor on the grips next to the seat seems to do a very good job. The console has a built in fan, that appears to have 3 speeds. I have not really used this feature as I have my console set at more of an angle and the air would not hit me. It has an input jack for an MP3 player or other device and has built-in speakers. I have hooked up my tablet to it and watched Netflix while riding. The speakers are not high quality though so headphones might be the better option.
I do have one complaint and that is that there are NO instructions for operating the console. Not in the box and not on the Nautilus website that I could find. I looked at the manual for the regular 514 model to get an idea on how to set up my profile but that console and the button configuration are different. While I was able to get ideas from that manual I had to sometimes guess at what I needed to do on the newer console. At most I would knock a 1/2 point off my rating for that but since I can''t I will leave my review at 5 stars.
I was very concerned when I ordered this bike due to the apparent issues caused during the shipping of some of them but I am honestly very happy with my purchase. Knowing what I know now, if I received one of those non-functional units I would try to work with Nautilus to resolve it because when the bike works it is well worth it
While the assembly is rather time consuming at approximately two hours, it wasn''t difficult. They included every device that you need. I only had to go back and rework a few attachments -pretty good for me.
The bike, when put together, looks quite nice, well beyond the $600 price tag.
One rather huge concern: if you are 6'' tall or have long legs, there''s a good chance that your knees may hit the front screen. I had to find the right setting to where this wasn''t an issue. Even now, on the optimal setting, my knees come within centimeters of the front screen. This will be a problem for anyone my height or taller.
After putting together the bike, I decided to test it out. I plugged it in, saw the screen light up, and then began to ride. Within 10 seconds, I couldn''t move the pedals. Something was wrong. Upon further inspection, it looked like the belt inside the front "wheel" had dislodged. Due to the configuration of the bike, I was unable to get to the belt to adjust it. Web searches on the Nautilus r514 show that this was an issue with some of the bikes and the suggestion was to oil the device. Seeing as the belt became dislodged within the first 90 seconds of using the bike, I am somewhat frustrated with the situation.
I called Amazon. The offer to return the bike for a replacement or to just simply return it was offered. The challenging part now is that I''ve got to take the bike apart and somehow fit it into the falling apart cardboard box. They provided the number for Nautilus to have someone come look at the bike and fix it, but they were not willing to commit to paying for this repair cost until provided an invoice (which is fair).
Tonight, i''m taking the bike apart and will be sending it back. I''m torn on whether or not to order a replacement. Right now, I''m leaning toward not doing so.
Bottom line: I really wanted to like this bike. It looks nice. It''s comfy. The fact that my legs barely fit coupled with the instant falling apart is a huge concern moving forward. I just simply can''t recommend the bike at this point.
UPDATE: The replacement bike has arrived and has been put together. So far, so good. Of course, there were screws and washers missing as previous 514 owners have reported. Two washers were missing and one screw, all of which should have been pre-attached to the bike and not in the wrapped set of screws. Not a huge deal, but do I really want to go to the hardware store to be able to put together the bike? Why so many problems?
I''ll be using this bike daily over the next few weeks in case it falls apart. I''m worried that it will break a few days after the return deadline.
Buy Nautilus R514c (2013) Recumbent Exercise Bike Now
Took a chance and lost. I really wanted this bike and put off getting one because of the many negative reviews on the R514. But then it shows up on a brand new page with NO consumer reviews yet. And as a Gold Box deal. My optimist hubby is sure that this is the new and improved model! Look there are no negative reviews! (No reviews at all actually. But that is not what the optimist sees.)Well the realist in me said it was the same bike and it may very well have the same problem as so many others DOA. But the convenience of 2 day delivery combined with a Gold Box price was irresistible. And though I tend to pessimism, I really like to be proven wrong! So we ordered it.
The box arrived in near perfect condition. As so many of the negative reviews had faulted Amazon''s delivery as the culprit, I assumed we were out of danger from the beginning. Assembly went well, about 1 1/2 hours. The bike looks good. It was one of the few that I can ride comfortably (ie reach the pedals!) being a very short woman; and it has a book rack. Those were my two must-haves. The monitor/control panel is huge. That might be helpful for some of the older buyers but I don''t like it. It will be difficult to see the tv. Still, I can live with it.
All these were my initial impressions. Then I tried it out. It has the same pedal problem that others have complained of they are locked and won''t turn forward.
It is true that I am writing my review right away. I may be able to repair it tomorrow using some online hints and feedback. I may be able to get some help from Nautilus, perhaps even investing in the special gadget they recommend to get the pedals working.
I may even update my review if that happens. But I will not increase my stars. One star because I strongly feel that I should not have to repair my own brand new bike! I don''t like that Nautilus and Amazon have known about this problem for years (read the reviews) and continue to sell the bike. I think this is a problem with the bike not with the delivery, as mine arrived in good shape but still did not work. And I don''t think I should pay hundreds of dollars, put in assembly time and end up in the hole or scrambling to make it work.
Be very careful if you are considering this purchase. Rereading the reviews, it seems that nearly 1/3 of buyers have had wheel lock upon assembly. That is a huge percentage. Of course I regret my/my husband''s optimism and I counsel potential buyers to look for another bike. And to read the R514 reviews first.
Read Best Reviews of Nautilus R514c (2013) Recumbent Exercise Bike Here
I previously purchased the Stamina 1300 Magnetic Resistance Upright Bike from Amazon, it was fine but an upright regardless is just not comfortable and I use my equipement.I started the search for a Recumbent Exercise Bike, read review after review. Am very familiar with the Pro versions in the Gym.
I stumbled across this one. Unfortunately I missed the Gold Box Special so I purchased it via Prime at the current rate. Yes it is a lot of money so that conversation can be put to rest. Having said that it has ALL the features of a pro version, which would easily cost in the $2000 range.
I read the other 10 reviews on this product. It appears that the issues with the bike were directly connected to a "box" that arrived in "pieces". Note the item weighs 126 lbs. So reading the features I crossed my fingers and placed the order. The bike arrived yesterday on my porch and the box was in "perfect" condition, check 1. Hubby helped me carry it down to the basement, it is big and it was a bit of an effort on both our parts.
PRO''s: Other than my husband helping me lift the base of the bike out of the box (I did not want to damage the box, IN CASE it needed to be returned), which is a two person job I put it together in just over 2 hours. The instructions are "pictures" and straight forward. My suggestion is that you become familiar with all the pieces as is suggested in the instructions. The 2 "cards" that hold the screws/tools etc. keep them handy and I only added a pair of scissors to the mix. I had no issues.
The comments that it would not work for a tall man is not true in my opinion. My husband is 6 ft. 4 inches and he can sit comfortably without the seat even being all the way back. Initially after the bike was assembled I thought the seat was wobbly, but upon close inspection it sits on the slide adjustmentment bar and is very secure, once you sit on the seat it is very firm. I did not even need to change the level...It is solid and well made. Very sturdy.
I will need a new "foot print" mat as the one for my upright is obviously too short.
The seat is the perfect "recline" and well padded. I love the foot pedals, very wide and the straps are great and would fit any size shoe/foot. The handles at the side level with the seat (are well padded) and have the heart rate monitor in them and it is very accurate (as double checked by my Polar watch). The handles up the the console (are well padded) are adjustable but I will not be using them or it defeats the "recumbent" feature.
Connecting the wiring was straight forward. The basket and water bottle are nice features. It does hold my I Pad. Yes it is a bigger bike but is easy to move.
CON: The fan is a joke!!! But I won''t take off any stars as there are NO fans on the recumbent bikes I ride in Gyms...when I need a fan I will put a portable next to the bike and use that. A non issue for me. I have not tired the MP3 option but I am sure that the speakers are mediocure at best...BUT this bike is SILENT!!! I mean no NOISE at all. When you petal you hear nothing so the speakers may be adequate.
THE CONSOLE: Big, easy to read. Yes there are no instructions but it reads on the bottom of the console just as the Nautilus bike in the gym reads, it offers the instructions for manuel or a course. I used the manuel last night. Today I gave the "my nautilus" button a go. I set up my profile, and then with a little back and forth created my own "custom course". I like that feature as it then stores all the stats in your profile. If you do not do this then you can''t look back, I like this feature. It''s monitoring system is via "Polar", which again is great for me as I have a Polar watch and chest strap and it all syncs. At the end of the work out it reviews the stats. Even when I input a 60 min. work out...it counts down in intervals which I find nice especiall y if I want to change the "speed" then I know I have 3 min. at that interval (each interval is 3 min).
I like that the console plugs in, I find this to be more accurate and will not have to deal with batteries. But I can see how for some this will dictate where the bike must be placed. The console is not "heavy" duty but I do not find this to be a negative. I won''t be dropping anything on it or throwing anything at it....
The negative themes of most other recumbents is the seat...angle, comfort etc. This is truly a good bike in every way. I will be using the course features and will set other courses up in my personal profile.
Again if the box arrives in shambles...my suggestion is don''t open it and have Amazon pick it up as it would make sense that the product will probably be damaged. But have another delivered!! But upon opening the intact box, everything is super well "padded" and packed. I am impressed.
So if the hefty price tag is not what scares you away then this will be the last bike you should every need to purchase. It will have EVERYTHING you might want and then some.
Monday I will be calling the company to ask how I can cancel any programs I input into my profile...so that if I input one and don''t like it I would like to beable to know how to fix it. I will write an update as to how that conversation went, also if there is a manuel available for the console...for those who want one.
Update: 2/18/13
I called Nautilus...the manual for the console is available and he emailed it to me...but he also answered the question that I indicated I would ask. Great customer service. Continuing to LOVE the bike...
Want Nautilus R514c (2013) Recumbent Exercise Bike Discount?
As with everyone else, I ordered the Nautilus R514c on the Gold Box special on Sunday. I was delivered on Tuesday! Fantastic! We assembled it on Wednesday. It took a couple of hours and all that we needed was included, excluding the scissors and pliers to remove the staples from the box. Heavy duty and nice looking. We plugged it in after finishing and there was no power to the display console. We double checked all connections and to make sure no wires were crimped or damaged. Plugged in again and still nothing!Amazon will take it back, but like the other reviewers, the box was damaged in the shipping. I have emailed Nautilus and awaiting to hear from them before deciding what action to take.
Not a happy camper here!
Update #1 (1/28/13) Just spoke with Nautilus tech. support. They are shipping me a new power supply and a new console. Keeping fingers crossed!
Update #2 (2/9/13) After receiving the new power adapter and the new console from Nautilus, still no power to the unit. Will contact again to see what their next suggestion is.
Update #3 (2/11/13) Spoke with Nautilus customer service again today, they are sending replacement parts and a repair person to my home to do the needed repairs. Keeping my fingers crossed. BTW, Nautilus customer service has been very helpful!
Update #4 (2/22/13) Fixed it! Nautilus sent a service representative to my home after shipping me additional parts. It was the electric motor component! I increased the stars from 1 to 3. I could not justify going higher just because of the nuisance factor.
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