Our latest trusted review is the very beautiful Wattbike Atom. Douglas from the Trivelo test squad originally provided his review in 2020 and we have updated this with the latest results for 2023. Douglas is a 57 year old ex-Army cycling enthusiast. Still cycilng for the Army Cycle Union and his local cycling club. Read his Wattbike Atom Review – how to train using the Wattbike Atom.
Trivelo Rating – 4 / 5
Introduction to Wattbike
Wattbike was formed in 2000 seeking to innovate the indoor cycling trainer market. They have been working over the past 20 years to try to accurately replicate the sensation of riding on the road. The company have had a long relationship with the British Cycling team endorsed by them in 2008.
The company began development with a focus on Watts. Their approach has been to develop their indoor trainers using the power output to aid a cyclists training. This laser focus lead to the launch of the Wattbike Atom in 2017 which they have since updated in 2019. The Next generation model was then released in 2022.
If data and watts are something you have an increasing interest in then check out our article on Power Meters and are they really worth your money.
Who is the Wattbike Atom for?
In June of 2020 I finally took delivery of my much awaited WattBike Atom. I had been looking at a way of augmenting my riding and doing some specific workout plans particularly with a Power Meter.
If you enjoy the science of tracking your workouts and been thinking of using Strava check our guide on the application. Learn all about the functionality of Strava and if you can use if for free.
Is the Wattbike Atom good for Zwift?
Zwift is my current app of choice (I am at Level 19). It comes with good workout plans and the opportunity to join group rides and workouts. Power data transmitted from Atom can fluctuate widely at times but generally output is consistent.
What Apps work with the Wattbike Atom?
Initial testing was spent using the various apps to find out what was going to work best for me. Wattbike Atom works with:
- Zwift
- Wattbike Hub App
- FulGaz App
- Rouvy App
WattBike Hub App. I like the pedal performance reading, very useful to assess weighting. The app is okay for short duration / high intensity workouts (say whilst in a hotel gym) but too boring for longer than 45 minute rides.
FulGaz App. Has great videos and offers the opportunity to cycle places I may never get to. On the downside it has limited heads up data. The videos that include other riders make the ride become unrealistic due to speed differences.
Rouvy App. I really wanted this to work as I use AppleTV. It didn’t at first but now it does but my impressions on it is that is unfortunately just odd!
Can you use the Wattbike Atom without Subscription
Using the Wattbike Atom with the Wattbike Hub app is free. When you have bought your Wattbike Atom and download the Wattbike Hub App on your phone or tablet there is no monthly subscription to use it.
Does the Wattbike Atom help improve fitness?
I completed an Functional Threshold Power (FTP) test on the Wattbike Atom in 2020 with a result of 175 Watts. I then completed the Zwift FTP plan and in four weeks raised my FTP to 195 Watts. In recent weeks I have completed my first virtual time trial, first virtual crit and various group rides. My FTP is now 211 Watts and I’ve moved from CAT D to CAT C.
If you are looking to use the Wattbike Atom as part of your regular routine but not sure when read our 7 reasons to workout at lunchtime. There are a number of strong reasons why you should step away from your daily grind to add exercise at lunchtime.
Does the Wattbike Atom come with Pedals?
Yes. The Wattbike Atom is sold with Flat pedals with toe cage fitted as standard. The crank arm features a standard thread pedal fitment allowing riders to replace the standard pedals. Many users upgrade the pedals to allow them to use their standard cycling use with clip in pedals.
Does the Wattbike Atom come with a screen?
The Wattbike Atom do not feature a screen. Unlike the Peloton bike the Wattbike Atom has no screen interface. The bike connects to a smartphone or tablet with Bluetooth, ANT+ or FTMS connectivity. When you use an associated app you can train using the Wattbike Atom.
Training with the Wattbike Atom
What Zwift and the Atom allow is continuous output of watts via the heads up display and W/Kg in the right hand board. This allows you to monitor your output as you ride. For instance I now know that for a flat 30 minute time trial ride I can hold a constant 185 Watts. Whereas for a short but hilly route such as Bologna I can do 195 Watts to the base then ramp to 240 Watts. I’m not going to win Le Tour but I’m challenging myself!
For something like Alpe du Zwift (not currently a love affair) I start well on the Fire and Ice route. I can hold a steady 185 Watts for an hour but the last 20 mins I’m dropping. Work is required clearly for me but the power meter has really assisted me in identifying the issue and in helping me resolve this.
Is the Wattbike Atom worth it?
I am very positive about my experience with the Wattbike Atom and would highly recommend it.
Wattbike Atom Specifications
- SMART TRAINER CONTROL: ANT+ FEC and Bluetooth Smart Control
- GEARS: 22
- GRADIENT: Range 0–25%
- THIRD PARTY CONNECTIVITY: Via ANT+ FEC/ANT+/Bluetooth Smart Control
- HEIGHT: Max. 150cm (fully extended tablet holder)
- WIDTH: 50cm
- LENGTH: 100cm
- WEIGHT: 44kg
- FEET: Rubber feet
- ROLLERS: Transportation rollers fitted
- CRANKS: 170mm
- SEAT: Racing seat fitted as standard
- PEDALS: Flat pedals with toe cage fitted as standard
- TABLET HOLDER: Can accomodate from 70mm–240mm in height
- FRAME: Aluminium
- HANDLEBAR FORE/AFT ADJUSTABILITY: Range 0–7.5cm
- HANDLEBAR HEIGHT ADJUSTABILITY: Range 53.5cm–76.5cm
- SADDLE FORE/AFT ADJUSTABILITY: Range 0–8.8cm
- SADDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTABILITY: Range 57cm–83cm
- POWER RANGE: 0–2000w
- RESISTANCE: Magnetic
- POWER REQUIRED: Mains adaptor
Buy the Wattbike Atom for £2399 direct from Wattbike.
Read our review of the PowerTap P1 pedal power meters if you want more information on power meter pedals having read the Wattbike Atom Review.
