As far as I’m aware TrainerRoad still doesn’t support geared mode on the WBA, which has been a real limiting factor for me. Workouts with intervals of under 1 min just don’t work sadly. And ERG mode just doesn’t feel like cycling…
Geared mode works fine on Sufferfest/ Zwift etc. So it’s a shame TR have no roadmap to support this.
What makes you say that?..the biggest problem with the atom is the delay in resistance when it reacts to the terrain due to the mechanical motors, and this creates issues with ramp training and short incline/decline changes when in ERG mode. This update, and the change to electromagnetic looks like it will be a much needed game-changer in that respect.
I emailed them about a trade in too. It would be nice if they did, but was not surprised they said no. My friend told me he sold his 2nd hand v1 for full price because the delivery time are so long. I would be tempted to do the same, but wouldn’t want to be without mine.
I am happy it is build like a tank 
I was very happy with my v1 until earlier this week 
The V1 is fine for zwift, not sure if an issue originally but it’s fine with zwift now, and the closer to 100% realism you run the more efficent/noticeable the shifting is.
It actually struggles more with TR than zwift as you can only run it in erg mode, and the wattbike struggles with short hard intervals so you can’t drop into gear/resistance mode and then back to erg mode like you can with the wattbike hub or zwift.
I did struggle initially with the wattbike in erg mode and changes of resistance but having got used to it, it’s very good. You just have to be on top of your cadence… if you hold Your cadence it will settle very quickly and smooth for normal changes of resistance/intervals. It’s just the big jumps in change of resistance, say 150/200% ftp where it’s a struggle to hold uour cadence steady so you find the atom starts adding/removing resistance as you cadence goes up/down. As I said, in the hub or zwift you can just turn erg off.
The new atom is the atom x without the screen.
It’s not, for similar reasons you explain TR/ERG response. The resistance unit just isn’t fast enough.
I use it 4-5 times a week, it really is…
I’ve come from a kickr snap, then kickr direct drive, and there is not enough difference in the experience to make a difference.
very nice
There are a couple more differences:
The Atom X seems to have convenient multi user adjustable seatpost and handlebar adjustment, which would be quite handy on the standard atom.
Atom next gen is rated to higher max wattage than the Atom (2500 vs 2000)
Also better step over height on the Atom X as there is no top tube. If you’ve failed to clip in and landed on the Atom top tube, you’ll know what I mean…(short cyclist problems)
My friend had just ordered an Atom and was told up to 11 weeks for delivery. Seems strange to be making a run of v1’s if v2 on way and likely to be available similar time.
Anyway, my friend contacted Wattbike and they’ve let him change order to a v2 for £150.
Not bad considering it’s meant to be £300 more expensive.
Been waiting 6 months - yes 6 months - for Tacx bike. Still no sign. Thinking of giving up and going for next gen Wattbike Atom.
Ordered a WattBike Atom Next Gen this morning. Sadly 11-15 weeks delivery window so it will be a while before I can compare it to my Kickr 18 wheeloff. The smaller footprint than the bike plus the Kickr was the main reason and an ‘easier’ adjustment between riders. Also with the price of used bikes in the UK being so high at the moment I can offset a bit of the purchase price by selling my dedicated trainer bike 
I hope the TrainerRoad team can get the geared mode working with the App at some point but I mostly ride in ERG anyway
This is what appeals to me the most with smart bikes - easier to justify to the wife if I say that she can use it too.
Currently don’t have the space to have the bike set up full time though so will have to buy a new house first.
Interesting to see some reviews on this because it really seems like wattbike have done enough to put the new atom at the top of my wish-list.
This is why I got the atom. And it is now sitting and gathering dust since we both don’t use it.
I’m keeping my Kickr until I’m happy with the Atom. If I don’t like then I’ll be taking advantage of their 30 day return or will sell privately to someone who doesn’t want to wait for the 11-15 weeks delivery. No ‘clothes horse’ exercise bikes in my house 
The only reason I don’t use my Atom is because I got a Neo for free (very long story)
It’s a great bike but I’d HIGHLY advise people to not try and sell it to their partner as something they’d use.
I’d stick the atom on eBay quick while they are selling for a profit 
Yeah, i’m debating. We have quarantine going on still and I’m not risking anything tbh
FWIW I like my Atom.
I only use it for TR so cannot relay any personal Zwift experience. I’ve not even tried using the Wattbike app.
My friend has an Atom he bought around the same time (September last year) and uses it exclusively on Zwift and has said he finds it fine, but I guess that’s quite a subjective thing as there appear to be quite differing opinions on this thread on the efficacy of the Atom when linked to Zwift
Given I am UK based and (pre Covid) worked long days in London I found the Atom was very useful to allow me to get in a quick ride / workout when the evenings were dark or the weather was too poor to consider using my bike.
Easy to set up. Easy to operate. Feels robust enough.
Downsides?
Overall I’m happy with it
I like mine, I’ve put in about 6 hours a week on it for the last 3 months I’ve owned it.
Not great at very short sprint intervals, especially compared to the Cyclops H2 I had.
Not optimal with Zwift but that’s what I’m mainly using it with, and my main issue is with short sprints. It seems to absorb my ‘kick’ and I can’t put out peak numbers. This may we’ll be my technique, which is rather violent and not very track smooth.
The cadence Sensor doesn’t seem to report all that well on Zwift, though it appears fine on Wattbike hub (related to the pedal efficiency feature?)
I’m fairly sure I will upgrade, I really like the form factor, I get on fine with the crank length, Q factor, tt bar mount, and if the new resistance unit is anything like the current competitors, it will be a winner for me, at a lower price than the Kickr, tax neo and stages bikes.