- 19th September 2017
- By Matthew Fever
The Wattbike is one of the best indoor bikes available today and has been created to be versatile enough to train elite athletes and beginners alike. I would recommend that if you haven’t already used this piece of equipment then take a look the next time you are at the gym. Maybe you are already using it but not getting the most from it?
The Wattbike is endorsed by British Cycling and creates a riding sensation as close to the road as possible. This is very different to many of the indoor bikes you will find in most gyms. The bike also uses a unique Polor View technology providing the best possible data and analysis that can be used to progress your training.
The bike isn’t just used by cyclists either, it has also been used by the England and New Zealand Rugby teams and is used frequently in talent identification for many athletes across a variety of sports.
Here are a few things for you to take a look at before getting started.
Setting up the bike
This bike has a number of different adjustments which means you can get yourself in the ideal position to cycle. Many other models simply have a seat adjustment that moves up and down, this is less than ideal if you are bigger or smaller than average or if you have any injuries where further adjustments may be preferable.
This video gives a detailed explanation as to how to set up your bike safely and effectively.
Resistance and Cadence
The Wattbike offers a unique ‘road feel’ due to the two methods of resistance that can be used. Check out this video for more information on both resistance and cadence (rpm).
Setting the performance monitor
If you are unsure about some of the features on the monitor this video will provide you with a basic overview to help get you started.
Pedalling technique
Many underestimate the technique required to cycle efficiently and get the most from their workouts. The following videos will detail the correct pedalling technique as well as a clear explanation of the Polar View Technology featured on the monitor. This can be used to assess technique throughout your training programmes.
The Submaximal Ramp Test
The Wattbike comes with some featured ‘fitness tests’ stored on the performance monitor. The Submaximal Ramp Test is one of my favourites. I use this with many of my clients to establish a benchmark and then reassess it over time. This video will give you an overview of the test.
I hope that you have found this post useful and that it helps you to get started with cycling with the Wattbike.
If you have any questions, please get in touch. I would love to hear from you.