Indoor Smart Bike Showdown: Wahoo KICKR Bike vs Tacx NEO Bike vs Wattbike Atom

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks for watching! Here's your complete index of topics: 0:00 - Understanding the landscape 1:50 - Unboxing & Setup 2:36 - Fit and position options 3:40 - Thigh gap considerations 4:18 - Shifting & Gearing 6:57 - Braking 7:13 - Steering capabilities 7:40 - Triathlon/Time Trial/Aerobars 8:23 - Displays, storage, USB Ports 10:15 - Road feel thoughts 11:08 - Audio/Sound Testing 12:15 - Application Compatibility & ANT+FE/Bluetooth Smart FTMS 12:45 - Accuracy (power/cadence/etc...) 13:01 - Tacx Terrain/Road Feel, lighting, KICKR Climb integration 14:27 - Manufacturing quality considerations 16:15 - Wrap up! Thanks for watching!

[@blairoliver4270]

Great, super helpful vid. And speaking of "watching," nice AW. Have you been able to assess whether or not the 6.1 update resolved the HR accuracy issues you (and Des) noted in your Hands-On post? Thanks, as always.

[@Daniel-tt8ni]

Hi Ray. Have you any experience with any of SRM's indoor trainer offerings?

[@staalhermo]

"me giving you a blow" LOL

[@sambrown1779]

You're a legend. Thanks 😎👍🇦🇺

[@jonathansale7138]

Are you considering an update now there are changes in software, hardware, steering etc?

[@Halbmond]

The Wahoo Kickr Bike looks awesome! If you don’t have a dedicated gym room and have to put your fitness equipment into the bedroom or living room, I think the aesthetics really matter a lot.

[@dbs567]

My Wattbike Atoms been solid right from the start. Looking forward to the next generation Atom.

[@glasshouse75]

Another cracking review Ray. In my experience the kickr core issues were solved by the time I got mine over last December. Over 5000k and not a thing to complain about.

[@garagesale5948]

Watt a great smart bike showdown, my wife would kickr me in the neos if I spent that much money on a trainer

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@arfarzam]

That money plus the sales tacx

[@garagesale5948]

@@arfarzam Awesome

[@corymiller4543]

@@arfarzam Don't you mean sales garmin? ;)

[@bountyhuntermk2520]

Well done clown

[@lucaslittmarck6804]

Wahoo need to change their cooling fan for the engine to a noctua cooling fan and most of the really annoying sounds would go away. ( I have tested one and gone through it quite thoroughly ). Really impressed with lack of noise from the tacx neo! Time for wattbike to update and get back in the game! Great review!

[@hearty2260]

No one has done a decent review of the next generation atom yet, have they? On a kickr core, which is great. But after something that I can use with the wife. I think the wattbike will be less hassle in the long run, but wahoo bikes are well down in price in UK atm. 2300 vs 2000 for the atom v2. Decisions....

[@frankmaene1184]

Thanks

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Frank - very much appreciated!

[@dominiquelapointe8424]

Nice review! Unfortunately none of these models suggests the lateral suspension that simulates the true pedaling movement. Garneau had a model of the kind named Ventoux that is no longer available. If you can find it used it is very nice : Free flywheel, no chain (silent), magnetic résistance and lateral movement.

[@bnc9261]

Hello Ray: I appreciate that you, as well as Shane Miller & Chris Pritchard, are doing a great job in not only giving us users information but also in "prompting" the manufacturers to provide the right features for us users. You mention that the Wahoo bike provides 2 buttons for steering. Is that all? Zwift is now providing Mountain Biking, so let's get on board. I'm a technologist in the environment; the challenges are relatively trivial technologically. It requires "just" the vendors to agree on common standards for steering, braking, standing, drinking, etc that are technologically rather trivial to implement.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Unfortunately, it's not the vendors - it's Zwift. They've been stalling the vendors for a year now on this (well before MTB even released). Totally on them. The smart bike vendors are waiting...

[@DazznetITServices]

Great video Sir. As an owner of a Wattbike atom for a year or so now I absolutely love it but look on jealously at the wahoo bike and think that's what I should be getting. Your video shows that in all honesty, all 3 will give me what I want, and for the sake of saving £1000-£1500 staying with the wattbike is what I should be doing. It serves me well and I love it on Zwift. Hoping for advances in firmware/software to kick the atom on over the next couple of years before looking at a v2 bike from one of these guys once the atom dies. Great video and keep up the good work 👍👍

[@eml1909]

Pleased to read that someone is finding it OK on Zwift - very reassuring because my Atom is on order.... But having ordered it, I've then read a lot of negativity about the Zwift experience. Many of the negative comments are from a while ago, however, so perhaps they have improved it. I can't wait for it to arrive, I just hope I like it, I have 30 days to send it back but I really hope not to....!

[@JonathanSmith87]

eml1909 once the gear changing was improved early on it was a dream. There is an owners group on FB & there are many people who use Zwift on there who rave about it. I’ve tried them all but I prefer the Hub app it comes with.

[@akaplatinum]

Thank you for the in depth video description. I am set on the Wattbike. Love the look, sturdy, simple.

[@mdjak3686]

Among the best reviewer anywhere. Ty.

[@danielotero4484]

Can't wait for the Review of the Gen.. 2 Wattbike atom

[@mattyanks]

I am still a proud owner of an early unit neo bike... Well I guess I was until it broke and I had to send it back. Now I should have round two by "mid to late December" hoping that this one lasts longer without any issues.

[@Dcrainmaker]

[Insert sad trombone sound here]

[@smithscarborough]

Really top notch review, as always. Thank you for doing this! I’m pumped to see what the new Woodway Wattbike AtomX has in addition to this one you reviewed.

[@MtBArN]

Thanks for this, I guess I wont be bothering getting any of them this winter. Maybe the next gen if they add steering and a few other perks.

[@theronware]

Thanks for This smart bike review. My current setup is an old 8 speed Eddy Merckx mounted to the Wahoo Kikr smart trainer and Kikr climb. Since I will no longer take the Merckx on the road, it's the perfect system for me using Zwift.

[@eosme]

hi ray, do you know when they (wattbike, tacx, wahoo) will be releasing their next gen bikes?

[@sasman1964]

just ordered one Wattbike Atom ..great review build quality did it for me

[@KeithRobertson57]

Excellent, thanks Ray. Reassured that my cancelling the Tacx and ordering the Atom was the right thing for this winter. I may end up with something different next winter 😎

[@AlbaTech]

Thanks for the great video Ray. I got my fingers burned last year when I ordered a Wattbike Atom without having tried it first (despite my best efforts). I liked the build but the gear change delay and that step motor made for a terrible Zwift experience. I returned it and got a Tacx Neo2 instead, which I have been delighted with. However that climb function on the Kickr bike and the gears implementation would be enough to persuade me to switch teams. But your #thightrub observations just go to prove that any potential buyer needs to swing their leg over one of these before committing that amount of cash - if and when they become available. Keep up the good work.

[@Asterix374]

AlbaTech how is erg mode in comparison to the Wattbike? I’m in the same boat - regretting the Wattbike and looking to switch to the Tacx!

[@AlbaTech]

Peter Slater Erg mode on the neo is much better than the Atom. I was missing ‘stars’ in Zwift workouts as the Atom was so slow to react and settle into the power. Erg on the neo works flawlessly for me. The only problem with Tacx is they don’t have a Clmb unit!

[@Asterix374]

AlbaTech this is just what I needed to hear. I’m having the exact same issue and it’s driving me mad! Thanks for the response. Bye bye wattbike, hello Tacx!

[@julianneal1066]

Thanks for a comprehensive review.

[@RichardWait]

Amazing video - thanks. For those who would use one daily and be a proficient cyclist (not me then) - I really can't see the Kickr lasting very long (i hope it has a long warranty), even on those short sprints you did, there was play in the bike everywhere, looked more natural than the Wattbike for sure, but putting that much force through that single pivot point its gonna break. Its almost like we need the design of the Wattbike, with the functionality of the Kickr (gearing, road feel etc)

[@Dcrainmaker]

To be fair, Wahoo says they designed the unit to have motion/movement, so that it didn't feel like riding a pile of bricks. The question we don't know is if that engineering holds up for 5-7 years.

[@krisausmunchen2665]

Well done! Great comparison. Especially the noise comparison where you can also see the differences in moving between the bikes. Thanks so much! I will buy the tacx. 🚴

[@marcusdali3997]

Nice editing works at 11:31 when comparing all bikes. When riding the Wahoo, is the bouncing front end annoying? Kind of looks like a bad front shock.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I actually don't mind the movement - kinda feels like a normal bike.

[@SwanWillTearYouApart]

I had a quick burn on the Kickr bike at Yorkshire and like Ray I liked the slight flex (am 188cm, 85kg)

[@bobby5031]

Yeah, trust me no flex feels very weird when sprinting.

[@mikekent9488]

I love this. Thanks for sharing

[@Jpppppppp12]

I bought the Kickr Bike, partially based off this video. Love it

[@superpliability6130]

Still going strong, no issues?

[@Jpppppppp12]

@@superpliability6130 No issue what so ever, currently on my 35th straight day of using it. I do not think I have been over 700 watts; i know others who race and do more tend to stress their bike.

[@princeiamc]

"It's like me giving you a blow!" Lmao... Gr8 content as usual.

[@robtyman4281]

Do you realise what this means to a Brit??!!

[@timcorso6337]

@@robtyman4281 What, a happy ending?

[@robtyman4281]

@@timcorso6337 yep! lol

[@braviafeed]

Yeeesh, no thanks bro!

[@jonathansale7138]

Hi Ray, in the uk we now have the atom v2, Tacx neo plus and wahoo kickr v2. Are you doing another full mixed review? I’m stuck on which to get In the uk Atom wattbike £2200 Tacx neo plus with discount code £2300 - normally £3000 Wahoo kicker £3,500 Any advice?

[@cheekyfella27]

i'm in the same boat. would be great to see an updated video with all 3 2nd gen versions - pls

[@dechok4433]

Amazing video , thanks.

[@dna100]

Great comparison/review. Keep up the good work

[@malcolmpearson6304]

Thank you, your information was extremely helpful!!!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@rachaelmaxwell7042]

Great video - really helpful, thanks.

[@alfredobarre]

Thanks for the Revews. Did you tested the Stages SB20 Smart Bike ?

[@joemarr4521]

Just what I’ve been looking for... wait I don’t have enough money for any of these probably like 85% of the people watching 😂

[@mikeprytherch8875]

Great video, it is a shame Tacx haven't nailed it as they have been working on this bike longer than I've been alive LOL

[@dinahplacido5786]

Way better than my old one. Perfect height

[@zTheBigFishz]

I have my old 2012 Madone 5.2 lashed to my Kickr, it stays there. Having an older/cheaper bike permanently mounted to a trainer seems like the most cost efficient way to go for a single rider. Mine is custom fit to me so no issues with fit but no customizing it to somebody else's fit requirements.

[@YeNZeC]

Yep.. i picked up a Carrera Virtuoso to go with a EliteDrivo. Works like a charm.

[@CFGV]

Great video!!!

[@dariusznh]

Thank you!

[@Sneaker_Net]

What a great video, thank you.

[@علیاکبرزارعی-ز4ض]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@SergeiGolubev]

Thanks so much, very helpful!

[@azazel1923]

Thnx a lot What a great job

[@MrAleph0000]

perfect video - thank you very much - keep up the good work 👍🏻👍🏼👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿

[@toby1375]

You mentioned software fixes for the ATOM, could you do a follow up video perhaps? £1600 is much more palatable than the Tacx or Neo! I have to say the ATOM looks like a work of art compared with the other two as well!

[@martinjplant]

Toby Wynne-Owen my week-old Atom has been problem-free out of the box.

[@markusstrotmann3364]

Great review. Did you ever test the technogym Skillbike as an alternative promising better manufacturing quality with full Zwift integration?

[@VenkataSubramaniR]

Any update on these bikes in 2023?

[@workingguy-OU812]

So interesting for the intro - I would have thought bikes like these would have been in farther generations, and much more prevalent, by now. I was thinking of looking for one instead of using my existing road bike on a trainer.

[@YeNZeC]

Wahoo kickr needs to add a front support, needs two supports. One from the seat and also in front (where your front wheel would connect) In it's current state it will not last long and if it does well done. It is a engineering marvel.

[@ellwitz9838]

Having already invested in a Wahoo Kickr 18 there is no way I would be even considering these. Also, so much more to break. I think the trainer will outlast these.

[@GearMashers]

Ray Fantastic Video. It looks like it took you days/weeks to do this. I tested out one of the original Wattbikes and always thought the bike was pretty bombproof. The KICKR Bike really doesn't look as stable compared to the others, especially compared to the Wattbike. It will be interesting to see what KICKR Bike issue Wahoo has. IMO though these new indoor bikes are the way to go for indoor cycling.

[@garagesale5948]

Watt a great smart bike showdown, my wife would kickr me in the neos if I spent taht much money on a trainer

[@glynn9650]

My Watt Atom is the best purchase I’ve done regarding cycling #brilliant bit of kit

[@brody5211]

What’s it like on zwift ?

[@glynn9650]

Excellent

[@dtrjones]

I just bought the new Wattbike. It doesn't have the party tricks of the other bikes but the ride feel is better with the new version and it has good connectivity with other apps. I also feel as a relative beginner to biking (I'm actually a runner) the Wattbike seems to be a bit more accessible - I don't really understand the gears and I don't want to, I don't own a real bike, this is just for cross training and fitness so the Wattbike is ideal. The Taxc was a tempting option but the extra price and complexity didn't seem worth it.

[@cosmonott1]

9:35 "Me just giving you a blow." hahaha

[@iswhatitis76]

I almost pissed on myself

[@PILOT64D10]

Great videos! Will the Trax & Kickers give you L/R pedal efficiency & balance info? I know the wattbike will, but haven't found any data on any other smart trainers that will. Thanks, Mike

[@MarkRiddellRacing]

Might be too late but the Stages SB20 does L/R power data.

[@chillipepper83]

Hi Ray, if you was to recommend 1 trainer, either a static bike or wheel off trainer, what would it be with no budget limit based on your experience? #lovethechannel 👍

[@Dcrainmaker]

I’d go with either KICKR v6 or Tacx NEO 2T. That said, historically speaking buying trainers in mid summer is a bad idea, given many are refreshed in late summer/early fall.

[@chillipepper83]

@@Dcrainmaker thanks Ray 👍

[@scottw6598]

Great video

[@Halbmond]

10:00 My heart stopped 😨

[@dtrjones]

I knew there was a reason why I didn't get my iPad back...

[@firstcardioperformance9621]

First, thank you for all your work! My question for you (or any sport science person) is which of the smart bikes would be best to do testing on. I do VO2Max testing as part of my service and would like to upgrade from my dated Velotron. I need a bike that I could control from either a PC or an app while a client is testing. I need both a programed test and an 'on the fly' testing situation. I test all types of athletes and fit ability so be considered (from 5' to 6'7" ash). Thoughts???

[@06fairfield]

In the market for one of these. Have all the glitches with the Tacx been sorted yet? Otherwise I think it’s the Atom for me.

[@Ronniezim]

I’m waiting for the Stages bike. They are best in class spinning bikes, and I am much more confident in their ability to build a bike that will last.

[@JonathanSmith87]

Ronnie Zimmerman don’t forget that Wattbike have been building bikes aimed at pro cyclists/gyms for many years. I’ve had my WB Atom for 2 years & it’s been bulletproof. I’ve never cleaned it, lives in the garage & takes all the abuse I throw at it.

[@Ronniezim]

Jonathan Smith good to know! Thanks for the input!

[@johannesdavis475]

Hi DC. Are you aware of any upcoming new bike releases? I want to buy one but am concerned there will be a bunch of new releases coming and I don’t want to be saddled with an out of date model. I checked online and found no rumours. But maybe you know different?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, I wouldn't expect anything. Given worldwide shortages and significant shipping delays, most companies are just trying to keep their existing units in stock.

[@erikapk]

Hi! From a kinesiology point of view, are there any benefits from riding a bigger, sturdier bike (like the Wattbike Atom or Tacx Neo) compared to the smaller and much wigglier Kickr bike? Will less movement from side to side in indoor riding help prevent long-term wear and tear on the body? I recently got a Kickr bike which was professionally fitted to me, but am increasingly suffering from pretty bad hand and wrist pain, lack of mobility, etc. Do you think a properly-fitted, bigger, sturdier bike for indoor riding could help alleviate these issues? Thanks so much for any insight you may have.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Generally speaking, a bike that moves is far better. There's been various studies over the years, but essentially by allowing movement (including rocker plates and such), you build core strength, because it forces your body to respond. Which is good. That said, hand and wrist pain doesn't sound like anything I would tie to a specific bike, but perhaps something in the bike fit, or the way your handlebar position differs from your normal bike (for example if one handlebars is perfectly level, and the other is more dipped, or if perhaps the width of your bars is different here).

[@eddiesprietsma]

Hi Ray, Thanks for this amazing review of the smart bikes. We’re considering the Wahoo Kickr Bike. We are now using the Tacx Neo trainer with our bikes, but with three users we are changing bikes constantly. As we are using the Tacx Cycling App on our PC mainly, aside the Zwift App we use sometimes, we wanted to ask if you know if the Wahoo Kickr Bike is fully compatible with the Tacx Cycling App? Or if it doesn’t should we go for the Tacx NEO Bike or is there another app similar to the Tacx Cycling App with reallife videos and simulation? With kind regards, Eddie Sprietsma from The Netherlands

[@RK-MODE]

Good video, looks like there is much more up and down movement on the Wahoo during sprints compared to the other two.

[@magnusnilsson2525]

Would be great with an update to this video with todays firmwaresetc.

[@IsmaelDiazIAGoupeFinancier]

Great video!!! Question for you... what about the Tacx Neo 2T Smart. I'm looking to up grade my current Tacx Bushido. Is the Neo 2T good enough? So I don't spend double of my money with the Tacx Neo Bike ?

[@Dcrainmaker]

I think the 2T is pretty solid these days.

[@IsmaelDiazIAGoupeFinancier]

@@Dcrainmaker Indeed ! Here is another question I am looking to buy the 2T but I was told that tehre is a kind of new version of the 2T compaire to the original that came out 2 years ago ... are you aware of that or it simply and software updgra but the same hardware ? Thanks again !

[@philthejeweller]

Hello, thanks for your videos. Do any of the smart trainer bikes enable riding with fixed gear. Either built in options, or easy change over from freewheel to fixed gear riding ? Thank you very much

[@johnboyhowell]

Have the bikes and/or software changed much over the last year? Nearly Christmas and time to treat myself so wanted to see if you had had a chance to re-review. Leaning toward wahoo or stages bike . Is the wahoo tilt feature worth the extra $600 in your opinion?

[@rob_h_7]

I Live in a 2nd Floor flat. Would my neighbours complain at the noise generated by the Wattbike Atom?

[@thomasvmanning]

"it's like giving you a blow... Eerrrr" 🤣

[@lankymason3365]

😂😂

[@ciscosurplus]

Thanks for the review, you mention no ant+ or ble on the wahoo, does that mean can’t track any data to a garmin? Ie power speed distance to feed in to the training status? Any workaround , if they fix that ticks all the boxes

[@christophparschau4887]

Can you also compare the Zycle Smart Zbike? It is way cheaper (I would say a reasonable price) but should work the same? Any other experiences?

[@obikedog]

Watching this in 2022 and nope, Wahoo is sticking with a flexible v1. Waiting for a sturdy Wahoo or a better spec'd Wattbike. Until then, super happy with my Caad10 on the Kickr (which folds up to the wall when not in use!)

[@kentao4]

9:35 🌾👀🌾🤣

[@dholy1]

In the side by side riding comparison, to me, you look most natural (best fit) on the Tacx with the Wahoo a close second.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, I tried to get them fairly close fit-wise, though I think the Wattbike was the least well fit (my own fault). Still gotta tweak them a bit.

[@MarkKkkkk15]

If you had a choice between the Atom and the Neo bike and both were the same price point which one would you choose?

[@samuelmundula2216]

Even if I didn't have my current setup of 2 bikes & smart trainer, I'd give the smart bikes a pass & spend the money on a good 105 or Ultegra level bike & a premium smart trainer instead. If something goes wrong with one or the other, easier to deal with than a very expensive all-in-one type system.

[@thatwildlife5977]

Can I use a tablet and use iFit with any of these if I wanted to do a more traditional spin class?

[@mrt.7146]

Thanks for the noise test; seems like the manufactorer's claims of 'virtually silent operation' doesn't line fully up with reality 🥳

[@CaoimhinKay]

How would you compare the wahoo shift to these three?

[@bnc9261]

I'm a present Kickr Snap + Climb user, albeit on an ancient 2 * 7 speed classic road bike. The Wahoo Bike looks really attractive, but something I note in your video comparison is that the Wahoo Bike is oscillating when you're pushing hard, whereas the Tacx& Wattbike seem quite stable. Any comments on that?

[@bnc9261]

As a frequent Zwift user, albeit on a more antiquated Kickr Snap without flywheel drive, I notice that I have recently been able to freewheel downhill, and even accelerate, just like the real world. What changed? And that is probably even more realistic when there is motor drive for the flywheel, as with the Kickr bike?

[@AusTexish]

As of June 2021 has anything changed? Will there be new bikes in fall 2021, I assume Covid messed up everyone’s development, assembly and distribution plans

[@brody5211]

Why do you prefer the 11 speed on the wattbike to the 22 Ray ?

[@fredorlan7401]

Has Wahoo worked the kinks yet that you mention in this video?

[@Paradaz2990]

So, it's May 2020 and I've just ordered the Wattbike Atom and it will take 8-10 weeks to arrive, since this review have the firmware updates increased the shifting speed or are there any differences/improvements you're aware of?

[@thatwildlife5977]

Can you connect a tablet with iFit?

[@astroross]

Me just giving you a blow..... " ha ha ha I had to stop and say hi! oh so funny.

[@martinjplant]

Buying a second seat post and saddle solved one of the “needs hex key” issues with the atom. The standard saddle isn’t very comfortable for ladies anyway.

[@dewidavies7995]

Looking at this now sb20 stages ending 😊

[@njm3211]

Excellent analysis. You might comment on how stiff they are. The Kicker seems to bend all over the place. Just saying. You are a big powerful rider.

[@escoladetriathletas-renato160]

Is it possible to use the smart wahoo kickr instead of retul's MUVE to identify the size of the bike?

[@stifune]

Are some of these bikes compatible with the APPLE gymkit?

[@eml1909]

Great video - thank you! Shane Miller really didn't like the Atom on Zwift when he reviewed it a year ago. Has it got better since then? How would you rate the Zwift experience on Atom - good but not great, "OK", or not very good?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Good but not great. After using the updates over the last year, I think the 11speed update in particular is pretty substantial for the ATOM. Sure, it's not a KICKR BIKE, but it's also $1,000-$2,000 cheaper depending on where you are.

[@eml1909]

@@Dcrainmaker thanks! I guess the answer may be to stick to interval training in ERG mode - that's probably the best way to use an indoor trainer anyway.

[@ebenezerowusu-domi6210]

Nice bikes

[@davidfornes3882]

Hello, i am in Europe. I am looking to own one of this. In Europe, the tacx price is 1200$ cheaper than the wahoo. Do you think the wahoo can justify to spend 1200$ more than the tacx? Thanks for all and congratulations for your job.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Wahoo can seem to justify it, as it's still basically sold out. Whether or not it's worth it is tricky.

[@nunomadeira467]

Very good video, could it make a comparison with the Zycle Smart ZBike.