Nautilus Exercise Bike U616 User Manual

The Performance Series Nautilus U618 Upright Bike is a light commercial quality bike with a sturdy and robust built. It comes with features that maximize comfort and convenience and offer improved performance.

The first Nautilus U616 upright bike model was released in 2013. However, at the end of 2017, a new version was released. Although this new model is very similar in specs and features as the first model, it has a slightly different console, a black paint finish, and is also compatible with the RideSocial and Nautilus 2 fitness apps. Product Manuals. Manuals are also available in Spanish and French. English language manuals for Nautilus ® home fitness products. Adobe Reader is required to view and print these documents (PDF). Assembly & Owner's Manual: Nautilus ® U616 Upright Bike (2014 model).

The U618 Upright Bike is designed with Eddy Current Braking System and has a magnetic resistance up to 25 levels. The higher resistance makes the rides smoother, quiet, and consistent.This Upright Bike has the 30lbs 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 the maximum comfort. It is imperative to choose an exercise bike with comfortable seating, especially for endurance training.

Additionally, the Nautilus U618 Upright Bike has Bluetooth connectivity and syncs with Nautilus Trainer 2 App for performance tracking and with RideSocial App for real-time training with the people around the world. It also has some user-convenient features like 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 on Amazon

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

My rating: 8/10

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: I may earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post.

U618 Frame construction

The Nautilus U618 upright exercise bike is a light commercial fitness machine, designed to withstand a lot of wear within the premises of a gym club. It features quite a robust frame, able to support users up to 325 lbs (147.7 kg).

Its structure is steel tubing. 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. These are the covers of the drive system, the covers of the base tubes, and the bottle/accessory tray which attaches to the console mast.

This Nautilus exercise bike offers excellent stability as both it’s base tubes feature large, rubberized stabilizers. 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 considerable 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 as the typical road bike. This weight adds to its overall stability. However, the bike isn’t difficult to transport once assembled. It’s 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. To begin with, it’s a Nautilus Gel seat, which integrates two gel cushioning elements, one on each side, for an equal weight dispersion. It’s a highly durable synthetic leather, also having a contoured surface to promote healthy blood circulation.

The seat can be adjusted in four directions, up, down, forward, and backward. Its upright 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 completely leaned forward position. But they should have no problem exercising while holding the handlebar in various other ways.

With regards to 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 that other bikes don’t offer, such as large elbow rests and resistance controls. It also features stainless steel EKG pulse sensors so that 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. It comes with a reasonably heavy flywheel for an upright bike; it weighs 30 lbs (13.6 kg), delivering a steady momentum and a smooth pedaling motion.

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

This exercise bike has a heavy-duty crankset, with solid steel crank arms. Even though it’s not a spin bike, it should be able to support less heavy users in standing up pedaling routines. However, workouts of these sort or spin workouts are not recommended to carry out on this exercise bike as this may lead to severe wear and tear. It is, after all, an upright bike, not a spin bike, designed for seated workouts.

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

Resistance System

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

An AC power adapter is (included) with the bike, rated 100V-240V 50/60Hz Input, 9VDC, 1500mA Output. Class 2. The cable of the adapter 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 position of the magnetic brake pad to the flywheel, resulting in more or less drag.

The console also has several pre-set workouts. So, if you exercise by 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, being 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 one on the Nautilus R618 recumbent bike. It features two LCDs that integrate LED backlight for easy reading. The top display is more extensive and shows the selected goal, the profiles of the current workout, its name, and your heart rate interval.

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

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. Each user can set up their profile by inserting personal data such as height, weight, age, gender, and name. Thus, the unit will provide a more accurate estimation of the calories burned or the user’s current fitness level.

Training Programs

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

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, in case you won’t be using 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 comes with a 3-speed workout fan, sound system, and media tray. The workout fan, although not too overpowering, does generate a little cooling if it’s the case.

The media tray is placed right under the large LCD; it’s large and wide enough to accommodate any tablet or smartphone. 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, pedals, and the console, connecting the wires.

This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The manual delivered with the bike provides clear instructions for the assembly, while the required tools are (included).

Manual

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

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

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;
  • Large 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 Nautilus Trainer online app, and wireless workout data transfer into your Nautilus Connect or MyFitnessPal account;
  • The console is telemetry enabled;
  • Wireless HR chest strap included;
  • Several amenities, such as 3-speed fan, sound system, media tray, USB charging port, bottle holder;
  • Easy to assemble;
  • Maintenance-Free;
  • Excellent warranty pack.

Cons

  • A tablet placed on the media tray will cover the top, larger display.

Nautilus U618 Upright Bike Summary

The Nautilus U618 Upright Bike is a fitness machine pretty close to the 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 factors.

Although it’s an upright bike, it can support high-intensity training. It is perfect for a wide array of cardio workouts, interval workouts, strength and endurance development, recovery training, and of course, 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. If you have anything that you’d like to share or any opinions about my website, please do speak up. I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.

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The Nautilus U616 Upright Bike is an excellent affordable bike for home residential use. The Nautilus U616 provides a low impact cardiovascular workout with little impact on your joints. Furthermore, it has all the basic and advanced features that would enable a user to achieve his fitness goals.

How so might you ask? The U616 has features like the Bluetooth smart connectivity that allows a user to sync data with Nautilus ConnectTM, MyFitnessPal, and the Nautilus TrainerTM App. Its DualTrack display with two high-resolution, backlit LCD monitors is a beauty as it displays up to 13 different feedbacks.

The Nautilus U616 features a balanced flywheel, which creates a secure, quiet, vibration-free workout, as well as 25 levels of ECB magnetic resistance. ECB is the best type and silent form of magnetic resistance. There are ten resistance quick keys to go from smooth to hard.

The U616 provides 29 programs (12 profile; 9 are heart rate control; 2 are custom user-defined; 2 are fitness tests (1 Beginner; 1 Advanced); 1 quick start), and additional features. The Nautilus U616 Upright Bike is indeed one of the best mid-range models to take into account. It comes with everything you need for a challenging cardio routine and much more.

Product: Nautilus U616 Upright Bike

Price: For an excellent deal on this bike, merely go here on Amazon

Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year electronics, and 90 days labor

My rating: 8/10

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: I may earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post.

U616 Frame construction

The Nautilus U616 100669 features a steel frame construction. However, the upright post of the seat with its slider is aluminum material. All the steel parts within the frame come with a corrosion-resistant paint finish.

The color used is black, as opposed to the older (2013) model, which had a light gray paint finish. The side base covers of the pulley, flywheel, and other resistance elements are ABS material.

The bike offers excellent overall sturdiness and stability. It weighs approximately 68.6 lbs (31.1 kg), which is twice the weight of the average road bike. This weight, plus your weight, add to the overall stability of the unit. Plus, the rear base is equipped with large, adjustable stabilizers, while the front base rests on two other rubberized pads which improve the unit’s grip on the floor.

The front bottom also has transport wheels which facilitate the relocation of the bike once you have finished your workout. By using these wheels, you won’t be handling more than 1/3 of the unit’s total weight.

The fully assembled bike isn’t huge. Its footprint is approx. 42″ x 22″ (106 x 55 cm), while its highest point is the top of the console which is approximately 58″ (146 cm) above floor level. Nautilus advises two feet clearance around the bike. Thus, allowing safe access and operation.

Seat

The Nautilus U616 comes with a high-comfort seat. The saddle integrates a thick layer of foam cushioning, which considerably improves its comfort. It is a saddle made for seated workouts, unlike the leathers included with many spin bikes, which are substantially slimmer. Nonetheless, you can still improve its comfort by adding an extra gel seat cover.

The seat has a standard attachment system to its slider. Thus, compatible replacements for it are widely available. Therefore, in the unlikely event that you would want to replace it, you should be able to find a fit model in any bike shop.

The seat offers 4-way adjustability. Its upright post features more than ten adjustment notches with approx. 1″ (2.5 cm) is in-between. Therefore, it should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm) with no problem, promoting a complete and healthy leg extension during pedaling.

Plus, the seat’s horizontal slider offers several inches of front to back adjustment. It’s also durable enough to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).

U616 Handlebars

As opposed to other upright bikes, the Nautilus U616 also offers handlebar adjustability. The handlebar assembly is attached to the front mast into a metallic collar, which is tightened by a large knob. Therefore, you can untighten the knob, adjust the handlebar to the angle that you desire, and then retighten it back in its place.

The handlebar features a multi-grip design. It offers the possibility to adopt at least three grips, including parallel, standard, and race. Its side sections feature a layer of rubberized material to provide a secure grip. Its lower part integrates a set of metallic grip sensors that allow the console to monitor your pulse. Plus, the bottom corners of the handlebar come equipped with elbow pads, a feature that many upright bikes, or exercise bikes in general, do not include.

Resistance System

This Nautilus exercise bike has an eddy current (motorized-magnetic) resistance system. This means it requires a connection to a power source to allow resistance adjustments. All resistance adjustments are only adjustable from the console. Also, most of the onboard programs of the bike will automatically adjust the resistance, if selected.

An AC adapter is (included) with the bike. Its specs are Input:120V 60Hz, and Output: 9VDC, 1.5A. Its connector is at the front base of the bike. Batteries can not power the console.

The main resistance elements of the bike are a magnetic brake and a servo motor. As you adjust the resistance from the console, the servo motor will move the magnetic brake pad closer or farther from the flywheel, this way increasing or decreasing the intensity of the created magnetic field. This ultimately leads to more severe or lower pedaling difficulty.

The bike offers 25 distinct resistance levels. The first 5 deliver a very light resistance, great for users who need recovery training, or elderly users. Conversely, the 20-25 levels of resistance provide a pretty consistent pedal tension, simulating a steep climb, and allowing you to achieve a higher fat burn.

Nautilus exercise bike u616 user manual pdf

U616 Drive System

The Nautilus U616 comes with a 22 lbs (10 kg) internal flywheel, which has a perimeter-weighted structure, made to generate superior inertia during pedaling. It delivers a consistent momentum and a steady driving feel. It also allows pedaling in reverse; however, coasting is not possible on the bike.

The crankset features durable steel crank arms. However, it’s not for spin workouts. So, even though it may be solid enough to support your full weight during a standing up pedaling routine, this type of exercise is not recommended. This is, after all, an upright bike, made only for seated workouts.

The included pedals are a durable nylon material with a metallic core. They’re weighted so that they always self-adjust turning up when you remove your feet from them. They also have adjustable straps.

Finally, this Nautilus exercise bike features a belt drive system. It uses a heavy-duty rubber belt, resistant to stretching. Therefore, the internal drive system doesn’t need lubrication. Also, the belt generates considerably less vibration than a chain.

Console

The Nautilus U616 features a different console than the previous model. It’s similar to the one on the Schwinn 170 MY17. It has a sleeker interface and offers greater visibility for the workout metrics than the previous model.

The bike’s console features a dual-display. The top larger display shows the profiles of the selected workout program, the chosen goal and your progress towards it, the name of the current workout program, the levels of incline and resistance, and the heart rate interval.

The lower display shows time, speed, distance, RPM, resistance level, calories burned, and heart rate. For the speed and distance parameters, the console offers the possibility to select either metric or imperial units. Also, not only that it can track your pulse via the integrated sensors, but it is telemetric.

Thus, it can communicate with various HR chest strap transmitters that operate in the 4.5 kHz – 5.5 kHz range.

U616 Workout Programs

The console integrates an impressive array of workout programs to keep you motivated. To begin with, it has a Manual mode, which allows you to select any tension level during pedaling. There are 12 preset programs designed for various workouts. Additionally, there is a Custom program that enables you to create your challenge and try to break your records with each exercise.

Furthermore, there are 4 Heart Rate program settings for 50-60%, 60-70%, 70-80%, and 80-90%; when one of these HR programs is selected, the machine will monitor your heart rate and auto-adjust the resistance to keep you within the chosen hr range.

Goal tracking is also available. You can select a goal track for a specific time, and the console will monitor your progress towards that goal. For example, you can choose a calorie goal for seven days, and the console will track how many calories you have burned towards that goal.

The console provides four user profiles. Therefore, you can save a goal tracking for each one of them. Or, four separate users can save their program settings and quickly select their program and workout parameters when they begin their workout.

Each user can also keep their weight, height, age, gender, and name, for a more accurate calorie count and progress tracking. Finally, in terms of programs, the console also has a Recovery function and a BMI function.

Amenities

The console features do not end here, though. Just as the Nautilus R618, this one features Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port.

Thus, you can sync it with your smartphone or tablet to stream your workout data into your online fitness tracking account. It is compatible with various fitness apps, such as Nautilus Trainer 2, MyFitnessPal, and several others.

In case you don’t want to use the Bluetooth feature, you can still transfer your data online via a USB device. Also, the USB port of the unit doubles as a charging port for your tablet or smartphone.

Nautilus U616 Reviews

As opposed to the older model, the console of this Nautilus exercise bike is compatible with the RideSocial virtual app. This is an online application that allows you to view and ride on a virtual trail on your smart TV, tablet, or phone, based on a GoogleMaps trail. You can create cycling events, ride alongside your friends, and benefit from many other interactive and fun features through it.

Additionally, the console integrates a sound system, a media shelf, and a cooling fan. The sound system is compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones, and tablets, consisting of two speakers at the lowest corners of the console. The media shelf is between the two displays of the console; it’s large enough to accommodate any tablet.

The workout fan, although it is not too overpowering, it does provide some cooling for your workout, and you can change its angle by tilting the console.

U616 Assemble and Maintenance

The base of the bike with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only need to add the base bars, the console mast, the handlebar, the console, the seat post, the seat, and the pedals.

This may take up to an hour, but the whole process is far from being complicated. The included manual provides clear assembly instructions and schematics. Also, an essential toolkit is (included).

For maintenance, it is recommended to periodically check the integrity of the unit, look for loose bolts or broken parts, etc. Any sweat drops that may fall onto the frame or console should be wiped dry. Internal maintenance is not required. All the internal parts come pre-lubricated from the factory.

Details and Specifications

  • Assembled dimensions: 41.8L x 21.6W x 57.6H inches (104L x 55W x 146H cm)
  • Assembled weight: 68.6 lbs (31 kg)
  • Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
  • Handlebar: 2-way adjustable, with pulse sensors
  • Seat: 4-way adjustable
  • Pedals: Weighted, with straps
  • Resistance: Eddy current, 25 levels
  • Console: 29 workout programs, Bluetooth, USB port, RunSocial compatible
  • Amenities: Speakers, fan, media tray, bottle holder,
  • Warranty: Frame 10 years / Parts 2 years / Electronics 1 year / Labor 90 days

Pros

  • Solid construction – can hold users up to 300 lbs;
  • Professional-looking design;
  • Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
  • Transport wheels on the front base;
  • Cushioned, 4-way adjustable seat;
  • Angle-adjustable handlebar;
  • Elbow pads included;
  • Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
  • Smooth and quiet drive;
  • 25 levels of resistance;
  • 29 workout programs;
  • Four user profiles;
  • Goal tracking;
  • Nautilus Trainer 2, MyFitnessPal, Google Play, Under Armour and other online apps compatibility;
  • Compatible with the RideSocial virtual app;
  • Telemetric console;
  • Several amenities, such as 3-speed fan, sound system, media tray, USB charging port, bottle holder;
  • AC adapter included;
  • Easy to assemble;
  • Maintenance-Free;
  • Excellent warranty.

Cons

  • A tablet placed on the table holder will cover the top display;
  • An HR chest strap is not (included);
  • The cooling fan is not too overpowering.

Nautilus U616 Vs Schwinn 170

Nautilus U616 Summary

The Nautilus U616 is an upright exercise bike offering 25 levels of eddy current resistance, 29 onboard workout programs, Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with the Nautilus Trainer 2 and RideSocial. It’s a heavy-duty bike, pretty close to light-commercial quality.

It also offers superior micro-adjustability and a wide array of amenities, such as a sound system, cooling fan, and tablet holder. It’s one of the complete upright bikes for home use, offering outstanding value for the price.

Nautilus Exercise Bike U616 User Manual 2017

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

Nautilus Exercise Bikes U616

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