AAAC 76C
Large Member
Max 115 kg
Team BKool CycleChat
- Thread starter Peteaud
- Start date
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Max 115 kg
<Tommy>
Illegitimi non carborundum
@TurboTommy I'd be interested in what you think of the WattBike Atom when you get it and start to use it in anger. I can't afford/justify just a power meter for my Boardman, but if I do come to replace the BKool Pro then it would be either a direct drive turbo or something like the WattBike.
I've used training bikes before in gyms and they didn't feel like riding a real bike so be interesting if these are better.
Maybe next year I'll move to a more realistic 'power' trainer so that @bobinski can keep up with me on ZwiftDemotion from Cat B to D will be almost certain
Wattbike's are a little different to gym bikes Whorty as you can adjust the fit to replicate your own bike. They're used by lots of pro athletes for this reason.
In your case if you have the budget for an atom I'd probably recommend you spend the money elsewhere. If it was me I think I'd be more tempted to upgrade my bike and buy a mid range turbo trainer.
AAAC 76C
Large Member
Looks like there is a lot of indoor VR Trainer competition on this year which will impact introductory prices.
Keep your ear to the ground and and an eye on reviews before jumping in.
<Tommy>
Illegitimi non carborundum
Yeah I agree. Seems like lots of the big players are bringing out new machines. I'd be very surprised if the wattbike came down much in price anytime soon though. The demand for the atom is already pushing the wait list back further and further. It'll be for the others to be competitive with the pricing line wattbike have drawn in my opinion.
bobinski
Legendary Member
@TurboTommy I'd be interested in what you think of the WattBike Atom when you get it and start to use it in anger. I can't afford/justify just a power meter for my Boardman, but if I do come to replace the BKool Pro then it would be either a direct drive turbo or something like the WattBike.
I've used training bikes before in gyms and they didn't feel like riding a real bike so be interesting if these are better.
Maybe next year I'll move to a more realistic 'power' trainer so that @bobinski can keep up with me on Zwift
I look forward to that Carl
theboxers
TheBoxers on Cycle Sim sw
There was a Tacx setup, like the Atom, styled on the Neo, previewed at one of the bike shows. DCR was told 2.5-3k Euros for it when it launches next year. His reply was apparently "that's too much". iirc
Wattbike have stepped into a hole, where no one else is, with a very competitively priced offering. Yes it's £1500, but if it is as good as, or very close to, a neo/kickr + bike setup it'll seem cheap. It's up to everyone else to decide whether they want to play at that price point.
bobinski
Legendary Member
The only other downside I can see is getting it into a loft or leaving it in a shed or garage. Otherwise it seems a no brainier for the reasonably well heeled cyclist looking for probably the best trainer.
<Tommy>
Illegitimi non carborundum
Yes this is actually part of the reason I went for the atom Andy. I want a specific space for it rather than moving my commuter bike to and from that space. I'm lucky I have enough space to dedicate a room to it (well that and other bits and bobs) so I won't need to pack it away. Another factor being the missus can potentially use it (she doesn't own or want to own a bike at the moment).
Wattbike have a very good rep and early reviews report it's worthy of the wattbike name so fingers crossed!
In terms of quality of ride it seems the neo is still the best machine so both have their pros and cons.
I'm really hoping I'll be able to use it on bkool too but we'll have to see about that.
Whorty
Gets free watts from the Atom ;)
I agree, I'd need to shed 2 kg .... does that mean I can change my BKool weight to 137kg for the October CG league
<Tommy>
Illegitimi non carborundum
Yeah that's what I meant bud. I'm not sure we'll ever see a day when all things are equal in bkool land!
Whorty
Gets free watts from the Atom ;)
Thing is, I can't justify a new bike as there is nothing wrong with the Boardman. I could possibly justify an upgrade to the turbo (hence direct drive or WattBike) but I'm good with the bike. If I got a new bike I'd be getting myself a Single Speed to replace the one I used to have in London that was nicked by some scumbag.
