Live Science Verdict
The Wattbike Proton smart bike is sensibly price , durable and widely adjustable , making it a great option for families and house shares . However , it is also stripped of the Peloton - vogue " fun " features , such as teacher - led class and an piquant user user interface , and it can be quite noisy , too .
Fits both children and grownup
stalwart and comfortable to ride
The Wattbike Proton can be easily using levers or large threaded knobs, no tools are required.
modest step
Good note value for money
Noisy pedals
Proton’s widely adjustable saddle can be particularly useful for those with back issues or limited hip mobility.
Heavy and difficult to move around
subscription need to access third - company apps
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The Wattbike Proton bike was designed with tight spaces in mind.
If you know a affair or two about cycling , Wattbike needs no innovation . This marque is a household name in the fitness industry and many athlete have come to indorse its flagshipWattbike Atomsmart bike since its freeing nearly five years ago . Why ? Its meticulous approach to physical exertion tracking makes Wattbike a go - to for those serious about boosting their cycling public presentation . This also means that Wattbike machines do not tend to be a first choice for the average gymnastic apparatus — but this may be about to shift .
The brand released a new model foretell the Wattbike Proton in the U.K. in September last year and plans to launch it in the U.S. sometime in other 2025 . This saucy motorcycle was basically design to appeal to a broader audience , including those who would typically choose for something more fun - oriented like aPeloton bicycle . The Proton is slightly less powerful and “ beefy ” than the Atom , but on the whole , has the same fundamental feature article and offer a similarly naturalistic riding experience .
The biggest difference is in the excogitation . Thanks to its adjustable saddle and handlebar , the Wattbike Proton suits a much wide range of users ( admit children magniloquent than 4 ft 6 in/137 centimeter ) , and it takes up less floor outer space . It could well be one of thebest example bikesfor family use . Plus , this smart bicycle is articulate to be priced at $ 2,499 — making it a pocketbook - favorable alternative to premium role model like theWahoo Kickr Bike .
The Proton’s device holder kept our tablet in place even during some of the most intense workouts.
Wattbike Proton smart bike review
Wattbike Proton: Set up and usability
The Wattbike Proton is one of the most adjustable practice bikes we have prove . As name before , it suits user heights from 4 ft 6 - inches to 6 ft 6 -inches ( 1.37 m to 1.98 m ) , making it approachable to both shaver and grownup , and the maximal substance abuser weight unit is pose at an impressive 297.6 pound ( 135 kg ) . For comparison , the pricierWahoo Kickr Bikecan only withstand up to 250 lbs ( 113 kg ) .
Our testing social unit came fully put together , so we ca n’t remark much on the assembly outgrowth . However , setting up our Wattbike Proton was swift , intuitive and required no tools . The handlebar and bicycle seat heights can be adjusted by turning the boss and dialing them into the right position .
Once the bicycle is set up , it connects to your speech sound or tablet — either through the default Wattbike Hub app , or by agency of third - company apps like Strava or Zwift . However , that does not mean you have to pay for a subscription to use the Proton . The Wattbike Hub app is for the most part liberal ( only a handful of non - essential features are hidden behind a paywall ) and has all the cardinal features you may involve for efficient training , from in - depth exercising stats to guided workouts and carrying out tests .
The Wattbike Hub app is great for tracking workout stats and progress over time.
Since the Wattbike Proton supports Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity , it can also be used alongside seaworthiness tracker , heart rate monitors and other health devices .
Wattbike Proton: Design
Approximate dimension ( in ): 38 x 40 x 22 ( H x L x W )
Approximate property ( cm ): 98 x 102 x 57 ( H x L x W )
Weight : 105.8 lb ( 48 kg )
The Wattbike’s signature Pedaling Effectiveness Score (PES) can be a great tool for improving cycling performance.
User height range : 4 ft 6 in to 6 foot 6 in ( 1.37 to 1.98 meters )
Max user weight : 297.6 pound ( 135 kg )
aim character : Chain
The Wattbike Hub app has plenty of guided workouts on offer.
impedance : Electromagnetic
maximal power output : 1800 Watts
show : None
The Wattbike Proton features noisy pedals.
Warranty : Two years
Compatibility : Wattbike Hub and third - political party apps
Other features : Drinks bearer , gadget holder
The Wattbike Proton smart bike is a great alternative to more premium models like the Wahoo Kickr Bike.
The Wattbike Proton is comparatively small when compare to other chic bikes , making it a safe alternative for those short on space . It is also portable , thanks to a yoke of wheel at the front of the unit . However , we still found it quite hard to move around . The wheel librate a firm 105.8 lbs ( 48 kg ) and its wheels did not always glide swimmingly on our rug ( grueling floors might be easygoing in that regard ) , so it did take some strength to maneuver it around the room .
That enounce , we liked the user - favorable purpose of our Wattbike Proton . The saddle was quite thin , but surprisingly well - cushioned and prosperous to ride — and that does not happen often in smart motorcycle . The wide of the mark handlebar bid a effective grip , the treadle did not feel squiffy , and the equipment climb save our tablet static even during the most intense ride .
We also like that the Wattbike Proton has a tone - through design , mean you do not have to swing your pegleg over the top to get on the saddleback . This makes it more approachable for those with correspondence issues or poor hip mobility than overbold wheel with a stone’s throw - over design , such as the Wahoo Kickr Bike or Wattbike Atom .
We spent a month trying and testing the Wattbike Proton smart bike.
The control buttons were the only affair we did not wish about our Wattbike Proton . They are settle on the handlebars , right under the finger , and at least in hypothesis should not be too hard to ascertain and press at the right time . In praxis , however , these button can be hit - and - omit . Their squidgy design realize them quite fiddly and it is not always obvious if you have actually pressed them . The response from the bike can be quite sluggish , too ( more on that by and by . )
Wattbike Proton: Features
The Wattbike Proton has two modes . In Gear mode , you use the buttons to change gear , just like you would on an outdoor bicycle . In Ergo mode , on the other hand , you perplex to your target electrical power no matter how chop-chop you treadle . Put just , the tedious you go , the more resistivity you have to have the best .
There are plenty of exercising - trailing feature usable on the Wattbike Hub app , from canonic metrics such as cadence and distance to advanced functioning indicator like the Wattbike ’s key signature Pedaling Effectiveness Score ( PES ) .
Unique to the brand , the PES ranges from 0 to 100 and reflects the efficiency of your pedaling technique , based on the information collected by the tycoon sensors settle in the crank and pedals . The higher your score , the considerably your musculus engagement and powerfulness generation . Each PES grievance follow with a graph that aid the rider discover areas for improvement . For example , when there is not enough force at the top and bottom of the foot lever stroke , the PES graphical record look like a pattern of eight .
The Wattbike Hub app also features loads of preparation plans , guided workouts and fitness tests . While it is not the most rich or aesthetically pleasing seaworthiness platform we have tested , the Wattbike Hub did a good caper of keeping us fit . The app is well - structure , customizable and relatively easy to apply .
However , it is nowhere near as fun and engaging as the Peloton app , for example . The Wattbike Hub app has no instructor - led classes , free on location or fun little challenges that keep drug user amount back for more . While this is not a huge issue for seasoned wheeler , tiro and those who scramble with sticking to their exercise subprogram may be put off by this deficiency of " fun " features , unless they choose for subscription - based apps like Zwift .
Wattbike Proton: Performance
Performance - wise , the Wattbike Proton is a strong workhorse . This smart bike may not have the proficient discreetness of more premium models , but it is sturdy and authentic . It did not tilt or escape from , even during the most sweaty and lung - busting workouts . We also liked its wide range of resistor , with enough setting to satisfy substance abuser of all fitness levels . However , some performance hiccups can coddle the overall experience .
For example , gear changes can be frustrating at times . As we cite before , the control button are quite fiddly and may be slow to respond . This in turn can move how expeditiously you change the preferences during drill , often diverting your attention away from the exercise itself . It can be plaguy if you are in the midst of an intense ride and your bike does not behave how you need it to .
Secondly , the Wattbike Proton can be quite garish , mostly due to undue pedal vibrations . When we measure the noise horizontal surface made by the bike with the Sound Meter dB - counting app , we noted sounds as eminent as 70 dB — tantamount to a washing motorcar or a hair dryer . While we would not consider this a deal - breaker ( exercise bikes are generally quite noisy ) , it is something to take into account if you live in small or crowded space .
Lastly , we had some minor issues with the app connectivity . On several occasion , the Wattbike Hub app fight to connect with our wheel , and the data transmitting was lagging badly . In all fairness , though , most Wattbike Hub user do not seem to be having these issues .
Should you buy the Wattbike Proton?
✅ grease one’s palms it if : You are a passionate cyclist await to improve your exercise carrying into action , but do n’t desire to pass an arm and a leg on a premium smart wheel . The Wattbike Proton is also a good option for multi - person menage , mostly thanks to its full adjustability and uncompromising , reliable design .
❌ Do n’t buy it if : You are a cycling novice or someone who struggles with mystify to your exercise routine . The Wattbike Proton lack some of the " merriment " features that help boost engagement and motive , such as teacher - led fitness classes or rides on locating . It is also relatively loud .
If this product is not for you
If you want a top - course of instruction smart bike ( and do not heed spending an eye - watering $ 3,999 ) , delay out theWahoo Kickr Bike . It is a beast of a simple machine , highly customizable and widely compatible with third - company apps , and unlike most cycle trainer on the marketplace , it comes with incline changes so it can better simulate outside condition . A genuine treat .
Looking for something cheap ? Consider theZwift Ride . This bicycle setup is compact , nonrational to use and smooth to ride , but more importantly , it delivers a great smart bicycle experience for just under $ 1,300 .
Want something more beginner - well-disposed ? ThePeloton bikeis a dandy alternative here . This iconic exercise political machine has plenty of engaging fitness contentedness on offer , such as fun instructor - lead fittingness class , and it is exceptionally well made , too . Plus , it is cheaper than the Wattbike Proton by around $ 1,000 .
Wattbike Proton: How we tested
We tested the Wattbike Proton for most a month , assessing its figure , feature of speech , performance and rest of use . We put this smart cycle through a range of workouts , including gentle active recovery rides and mellow - intensity sprints , working through a wide-cut scope of resistance configurations . We also gave our finding of fact on the availableness , connectivity and value for money of the Wattbike Proton .
