The Nautilus U618 Review -New Top of the Line Upright Bike

The Nautilus U618 was first introduced a couple of years and is part of the company's new Performance Series, advanced cardio equipment for more serious athletes with enhanced capability.

It's the top of the line upright exercise bike in the series, joining the U614 and U616, an affordable machine with plenty of features and capabilities, including a ton of built in programs and Bluetooth workout tracking.

The Bike

The U618 features a brand new adjustable SightLine console with dual screens that you can reposition to find the ideal angle for you as you work out.  

The two screens allow you to see all of your relevant workout stats even if one is covered with a tablet or magazine.

Let's take a closer look at some of the best features...

• Eddy Current Brake system
• 30-lb Flywheel
• 25 Resistance Levels
• 29 Built-in Workouts
• Hand Grip/Wireless Heart Rate Monitoring
• Free Chest Strap Included
• Fore/Aft/Height Seat Adjustability
• Sightline Tilting console
• Transport wheels, Fan, reading rack, water bottle holder
• Max user weight: 325 pounds
• Dimensions/wt: 39"L x 24"W x 58"H / 123 lbs
• Warranty: 15 years frame, 3 yrs mechanical parts, 1-yr electronics

The Buzz

Reviews on the new Nautilus U618 upright have been quite positive, as users as well as experts are appreciating all of the upgrades that the Performance Series offers.

It is a nice step up from the previous top of the line model, the U616, with many more features and capabilities.

As we mentioned above, Nautilus introduced the Performance Series, which also includes a treadmill, an elliptical and a recumbent bike, to cater to more serious athletes and those looking to take their workouts to the next level.

Some of the best features include the large array of built in workouts, with 29 to choose from including calorie burning, interval training and cardio programs.  

So there is a lot of variety which helps you stay motivated.

The U618 has grip sensors as well as wireless heart rate monitoring, and they even include a free wireless chest strap to give you the most accurate readings.  

This is very helpful, especially for the cardio programs, to help you stay in your ideal range. (Note that the base U614 model does not have wireless heart rate monitoring.)

The console is now adjustable, so you can pick the perfect angle for you as you work out.  It has two screens, so you can use a tablet or read a magazine and still see your distance, times, calories, etc. on the other screen.

The bike features the heaviest flywheel in the series. At 30 lbs., it is powerful yet also quiet, providing a smooth natural feel.  The Nautilus Gel seat is very comfortable, and you can adjust it four different ways: forward, backward and up and down.

You have a 3-piece chrome crank system for smooth pedaling, and multi position handlebars with the incline and resistance controls built in for easy adjustment.

One of the best features on the new Nautilus U618 exercise bike is the tracking capability, so you can get the most out of your workouts.  You can sync your results via Bluetooth or use the Nautilus Trainer app to monitor all of your workouts and sync them to your favorite fitness apps.

Other nice touches include an increased max weight capacity to 325 lbs, 4 user profiles, USB charging port and 3 speed adjustable fan.

How Does the U618 Compare to the Other Nautilus Exercise Bikes?

The U618 as we mentioned is the top of the line upright in the series, so it has more features and capabilities than the other models.  It's still very affordable though, so it's worth the extra few hundred if you have it to spend.

Let's take a look at all three of them to see how they compare...

Nautilus U614

The entry level U614 upright has an 18 lb. flywheel, 20 resistance levels, 22 built in workout programs, hand grip heart rate, 2 user profiles and a 300 lb. max user weight capacity.

You get a 3-speed fan, tablet holder, water bottle holder and music compatibility with speaker integration.

Nautilus U616

The step up U616 gives you a bit more of everything, including a 22 lb. flywheel, 25 resistance levels, 29 built in workout programs, hand grip and wireless chest strap heart rate and 4 user profiles.

Unlike the U614 it has Bluetooth built in for workout tracking and sharing, and a more advanced seat, pedals and handlebars.

Nautilus U618

As you've read about above, the top end U618 upright improves upon the U616 with an even heavier 30 lb. flywheel, most advanced console/display in the lineup, premium pedals, handlebars and gel seat, and a free wireless chest strap is included.

The U618 is the most durable of the three and comes with the strongest warranty.  So it's going to be your best bet for heavier usage, or use by multiple individuals in your household.

Nautilus U618 Bike - Bottom Line

Of all of the current Nautilus exercise bikes, the U618 gets the best reviews, although it is also a bit more expensive than other models.

We like the large variety of workout programs, heart rate monitoring, adjustable console, seat and pedals, multiple resistance levels and workout tracking and sharing capability.

Note that there is a recumbent version called the R618 that has all of the same features but is a seated model.

The only negative is you get only 15 years warranty on the frame...it would have been nice to get a lifetime warranty at this price level.  But with all of the other great features and capabilities, it's still a good buy at the price level.

If you want to save a little money take a look at the U616 as well.  You still get most of the same features and Bluetooth workout tracking capability.