Wattbike Atom (Next Generation)
What’s the story?
Designed for those who live for Lycra, big thighs and sore bums, the latest upgrade to the already exceptional Wattbike Atom indoor cycling trainer brings electromagnetic resistance for smooth and instantaneous gear changes, enhanced flywheel and crank sensors that check your data 1000 times every second, plus improved power output of up to 2500W.
All this is based around a 44kg frame with twin 4.5kg flywheels and 22 gears. It’s super-solid even when you’re sprinting like a loon, and you can swap pedals and seatpost to mimic your road bike. There’s no display, so connectivity is key – but with ANT+, FE-C and Bluetooth LE offering up seamless syncing to
Strava, Zwift, The Sufferfest, Trainerroad and Wattbike’s own Hub, what you lose in Peloton-style personal trainers you gain in metrics. The Hub monitors over 30 different measurements; our favourite is Angle of Peak Force of Left Leg (AOPF LL).
Is it any good?
This is no beginner bike, but if you’re looking to improve your cycling form at home you’re in for a treat. Pedalling feels eerily real, and the improvements to the gear and resistance changes are significant – the original Atom had a slight delay as the gears shifted, which has gone now – and racing in Zwift feels much better for it.
The Wattbike Hub, while looking like a spreadsheet, is packed with training plans, tests, warm-ups/cool-downs, hill climbs and races – and if you’re bored by that, this bike isn’t for you. It’s all a bit much for the ‘just pedal till you’re puffed out’ brigade, but this data-heavy approach is fitness nirvana to some. So if you’re looking for a centrepiece to your pain cave, you’ll love this Wattbike – and your growing cycling prowess will thank you for it.
Price £1899 / stuff.tv/wbatom
Key specs ● No display
● No speakers ● Bluetooth LE, ANT+, FE-C ● 44kg
STUFF SAYS The upgraded Atom is the benchmark for people who love riding in real pelotons ★★★★★