Should you buy a Watt Bike? And should you get on Zwift?

Watt Bikes - they're expensive but are they worth it? Zwift - why is everyone banging on about Zwift? This video discusses the 2 burning questions of the moment! And comes to the same conclusion.
Follow me on Zwift: Julian Hutchings OPCC
NB This video is neither supported nor sponsored by either Watt Bike or Zwift. (Yet).
Amazon Affiliate Links - if you buy through these links, I get a small commission which goes to charity:
Photography equipment I use:
Panasonic GH5: amzn.to/2XFAhkK
Panasonic Lumix 7-14mm lens: amzn.to/2LRqHZe
Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm lens: amzn.to/3ia4dPq
Canon G7X Mkll: amzn.to/3nIguf1
Sony ZV1: amzn.to/2XJ6do8
GoPro Hero 7 Black: amzn.to/3oXojz7
Ulanzi GoPro case: amzn.to/3qliWtM
Pro Grill Mouth Mount for GoPro (Unboxing video available): amzn.to/38KJy1c
Rode Video Microphone: amzn.to/38Hi24z
Saramonic microphone: amzn.to/38JkNm3
Neewer compact tripod: amzn.to/3nM9MER
Neewer full size tripod: amzn.to/38LvowZ
Neewer ring light (Unboxing video available): amzn.to/3speX0Y
Cycling stuff I use:
Exposure TraceR rear light: amzn.to/2N67aoI
See Sense rear light: amzn.to/3oMeNOV
Tyrekey: amzn.to/3iek7YU
Vittoria tool bottle: amzn.to/3sp5FC8
Lezyne Road Caddy: amzn.to/3oIoY7c
Kask Protone helmet: amzn.to/35F9cCL
Fizik Terra shoes: amzn.to/2LQqbuD
Shimano XC5 shoes: amzn.to/2Km31fo
Speedsleev Ranger: amzn.to/3idKf6t
High 5 hydration tablets: amzn.to/3qyvNcf
Books written by me!:
Cycling Shorts and Cycle Clips: amzn.to/2LSTQmN
Tour de Fiction: amzn.to/35FMY3u
The Monument: amzn.to/3qm8rGm
The Marmot Murders: amzn.to/3oLB2Vp
Unreliable Death: amzn.to/3bzxa66
Love's Lost in Girona:amzn.to/38IuxNg
Books I recommend:
Riding in the Zone Rouge by Tom Isitt: amzn.to/3iekH96
Ventoux by Bert Wagendorp: amzn.to/38HYnBv
Higher Calling by Max Leonard: amzn.to/3oLOskf
The Greatest: The Times and Life of Beryl Burton by William Fotheringham: amzn.to/3nFHADH
Fallen Angel: The Passion of Fausto Coppi by William Fotheringham: amzn.to/3nL8F8v
Lanterne Rouge by Max Leonard: amzn.to/3qBQrZ1
The Escape Artist by Matt Seaton: amzn.to/2LtsnZr
Follow me on Strava: / strava

[@benvickery]

The good thing about Zwift is that I get to be the person I identify as. In real life I’m 6’2’’ and 14 stone but on Zwift I get to identify as a 3’ person weighing about 5 stone. It brings me inner peace

[@dtrjones]

This isn't an MMO, changing your physical stats alters your power/weight ratio which means an inaccurate speed is being recorded.

[@benvickery]

I was trying to say something witty but maybe I failed. By changing my weight, my FTP would go up to 8.5 W/kg. It’s a classic way of cheating on Zwift

[@dtrjones]

@@benvickery Yeah sorry Ben. Some people no doubt break the rules. Too embarrassed to do the ramp test, letting Zwift calculate my FTP for the moment, only been on Zwift for a week though. Thanks.

[@markburton3306]

I'm 6ft6 and 18 stone and a bit old. It'll be interesting to see my stats when I get my wattbike. I reckon I must generate some oomph when hauling myself up the hills I live by

[@Leroyjenkinsjnr]

Nice video. Just ordered mine today. Looking forward to getting it so I can start to get a little, or a lot fitter

[@aldnelson]

Thanks for this Julian - will now find and follow hoping to learn more each day!

[@JulianHutchings]

Thanks

[@mca4u]

Not so much of a review, but a great informative presentation. Well done!

[@mahermoussallati791]

Good report well done 👏

[@stewartsummerside8131]

Brilliant video Julian i use my kickr in the garage and it's freeeeeezing my toes get that cold they go numb 🥶🥶🥶

[@shanew634]

Julian, I was waiting for the film review of Flash dance or Grease. Inspired by KZbinr TrIDan with the sweat band. Cheers for the humour.👍 Love Zwift for training too especially during Lockdown #3.

[@JulianHutchings]

Follow me, we’ll go for a ride.

[@Cachapeluo]

“Generally keeping my shorts on” 😂 🤣😂🤣funny

[@lion39]

Fancy! 😎

[@Courtney_fl4]

This is great thanks I’ve just ordered my watt bike so when it comes I’ll get on zwift !

[@dtrjones]

Nice one Natalie, I've been deliberating to buy a wattbike for days now, you know when you get something in your head and it's difficult to get rid of it... My only slight worry is the sound as I live in a flat, oh what to do...

[@1972andyb]

@@dtrjones i live in a flat too. i use foam garage/gym flooring (jigsaw type) by the time you've got a few fans going and some banging tunes , i think we will be ok with not disturbing the neighbours :)

[@dtrjones]

@@1972andyb I have my Wattbike now, not had any complaints yet! The bike is beautiful - a really nice piece of kit and the sound isn't too bad at all - quite plesant actually and nothing like some of the mic recordings I've seen on youtube.

[@davidchadderton5904]

In the House would be too hot for me. My bike and Kikr setup is in the carport, almost a garage, closable garage door and plastic blinds to keep out the wind but let in the daylight. Ok, air is cold in winter, but 5 minutes of riding and I’m sweating.

[@davidchadderton5904]

I have not used Zwift, although it’s very popular. Reason? It’s artificial, and I do not need crowded roads. I ride the FulGaz real road/trail routes and absolutely love the reality. I ride all around the world. I recommend having a look at FulGaz. Cheers.

[@danielebergonzi8461]

Julian thanks My wife had never heard of zwift so I played her your video Cheers

[@JulianHutchings]

There’s other videos about Zwift on my channel.

[@danielebergonzi8461]

@@JulianHutchings Thanks she is satiated

[@dtrjones]

Hi Julian, I really enjoyed your video, some nice practical advice instead of spurting out statistics, love it. I'm all new to this though. I was worried about noise, is your bike the next generation model which looks to be a bit quieter if the website is anything to go by. I'm guessing you don't need anything to hook up the iPad, it connects via Bluetooth? Finally, I'm guessing you need to buy a heart monitor from their website to get the heart rate, or does it pick this up from the handlebars? Thanks mate!

[@JulianHutchings]

Hi David, it’s the first generation, but I wouldn’t call it noisy. Yes, it connects via Bluetooth. Any heart rate monitor will do - I use the Tickr. But you don’t need heart rate - only if you want it.

[@JulianHutchings]

You can use WattBike Hub on the iPad or use Zwift or another programme. I use Zwift.

[@dtrjones]

@@JulianHutchings thanks Julian, that's fantastic. I'm actually a runner and intend on using this for cross-training so I'm pretty excited to get into stuff like Swift and to see how this can help my endurance.

[@inature5295]

Wattbike all the way. When the next gen becomes available again, I'm in!!

[@joerenner8334]

A trainer and an extra wheel is 100 times cheaper than a watt bike. But if you are wealthy, do it.

[@richb8709]

I just signed up for Zwift last night and we’ve followed each other. I look forward to joining you for a group ride sometime, though I have no idea how to do that yet...

[@JulianHutchings]

It’s easy - watch the Old Portlians video.

[@brody5211]

Get a room lads

[@Croydonjohnny]

Just got my Wattbike Next Gen! Need to assemble it now. :) Do you need to apply grease when screwing in the pedals, do you think?

[@JulianHutchings]

Hi, grease is always a good idea, in my experience.

[@Croydonjohnny]

@@JulianHutchings Many thanks, Julian!

[@1972andyb]

ordered next gen this week.like others, i'm was a bit concerned with the noise. tried a friends, and with the fans going it not that bad

[@JulianHutchings]

It’s no noisier than your kids.

[@1972andyb]

Haven’t got any kids. Buried them under the patio 😉

[@TrilmaRose]

Hi Julian, I am about to buy an indoor bike, should I go for the Watt bike generation next or would you recommend something else? My budget is 2000 euros.

[@JulianHutchings]

I'm very happy with my Wattbike; my mate has the Stages bike which he's very happy with, although that may be more than 2000 Euros. Have a look at GP Lama and DC Rainmaker who have done comparison videos of the various options.

[@TrilmaRose]

@@JulianHutchings Thanks a lot Julian. I couldn't seem to find a comparison with the Watt Bike Next Generation with stages. If there is, could you please help me with a link

[@pedoncule36]

This model seems to be no more available in France(the V2) .. Just the Atom X that is over priced... Sadly.. What's your opinion vs a direct drive trainer like Wahoo Kickr ? Thanks in advance

[@JulianHutchings]

Hi, I used to have a Wahoo Kickr and it is an excellent piece of kit. I changed to a Wattbike as I wanted something that other members of the family could use, and that could go in the house - which a bike and Wahoo can't, really. Other 'smart' turbos are as good as the Wahoo - eg Tacx - and my mate has a Stages bike - more expensive that a Wattbike but worth considering. Or even the Wahoo bike.

[@mad4mymini]

An unusually sensible video.🤣🤣

[@JulianHutchings]

One does one’s best.

[@rob-c.]

@7:19 😆

[@tigers586]

How much for the headband?

[@JulianHutchings]

£50 to charity and it’s yours.

[@micks61]

Looking a bit like an extra from the film Fame there Mr Hutchings, but a good video!

[@JulianHutchings]

Thanks Mick - you’re one of my most loyal viewers!

[@micks61]

@@JulianHutchings Oh I'm like the smell of the rotting rat's corpse beneath the floorboards - you just can't get rid of me! ;-) On a more serious note - I enjoy your channel, the serious stuff and the more erm...off the wall bits. It's good stuff - keep it up!

[@garethhughes6616]

Which WATT bike do you have please ?

[@JulianHutchings]

Atom.

[@brody5211]

The Best bit was when the spaceships landed and the little Martians got out

[@MK-rn2hm]

Very informative video. How come some riders choose to go through you instead of going around you?

[@JulianHutchings]

Probably American. (Joke!)

[@MK-rn2hm]

@@JulianHutchings I will tell Biden you said that.

[@JulianHutchings]

@@MK-rn2hm Is he still taking your calls?

[@MK-rn2hm]

@@JulianHutchings sadly no

[@sidparkin2219]

Enjoyed the wattbike review.. how noisy is noisy.... ?🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@JulianHutchings]

Good question. I don’t think it would be a problem in a flat, especially if you had rubber or carpet underneath. I’m lucky, I live in a detached house and have music, fan and Wattbike. My advice - if you can afford it and want it - buy it. But you’ll have to wait.

[@andrewm6192]

Can you generate your own electric ⚡️?

[@JulianHutchings]

I use solar power.

[@henrybrereton9554]

hi is your watt bike the next gen?

[@JulianHutchings]

No.

[@henrybrereton9554]

@@JulianHutchings hi julian, it was just in regard to noise as the v2 is supposed to be a bit quieter which is what i need but i have heard mixed things regarding the noise

[@JulianHutchings]

My one is pretty quiet; the fan and the music probably make more noise!

[@henrybrereton9554]

@@JulianHutchings thanks julian for the feedback

[@albertforgaalberich5484]

Cdc

[@stevezodiac491]

What is your age and ftp, I am 62 and my ftp is 266.

[@JulianHutchings]

I’m 65 and 265 last time I did a test.

[@stevezodiac491]

@@JulianHutchings race you tonight then at 8'o clock on tempus fugit. Look for an archer.