Nautilus U618 Upright Bike | 25-Levels of Magnetic Resistance

The Performance Series Nautilus U618 Upright Bike is a light commercial-quality bike with a robust, sturdy build. In addition, it comes with features that maximize comfort and convenience and offer improved performance.

The U618 Upright Bike is designed with Eddy Current Braking System and has a magnetic resistance of up to 25. The higher resistance makes the rides smoother, quiet, and more consistent. In addition, this upright bike has a 30-pound effective flywheel that optimizes the drive system. The belt drive system with the perimeter-weighted flywheel provides smooth and quiet operation.

The U618 Upright Bike comes with Nautilus Gel fore/aft adjustable seat that helps the users adjust the position vertically or horizontally to get maximum comfort. Choosing an exercise bike with comfortable seating is imperative, especially for endurance training.

The Nautilus U618 Upright Bike has Bluetooth connectivity and syncs with Explore the World App for performance tracking and real-time training worldwide. It also has some user-convenient features like a water bottle holder, cooling fan, and inbuilt speakers for increased comfort.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: Nautilus U618 Upright Bike

Price: For a great deal on this bike, merely go here to Nautilus.com

Warranty: Frame 15 years / Mechanical 3 years / Electrical 3 years / Labor 1 year

My rating: is 8/10

Affiliate Disclosure: As a Nautilus and Schwinn Partner Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in the post. Full disclosure

Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 38.5L x 24W x 58.3H inches (98L x 61W x 148H cm)
• Assembled weight: 83.1 lbs (37.7 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
• Weight capacity: 325 lbs (147.7 kg)
• Handlebar: 2-way adjustable, with pulse sensors and elbow rests
• Seat: Gel-cushioned, 4-way adjustable
• Pedals: Weighted, with straps
• Resistance: Eddy current, 25 levels
• Performance monitor: 29 workout programs, Bluetooth connectivity
• Amenities: Sound system, cooling fan, bottle holder, media tray
• Warranty: Frame 15 years / Mechanical 3 years / Electrical 3 years / Labor 1 year

U618 Frame Construction

The Nautilus U618 upright exercise bike is a light commercial fitness machine designed to withstand much wear within a gym club’s premises. It features a robust frame to support users up to 325 lbs (147.7 kg). Its structure is steel tubing. In addition, most of the bars within the frame construction feature a black, industrial-quality paint coating, highly resistant to corrosion.

The bike’s construction integrates only a few plastic parts. The drive system covers the base tubes and the bottle/accessory tray attached to the console mast.

This Nautilus exercise bike offers excellent stability as its base tubes feature large, rubberized stabilizers. In addition, the rear stabilizers are adjustable, offering the possibility to perfectly level the bike on any flooring.

Although this upright bike is slightly larger than other similar models, it still isn’t a large fitness machine. When fully assembled, it is 38.6″ (98 cm) long and 24″ (61 cm) wide, while its highest point (the top of the console) can reach 58.3″ (148 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it’s a fitness machine that can fit a small apartment.

The Nautilus U618 upright bike isn’t hefty. But still, when fully assembled, it weighs approximately 83 lbs, which is more than twice the typical road bike. This weight adds to its overall stability. However, the cycle isn’t difficult to transport once assembled. Its front base tube integrates a set of wheels that allow you easily change its location.

Seat and handlebar

The Nautilus U618 upright exercise bike features a seat with more comfort factors than the U616 model. First, it’s a Nautilus Gel seat, which integrates two gel cushioning elements, one on each side, for an equal weight dispersion. Second, it’s a highly durable synthetic leather with a contoured surface to promote healthy blood circulation.

The seat can be adjusted in four directions, up, down, forward, and backward. In addition, its vertical post has 14 adjustment positions, offering an adjustment span that can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’7″ (153 – 201 cm).

However, users shorter than 5’3″ (160 cm) may find it challenging to adopt a fully seated and leaned forward position. But they should have no problem exercising while holding the handlebar in various other ways.

Regarding the handlebar, the one supplied with the Nautilus U618 is 2-way adjustable. It has a T-knob in the middle, which allows the adjustment of its angle. A sheet of Urethane almost entirely covers the handlebar to deliver a comfortable and secure grip.

It integrates several elements other bikes don’t offer, such as large elbow rests and resistance controls. It also features stainless steel EKG pulse sensors so the console can read your pulse. However, the console is also telemetric.

U618 Drive System

The Nautilus U618 upright bike features a belt drive system, using a heavy-duty v-belt resistant to stretching. In addition, it comes with a reasonably heavy flywheel; it weighs 30 lbs (13.6 kg), delivering a steady momentum and a smooth pedaling motion.

It’s a free-spinning flywheel, which means the pedals won’t continue spinning if you stop pedaling. Unfortunately, this also means you will get no resistance if you pedal in reverse.

This exercise bike has a heavy-duty crankset with solid steel crank arms. Even though it’s not a spin bike, it should support fewer heavy users standing up pedaling routines. However, these spin workouts are not advisable on this exercise bike, leading to severe wear and tear. After all, it is an upright bike, not a spin bike, designed for seated workouts.

The crank arms have weighted pedals that feature adjustable straps for maximum foot stability. In addition, they have standard threads; thus, you can easily find replacements for them in any bike shop.

Resistance System

This Nautilus upright bike features a motorized magnetic resistance system. Unfortunately, this requires a connection to a power circuit to make any resistance available. Its operational voltage is 9VDC / 1.5A.

An AC power adapter comes with the bike, rated 100V-240V 50/60Hz Input, 9VDC, 1500mA Output. Class 2. The adapter’s cable plugs into the machine close to its front base.

The bike’s resistance is adjustable from the control unit or the controls integrated into the left and right handlebars. The resistance system consists of a servo motor and a magnetic element.

As you select a specified resistance level from the console, the servo motor will adjust the magnetic brake pad’s position to the flywheel, resulting in more or less drag.

The console also has several preset workouts. So, if you exercise using one of them, the bike will adjust its resistance automatically.

The bike offers 25 distinctive resistance settings. The lowest setting (1) delivers almost no resistance, perfect for users who require rehab training. Conversely, the highest resistance settings (23-25) offer the possibility to undertake intense workouts for strength and endurance development.

U618 Console

This exercise bike comes equipped with a SightlineTM tilting console, almost identical to the Nautilus R618 recumbent bike. It features two LCDs that integrate an LED backlight for easy reading. The top display is more extensive and shows the selected goal, the current workout profiles, its name, and your heart rate interval.

The lower screen displays time, speed, distance, RPM, resistance level, calories burned, and heart rate. The speed is calculated in MPH and km/h, while miles and kilometers range.

The console unit is telemetric. Additionally, the wireless HR chest strap is (included). It can track your pulse via the included Bluetooth HR chest strap transmitter, but you can also use the EKG sensors within the handlebar for pulse reading.

The console makes available four user profiles; each profile records the workout results of the users. Users can set up their profile by inserting personal data such as height, weight, age, gender, and name. Thus, the unit will accurately estimate the calories burned or the user’s current fitness level.

Bluetooth connectivity is also one of the features included with this fitness console. This function can sync it with your smartphone or tablet to track your workout data via the free Explore the World™ App — or transfer data to any of the Nautilis fitness app partners.

In addition, you’ll be able to sync with the Explore the World™ App — and run through 19 locations with 27 routes alongside people from all over the world in real time. Take control of your fitness journey by exploring dozens of high-definition destinations and course lengths, including the Japanese Countryside, the Scottish Highlands, the streets of Prague, and many more.

The console also has a USB port, so if you don’t use the Bluetooth connection, you can still import/export your data. Also, the USB port provides battery recharging for your tablet or smartphone.

Training Programs

The U618 has 29 Nautilus Training programs — including preset programs for heart rate training, interval training, weight loss, and customizable training options. It allows you to set up goals for time, distance, and calories, and there’s also a Fitness Program, a Recovery Program, and an HR control program with four difficulty levels.

The console unit is Bluetooth-enabled. Therefore, you can sync it with your tablet, laptop, or smartphone to benefit from a better interface and stats tracking via the online Nautilus Trainer app. Via Bluetooth, you can also instantly transfer your workout data into your Nautilus Connect or MyFitnessPal account.

The console, however, has a USB port as well. So, if you won’t use the Bluetooth feature, you can still transfer your workout data into your account via USB. The USB port also works as a charging port for your smartphone or tablet.

Amenities

The bike’s console unit has a 3-speed workout fan, sound system, and media tray. Although not too overpowering, the workout fan does generate a slight cooling if it’s the case.

The media tray is placed right under the large LCD; it’s large enough to accommodate any tablet or smartphone. In addition, the sound system is compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones, and tablets, consisting of two speakers at the lowest corners of the console.

U618 Assembly and Maintenance

The body of the bike comes fully assembled. Therefore, you only need to attach the base tubes to the main body, the console mast, the seat tube, the seat, the pedals, and the console, connecting the wires.

Therefore, it shouldn’t take more than an hour. In addition, the manual delivered with the bike provides clear instructions for the assembly, while the required tools come with the bike.

It is advisable to periodically inspect the bike for loose bolts and parts and retighten them if necessary for maintenance. Also, keep the bike dust and moisture-free. The internal components come pre-lubricated from the factory and shouldn’t require further lubrication for an extended time.

Pros

• It has a solid construction, supporting even stand-up pedaling workout routines;
• Elegant, motivating design;
• 4-way adjustable seat;
• 2-way adjustable handlebar;
• Resistance controls integrated into the handlebars;
• EKG pulse sensors integrated into the handlebars;
• Oversized seat with gel inserts for maximum comfort;
• Large elbow rests;
• Smooth and quiet drive;
• 25 levels of resistance;
• 29 workout programs;

  

• Goal tracking;
• Bluetooth console, compatible with the Explore the World app;
• The console is telemetry enabled;
• Wireless HR chest strap included;
• Several amenities, such as a 3-speed fan, sound system, media tray, USB charging port, and bottle holder;
• Easy to assemble;
• Maintenance-Free;
• Excellent warranty pack.

Cons

• A tablet on the media tray will cover the top, more prominent LCD.

Nautilus U618 Upright Bike Summary

The Nautilus U618 Upright Bike is a fitness machine close to commercial standards. It offers 25 levels of eddy current resistance, superior micro-adjustability, 29 workout programs, a Bluetooth-enabled console with numerous other features, and an impressive combination of comfort.

Although it’s an upright bike, it can support high-intensity training. It is perfect for a wide array of cardio, interval workouts, strength and endurance development, recovery training, and weight loss. Finally, it costs several $100s less than a commercial upright bike, offering an excellent value for the price.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.