The Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike is a feature-packed exercise bike that represents excellent value for money.
Released in 2018, this high-end model is the upgraded model of its popular 2014 model predecessor. The original was one of my favorites from USA based company Nautilus, creators of high quality, state-of-the-art fitness equipment for brand names Bowflex®, Schwinn®, Universal® and, of course, Nautilus. This model has even more going for it.
Quiet, smooth, and comfortable to use, it should provide everything anyone from the new to the experienced exerciser could want now, and in the future when their fitness improves.
Its wide range of workout programs and resistance levels and useful accessories, make working out a lot more enjoyable. Easy assembly, built-in transport wheels, and a great warranty add to the appeal of the R616.
Keep reading this Nautilus R616 review, to find out its specs, key features, pros, and cons, plus what purchasers think of it.
Table of Contents
Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike Specs
Dimensions – The Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike measures 49.6″ x 28.3″ x 65.3″.
Weight – It weighs 91.9lbs.
User weight – The upper user weight limit for this model is 300 pounds.
Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike Key Features
- Programs
The Nautilus R616 has 29 built-in workout programs. These include 4 Custom Programs for storing the workout data of 4 users, 12 Profile 
Programs (4 fun rides, 4 mountain rides, and 4 challenges) and 9 Heart Rate Programs that can be customized to the user’s preference.
There are 2 Fitness Test Programs for checking fitness level improvement, there’s 1 Recovery Test Program to check how quickly your heart rate slows to its regular rate after working out, and 1 Quick Start Program.
Examples of some of the cool simulations you will experience include a ride in the park, rolling hills, stream crossings, pyramids, Pike’s Peak, and Mount Hood. There are also options for adding challenges, including uphill finishes, stairs, and intervals.
- Resistance
25 levels of resistance allow diversification and enable you to increase the intensity of your sessions as you become fitter.
- Heart rate monitors
You can track your heart rate using either the handlebar grip monitoring function or a chest strap (not included).
- Console features
This model has dual-track blue backlit LCD displays. Beyond basic, the workout data displayed includes the user’s speed, time, distance covered, the level you are working at, the number of revolutions per minute, heart rate and calories burned during your session.
The console on this model also provides access to apps, including options to connect with Nautilus Connect™. MyFitnessPal, and the RideSocial (free) app to download and share your workout data.
- Ergonomic seat
The seat of the Nautilus R616 Recumbent Exercise Bike is ergonomically designed for more comfortable workouts.
- Adjustable handlebars
The bike’s handlebars adjust to suit people of different heights.
- Flywheel
A perimeter weighted flywheel delivers smooth workouts.
- Transport wheels
Transport wheels enable easy relocation of the bike when required.
The next part of this Nautilus R616 review looks at its pros, followed by its cons.
Nautilus R616 Infomercial
Pros
- Comfortable seat
The seat of this model is one of the most comfortable you will find. Well padded, its contoured back provides excellent support. Vents enable air flow, helping to keep you cooler as you pedal.
- Stability
Oversized crossbar tubing enables the unit to remain stable, no matter how hard and fast you pedal.
- Quiet and Smooth Ride
The Nautilus R616 Recumbent Exercise Bike has a high-speed, high-inertia perimeter weighted flywheel which delivers very quiet and smooth workouts.
- Range of programs
The wide variety of programs the Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike provides keep workouts engaging. They also provide plenty of scope to diversify your workouts and grow your fitness faster and more efficiently.
- Accessories
Extras that come with the Nautilus R616 include speakers, an iPod® or MP3 player input port and Bluetooth USB data transfer that is 
compatible with Nautilus Connect™, MyFitnessPal, and RideSocial. There’s also a 3-speed cooling fan that creates a strong breeze, a water bottle holder and a media shelf.
- Easy assembly
Assembling the bike takes most people between an hour and an hour and a half. All of the parts are numbered, including the bolts and screws, and the assembly tools are included.
- Good Warranty
The warranty for the Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike covers 10 years for its frame, 2 years for parts, 1 year for electronics, and 90 days for labor.
Cons
- Chest Strap isn’t Included
The Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike has grip heart rate monitoring capability. There is also the option of utilizing telemetry heart rate monitoring with a chest strap. The latter provides a more accurate reading, and it enables hands-free use. However, if you want to take advantage of this feature, you will have to pay extra to purchase a chest strap. While not expensive, this is, nevertheless something to keep in mind.
Final Thoughts on the Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike
The Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike has been very well received by customers, with most 
reviewers stating that they are very happy with their purchase. A couple of people marked it down because they received bikes that were missing a part. Replacement parts were dispatched after those affected contacted customer service.
The R616 is robust and durable. It is smooth, quiet, stable and comfortable to ride and it has more built-in workout programs and resistance levels than many stationary bikes that cost two or three times as much. Its cooling fan is also far more effective than most.
My sister has this model, and she loves it. Having used it myself on a number of occasions, I can see why. I have no hesitation in recommending the Nautilus R616 Recumbent Bike to anyone who wants to experience the benefits of working out on a stationary bike.
To read more recumbent exercise bike reviews, click this link
