Smart Bike VS Air Bike: Which Wattbike is right for your training goals?

When it comes to indoor cycling, one size doesn’t fit all. Wattbike offers a performance-driven range of bikes: Atom, Proton, and Air - each with distinct capabilities that align with different training needs and user types.

Whether you're a virtual racing enthusiast, endurance rider, HIIT fanatic, or part of a multi-user fitness household, we want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your Wattbike.

In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between Smart Bikes (Atom & Proton) and our Air Bike (Wattbike Air) to help you match your training goals to the right bike.

Smart Bikes: Wattbike Atom & Wattbike Proton

Both the Atom and Proton use electromagnetic resistance, which means resistance is precisely controlled, fully programmable, and integrated with virtual training platforms like Rouvy, Zwift, and the Wattbike Hub. The result? Road-like precision, automatic resistance shifts, and detailed performance tracking.

Wattbike Atom: The Cyclist’s Dream

Built with cyclists in mind, the Wattbike Atom offers seamless road simulation, with smart resistance changes based on virtual climbs or structured workouts. It’s ideal for:

• Rouvy & Zwift racing
• Power-based training (~2500W)
• Endurance sessions or FTP tests
• Customisable training based on testing metrics

The Atom offers one of the most realistic indoor cycling experiences available, perfect for competitive cyclists or those looking to train seriously indoors through the winter without compromise.

Wattbike Proton: Versatile, Accessible, Compact

The Proton shares the same smart DNA as the Atom, giving you complete capacity to train for cycling endurance rides, using the in-built smart technology and automated resistance changes, just as you would on the Atom. Purpose-built for accessibility and compactness, It’s easy step-through design and larger range of adjustability make it perfect for:

• Cycling and Fitness-focused households
• Shared spaces
• Runners looking for low-impact conditioning with erg mode capability
• Compact and movable
  
  

As DC Rainmaker notes, 

"The Proton brings much of the tech from the Atom into a more approachable, compact format. Great for multi-user homes.It’s the ideal hybrid: smart cycling tech in a practical home-gym-friendly package."

Wattbike Air

The Wattbike Air's resistance is determined by how much air flows through the turbine, which means the harder you push, the harder it pushes back. You control the intensity manually, making it perfect for short bursts of explosive effort and HIIT training.

Unlike Smart Bikes, the Air isn't about road simulation, it's about raw power and conditioning. 

As Tom's Guide put it:

"The Wattbike Air is built for those pushing through high-intensity workouts — it's robust, powerful, and unforgiving in the best way."

If power and high-intensity efforts are what you're after, the Wattbike Air is the perfect tool for the job. With design heritage rooted in elite sport, Wattbike is trusted by top teams as their go-to off-feet conditioning provider. There’s no better choice when it comes to max power output sessions.

Smart Bikes vs. Air Bike: Which One's Right for You?

Ready to Ride Smarter?

Choosing the right Wattbike isn’t just about tech specs, it’s about aligning your training goals with the right tool. Whether you're chasing podiums on Zwift or burning calories in high intensity interval training, there’s a Wattbike built for your journey.

Visit our website to dive deeper into our comparison guide and find the perfect Wattbike for your training style.