Wattbike has simply introduced what they’re billing because the beginnings of a refresh cycle for his or her whole indoor bike lineup, overlaying each ends of their indoor bike vary – together with each electronically managed bikes, and wind resistance bikes. Nonetheless, as a part of this effort, they’re introducing a brand new barely extra budget-friendly possibility, the Wattbike Proton, which is geared toward a barely totally different viewers than the present Wattbike ATOM collection.
This new Proton unit is closely centered on packing as a lot as it may right into a smaller footprint, however nonetheless sustaining the very same inside and digital options as a Wattbike ATOM, besides in actual fact, higher internals. They’ve addressed a key ache level I famous in my Wattbike ATOM evaluation: Sluggish responsiveness in ERG mode. That’s now solved by way of a {hardware} gearing change (extra on that under).
Nonetheless, Wattbike says that the Proton isn’t immediately aimed on the severe Zwift racer, as an alternative they advocate the Wattbike ATOM collection for the perfect expertise there. As a substitute, the Proton is absolutely geared toward these contemplating a Peloton Bike, however don’t need the subscription facets, or need higher third social gathering compatibility (and after I say ‘higher’, I imply, any in any respect – because the Peloton Bike is locked to Peloton). The Wattbike Proton is totally open, identical to another sensible bike/coach out there. So you may join any platform you need, or use Wattbike’s personal in depth library of free exercises, plans, and extra. We’ll get into that down under.
With that, let’s dive into what’s new and totally different on the Wattbike Proton.
Key Specs & The way it Differs:
In lots of (most) methods, the important thing variations between the Proton and ATOM are actually round bike structural design when it comes to each bike match, in addition to measurement of the general body. The Proton was particularly designed to suit into markets (e.g. Japan) which have a lot smaller footprints when it comes to obtainable area. As such, it’s some 20cm shorter than the ATOM. Additional, it has a wider match vary, enabling it to accommodate considerably shorter folks, in addition to taller folks. And actually, it does away with any significant quantity of step-over required (because it doesn’t have a top-tube).
In fact, inversely, you lose issues just like the aerobar-style bars on ATOM, in addition to the overall look of the ATOM. Right here’s the important thing specs although, from a wise coach/bike perspective:
– Energy Accuracy declare of +/- 1%
– Max 25% simulated incline (of resistance unit)
– Max 1,800w supported resistance
– Zero-calibration software program algorithm
– Twin ANT+/Bluetooth Sensible assist, together with ANT+ FE-C, plus energy/velocity/cadence broadcasting
– 170mm crank arms (non-adjustable)
– Q issue: 160mm
– Max rider weight: 135kg/297LBS
– Requires energy cable/be plugged in
– Weighs 48kg/105lbs (however has wheels to roll round)
– Pricing: £1,795/$2,499USD/AU$3,749 (with US/Australia availability in early 2025)
The ATOM and Proton each use the identical inside digital resistance system, nevertheless with one notable change. The gear ratio of the Proton has been modified from 18:1 on the ATOM, to 13:1 on the Proton. This leads to a way more regular ERG mode holding of energy (beforehand on ATOM, it wobbled fairly a bit). I haven’t observed any downsides to that in my testing.
Now, the third product is their ‘Air’ lineup, which can be refreshed. I haven’t reviewed that beforehand, because it tends to be extra centered on gyms and different industrial settings. For enjoyable, right here’s a comparability chart that Wattbike supplied that reveals the distinction between the three fashions. Be aware that at the moment, the ATOM isn’t getting a significant refresh. As a substitute, this primary section is absolutely in regards to the new Proton and Air getting an enormous refresh.
With that, let’s dive into utilizing it.
The Proton {Hardware}:
One of many primary causes you’d get an indoor bike, over simply placing a motorcycle on a wise coach, is for multi-user eventualities. Which means, you may modify the match of the bike for various riders. The Wattbike Proton has a consumer top vary of 4’6” (137cm) to six’6” (198cm), although, for biking, that’s actually solely one of many relevant metrics. You’re usually inseam size, which might affect bits like stepover top and such. However the Proton sidesteps that by eliminating the highest tube, so there’s no significant stepover top.
So, let’s have a look at all of the adjustable factors on the bike. Although, two fast sensible notes first. To be able to have management and information transmission it does require being plugged into an influence outlet, that energy plug is on the again:
In the meantime, up entrance are two wheels that enable for straightforward motion round your private home. I imply, until steps are concerned. Through which case, then it’s barely extra adventurous. Albeit, I suppose taking place the steps is straightforward. Whether or not or not it’s usable after the down-step journey is a unique query.
In any occasion, the Proton touts ‘tool-less’ adjustment for all issues that you simply may want to regulate between riders. That’s a little bit of a refined dig at Zwift and the Zwift Trip, which requires a small wrench to make changes. In fact, it’s a 3-5 second factor to make changes there, however nonetheless, it’s yet one more factor.
Beginning with the again of the Proton, there’s the seat submit top adjustment. Merely rotate it to loosen it. I had zero points with seat submit slip (one thing I did see on earlier editions of the Wattbike ATOM, however was subsequently fastened).
Subsequent, there’s the ahead/again motion of your complete seat on these rails. Once more, that is tool-less with the lever you see right here.
Each the seat submit and saddle rail system have centimeter/millimeter markers on them, so you may shortly and simply get to the very same place every time.
On the saddle itself, it makes use of an ordinary saddle rail system up prime, although a barely tweaked one to connect to their shifting rail down under. Which means you may simply connect your individual saddle in case you don’t just like the one included. I’ll word that I couldn’t work out for my first few rides why my thighs have been calmly touching the rail on one facet (and just one facet), given the entire level of eliminating a top-tube design is to keep away from any type of thigh rub points. It wasn’t till I went to take these photos that I noticed the manufacturing facility had set the saddle as barely off-set from the rail (proper photograph under). This can be a 2-3 minute repair with a wrench to re-align, however, simply FYI in case anybody else has this occur, no biggie to repair (and I’m positive after I submit about this, Wattbike will probably be including a guidelines merchandise to their manufacturing).
In any occasion, shifting as much as the handlebar meeting, you’ll see the big spherical knob for sliding your complete meeting ahead/again. Whereas I believe the knob seems to be a bit ugly from a design standpoint, it is vitally simple and useful to make use of. I suppose sorta like risotto, tastes nice, however images horribly. You’ll additionally word all of the match markers.
The identical is true for your complete handlebar meeting going up/down. There’s a knob down close to/in-between the water bottle cages. Precisely just like the rear knob, besides a entrance knob. Which in all probability sounds dangerous when written out like that.
In the meantime, up entrance there’s a pill/cellphone holder: You simply slide your cellphone into the grooves, and it’s good and vast to assist iPads/and so on… with none points.
You may see it right here holding the iPad Professional, and an iPhone.
At this juncture, the extra astute of you will have observed an extra accent: The Haribo Holder.
This accent is custom-designed to fit immediately into the area between the pill holder and the adjustment knob, and holds roughly one-half commonplace measurement bag of Haribo Star Combine. It’s not appropriate with your complete contents of the Jumbo Bag measurement in a single sitting, which implies that you’ll get two coaching periods out of the bag (or, would require a mid-ride refuel).
The tray detaches for straightforward cleansing within the occasion that you simply put different unsupported merchandise in there, leading to meals failure (e.g, melted chocolate, or truffle-coated bon bons).
Now sadly, I’m instructed this Haribo Holder just isn’t commonplace situation on all Wattbike Proton models. As a substitute, it’ll require you may have a 3D printer, to print the little tray. Ideally Wattbike will launch that 3D printing file shortly, enabling Haribo holding for all.
In any case, again on the bike technical bits, the one minor draw back is there’s no USB energy ports up there, so, you’ll simply must have some cables hanging down. Similar goes for anyplace to carry distant controls. In my case, my Apple TV distant controls, for which I’ve purchased little/low-cost instances/leashes , however I’m nonetheless a long-time fan of locations to stash issues on indoor bikes.
Now, trying carefully on the handlebars above/under, you’ll see some buttons. The purple bits on prime are the motion buttons, after which down under that on the entrance are two extra buttons, that are major shifters. These will fluctuate based mostly on the app. For instance, within the Wattbike Hub app, these buttons have extra capabilities. Whereas in Zwift, it’s actually solely the correct decrease buttons, which shift simpler/more durable.
Shifting responsiveness, be it in Zwift or different apps is fast and…properly…responsive. I’ve no points with how briskly the shifting is. Certain, it lacks a click on sensation of extra real looking shifters like these discovered on the Wahoo KICKR Bike/SHIFT, however it works simply fantastic.
In relation to pedals, the bike helps any commonplace pedal attachment. In my case, I swapped out to my very own pedals, however, in case you’re extra of an exerciser sort, then it contains such pedals within the field:
When it comes to sound, the unit produces a little bit of sound, principally a low-level whirring sound, that may be a bit lower than a fan. It’s not silent like a Peloton Bike, for positive, however it’s additionally not horrible both. Be aware that there’s no significant distinction between steady-state and sprinting (high-speed), because it’s simply an inside resistance change, and never an precise gearing change.
Wattbike Hub App:
If one have been evaluating the Proton to the Peloton Bike, possible the large standout distinction is that Peloton successfully requires a subscription to Peloton, whereas Proton doesn’t require any subscription to something. But concurrently, Proton works with all the pieces (whereas the Peloton Bike isn’t appropriate with another apps). Additional, Proton features a bunch of exercises and coaching plans and such inside the Wattbike Hub app at no cost, greater than sufficient to maintain you busy. In fact, Wattbike additionally has Wattbike Hub+, which has a number of additional options within the app as a paid subscription if you’d like it, however actually, the bottom free model has boatloads in it.
So, beginning with that piece, right here’s the free/base Wattbike Hub app. For instance, there are a slate of exercises categorized into totally different buckets, based mostly on both focus space or length. The screenshot on the under proper is simply exhibiting a number of of the various exercises within the “half-hour to spare” bucket.
Similar goes for the opposite buckets, like these with an hour to burn.
However there’s additionally a ton of free coaching plans too. Only a few firms really provide completely free coaching plans, particularly within the indoor biking area. We see some watch/bike pc firms provide such issues (e.g., Garmin or COROS), however most different indoor coach coaching plans require some type of subscription platform.
Once more, these are all categorized, comparable to these sportive coaching plans, after which every stage has particulars about what precisely you’re doing.
Or this 100 Mile Trip plan, which additionally lists out every week all the exercises you’ll do, with the precise structured exercise that it’s going to leverage.
After which for any given construction exercise, once more, it’ll record all the structural particulars of the exercise, in addition to *why* you’re doing that specific exercise.
Along with this, there’s additionally a extra generic ERG mode that you should utilize, that’ll principally simply allow you to management the Wattbike Proton on the fly. This additionally has the famed ‘peanut’, which reveals your total stroke and precisely the place within the pedal stroke your energy output is coming from. This hails again from the CompuTrainer days (or no less than, that’s the primary time I ever noticed it), and is usually proven by firms to display that they’ve higher-speed information coming from the pedals/resistance unit. That stated, in observe, I don’t understand how many individuals really get a lot long-term achieve from utilizing this.
It ought to be famous that in their very own app, the buttons on the Wattbike come alive a bit extra. The precise buttons will enhance/lower ERG ranges (depth), whereas the left buttons will change information screens on the app.
And once more, there’s additionally the paid model, which provides a {custom} exercise builder and some extra options. That’s all outlined on this FAQ there. However all the pieces I’ve proven above is within the free model.
third Social gathering Apps:
Now, as I discussed within the earlier part, Wattbike leverages all the open requirements to permit any third social gathering app to speak with it. This implies it’s speaking over each ANT+ & Bluetooth Sensible. It has twin Bluetooth Sensible concurrent connections as properly, which means that it may hook up with each third social gathering apps like Zwift concurrently the Wattbike Hub app (to point out present gearing on the Wattbike Hub app).
From a protocol standpoint it helps, particularly:
ANT+ FE-C (Coach Management): That is for controlling the coach by way of ANT+ from apps and head models. Learn tons about it right here. This additionally contains velocity.
ANT+ Energy Meter Profile: This broadcasts as an ordinary ANT+ energy meter, with cadence information as properly
Bluetooth Sensible FTMS (Coach Management): This permits apps to regulate the Wattbike Proton over Bluetooth Sensible (with cadence/energy information)
Bluetooth Sensible Energy Meter Profile: This broadcasts as an ordinary BLE energy meter with cadence
Because of this nearly each app on the market can hook up with it and management it. Keep in mind, there are two items to a wise indoor tranier/bike. The primary is displaying the info coming from the bike, whereas the second is controlling the bike. It’s this second piece that’s vital, because it lets you run structured exercises (aka ERG mode), or to simulate gradient adjustments like an actual highway exterior (aka SIM mode).
In my testing, I used Zwift as a third social gathering app for each of those. Although, I’ve additionally used loads of different third social gathering apps with different Wattbike models up to now, comparable to TrainerRoad, Kinomap, Rouvy, and extra. All of those leverage the very same ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth Sensible FMTS controls. In truth, so do bike computer systems like these from Garmin, Wahoo, and Hammerhead. Extra on that in a second.
First, trying on the pairing course of inside Zwift, you’ll see the Wattbike Proton present up as each an influence supply in addition to a resistance controllable unit. Plus after all, additionally exhibiting cadence.
However what you received’t see is it exhibiting up as supporting Zwift steering (like a Wahoo KICKR Bike or Zwift Trip). I don’t assume that’s an enormous deal for many individuals, and actually, in case you’re into that, then including the Zwift Play controllers to the handlebars is frankly a much better possibility, because it provides you a lot extra Zwift-specific options.
As soon as in Zwift, it’ll observe the gradient simply as you’d anticipate from another sensible coach. I discovered the responsiveness lots good for each gradient adjustments, in addition to sprinting and such. Right here you may see me wandering by way of some rollers. That stated, you’ll discover the Zwift app isn’t exhibiting the present Wattbike digital gearing within the higher left nook (normally it’s under the blue block of textual content).
In asking Wattbike, they famous that it was working simply fantastic till very not too long ago, however has randomly stopped in latest weeks. They’ve reached out to Zwift to seek out out why. It might be tied up in Zwift’s transition to the Zwift Protocol, which Wattbike says it’s desperate to assist. Both manner, Zwift has an absurdly lengthy relationship with the gearing indicator showing and disappearing for all indoor bike manufacturers at random instances with out discover to customers or firms. If there have been a single technical merchandise that greatest encapsulated the usually irritating and non-communicative relationship between Zwift and indoor {hardware} producers, it’s in all probability the digital gearing show.
In any case, I didn’t discover it a show-stopper, simply extra of a “Sigh…it’s gone once more.” factor.
In the meantime, for ERG mode exercises (structured exercises), you wouldn’t see that digital gearing indicator anyway, since there’s no want for shifting in any structured exercises. I had no points right here from a Zwift/management standpoint. And within the accuracy part, I dive into how that handles from a stability perspective.
Once more, all of that labored simply fantastic for me, as anticipated.
Lastly, it’s also possible to join your watch/bike pc to the Wattbike Proton. That is tremendous helpful in case you’ve bought an endurance sports-focused watch that appears at coaching load and leverages the facility meter values. For instance, a Garmin/Suunto/COROS/Polar watch (Apple connects too, however doesn’t use energy information in its coaching load calculations).
Taking Garmin for instance, right here it’s related to a Garmin Fenix 8, exhibiting the facility meter, in addition to left/proper steadiness info and cadence (RPM):
Once more, all of that is fairly regular stuff for firms that observe ANT+ & Bluetooth Sensible requirements, which is each firm besides Peloton. However the level being, in case you have been attempting to do that with a Peloton Bike, you may’t. For some folks, that may not matter in any respect (lots of my buddies simply desirous to concentrate on normal health), whereas for others it issues very a lot (lots of my buddies which are within the endurance sports activities realm). To every their very own.
Energy Accuracy:
Traditionally talking, we’ve seen moderately good energy accuracy from the Wattbike ATOM, and this unit is utilizing the identical digital motor because the Wattbike ATOM, besides simply with barely totally different inside gearing. The purpose of that gearing change was to handle one key situation with the ATOM: Instability in ERG mode. This meant that if you did an ERG mode on the ATOM, it wouldn’t maintain the set level properly (e.g., as an alternative of holding 250w per the prescribed exercise, it could wobble a bunch). By altering the inner gearing, it could cut back the max wattage barely (to a nonetheless loopy excessive 1,800w), whereas successfully giving the unit extra management.
So, does that maintain up? Let’s have a look at a number of ERG exercises. First up, is a little bit of a settling exercise, the place I used to be attempting to principally settle the facility meter pedals. That’s as a result of normally you may have a time period after a number of onerous sprints the place the pedals tighten, and typically you get some odd readings in that interval (slight offsets). Nonetheless, I figured I’d embrace it for enjoyable:
As you may see, the 2 models tracked one another when it comes to the ups and downs, however there was a slight offset. This had me a bit perplexed, however I initially chalked it as much as a settling experience. That stated, when it comes to ERG mode responsiveness, it was really fairly good, and likewise a lot improved on the soundness of ERG mode. As famous earlier, one of many huge adjustments in comparison with the Wattbike ATOM resistance unit, was altering the gear ratio from an 18:1 to 13:1. This implies you could see *FAR* higher stability of the ERG mode (no extra wild swings). For instance, like right here, the place the typical +/- variations within the reported energy are solely about 8-10w above/under the set level. Although, I are likely to see a bit extra stability on the Wahoo KICKR Bike Shift (simply barely).
(Take into accout this zoomed in graph with the size, usually makes this look a wee bit crazier than actuality.)
In any case, let’s have a look at one other ERG mode exercise. Once more, you may see actually strong stability right here:
But additionally, that offset continues to be there, roughly 10-15 watts, which is an excessive amount of. This was in comparison with the Favero Assioma Professional MX-2 energy meter pedals. I’ve a number of units of them, however with this specific set I’d seen a questionable (pre-Wattbike) normal experience not too long ago that gave me pause. Basically one pedal appeared a bit offset (considerably excessive) in comparison with the opposite unit. Having imbalance is completely regular, however this offset on the Favero pedals was properly past regular.
Thus, after this second experience with them, they bought the boot. I eliminated them from the bike, and put them within the doghouse until I kind it out with Favero.
So as an alternative, I grabbed his sibling, the Favero Assioma Duo-Shi pedals. These ones are within the good pile for the time being, and thus, I belief them. Caught them on the bike, this time for a Zwift experience (non-ERG mode, with loads of ups and downs), and growth, good alignment:
If I zoom into some sections, you may see the 2 models mirror one another very properly:
And even on this 900w dash, there’s no significant variation right here – they’re very shut:
Tremendous proud of that, and it clearly signifies the opposite set of pedals want to return to Favero to kind out. I’ve been touring a bunch the previous few weeks, however I wished to get these preliminary units out now. After which I’ll add a number of extra in over the subsequent few weeks, simply to round-out the bunch. However accuracy-wise seems to be good, as does stability.
And to be clear, straight-accuracy of the Wattbike ATOM beforehand was by no means a problem (was at all times good there), it was the ERG mode stability that was the standout situation, and that seems resolved at this level in my testing.
(Be aware: All the charts in these accuracy sections have been created utilizing the DCR Analyzer software. It lets you evaluate energy meters/trainers, coronary heart fee, cadence, velocity/tempo, GPS tracks, and lots extra. You should utilize it as properly, extra particulars right here.)
Abstract:
Wattbike themselves may be very clear that the Wattbike Proton is designed extra as a mass market bike, but in some ways, setting seems to be (and aerobars) apart, from a technical standpoint, there’s nearly no distinction to an ATOM. Certain, there’s the 1,800w vs 2,500w most distinction in peak energy resistance, however once more, very only a few riders are clearing 1,800w on a dash. Thus, I don’t assume that’s all that significant. And actually, for many of those self same riders, the a lot improved ERG mode dealing with for all riders is a far greater deal than the dash limitation for a number of riders.
The attraction to a motorcycle like that is adjustability and match. When you have been to match it to the cheaper Zwift Trip setup, this unquestionably has extra adjustability to suit totally different riders. In fact, it additionally has much less direct Zwift sport management integration, although you may remedy most of that by way of Zwift Play buttons. As a substitute, it’s really a comparability to the Wahoo KICKR SHIFT that’s extra acceptable, particularly after final week’s pricing changes that now put the KICKR SHIFT on the similar USD pricing ($2,499) because the Wattbike Proton will promote at. Although, the UK pricing at £2,199 is after all £400 greater than the Proton, possible giving some pause. Actually, the KICKR SHIFT has extra tech in it, however once more, the Wattbike has extra mass market attraction, particularly with the broader vary of included/free app exercises and coaching plans within the Wattbike Hub.
All of which then will get to the principle competitor right here, the opposite P phrase: Peloton. Whereas it’s simple to say that is an apples-to-apples comparability, it’s kinda extra like apples-to-pears. Peloton as product is as a lot in regards to the {hardware} as it’s about your complete app and teacher ecosystem. To some, these instructors grow to be the perfect a part of the platform. And naturally, you should utilize a Wattbike Proton with the Peloton App on a pill/and so on, however it received’t fairly be the identical expertise (because of Peloton not connecting to third social gathering energy meters). However equally, there’s simply as many individuals that very a lot don’t need that teacher facet. And Wattbike delivers a really strong bike for them within the Proton, with the power to make use of each different app in the marketplace with true integration.
As at all times, it simply depends upon what you need. However both manner, the Proton is a strong providing in that area at an affordable price ticket in comparison with their opponents.
With that, thanks for studying!
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