If you’re in the market for a smart bike, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. But if you want the most realistic outdoor ride brought into the comfort of your own home, there’s fewer contenders to consider.
There has been a boom towards indoor riding due to lockdown. Also, the fact that apps and smart bikes are delivering realistic immersive riding experiences.
Wattbike Atom, Tacx Neo Smart Bike, Wahoo Kickr Bike, Stages Cycling SB20 Smart Bike and The Peloton Bike all offer a variety of features for those looking for realistic road rides indoors. To make it easier to compare them side-by-side, here’s a look at what each offers.
1. The Wattbike Atom
The Wattbike Atom is another popular option in the smart bike market. It is ideal for more serious cyclists who want to track their progress during each ride. It comes with access to the Wattbike Hub which provides personalised workouts, data analysis, performance tracking and video coaching. Also, the Atom offers real-time feedback via its interactive display so you can monitor your performance as you go. The Wattbike Atom also has adjustable resistance levels (up to 2500 watts), so offers plenty of watts for powerful sprint rides. This bike comes with a 20” LCD touchscreen that provides real-time data about your performance such as power output and cadence rate. The Atom also features Bluetooth connectivity to sync up with other apps for virtual rides and races. The frame is made from lightweight aluminium alloy which makes it easy to move around if needed.
Read our in-depth review of the Wattbike Atom
2. Tacx Neo Smart Bike
The Tacx Neo Smart Bike is designed for serious cyclists looking for advanced performance metrics tracking capabilities. This bike features an interactive flywheel that adjusts resistance based on terrain simulations in real time. It also has advanced pedalling analysis technology that measures your leg movement while cycling so you can get detailed feedback on your form and technique during workouts. The frame is made from aluminium alloy which makes it light yet durable enough for rigorous training sessions without compromising stability or safety. Finally, this bike also has WiFi connectivity so you can upload your data to third party apps such as TrainingPeaks or Garmin Connect for further analysis later on down the line. For in-session interactivity you will need a separate display as it does not have a screen attached.
3. Wahoo Kickr Bike
Also, we have the Wahoo Kickr Bike which is designed specifically for indoor cycling enthusiasts who want maximum control over their riding experience. Particularly in terms of terrain simulation and resistance levels, as well as being able to customize every aspect of their ride from pedal stroke length to shifter type (it even allows you to simulate descending slopes!). This bike also features electronic shifting technology (ESP). ESP automatically shifts gears based on changes in terrain or power output during workouts. It also has dual ANT+/Bluetooth connectivity allowing riders to sync their data with multiple devices at once. Finally, its carbon steel frame provides superior strength and durability while still being lightweight enough for portability when needed. It does not have the addition of an interactive screen.
4. Stages Cycling SB20
The Stages Cycling SB20 is another bike trying to re-create a realistic road bike simulation. This smart bike offers seat and cockpit adjustments, four crank length variations and customisable shifting setup options from Shimano, SRAM or Campagnolo drivetrains. Also, you can sync with your favourite indoor cycling apps as well as track key performance data using their Stages Link app! With a weight exceeding 100kgs+, it’s sure to stay locked in place no matter how intense your efforts get. So there’s no issues of rocking the bike if you are capable of hitting its 2200 watts limit.
5. The Peloton Bike
Lastly, it’s worth considering The Peloton Bike if you are a non serious cyclist and not too concerned about using 3rd party apps. The Peloton Bike bike includes a 22” HD touchscreen mounted on the handlebars. It also comes with accessories such as weights and a mat if you choose the Starter, Select or Ultimate packages. The Peloton Bike allows you to join classes live or follow prerecorded sessions with professional instructors. It has adjustable resistance levels and an electromagnetic braking system that gives it its signature smooth ride quality. It also has WiFi connectivity so you can track your performance over time and share it with friends. The downside to Peloton is that they are not easily integrated with 3rd party apps such as Zwift and TrainerRoad. For the serious cyclist, this might be an issue.
If you’re not a serious cyclist and looking for an indoor bike for general fitness or weight loss, then read our picks on these SMART bikes.
Final Thoughts
All five of these bikes are great options if you’re looking for a smart bike that offers interactive ride experiences along with detailed performance tracking capabilities. But there are some subtle differences between them that might tip the scales in favour of one over another depending on your individual needs. Whether it’s price, bike ergonomics or interactive displays you will need to take into account all aspects of each model before making your final decision.
