Wattbike Atom or something else? #newbie

The very recent update to Zwift and the Atom firmware have made a significant improvement in the riding experience within Zwift. This was reported by my mate who has the Atom and did a Zwift ride yesterday and enjoyed the ride

There's another atom thread not far from here with new owners reporting disappointment in detail. Worth a read.

I really enjoy winter training on a wattbike pro at my gym and ordered (and paid for in full..) a wattbike Atom 4 months ago. It arrived last week and I was impressed at how small and light it was. Unfortunately, it was squeaky, the trim was hanging off and during testing, a drop in cadence repeatedly resulted in a massive increase in resistance - I'm not sure why anyone at all would tolerate this glitch. I sent mine back with the couriers and have requested a refund. I'm going to try for a reconditioned pro instead. Shame - it looked so promising. I'll let you know if there are problems with the return process.

If you can at all, try a few options out before spending a big sum on an investment like a Wattbike.

I've got one of the cheaper end Tacx smart turbos I ride at home with Zwift when the weather is rubbish, but recently they've got a couple of Wattbikes in the gym I go to. It's great because I can ride in the morning before work (when the Turbo at home would be too loud for the family).

I just pair it to the Zwift app on an iPhone, and it seems to work without any issue. The Wattbike App has some virtual rides in it too. 

I'd recommend having a look to see if you can find a local gym where you could test them for a bit before having to invest.)

Bit of advice building on these. Zwift is OK if you have a pc or apple tech at the right age. I got a smart turbo trainer last year and use it in the garage with TrainerRoad which is good for structured workouts but it's no substitute to getting outside. I also love my rollers.
Check the tech requirements for zwift - I'm looking at having to buy/upgrade tech to use it so at the moment it's a no no. Also subscription has I believe just increased.
Like others have said use your bike more. Maybe invest in some decent kit to wear outside and see if you still love it as much later in the year. Perhaps the cheaper way to decide and still avoid world wars... I'm sure we've all been there.

If you can, I would say wait a while - there will be some potentially better options in the "Dedicated indoor trainer" category in the next 3-12 months, as Zwift has ensured a ready market for such devices, saving the bulk and hassle of a turbo with bike mounted.  I expect that those other options may be cheaper too, but don't expect the Tacx one to be cheap - according to DCRainmaker, they were expecting to sell it for huge money. Expect someone to at least compete on price, if not undercut the Atom.

A really cheap option for the device too, is the Apple 4K TV, a steal at £179, much cheaper than a laptop/PC/iPad.  I've tried it, works really well too.

There are other indoor bikes out there.. it's generally considered that the Wattbike (proper) is the best one for the money (circa. £2250).  These also command a really good resale value so if you did find it sat there for a year unused and unloved, you should be able to move it on pretty sharpish.

There are also a couple of places where you can also rent these bikes for about £75a month for a fixed period.

The Wattbike 'Atom' is very new and has a few niggles which are cause for some concern, however I'm sure these niggles will be ironed out with a software update sometime soon. 

Stages do an alternative indoor bike which connects to Zwift - https://stagescycling.com/global/indoor/ 

However to me it does seem a little extravagent to spend all that money on a trainer just to ride 'virtually' on a screen and then pay the monthly fee on top. You may be very wealthy and not like leaving the house much, or maybe you live in the middle of nowhere I just don't know.. however I'd suggest you looked at your local 'spin classes' or maybe you're lucky enough to live near an Athlete Lab or SoulCycle class or similar.

Let us know what you decide.

You say you don't exercise - so why would you bother inside ?

I'd say most turbos sit there unloved and unused for most of their lives. 

If you only rode the outdoor bike 5 times last summer then I can't see you sticking with this.

If you don't want to stay fit and healthy that's up to you - but just buying a wattbike or similar is of no benefit unless you are motivated enough to use it. 

Indoor cycling is dull, it's hot, it's harder than outside, finding the motivation is hard.

I'd suggest another summer of fun on the bike before such a big investment - Zwift et al makes it a bit more enjoyable but think how many exercise bikes become clothes hangers.

A basic turbopaired with a heart rate montior means you could do some GCN training videos - some bargains on gumtree and the like. Or Halfords do the Tacx Smart Flow for under £200 with BC discount, this will provide resistance, link to Zwift and retain some of its value for sell on. If you use it loads then great or upgrade, if you don't then you've lost much less!

 I appreciate you don't wanta turbo trainer, but... I have a Tacx Neo and it was simple enough to set up. I had to buy a computer as well to run Zwift, but maybe you have a tablet or something - either way it'll probably come in at the same price as an Atom I'd guess. As a beginner I'd be hesitant about recommending spending so much just to play on Zwift though. Realistically the Flux* (similar but limited to 1500W/10% slope) is probably a more sensible option if you go down the turbo trainer route.

 I've not measured it but I can't imagine it's that much longer than an Atom. I have mine set up in a tiny cupboard sized part of the house :-P

Richard

*Or equivalent model by another company.

Don't buy the Wattbike Atom. It's not sorted yet and is non functional on Zwift, trainer road. There is another thread recently complaining of the problems. Setting up a smart trainer is easy. If you're prepared to spend over £1k for an atom buy a Wahoo Kickr, Tacx Neo or any top model trainer. They are much better than the Atom