In a recent post, Wattbike announced beta firmware supporting dual-channel Bluetooth. They also addressed concerns over Wattbike handlebar compatibility with Zwift Play controllers. Let’s dive into the details!
Dual-Channel Bluetooth
Dual-channel Bluetooth means the Wattbike can connect to two devices via Bluetooth at once, instead of just one. The most common use case for dual-channel Bluetooth on Wattbike would be connecting to the Wattbike Hub app running on your phone or tablet, while also connecting the bike to software like Zwift.
Wattbike Hub includes a library of training plans, workouts, climbs, pedal stroke analysis, and virtual gearing customization. The basic version is free, while the paid version provides access to a larger library of workouts.
With dual-channel Bluetooth, riders could do things like:
- Analyze pedaling technique live on Wattbike Hub while riding Zwift
- Ride a Wattbike Hub workout while powering your avatar in Zwift
(Of course, you could do these things previously, as long as you were connecting to Zwift using ANT+ instead of Bluetooth.)
To install the beta firmware, update your Wattbike Hub to version 6.2.0 and click on ‘Use Beta Firmware’ in the ‘Preferences’ menu. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect your Wattbike Atom and update the firmware (full guide here). Once the update is complete, you can connect two devices via Bluetooth.
Warning: some users are complaining that the beta firmware breaks gradient simulation in Zwift (see comments below). Install at your own risk, and realize you may need to go back to the working firmware if you have issues.
Notably, when using the Wattbike’s dual-channel Bluetooth capabilities, the last connected app or device will be in control. Here is Wattbike’s guide on how to use dual-channel Bluetooth.
Zwift Play Compatibility
While Zwift’s tech specs say their Play Controllers are not compatible with the Wattbike, Wattbike disagrees. They’ve published a support page explaining the benefits of Zwift Play, with photos of Play installed on Wattbike handlebars:
Wattbike says to install the Play controllers by placing them under the brake hoods as high up as you can, without covering the shifters.
In our chats with Wattbike owners, they’ve said the Play controllers fit decently well, although the button pads are tilted forward a bit more than would be preferred. One recommendation is to modify the included shims, cutting them shorter so they can be placed beneath only the lower portion of each controllers, tilting the entire assembly so the button pads are flatter.
Questions or Comments?
Post below!
Could there be custom 3D printed shims for the Wattbike? If someone comes up with a solution, can the design be shared?
Very easy to use ZP controllers just as in the photos. It’s not rocket science and don’t understand why Zwift say not compatible with WattBike. Easy to fit and use.
is wattbike hub definitely not free? I haven’t paid before and recently did the hub update and the beta change so I could get the metrics while using zwift. there was no mention of it being paid for version when I did it.
Hi Julia,
Just updated the post – there’s a free version of the app that provides the functionality needed to do the stuff above… then a paid version with an expanded workout library. I just updated the post!
thanks Eric.
Only slight (sarcasm) issue with this is that when I updated to Beta firmware, and then connected *just* to Zwift as normal, even though I set the Wattbike as controllable, it wasn’t picking up gradient changes. Scenario 1. Never mind, I thought, I’ll turn Beta firmware off. Now the Wattbike isn’t sending power *at all* to Zwift. Scenario 2. Finally, I tried connecting to the Wattbike Hub App *and* then to Zwift. It still doesn’t reflect the gradients and the power and cadence sent through to Zwift are unreliable. There’s sampling and/or smoothing happening, I did a couple of efforts… Read more »
i concur that I had the same issues when I tried to link up…when I first got my Wattbike in June 2023. I’ll try again though but maybe connect to Zwift first?..
I am also having this problem, used the Wattbike in Zwift with the beta update. Tried restarting Wattbike, the app, the tablet – just couldn’t get the bike to respond. The Wattbike app itself works fine, I’m just missing out on all of Zwift fun!
Rolling back the update also exhibited the same behaviour as you. I contacted Wattbike support who advised resetting the “zero states” although this hasn’t helped either in my case.
My Atom isn’t picking up on gradient changes either, and it’s also much harder downhill – it’s like the beta update has caused trainer difficulty to fail.
It’s worth mentioning that this update only applies to the Next Generation Atom. I have a first generation Atom and haven’t tried applying the update. Could anyone confirm?
I have found my new Wattbike to be much more difficult than my Wheel on Trainer. I have not managed to use it in Zwift yet so I’m really happy about this update.👍🏾
Any solutions to the this problem yet ?
no Gradiant changes in zwift and can revert to non beta firmware
Is there ever going to be a way to steer using the Wattbike atom controls instead of the play controllers?