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At first sight, the Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170 look similar. Even so, their small differences will still influence what model the best choice is for you.
The main differences between the Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170 are that the Nautilus U618 has a slightly higher weight limit, somewhat longer warranties in certain areas, a gel seat, handlebar resistance adjustment buttons, and seems to have a heavier flywheel.
On the other hand, the Schwinn 170 has a slightly bigger user height range, a lighter weight, and a more budget-friendly price.
You will likely prefer the Schwinn 170 if you are really small or really tall, want to move your upright bike a lot but you are not that strong, and are on a tight budget.
If you are not in these categories and the Nautilus U618 indeed has a heavier flywheel, you will likely prefer investing a bit more in this model for its smoother workouts, longer warranties, and gel seat.
Keep in mind that you will sit on your upright exercise bike for many hours. Small improvements in convenience and comfort add up over time.
Important differences Nautilus U618 vs Schwinn 170
At first sight, the Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170 look very similar. However, there are some subtle differences that influence what upright exercise the best choice is for you.
Even so, some differences are more important than others. In the first table below, you can find the ones that are most likely to play a role in your decision.
| Feature | Nautilus U618 | Schwinn 170 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 325 Pounds (147 kg) | 300 Pounds (136 kg) |
| Warranties* | 10 Years Frame Warranty, 3 Years Parts And Electronics Warranty, And 1 Year Labor Warranty | 10 Years Frame Warranty, 2 Years Parts Warranty, 1 Year Electronics Warranty, And 90 Days Labor Warranty |
| User Height Range | 60 to 77 Inches (153 cm to 195 cm) | 54 to 78 Inches (138 cm to 198 cm) |
| Flywheel Weight | 16.9 Pounds (7.67 kg) (Sources Vary) | 10.25 Pounds (4.7 kg) (According To Customer Support Rep) |
| Weight | 83.1 lbs (37.7 kg) | 58.4 lbs (26.5 kg) |
| Seat Type | Nautilus Gel Seat | Padded Seat |
| Handlebar Resistance Control | Yes | No |
| Price Category** | $$$ | $$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
**Price category at the time of writing
Other features Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170
Before investing in either the Nautilus U618 or Schwinn 170, you may also want to know about their smaller differences and common features.
| Feature | Nautilus U618 | Schwinn 170 |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Levels | 25 Levels | 25 Levels |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Handlebar Adjustment | “Tilts Slightly Forward Or Backwards” | Adjustable Angle |
| Adjustable Seat | Height & Fore/Aft | Height & Fore/Aft |
| Dimensions | 38.5″ L x 24″ W x 58.3″ H | 41.3″ L x 21.4″ W x 55.6″ H |
| Pedals | Pedal Straps | Pedal Straps |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Screen | Blue Backlit DualTrack™ Screens | 2 Blue Backlit LCD Displays |
| Device Holder | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Mobility | Can Tilt | Static |
| Workout Programs | 29 Workout Programs | 29 Workout Programs |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | With Explore the World App | With Explore the World App |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Contact & Telemetry Enabled (Heart Rate Chest Strap Included) | Contact & Telemetry Enabled (Heart Rate Chest Strap Not Included) |
| Bottle Holder | 2 Large | 1 Medium |
| Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
Differences Nautilus U618 vs Schwinn 170 in detail
If you are somewhat familiar with upright exercise bikes and their features, you may be able to choose between the Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170 with the table of differences and a quick look at the prices.
At the same time, you may still be confused about what certain features mean, why they are important, or to what extent the differences should influence the decision in your personal situation.
If that is the case, the more detailed explanations of some of the most important and confusing features below can help you make a better decision.
Warranties
Warranties are how long a brand is willing to replace parts from certain areas if they break down under normal use. This feature often varies between upright exercise brands and models.
The same goes for the Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170. The Nautilus U618 has a 10 years frame warranty, 3 years parts and electronics warranty, and 1 year labor warranty.
You get somewhat shorter warranties in many areas with the Schwinn 170. More specifically, 10 years frame warranty, 2 years parts warranty, 1 year electronics warranty, and 90 days labor warranty.
Even if you never have to use these warranties, they are to some extent an indication of how much a brand stands behind the quality of its components.
There are typically more important details when comparing two exercise bikes.
However, the other differences between the Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170 are sometimes subtle. This makes it so a good amount of people will mainly base their decision on the warranties.
How important these are to you personally depends on things like how long you plan to use your upright bike and your risk tolerance.
Winner: Nautilus U618
User height range
Exercise bikes often come with different frames and seat height ranges. These details influence what type of people can use them.
The user height range of the Nautilus U618 is 5 feet to 6 feet 5 ( = 60 to 77 inches = 153 cm to 195 cm).
The Schwinn 170 does slightly better in this area with a user height range of 4 feet 6 to 6 feet 6 ( = 54 to 78 inches = 138 cm to 198 cm).
Ideally, Nautilus and Schwinn would mention the inseam range. Even so, these numbers should give you a better idea about what model the right capacity has for you.
Most people will find the user height range of both the Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170 good enough. However, individuals on the outer edges of the typical height range will likely prefer the Schwinn 170.
Winner: Schwinn 170
Flywheel weight
The flywheel of an exercise bike is the disk you rotate by pushing the pedals. In upright bikes, this component is often less visible but it is still there.
Differences in terms of details like its weight influence your experience of the workouts. Flywheel weight is typically one of the more important details when comparing two exercise bikes.
However, for both the Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170, you get different numbers depending on where you look. Even the customer support departments sometimes mention different flywheel weights.
The same goes for product descriptions on different websites.
That being said, there are customer support mentions about the Schwinn 170 having a 10.25-pound (4.7 kg) flywheel and the Nautilus U618 having a 16.9-pound (7.67 kg) flywheel.
Most people will prefer a heavier flywheel weight for two reasons. The main one is that heavier flywheels build up more momentum.
In turn, there is less risk of jerking movements if/when you don’t apply pressure to the pedals perfectly. In simpler words, your workouts feel just a bit smoother.
Additionally, heavier flywheels are just a bit harder to get and keep going. Do keep in mind that this is only a tiny amount due to the extra momentum of the heavier wheel.
So if the flywheel of the Nautilus U618 is indeed heavier than the one of the Schwinn 170, most people will prefer the Nautilus model in this area.
Winner: Nautilus U618
Weight
Exercise bike weights are relatively straightforward details but you may be unsure how this feature influences your experience of the cardio machine.
There are some exceptional cases where individuals have a floor with a limited weight capacity. In a situation like that, you want to take a good look at the weight of the exercise bike you are considering.
That being said, most people will find this feature more relevant in terms of moving the upright exercise bikes around.
Both the Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170 have transport wheels. However, it will be just a bit easier to move the 58.4 lbs (26.5 kg) of the Schwinn 170 than the 83.1 lbs (37.7 kg) of the Nautilus U618.
If you plan to put your upright exercise bike in one place and leave it there, this difference is not that important.
On the other hand, if you want to put your cardio machine aside in between workouts and you are not that strong, the weight difference could play a role in your decision.
Winner: Schwinn 170
Seat type
This next difference between the Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170 has relatively small consequences but it does deserve a quick explanation.
The Nautilus U618 has a gel seat (which should be more comfortable) whereas the Schwinn 170 has a regular padded seat.
If you consider how many hours you will spend on your upright exercise bike, even a small difference in comfort can pay off a nice amount over time.
Something to keep in mind is that you can also get a separate gel seat cover for the saddle of the Schwinn 170. This does require some extra measuring, searching, and money.
In any case, the gel seat is a nice addition to the Nautilus U618.
Winner: Nautilus U618
Handlebar resistance control
Exercise bikes often come with different resistance levels so you can work out at the right intensities and add some variety to your workouts.
This also applies to the Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170. Both models have 25 magnetic resistance levels.
One small difference in this area is how each exercise bike allows you to switch between the different levels. Each machine has the standard resistance adjustment buttons on the main panel.
However, the Nautilus U618 also has additional resistance adjustment buttons at the ends of its handles.
Something to note is that some riding styles will not really benefit from these buttons. If you sit upright and just hold the front part of the handlebars with your hand palms, you will likely not find this feature relevant.
On the other hand, if you like to lean on the handlebars with your forearms, the additional handlebar resistance adjustment buttons of the Nautilus U618 will make your workouts just a bit more convenient.
Winner: Nautilus U618
Price
The Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170 both have their advantages and disadvantages. Something that could make your decision easier is a big difference in terms of price.
How much of an investment each machine requires depends on where you get them and can change over time.
That being said, at the time of writing the Schwinn 170 is a nice amount more budget-friendly than the Nautilus U618.
Winner: Schwinn 170
User reviews
Nautilus and Schwinn are from the same company. This means you would expect that the feature and price differences would be enough to decide between the Nautilus U618 and the Schwinn 170.
That being said, customer reviews sometimes reveal unexpected downsides or trends in quality issues. In the case of the Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170, the reviews are similar.
These upright exercise bikes do not have the most advanced technology. Their screens and Bluetooth functions do not always work as they should. You can also only connect to the Explore The World App.
Similar to other cardio machines with many moving parts, there are also some cases of faulty parts and early wear and tear.
In these cases, the customer support departments of Nautilus and Schwinn can be a bit slow in their responses and solutions.
So while the Nautilus U618 and Schwinn 170 are not perfect, customers tend to be happy with the workouts these upright exercise bikes offer.
Is the Nautilus U618 or Schwinn 170 right for you?
In short, the Nautilus U618 has a slightly higher weight limit, has somewhat longer warranties in certain areas, seems to have a heavier flywheel, has a gel seat, and has handlebar resistance adjustment buttons.
On the other side, the Schwinn 170 has a slightly bigger user height range, a lighter weight, and a price that is a good amount more budget-friendly.
People who are really small or really tall, want to move their upright bike a lot but are not that strong, and are on a tight budget, will likely prefer the Schwinn 170.
If the Nautilus U618 indeed has a heavier flywheel, a lot of people will prefer investing a bit more into the smoother workouts, longer warranties, and gel seat of this option.
Especially if they consider how many hours they will use the exercise bike.
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