Even as an adult, I was never that comfortable on a bicycle. Two wheels, a handlebar, and the open road flying out from under my wheels.
Sound fun?
For me, it was just anxiety-inducing.
Yet when my car broke down for the nth time, I needed a short-term fix to get to and from work.
That kicked off a long-standing passion for bicycling that I still have to this day.
Years later, I’ve graduated from road bikes to mountain bikes and beyond.
Soon enough, I wanted to optimize my speed and pedaling efficiency, which led me to research upright bikes.
Not only do upright bikes provide a killer workout, but they can also help you perform better on the pavement.
Below, I’ve reviewed the Nautilus U618 upright bike, one of the most popular upright models on the market.
Factors to Consider Before Buying an Upright Bike
Just like a traditional road bike, a stationary upright bike mimics the motion and positioning you’d feel out in the open.
The pedals are placed squarely below your center of gravity, encouraging you to lean over the handlebars into a natural position.
Users can choose to either sit and pedal or stand and pedal depending on their comfort.
Through varying the sit-stand position, experienced users can vary the muscle groups that they workout.
Typically, upright bikes are less expensive than recumbent models, where the user sits seated back and all emphasis is placed on exercising the lower body.
I wouldn’t recommend an upright bike for the elderly or those who suffer from back and shoulder pain.
Upright bikes are best for those that want to optimize their performance out on the road in real bicycling conditions.
Trained athletes and new riders often start with an upright bike to condition their bodies for competitive environments.
The most competent upright bikes provide a wide range of unique training programs, responsive heart rate monitoring, and a large flywheel to create a smooth pedal action.
I suggest opting for bikes that feature an electro-magnetic resistance design that’s backed by clear, long-standing warranties for equipment failure.
Essential Questions to Ask
Before you invest in an upright bike, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I suffer from any mobility impairments, chronic pain, or upper-body injuries that would be worsened by an upright bike?
- Do I prefer the quick, high-intensity workouts provided by an upright bike, or would I be better served by the slower pace of a recumbent model?
- Do I like to stay wholly focused on the workout, or do I prefer reading while I exercise?
- How much I am willing to budget for a high-quality upright bike?
- Do I want to optimize my performance for bicycling road conditions?
The Nautilus U618 Upright Bike
Designed for heavy-duty use, the Nautilus U618 upright bike provides a gym-quality ride without requiring that monthly membership fee.
The Nautilus U618 is equipped with 29 distinct training programs that help you optimize your workout, syncs with a free Explore the World app, and features a dual-track blue backlit screen.
Aside from the technical specs, the Nautilus U618 is crafted from high-quality materials, promising durability even through years of use and abuse.
The three-piece chrome internal crank system provides for smooth, ergonomically-adjusted pedaling.
An optimized drive train is calibrated for high speed and inertia, which a perimeter weighted flywheel for easy start-up and consistent pedal action.
Moreover, the Nautilus U618 Upright Bike can comfortably accommodate users up to 325 pounds.
Pros
- Packed with tons of customizable workout programs
- Made from high-quality, noise-minimizing components that are built to last
- Features cushioned saddle with wide height-adjustability
Cons
- Bike plug-in chord is somewhat short and may require an extension chord
- Doesn’t provide watts measurement like other gym spin bikes
- Bluetooth connectivity may be finicky at first
Features and Benefits of the Nautilus U618 Upright Bike
Interested in the Nautilus U618 Upright Bike? I’ve rounded up a few of the bike’s most promising features into a brief list for your consideration.
Combined, all of these features make the Nautilus U618 a compelling bike for cyclists.
Intuitive Central Console
The Nautilus U618 Upright Bike features an adjustable sight-line, tilting console that’s blue-backlit for any lighting condition.
The adjustable angles and bright screen allow the user to check out workout metrics at a glance – even when the smartphone tray is in use.
Packed with 29 distinct workout programs, the Nautilus U618 puts your performance to the limit.
Preset programs are developed for heart rate training, interval training, and weight loss.
It’s easy to select your favorite, user-defined workouts with just the touch of a button.
Moreover, the Bluetooth connectivity offers seamless data porting for all your workout metrics to most smart device health apps.
Competent Hardware
The Nautilus U618 Upright Bike is a powerful, compact machine designed to deliver the best possible performance for newbies and experienced cyclists alike.
Developed by serious bike enthusiasts, the Nautilus U618 exercise bike is loaded with hardware features in addition to great software.
The Nautilus U618 is made from high-quality, durable material.
Internally, the bike features an optimized drive train that’s high-inertia enough for smooth start-ups and stops.
The large flywheel means your pedal action is optimized, even on the highest resistance levels.
Multi-Position
The Nautilus U618 Upright Bike is built for users of many heights.
A multi-position handlebar makes it easy to find the perfect positioning, regardless of who’s riding.
The handlebar is packed with integrated incline and resistance controls, in addition to fully adjustable elbow rests.
The bike’s seat is completely height-adjustable, accommodating users between 5′ to 6’4″ with ease.
Additionally, the seat is cushioned so that you don’t put too much excess strain on over-worked glutes.
Device Connectivity
Want to bring your workout to the next level?
If you’re looking for a way to make your workout more enjoyable, the Nautilus U618 Upright Bike pairs with the Explore the World free app that provides high-definition courses for cycling indoors.
Users can select courses ranging from the Scottish Highlands to the streets of Prague, the Japanese countryside, and more.
When paired, the incline and resistance levels automatically adjust to match what’s happening on your smart device’s screen.
What Do Buyers Think?
I combed the web looking for verified buyer reviews on the Nautilus U618 Upright Bike.
Review #1
“I have been very pleased with both the sturdiness of the bike and the noise level it makes. I can use the U618 at night when my kids are sleeping and they can’t even hear it. Great quality!” one buyer mentioned, surprised at the high quality of the bike.
Review #2
Another buyer stated: “The U618 bike is a fun, relatively inexpensive way to get a gym-quality cycling workout at home. It’s quiet, attractively designed, and easy to use. You can track different users by name, age, weight, and more.”
Review #3
“Since an accident when my foot was crushed by a careless cab driver, I have been longing to do my daily run. Instead, I bought this bike – it’s a great machine. Whisper quiet, so if you have people living under you, they’ll appreciate it. Many levels of resistance with a small footprint.” another stated.
Most buyers state the machine is sleek, very quiet, and dead-simple to get started with. It provides a super safe, low-impact workout that doesn’t require any foraying out into the open world.
Alternatives to the Nautilus U618 Upright Bike
BCAN Folding Upright Bike
Want a budget-friendly bike that you can take anywhere? The lightweight yet sturdy BCAN Folding Upright Bike bike is here to serve.
With a unique, high-strength steel frame, the BCAN fits all kinds of heights and accommodates up to 330 pounds.
The quiet electromagnetic system creates a smooth, comfortable action on the down pedal.
Users can adjust tension through a micro-customizable magnetic tension control system, making it easy to squeeze in a high-intensity workout in as little time as possible.
Moreover, the bike is constructed with a unique arc frame design, making it easy to get on and off, especially since the seat is extra-padded.
The bike is comfortable for any riders ranging from 4’8″ too 6’2″ in height.
Aside from the hardware components, the BCAN Folding Upright Bike features a broad LCD where you can track time, heart rate, speed, distance, and calories.
Most compelling, this upright bike can fold for compact storage and transport. It folds up to a mere 46″ x 22″ x 19.6.
Pros
- Folds down for a compact storage and transport
- Powered by electro-magnetic system that provides excellent, consistently quiet performance
- Great money saver
Cons
- Tension adjustment nob is not numbered, making it difficult to determine the current resistance
Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty Upright Bike
Created with a durable steel frame, the Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty Upright Bike can accommodate up to 400 pounds with ease.
The broad 14.6″, cushioned seat is great for users on the bigger side.
Moreover, users can adjust their workout with eight levels of magnetic tension control for an easier or more challenging workout.
The bike is constructed with a high-torque, three-piece crank system and magnetic resistance, in addition to heart pulse monitoring and a double-drive transmission system.
Together, all these features make the Exerpeutic a compelling choice for experienced athletes.
The bike folds down to half it’s original size. Folded down, the bike is a mere 26.4″ x 24.8″ x 57.5″, which is great for both transport and long-term storage.
Like the Nautilus U618, users appreciate that the Exerpeutic Gold Heavy Duty Upright Bike performs very quietly, making it easy to focus on music or TV watching.
Pros
- Performs quietly and smoothly for efficient workout session
- Folds down for easy transport and storage
- Designed from high-quality steel frame and internal components
Cons
- LCD Display is somewhat barebones and feature-free
Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
Like the Nautilus U618, the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike is equipped with 29 exercise programs and a high-res, feature-rich dual track LCD screen.
The monitor displays real-time metrics concerning heart rate, distance, time, and calories burned.
The bike can be paired with the SchwinnConnect app, MyFitnessPal, and other popular smart device health apps.
Users can plug in their device through a USB input, allowing for music or podcasts to be blasted through the built-in speakers.
The bike comfortably supports users 300 pounds or less with heights ranging from 4’6″ to 6’6″.
The internal, heavy-duty flywheel creates a smooth and reliable action so you can optimize your performance out on the road.
Users can easily adjust the contoured seat, forearm rests, and ergonomic handlebar to achieve the most comfortable fit.
Moreover, the bike features an oversized water bottle holder, three-piece cranks, and transport wheels for easy storage.
The Schwinn 170 Upright Bike may be compelling, but does it match the performance of the Nautilus U618?
Not quite.
The Nautilus U618 Upright Bike is somewhat more compact and features a larger diameter flywheel, which is better suited for more serious athletes.
Pros
- Includes transport wheels for easy storage
- Supports broad range of heights and weights
- Features tons of exercise programs and broad LCD display
Cons
- Slimmer flywheel diameter leaves some to be desired
Final Thoughts
It’s no surprise why the Nautilus U618 Upright Bike tops the charts of user-loved upright bikes.
Featuring tons of customizable workout programs and a sturdy frame, the Nautilus U618 is designed to last even under the heaviest use conditions.
Whether you’re looking to shed pounds or improve your performance on the road, the Nautilus U618 Upright Bike is fit for your workout needs.
