The Nautilus R618 is a budget-friendly home recumbent bike with an instead outstanding checklist of available features. If you’re into bikes that come with tons of workout programs, bluetooth connection, and also comfy seats, the R618 might just be talking your language.
But if you have actually been searching for a recumbent bike for awhile, you already recognize there’s a lot of competitors out there- specifically in this cost array.
To help you in your choice making process, this evaluation will supply you with an up close and personal take a look at every little thing the R618 has to supply.
We’ll likewise take a quick peek at several of the comps to see exactly how it stacks up against the competition.
Let’s start with a couple of words on what you must be searching for when you contrast recumbent bikes.
How To Pick A Recumbent Bike
I’ll try to keep this brief so we can reach the review at hand here, but I believe it’s a good concept to have a little history info on what you should anticipate prior to diving into a product review.
Recumbent bikes are an excellent selection for people searching for a comfortable means to workout. These bikes are a lot more comfortable because of the reclined (straight) setting it positions you in.
This positioning lowers anxiety via much of the significant joints, including your back, hips, as well as knees.
So, first and foremost, when seeking a new recumbent bike, it is necessary to be able to spot one that’s really mosting likely to fit to use.
Seat
The most significant factor to a bikes comfort is the seat. Recumbent bikes ought to have large, supported seats that contour to your bottom.
They should additionally have big backrests. If you have back issues, you may be much better off opting for one that has a flexible back rest, implying you can transform the angle to tailor your fit.
Some recumbents (like the 3G Cardio Elite RB) even permit you to transform the angle of the seat padding as well for a lot more personalization.
Frame
All recumbent bikes have a longer, extra horizontal frame by design. However what differs from bike to bike is how sturdy these frames are.
The best way to determine a bikes toughness is by considering the weight capacity. Basically- a higher weight capability suggests a much more strong structure.
Directly, I search for at least a 300 pound weight capacity on any piece of fitness tools I’m taking into consideration. Although I consider well under 300 lb, I know that a bike with a weight limit this high is mosting likely to be much more durable.
You don’t desire your bike to be wobbling around throughout your exercise.
Warranty
You constantly want to examine the service warranty as well. And I believe it needs to play an integral part in your decision making also. The fact is, better bikes come with better service warranties.
Suppliers understand when their items are poor. They’re wise. And that’s why you do not see long guarantees are shoddy workout equipment.
Recumbent bike warranties are normally divided right into: structure, parts, and also labor.
The frame guarantee need to constantly be the lengthiest and also “life time” is chosen. The components guarantee can differ greatly, but premium bikes must offer 3-5 years on components.
The labor service warranty is always the shortest, rarely longer than 1 year.
There you have it- the Cliffs Notes variation of my recumbent bike overview. Click the link for the uncut version. Now on to the testimonial!
The R618 is Nautilus’s most advanced recumbent bike to date. It’s an upgraded version of their R616, which I assume is just one of the best recumbents on the market nowadays.
Both designs are extremely comparable, yet the R618 has actually an upgraded seat, better pedals, as well as a much longer warranty.
Pros
- Bluetooth compatible
- Chest strap heart rate monitor included
- USB charging port
- Built-in speakers
- Good warranty
- Solid, heavy-duty frame
- 325 lb weight capacity
- 29 workout programs
- 25 levels of magnetic resistance
- Gel seat cushion
- Large, adjustable backrest
- Adjustable console angle
- Dual LCD screens
Cons
- Several complaints regarding damaged parts on delivery
- Assembly can be a little confusing
Frame
The R618 has a solidly-built, step-thru frame. This makes it really very easy to access the seat from either side, which is have to if you’re dealing with throbbing joints or flexibility concerns.
This bike is tough enough to manage customers that consider as much as 325 lb. This exceeds my 300 lb regulation, so I’m happy. For the price range, this is an impressive weight capability for this bike.
It likewise makes the R618 a secure option for bigger customers.
The console on this bike is flexible, which is an interesting attribute you seldom see on various other bikes. As well as by flexible, I imply you can transform the tilt angle to boost your watching of the double screens or whatever media you’re making use of throughout your workout.
It’s difficult to find the flywheel weights on the majority of recumbent bikes since makers do not market them unless they’re especially hefty.
According to the Nautilus group, the R618 has a flywheel that considers approximately 13 pound (although I’ve checked out some other testimonials online claiming it has a 30 lb flywheel?).
It holds true, 13 lb gets on the light side when it concerns flywheels, however I’m not that upset with it. And also it’s since I’m not also concerned with flywheel weight when it concerns recumbent bikes.
Many people considering a recumbent bike aren’t seeking intense workout training, so having a lighter flywheel shouldn’t matter as long as the resistance system as well as drive job efficiently.
And also in the case of the R618, both appear to do simply that.
So generally, the frame is sturdy. The flywheel is light, however customers normally concur that it offers a smooth and also peaceful flight.
Seat
The seat is where we see a few of the most significant upgrades on the R618 vs the R616. This bike features an upgraded gel padding for added comfort.
It additionally with an adjustable back-rest, which is a game changer for people with poor backs.
The back-rest is also angled to give a little extra back assistance, which is practical to boost pose throughout your exercises.
The manages on each side of the seat have actually additionally been upgraded. These handles are urethane covered, providing a thicker, a lot more business quality feel.
Nautilus likewise included resistance controls on these manages, making it super convenient to check your heart price or change the strength without needing to alter your hand placement.
It’s type of like the radio regulates on some vehicle guiding wheels- I never ever comprehended why you ‘d require them till I obtained a car that had them (as well as now I can’t live without them).
In general, the R618’s seat ratings very with the good gel seat pillow as well as adjustable angle back-rest.
Features
The Nautilus R618 features the following functions included:
29 exercise programs- this is huge choice to pick from, so obtaining bored really shouldn’t be a sensible justification with this recumbent bike.
25 magnetic resistance levels- when it concerns resistance levels, even more is much better since it gives you more control over your workout strength. The magnetic resistance is smooth and also peaceful too, so you don’t have to stress over waking resting family members.
Twin LCD screens- the R618 has two display screens, permitting you to see all your workout information at the same time without needing to fret about scrolling with undesirable information.
Bluetooth connectivity- the R618 can connect with fitness apps to track all your exercise data. If you don’t have a preferred, you can utilize their totally free Nautilus Fitness instructor 2 application.
Wireless chest strap heart rate display- not only is this bike suitable with telemetry heart rate screens, however Nautilus includes one with your acquisition.
RideSocial application suitable- you can link to the free RideSocial application and also ride basically through picturesque courses from around the world.
USB billing port- do not fret about draining your cellular phone during your workout, you can charge it with the built-in USB port to ensure it’s totally charged and prepared to pursue your exercise.
Audio speakers- link your phone or mp3 player up to the console and you can pay attention to music through the integrated speakers
Assembly
Placing the R618 together isn’t too bad. Generally, I would certainly claim the assembly guidebook does a respectable job of spelling out what you have to do for each action.
That claimed, there are a few steps around attaching the seat and back-rest recline take care of that are a little complex.
However, the majority of people that go to the very least a little helpful ought to be able to get the job done themselves without needing to pay for expert assembly.
All of the essential tools (Allen wrench and also screwdriver) are consisted of. However, the work will certainly be less complicated as well as extra comfortable if you have your own tools.
I dislike those small little screwdrivers that feature equipment such as this. I constantly like to utilize my own.
Anyhow, I would certainly anticipate to spend 60-90 min on assembly, provide or take based upon your experience.
Warranty
The Nautilus R618 Recumbent Bike comes with the following guarantee:
- 15 year frame
- 3 year components
- 1 year labor
This is a pretty good service warranty for a bike in this price range. I simply desire they had replaced “15 years” with “lifetime”. I’m not exactly sure there’s much difference in between both in the real world, yet “lifetime” simply has a far better ring to it.
The components and labor service warranties are appealing par for the course.
Overall, I recommend this guarantee.
The Comps
Prior to I cover this evaluation up, I want to give a fast contrast to some other top quality recumbents that are in a similar way priced.
The very first compensation we have is the popular Schwinn 270. This recumbent is about $200 cheaper than the R618 and features extremely comparable exercise plans and functions.
The greatest differences are that the Schwinn 270 doesn’t come with a breast band monitor and also the warranty on the R618 transcends.
Next off on our comps checklist is the Horizon Convenience R. This recumbent bike is priced about $100 cheaper than the R618, yet we do see some significant differences in the functions.
This bike just includes 12 exercise programs and isn’t bluetooth suitable. It has a life time structure service warranty however just provides 1 year on parts.
Last, but not least, is the Sole R92. This recumbent prices approximately $200 more than the R618 and also is a little easier in terms of the tech. Although this bike does come with bluetooth speakers.
The R618 has a greater weight capability and the warranties are really similar.
In general, the R618 can hold its very own rather well with any one of the compensations available. I chose these 3 bikes especially because they represent bikes that are a little cheaper as well as a little bit extra pricey.
They’re additionally a few of the best recumbents out there.
Final Thoughts
The Nautilus R618 has a great deal going all out. It supplies a great combination of attributes and also function. If you like having a lot of exercise programs to select from, you’ll appreciate the vast selection this bike supplies.
The bluetooth compatibility and included chest band are likewise excellent features- specifically when in this cost array these things shouldn’t be taken for given.
The most outstanding feature to me is the seat.
The upgraded gel padding as well as adjustable backrest must actually up the convenience factor on this recumbent. If you’re dealing with achy joints and also looking for a bike that is fitting, I believe you’ll appreciate the capability to customize.
On the whole, I believe the R618 is an excellent bike. It’s priced well as well as backed by a decent service warranty. Certainly among the most effective residence recumbents for under $1000.