When I first decided to swap that upright bike in favor of a recumbent bike, I had no idea that shopping for one of these puppies would be so confusing and overwhelming! I did a lot of research online, but after a while, all the different models and brands started to look the same.

Luckily, a buddy runs a gym downtown and as luck would have it, he just happened to own a whole bunch of them.

After spending a few weeks getting some hands-on practice, I narrowed my choices down to two models: the Nautilus r614 and the Schwinn 270.

Both of these are very popular recumbent bikes with comparable features and an eerily similar design, which also happens to be the same with the Schwinn 170 and Nautilus U616.

So, I wouldn’t blame ya, if you were having a hard time deciding which one is best for you. That’s why I decided to put together this comprehensive review of the Nautilus r614 vs Schwinn 270.

Quick Look at Each Recumbent Bike

Before we go ahead, let me give you a quick overview of each recumbent bike. This will give you a basic idea about what these bikes have to offer and help you decide which one is best suited for your needs.

Nautilus R614

The Nautilus r614 is a mid-priced recumbent bike that offers a sturdy build, comfortable riding position - particularly perfect for those in need of an exercise bike for knee replacement rehab - and a wide range of features.

It is hands down one of the best exercise bikes for beginners as well as experienced riders who are looking for a good workout without breaking the bank.

Specs:

• 20 levels of resistance

• Dual track LCD console with 12 workout programs

• Pulse rate sensors in the handlebars

• Weight capacity of 300 lbs

• Adjustable seat

• Magnetic Resistance

• 10-years warranty

What Is Great About This Bike

When I walked into that gym, the Nautilus R614 is the first bike that caught my eye. It has a sleek and modern design with a matte gray finish that looks great. It's more than a space saver exercise bike, it's also built like a tank and feels very sturdy. Even though it is not a commercial grade bike, it can easily handle the weight of a person up to 300 lbs.

The biggest selling point of this bike for me was the adjustable seat. I am 6 feet tall and have a long torso so finding a comfortable riding position can be a bit tricky on some bikes. But, the Nautilus R614 has a seat that can be moved forwards and backwards to accommodate riders of different sizes.

The bike also comes with a dual track LCD console that offers 12 pre-set workout programs. This is a great feature for people who like to mix up their workouts and keep things interesting. The console also has a goal setting function that allows you to set targets for time, distance, calories burned or heart rate. For y'all big fans of exercise bikes with screens, this one got you covered.

Schwinn 270

I mentioned how the Nautilus R614 caught my attention. That was until I saw the Schwinn 270 hidden in a corner of the gym. I have kicked the tires on several Schwinn bikes before, like the Schwinn IC2 to IC3, and pitched some of their bikes against others in these Schwinn IC4 & IC3 Vs Peloton bike, Nautilus R616 Vs Schwinn 270 and Bowflex C6 Vs Schwinn IC4 comparisons.

But this bike is in a different league altogether when it comes to looks and design. It is one of the best looking bikes I have ever seen, period.

Matte black with red accents. If Batman were to buy a recumbent bike, this is the one he'd go for.

But, looks aren’t everything. The Schwinn 270 has a lot more to offer than just good looks. It is a high-end bike that comes packed with features and offers a great workout.

Specs:

• 25 levels of resistance

• Dual Backlit Console

• 29 workout programs

• Pulse rate sensors in the handlebars

• Weight capacity of 300 lbs

• Inertia enhanced flywheel

• Nylon straps with quick release

What Is Great About This Bike

The Schwinn 270 is one of the most feature-rich bikes in its price range. It comes with a dual backlit console that offers 29 workout programs - for those who love exercise bike with virtual courses, this is it. You can also keep track of your heart rate with the sensors in the handlebars.

The bike has a weight capacity of 300 lbs and comes with an inertia enhanced flywheel. This makes for a smooth ride. The bike is also very quiet, thanks to the nylon straps with quick release.

There are 10 quick-access keys to make adjustments simpler. I really liked this feature even though it's not the most harped one.

You see, when you're in the middle of a workout, the last thing you want to do is fiddle with buttons and knobs. With these keys, you can make adjustments on the go without missing a beat.

The bike also comes with a water bottle holder and a media tray. This is where you can place your phone or tablet so you can post selfies while you are sweatin away.

Nautilus R614 vs Schwinn 270: Head to Head Comparison

Now that you know the basics, let's do a head to head comparison of the Nautilus R614 and the Schwinn 270.

Which Bike Is Built Better?

It's even-stevens. Both these bikes are crafted from heavy duty steel. They have an identical max weight rating of 300 lbs. They even weigh roughly the same, which is around 86 lbs. If you're looking for a great cardio machine for weight loss at the comfort of your home gym, any of these should fit perfectly.

If I were to nitpick, then I'd go with the Schwinn 270 for that contoured seat.

It just makes them long hours in the saddle more bearable.

Which One Is Easier To Set Up?

Both these bikes, the Nautilus R614 and the Schwinn 270, come 90% pre-assembled. So all you have to do is put on the pedals and you're good to go. That being said, the Schwinn 270 is a bit easier to set up as it comes with clear and concise instructions.

Not that the Nautilus R614 is difficult to assemble, but the Schwinn 270 just takes the cake here.

Which One Has More Features?

The Schwinn 270 is the winner here. It has more resistance levels and can be synched with Ride Social, which is a great app that lets you virtually ride with friends. The Nautilus R614 does have some nifty features too, such as the USB port to charge your devices. But it just can't compete with the sheer number of features on the Schwinn 270.

Workout Programs Comparison

Guess what? Both these bikes have 29-in built workout programs. The R16 has the option to store 4 custom programs, in addition to 2 fitness tests, 1 active recovery test, 1 kickstart, 9 HIIT programs and 12 profiles.

But if you subscribe to Ride Social, the number of inbuilt workouts just becomes a moot point. That's because you can download an endless number of workouts on this app and perform them interactively.

Which Bike Should Seniors Choose?

My dad sometimes likes to hop on my bike and take it for a spin. He's in his 60s and has some issues with his knees. When we tried comparing spin bike vs treadmill for his exercise, the bike came out on top, and not just any bike at that. He says that the recumbent position of the Schwinn 270 is much more comfortable for him than an upright bike. He's convinced this is one of those best recumbent bikes for tall people that money can buy.

Both these bikes have a step-in design which is great for seniors. But the two crank arms and the oversized pedals make for a much gentler ride experience.

Price Comparison: Which Bike Is More Affordable?

If you are on a budget, then you'll be happy to know that the Nautilus R614 is the more affordable bike. It's priced at around $399, whereas the Schwinn 270 will set you back by $550

However, if you can stretch your budget a bit, then I think the Schwinn 270 is worth the extra cash.

Which One Has Better Warranty?

Both these bikes come with a 10-year warranty on the frame and identical warranties on the electronic components. So, the warranty is not going to be a deciding factor for you.

What Do The Customers Say About Each Bike?

For me, customer experience with these bikes was as important as anything else. After all, no matter how great a bike is on paper, it all comes down to the ride experience.

Rather than just reading a bunch of reviews on shopping portals, I also decided to speak to people in the gym who use these bikes regularly. This is what I found out.

Nautilus R614 Customer Thoughts

Customers who use the Nautilus R614 regularly say that it's a great bike for the money. They love the number of workout programs and the easy to use console. Some customers did mention that they found the seat a bit uncomfortable, but nothing too serious.

Some seniors have complained that the starting resistance level is too high. So, if you are a senior or someone who is just starting to work out, then you might want to consider this.

Schwinn 270 Customer Thoughts

The customers who use the Schwinn 270 love it. From the fully adjustable seat to the smooth and quiet ride, they say that it has everything you need in a recumbent bike.

The only complaints I could find were about the chest heart rate strap which has to be purchased separately. That's a small quibble though and most people didn't consider it to be a deal breaker.

Verdict: Nautilus R614 vs Schwinn 270

Both of these bikes are awesome, of course, they are the best of both worlds for those who aren't sure that mini exercise bikes work at all, and are not shooting for the high intensity of a good hyper bike.

Despite being the more affordable bike, the Nautilus R614 is not the clear winner here. In my opinion, the Schwinn 270 is the better bike for a few reasons.

It has more resistance levels, so you can make your workout as easy or as difficult as you want. It also comes with Ride Social, which gives you access to an unlimited number of workout programs. And lastly, its the bike for the family. My dad loves it. My partner who's 5'4 uses it too.

If you are looking for the best bang for your buck recumbent bike, then I think the Schwinn 270 is the way to go.

Related Reading;

• Do Mini Exercise Bikes Work? Are They Any Good? Which Are The Best Ones?
• Expresso Bike Vs Peloton
• Is Zwift Worth it? – An Honest Customer Review & Opinion
• Best Elliptical Bikes – Top Bang For Buck Outdoor Stand Up Bikes
• Peloton Bike vs. Bike Plus – Which Bike is A Better Buy – My Review Comparison
• Treadmill Vs. Bike: Which Is Better for Weight Loss? What About Muscle Building? Which is Cheaper?

Resources;

1. https://www.bestadvisor.com/exercise-bikes/nautilus-r614-recumbent-vs-schwinn-270-recumbent-bike
2. https://www.treadmilldoctor.com/nautilus-r614-recumbent-bike-review
3. https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/g40380936/best-recumbent-bikes/
4. https://www.schellers.com/articles/buyers-guide-to-recumbent-bicycles-pg1015.htm