Wattbike Atom vs smart trainer+bike – worth upgrading?

I’ve had a wahoo kickr core for 3 years or so ands it’s ok, connected to an old Spesh hybrid and all works well.

I’ve used the gym wattbikes and they’re quality kit, easy to use and robust enough to be hammered in a gym environment. Suspect the Atom is good too.

I’ve got to the point where I need to monitor and improve power rhs vs lhs as I now another painful imbalance issue to fix, as it’s really stopping me get out regularly again on a bike.

are wattbikes atoms worth the outlay ? What do they offer over a smart trainer and bike, apart from a much smaller footprint. Anyone made the switch?

As I can just stick power meters on the Spesh, I assume this would work, but they’re not exactly the cheapest option

I have an Atom and really rate it. For me the main benefits are that it is permanently set up and ready to ride on Zwift within literally 30 seconds. Shoes on, switch on, Zwift on iPad on tri bar holder, Zwift Companion on iPhone on bar mount, HR chest strap on, and it all syncs in around 10 seconds.

I have a vacmaster fan on the floor, with remote switch on the bars, AirPods on Spotify. It is just no faff, no connectivity hassles and the ride experience is great. I have had it for almost 2 years, it’s had one service at £180 which included the tech replacing chain, some other gubbins, and shifter batteries.

Missed the morning ride this morning and I’m about to jump on the smart bike. Its a minute to get ready. I’ve got an Stages SB20. I’d have a good look at the Zwift bike next.

We’ve got Atom and Nucleus at my gym. The Nucleus feels more solid when peddling to me and I always go to it when they are all free. You lose the electronic gear change though.

Thanks all, not sure I’m missing anything with the electronic gear change. Don’t change the gears when using the kickr core

If you ride an Atom on Zwift you will need to be using the gears unless in ERG mode. It has 3 or 4 chainset options that you can pick from on the Wattbike Hub app. I think I’m on a 2×11 compact or such.

Thanks @iainc I only really use TrainerRoad and TrainerDay, have tried Zwift and thought it was very cool. But mainly selected the other two for training plans etc.

Was thinking about treating myself with one this weekend and I get an email from Wattbike about “some new announcement…” on Monday.

Not much info in the vid teaser, apart from a peloton style big adjuster.

anyone know anything about it?

Original Wattbike Atom is bit slow reacting to gear / watt changes, newer one (Atom NG?) is reportedly little better on this regard. Other issue is that seat adjustments are not that easy so second seatpost helps if there are other users.

My OG has been trouble free for few years now but the hoods are starting to slip, have to do something about them this winter.
I used to have trainers but find a Wattbike much easier to live with – we have enough room to keep it ready to use it any time.

I’ve had a wahoo kickr core for 3 years or so ands it’s ok, connected to an old Spesh hybrid and all works well.

I guess the obvious question is what is lacking in your current set-up and how would a Wattbike improve on that? If there’s not much, then I’d save some money and stick with the current set-up.

I guess the main pus of a smart bike would be not having to set up a bike in a trainer every time you want to use it, which means it’s always going to be ready for use without messing about cleaning an outdoor bike and easy adjustability for multiple users.

I guess if the novelty made you more inclined to use it, then that would be a plus too, but mostly you seem to be buying convenience, albeit at a pretty hefty price. Sorry, I realise a lot of that is stating the very obvious.

I’ve been thinking about this. My turbo bike is knackered and rather than replace it I wondered if a dedicated machine would be better. I probably do 2-3 sessions a week October to March.

Do they work equally well across all platforms. Just signed up to Zwift again but at £18 a month I can see some of the other platforms getting more use. I mainly do WTRL races, a few one off races and the the tour of Watopia events. I don’t like the structured workout sessions, struggle to get engaged. I happily move to another platform if the “races” had people in them.

Do they come to you to service? These things are heavy…

I looked into this a while back and bought myself a dedicated bike to leave on my Kickr Core and I also picked up a rocker plate setup.

If you’re using TrainerRoad in ERG mode there isn’t much to beat the smoothness of the kickr core for this. The Wattbike Atom  is meant to be better than it was when it was released at ERG but I read differing views on how quick it was to respond to short intervals if you’re doing threshold / sprint stuff.

Out of all the smart bikes I think the Atom probably is the one to go to for reliability and support though if you really want a smart bike. The Wahoo Kickr bike is probably smoother and has better gear changes etc – but if it goes wrong the support doesn’t seem to be as good as Wattbike’s is.

It is more expensive than power meters…and it sounds as though it needs a service (at £180 – which may be a bargain price for what is replaced)…if you are happy with your current setup then perhaps power meters are the way to go.as they are cheaper and you already know the rest of the setup.

Thanks, all good questions.

Tbh there’s nothing lacking in my setup with the kickr core, it’s attached to a hardly used Spesh Sirius that I got from a friend for next to nothing.

And if it wasn’t for the latest pita problem leftover from a litany of historic injuries etc where I now have quite a problem imbalance between right and left legs that’s causing all sorts of painful problems, I wouldn’t be looking at a Wattbike

but having to spend more cash on power meters and my daughters wanting to use the turbo setup, I thought I might go the extra mile and switch to a Wattbike, as it has power measure as std and is easier to switch setup between riders.

I’m super motivated to use whatever setup I end up with.

i believe Wattbike come to you to service the wattbikes.

bit it was this that I wondered if anyone knew what was coming new from wattbike on Monday ?

Does anyone other than Zwift make dedicated machines that attach to a turbo? That might give the adjustability? Wouldn’t solve the power issue though.

I could look this up but surely even the most expensive dual sided pm is going to be an order of magnitude less than a watt bike? The kickr core is already smart.

As an aside I have a leg imbalance from an old injury and whilst I can “see” the inbalance on my trainer set up ( 60/40 split on a dual sided power2max) there’s limited training I do to correct it there beyond some single leg drills. All of the real work involves resistance training in a gym.

I’ve considered a smart bike a few times but come to the conclusion they’re actually a downgrade versus a bike + decent trainer. At least for me.

They’re extremely rigid and you can’t really put them on a rocker – so less comfy. No sideways movement either. Crappy shifters vs a real bike (unless you get one of the newer, £3k+ ones). Massive seat tubes on most of them so you get thigh rub unless you have skinny legs. No road feel or downhill (again unless you get a really spendy one). Possibly some other disadvantages I’ve forgotten about!

Of course none of this might bother you so YMMV. I will definitely look at the Zwift frame though when my original Neo finally bites the dust, seems like a decent halfway house!

I’ve considered a smart bike a few times but come to the conclusion they’re actually a downgrade versus a bike + decent trainer. At least for me.

They’re extremely rigid and you can’t really put them on a rocker – so less comfy. No sideways movement either. Crappy shifters vs a real bike (unless you get one of the newer, £3k+ ones). Massive seat tubes on most of them so you get thigh rub unless you have skinny legs. No road feel or downhill (again unless you get a really spendy one). Possibly some other disadvantages I’ve forgotten about!

Of course none of this might bother you so YMMV. I will definitely look at the Zwift frame though when my original Neo finally bites the dust, seems like a decent halfway house!

I think this is where I’m largely at, now I’m spending on power meters. But I’m really not sure why if it’s an improvement over what I have, or just new and shiny and an all-in-one package. It’s a significant outlay as well.

@sweaman2 you’re right, most of the work is weights based thigh and calf exercises, but for some reason it’s not having the impact it should, even with the other physio stuff and I’d  like to see the data from turbo sessions re R:L, or as I’ve seen on some wattbike vid you can actually see how the power is working right to left during the turbo session.

i also found the answer to my question, there’s a new Wattbike coming out Monday the proton, looks like it didn’t spend a whole lot of time with a design team.

looks like it didn’t spend a whole lot of time with a design team.

Interesting – the page is not accessible but has clearly been crawled by google as there are images and a bit of info and images.

I’m guessing the objective was lower cost via a much more basic ‘frame’ – £1800 rather than £2400 from the looks of things.  Still a lot more than the £1200 for the Zwift bike.

It looks like they’ve made all the adjustments quick and easy – I’ve an aftermarket 3D printed knob on my stem fore-aft which this already has, along with similar for the seat fore-aft (we have two seat towers as we use different saddles)

I’m leaning towards a Wattbike Atom to replace a Kickr 5, just so my two sons can share it without needing to swap bikes.  There different bikes, three different cassettes and just a load of hassle – they are on offer still.

I’d half wondered before that picture ^^ if the announcement had something to do with the Apple event tomorrow… Wattbike look like they are in need of a bit of cash and Apple need some hardware to make Apple Fitness have some broader use – could be a good fit.

I would have bought the Wahoo bike for £750 – it looks like a great solution – but the Zwift Cog is only for V6 onwards of the Kickr.

My Atom was second hand on eBay.  There are loads of people who buy these things and never use them – the Wattbike software will give an ‘hours of use’ figure and loads seem to have no more than a few 10’s of hours.   I looked for someone else recently and over summer auctioned Wattbike v2’s were selling for less than 1k.  (quite a few fixed price holding out for c1500).

I’ve taken mine apart and theres really not much to go wrong with them – theres what looks like a singlespeed/bmx chain. That drives a wheel that then has a gates style toothed belt to the flywheel.   The plastic wheel in the background with the velcro on is the ‘tensioner’ – I moved the velcro round a bit.  The circuitboard is all the electronics.  Then theres on my v1 a motorised magnet that moves closer or further from the flywheel (on the left in the pic), on the v2 I think a different system that varies the power of a fixed magnet (which reacts more quickly).  All the bearings look oversized (weight doesn’t matter) and it’s running completely enclosed so isn’t getting dirty/wet.

Biggest risk to them seems to be sweaty bastards dripping all over the thing and salty water working its way into the case and onto the electrics.  I’ve never found that an issue with a decent fan and a towel.

Wattbike service visit is under £200 plus any parts.  If your electronics failed I could see that might be a few £100 but nothing else looks costly.

Thanks for that @b33k34 super helpful

think I’ll try a second hand Wattbike for size.

not really liking the new Wattbike proton or the air (which is unlikely to be very quiet given air resistance)

and I’d just like to spend less on this, but if it doesn’t work out any better then the kickr core I can just move it on.

^^ if going secondhand, be mindful of the Atom V1 and V2.  The newer V2 is a lot better/smoother and interfaces with Zwift and others apps better.  They look almost identical, the only really noticeable difference is that the newer V2 has the on/off switch on the underside, whereas the V1 has in on the top of the rear casing.  In both versions, the switch is a weak point, so best leaving in the on position at all times and switch on and off at the wall plug.

there are some useful FB groups and often see for sale ones there, along with a lot of useful info

https://www.facebook.com/groups/120839078637295/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/126251154794282/

Note that seatpost is different on OG and New Gen Atoms. And on other models too.

Is the power smoothing (or lack of) still an issue in ERG mode on the V2 Atom? Everything I’ve ready suggests it is but seems hard to believe not sorted yet, and it’s about the only thing holding me back?

I heard the erg was better on the v2 than the v1 but still not quite as smooth / quick as the kickr core.

If you want easy adjustment and power per leg is it worth considering that new Zwift bike / frame thing and then add some Assioma duo pedals? If you wanted dual power on your road bike outside it would be easy to switch the pedals over to that too.

Apparently it’s not just Zwift compatible – it’ll work with stuff like TrainerRoad where you don’t need to change gear.

ERG on my V2 works perfectly in Zwift, I haven’t used it much on the Wattbike Hub. Used with companion app it’s dead simple to stay in the power band.

I was quite keen on getting a Wattbike for the winter but having seen the new Air and Proton and with the price of the Atom, I think I’m more likely to go with the Zwift Ride now. Seems much better value for money compared to the Wattbike offerings.

Thanks Iain, Joe.

It’s a good shout on Assioma, but I don’t want to get to obsessed by the numbers when I’m out on the bike, just use them on the turbo to try and get better form. I’ve got power on a set of Force cranks and I find I prefer just going by feel/HR outside

On the Wattbike app, the L/R power analysis looks really, really good.

Agree the Zwift Ride is compelling, Crossed, but I’m quite enjoying Rouvy at the moment and don’t think the shifting is compatible (yet).

You can get group Rouvy for £60 each a year for groups of five. Tempted to see who wants in on that 🙂

The power in each leg is either a power meter i each crank or some clever gubbins internally that determines which crank is putting the power down. I have had a shot on a trainer that measured each leg (well, 2 legs, but showed power on both) – disappointingly, I was 50/50…I was hoping to get an idea that I did have a stronger leg…turns out I’m weak in both of them…in equal measure!!!

They’re extremely rigid and you can’t really put them on a rocker

My 62.5 kgs Stages SB20 bike plus me at 98 kgs I put in a rocker plate (TurboRocks)  and it’s great. Love the bike and set up. But Stages have of course gone bust so if something goes wrong….

The reason we bought a Wattbike (about 3 years ago) was because it has a smaller footprint than a bike + trainer, and also so we could adjust it easily for other family members (who have barely touched it tbh).

Looks like the proton is even easier to adjust to multiple users.

The PES analysis is interesting but I use Swift all the time so don’t get to see it.

Never had a bike+trainer so I can’t compare it.

Is the power smoothing (or lack of) still an issue in ERG mode on the V2 Atom? Everything I’ve ready suggests it is but seems hard to believe not sorted yet, and it’s about the only thing holding me back?

Our Atom went back under the 30 day money back guarantee as it was an issue for us, or more accurately my wife who just wanted an easy riding experience. I don’t use ERG mode much but certainly found it not brilliant when trying to diagnose the problem. Looking at the software updates on the wattbike site, nothing has changed since.
Need to remember a Kickr does have very aggressive power smoothing, too much for some, so nothing will compare to that, which is what we came off and went back to.

If they still do the 30 day trial thing it’s an easy way to try it for yourself.

Is the power smoothing (or lack of) still an issue in ERG mode on the V2 Atom? Everything I’ve ready suggests it is but seems hard to believe not sorted yet, and it’s about the only thing holding me back?

Is the erg issue still a thing with wattbikes ?

I use ERG all the time with TrainerDay and TrainerRoad.

Does anyone know if there any differences between the atom and the atom x ? Other than the screen and lower central bar thing.

I thought there was a difference between the Atom and Atom X seatpost adjuster to make it easier on the X. I may be wrong though.

Having read the DC Rainmaker review of the new Proton, I have to say that I’m quite tempted by one now. From what he says it sounds like they’ve resolved any of the ERG issues by changing the gearing from that of the Atom.

While the Proton doesn’t look as heavy duty as the Atom, the smaller footprint of the Proton would be a bonus in the spare room. It also looks much easier to adjust so it will work better for multiple users.

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2024/09/wattbike-proton-smart-bike-in-depth-review.html

I have had an Atom for 2 years nearly now, from new. I posted earlier in the thread, it’s a great piece of kit and works flawlessly, incl in ERG on Zwift.

if buying now I’d likely get the Proton, it is a bit smaller and cheaper and, though not an issue for me, much better at being regularly adjusted for multiple users. That DC Rainmaker review is very useful.

Thanks @iainc tbh I’m not entirely sure what all the excitement around erg issues re. I’m no pro cyclist, so don’t really give a stuff about some minor potential wobble in the erg setting etc.

re the proton, now I’m conflicted, as a 2nd hand Wattbike atom is 1200-1300 or thereabouts for a v2 and a new proton is 1800 with  all the warranty and better internals and no top tube on the frame.

I think unless you are at pro level and needing the 2000 Watt capacity the Proton is a better deal. It has slightly newer tech and more adjustability so no downsides IMO.

The Wattbike service, which costs about £200 is very comprehensive and includes new chain and pretty much anything else that is worn. The forums regularly talk of folks getting Atom’s serviced after 2-3 years and hundred of hours use and it’s usually routine refresh of parts and bike feels like new afterwards.

Weak spots on Atom are bolts on seatpost and bars, which are a problem if changing position frequently, on/off switch, so the norm is use the switch on the wall plug, and some folks find the shifter hoods move, but if wearing road gloves they seem fine as they stay dry.

If you are using Wahoo Systm there are few training sessions which have very short intervals, like 5-10 second sprints and this is where my V1 Atom struggles. It is always bit late for these before resistance stabilises but I don’t find this to be major issue. Or at least it doesn’t ruin my training.

Wattbikes own sessions have slightly longer intervals and they might have done it on purpose. 

I have to admit, my last session on Wattbike was on April and I haven’t been eager to start using it again – now that weather seems be turning worse it is time to start again. Couple of varying rides first and then it is time for that lovely 4D test.