Wattbike: How to Change Gears on Pro/Trainer and Atom Models

How Do You Change Gears on a Wattbike?

Changing "gears" on a Wattbike depends on the specific model: Wattbike Pro/Trainer models utilize an air resistance lever and magnetic brake dial to adjust resistance, while the Wattbike Atom features electronic shifters that control a virtual gear system, mimicking a road bike's drivetrain.

Understanding Wattbike Resistance Systems

To effectively change "gears" on a Wattbike, it's crucial to understand the two primary resistance mechanisms employed across its models. Unlike traditional outdoor bicycles with physical derailleurs and cogs, Wattbikes simulate resistance through distinct systems, each offering unique control over your training intensity and power output.

• Air Resistance (Wattbike Pro/Trainer): These models primarily use an air brake, where a fan creates resistance as you pedal. The faster you pedal, the greater the air resistance.
• Magnetic Resistance (Wattbike Pro/Trainer & Atom): In addition to air, the Wattbike Pro/Trainer also incorporates a magnetic brake. The Wattbike Atom, designed to replicate the feel of a road bike, relies solely on a highly sophisticated magnetic resistance unit.

The combination and control of these systems define how you "change gears" and manipulate the feel of your ride.

Changing Resistance on Wattbike Pro/Trainer (Air Brake & Magnetic Brake)

The Wattbike Pro and Trainer models offer a dual-control system for resistance, allowing for nuanced adjustments that act as your "gears."

• Air Brake Lever (Gearing): This large, red lever is located on the right side of the main frame, near the flywheel. It controls the opening and closing of vents around the air fan.
  • Adjustment: The lever moves through settings from 1 (least resistance, vents open) to 10 (most resistance, vents closed).
  • Effect: A higher air brake setting increases the initial resistance and the rate at which resistance builds with increasing cadence. This mimics riding into a headwind or uphill on an outdoor bike, effectively acting as a macro "gear" change. For strength work or low-cadence, high-power efforts, you would typically use a higher air brake setting. For high-cadence, lower-power endurance work, a lower setting is more appropriate.
• Magnetic Brake Dial: This smaller, black dial is located on the left side of the frame, opposite the air brake lever. It provides a more refined, linear increase in resistance.
  • Adjustment: The dial rotates, increasing or decreasing the magnetic force applied to the flywheel.
  • Effect: The magnetic brake offers micro "gear" adjustments within a given air brake setting. It provides a consistent, measurable load independent of your cadence, making it ideal for precise power targets or specific interval training. For example, if an air brake setting of 5 is too easy, but 6 is too hard, you can use air brake 5 and add magnetic resistance to fine-tune the load.

To change "gears" on a Pro/Trainer: Start by selecting an appropriate Air Brake setting based on your desired training zone (e.g., 3-5 for endurance, 7-9 for strength). Then, use the Magnetic Brake Dial for incremental adjustments to hit specific power targets or to simulate smaller gear changes.

Changing Gears on Wattbike Atom (Magnetic Resistance & Virtual Gears)

The Wattbike Atom, including the Atom (Next Generation), is designed to replicate the experience of riding a modern road bike, complete with electronic shifting and virtual gears.

• Electronic Shifters: The Atom features integrated electronic shifters located on the brake hoods and drops of the handlebars, mirroring the controls found on Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap, or Campagnolo EPS systems.
  • Right Shifter: Controls the rear virtual gears. Pressing the top button (or pushing the lever inwards) shifts to a harder (smaller cog) gear, increasing resistance. Pressing the bottom button (or pushing the lever outwards) shifts to an easier (larger cog) gear, decreasing resistance.
  • Left Shifter: Controls the front virtual chainrings. Pressing the top button (or pushing the lever inwards) shifts to the larger chainring, increasing overall resistance. Pressing the bottom button (or pushing the lever outwards) shifts to the smaller chainring, decreasing overall resistance.
• Virtual Gear System: The Atom's internal software simulates a standard road bike drivetrain, typically with a 53/39-tooth chainring equivalent at the front and an 11-speed cassette (10-28t or similar) at the rear. When you shift, the magnetic resistance unit instantly adjusts to replicate the chosen gear ratio, providing a seamless and realistic feel.

To change gears on an Atom: Simply press the appropriate button on the electronic shifters, just as you would on an outdoor bike. The Wattbike Hub app or the Atom's display will show your current virtual gear selection (e.g., 53x15 or 39x21).

The Concept of "Gears" on a Wattbike

It's important to clarify the term "gears" in the context of a Wattbike:

• On Pro/Trainer models: "Gears" are an analogy for the adjustable resistance levels provided by the air and magnetic brakes. There are no physical cogs or chainrings changing. You are altering the resistance profile that your leg muscles work against. A "harder gear" means more resistance, requiring more force (torque) to maintain a given cadence, leading to higher power output.
• On Atom models: "Gears" are a direct simulation of a bicycle's drivetrain. The electronic shifters trigger the magnetic resistance unit to precisely mimic the resistance curve of a chosen gear ratio. This provides a tangible, familiar shifting experience for cyclists.

Understanding this distinction helps users optimize their training, whether focusing on raw power and cadence (Pro/Trainer) or replicating specific outdoor cycling scenarios (Atom).

Optimizing Your Wattbike Gearing for Training

Effective "gear" selection is fundamental to maximizing your training on a Wattbike.

• For Strength & Power (Lower Cadence, Higher Force):
  • Pro/Trainer: Use higher Air Brake settings (e.g., 7-10) combined with moderate Magnetic Brake. This creates a high resistance environment, forcing your muscles to generate more torque per pedal stroke.
  • Atom: Utilize the larger virtual chainring (e.g., 53t) and smaller virtual cogs (e.g., 11-14t).
• For Endurance & Aerobic Capacity (Higher Cadence, Moderate Force):
  • Pro/Trainer: Lower Air Brake settings (e.g., 3-6) with minimal to moderate Magnetic Brake. This allows for sustained higher cadences with lower muscular strain.
  • Atom: Use the smaller virtual chainring (e.g., 39t) and mid-range virtual cogs (e.g., 17-21t).
• For Sprints & High-Intensity Intervals (Varying Cadence & Force):
  • Pro/Trainer: Start with a moderate Air Brake (e.g., 5-7) and rapidly increase Magnetic Brake or even Air Brake for peak power efforts, then reduce for recovery.
  • Atom: Rapidly shift to a harder gear (e.g., 53x11) for the sprint effort, then shift back to an easier gear for recovery periods. The quick response of the Atom's magnetic resistance is ideal for these dynamic changes.
• For Cadence Drills:
  • Pro/Trainer: Very low Air Brake (1-3) and minimal Magnetic Brake allows you to spin at very high RPMs with minimal resistance, focusing purely on leg speed and neuromuscular coordination.
  • Atom: Select an extremely easy gear (e.g., 39x28) to practice high-cadence spinning without excessive load.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

• Confusing Pro/Trainer resistance with Atom gears: Remember, the Pro/Trainer manipulates air and magnetic drag, while the Atom simulates a physical drivetrain. Don't expect physical shifters on a Pro/Trainer.
• Ignoring the Magnetic Brake on Pro/Trainer: Many users focus solely on the Air Brake. The Magnetic Brake offers crucial fine-tuning for precise power targets.
• Not Calibrating the Atom: While the Atom is largely maintenance-free, ensuring it's calibrated (often done via the Wattbike Hub app) helps ensure accurate power readings and consistent gear changes.
• Sudden Resistance Changes on Pro/Trainer: If your resistance feels inconsistent, check for obstructions around the air fan or ensure the air brake lever is fully engaged in its detents.

Conclusion

Changing "gears" on a Wattbike is a fundamental skill for effective training. Whether you're adjusting the air and magnetic brakes on a Wattbike Pro/Trainer to manipulate resistance, or engaging the virtual electronic shifters on a Wattbike Atom for a realistic road cycling experience, understanding your model's mechanism is key. By mastering these controls, you can precisely tailor your workouts to target specific physiological adaptations, enhance your power output, improve endurance, and ultimately achieve your fitness goals.