Tacx Training App Review
Shanae Maerz
So, if you get that message, then simply give it one turn to one direction and try again. Same message? Give it two turns the other way and try again. Repeat this until you finally get the colorful chart. Once you have that, then you can fine-tune it.
However, ability to hit the specified targets was challenging and required me to tweak the gearing a bit. Again, I outlined that in detail up above. Still, for completeness, here was the gearing I was using for each of those intervals:
You can hear the exact noise in my video at the 9:52 minute marker (top of post, or linked to the exact point right here). Again, it is what it is, and up until a few years ago it was the norm for everyone.
For me, in my testing, I used Zwift and TrainerRoad as my two main apps (which are the two main apps I use personally). In the case of Zwift, I used it in regular riding mode (non-workout mode, aka SIM mode) as well as ERG mode (workout mode). Whereas in the case of TrainerRoad I used it in a structured workout mode (ERG mode). I also used Kinomap in ERG mode. I dig into the nuances of these both within the power accuracy section.
Still, there was no meaningful shift in wheel-speed across this chart, so basically, we see that given that constant, the only shifts in power accuracy seemed to occur based on wattage levels. And as for cadence on this ride? Perfectly fine:
(Note: All of the charts in these accuracy sections were created using the DCR Analyzer tool. It allows you to compare power meters/trainers, heart rate, cadence, speed/pace, GPS tracks and plenty more. You can use it as well for your own gadget comparisons, more details here.)
I use Apple TV for Zwift the vast majority of the time, but also just for watching YouTube/Netflix/etc on the trainer. The Apple TV remote sucks though. This $8 case fixes that, it's a silicone strap that makes it easy to grab, but also has a strap to easily place on the edge of your handlebars. Boom! Note: Not compatible with 2021 Apple TV Edition.
I've got three of these $12 fans floating around the DCR Cave, and I frequently use them on rides. They work just fine. Sure, they're not as powerful as a Wahoo Headwind, but I could literally buy 20 of them for the same price.
This desk is both a knock-off of the original KICKR Desk, but yet also better than it. First, it's got wheel locks (so the darn thing stays put), and second, it has two water bottle holders (also useful for putting other things like remotes). I've been using it as my main trainer desk for a long time now and love it. Cheaper is better apparently. Note: Branding varies by country, exact same desk.
This is by far the best value in trainer desks, at only $59, but with most of the features of the higher end features. It's got multi-tier tablet slots, water bottle holders, non-stick surface, adjustable height and more. I'm loving it!
One of the most popular trainer fans out there, rivaling the Wahoo Headwind fan in strength but at a fraction of the price. It doesn't have smartphone/ANT+/Bluetooth integration, but it does have secondary outlets. I've been using it, and a similiar European version lately with great success (exact EU variant I use is automatically linked at left).
To build on your calibration tip: I would also suggest you calibrate at least once a week even if everything is the same (tire pressure, bike not moved). I used the Vortex Smart for a while and would see some drift along the week even if I kept my tire pressure the same.
As for the trainer tires, I think I did include them. However, my past testing has found that they are actually slightly louder than regular tires (or at least, the tires I used). They do however cut-down on tiny bits of rubber spewing around your room if in a living room or such.
Loved your review but I have a quick question. Do you know if there is a weight limit on using this trainer? would love to have something in this price point when weather is not cooperating. Currently a big guy and using a bike to try and loose weight.
I have a Vortex, currently my back up unit to an H2, I never had any issues with the knob from a functionality standpoint and it always moved smoothed. My one issue with the knob is the threads need to be the opposite hand, when you think you need to go in, it should be righty tighty. If it had been a long time between adjusting or putting the bike back on the trainer I would always forget.
I never had to adjust too much from on and off as long as long as tire PSI was managed.
I am not the fittest, and am on the heavier side (185cm tall and 95kg). Would this fit within your definition of a heavier rider and therefore be a possible reason to prefer the KICKR Snap with its better gradient and power range Ray?
I am 85kg with a Snap. I have Zwift set at 100% and everything over 10% feels the exact same. These are high power low speed situations though. I believe that is more pronounced the more one weighs, from what I have read. The true power trainer capabilities seem complicated by Ray does an outstanding job laying it out.
Personally, I think the 6% for the tacx would Not be acceptable for my riding. The snap is very responsive. If I had to do it over again I would have gone with direct drive though just the ease of hopping on the bike, better accuracy etc.
Thank you so much for a great review. I normally spin 3 times a week and now in lockdown have been looking at trainers. Rang a few friends who ride regularly and they directed me to this website. I was looking at putting an order in for this trainer after some research and you have now reassured me. So timely to do a review of this trainer at this time.
Still, even when I was doing 2-3 trainer rides a week on wheel-on trainers (CompuTrainer), I found that while it did burn through the tires faster, it basically corresponded with me wanting to do a yearly tire swap anyway (for traction/etc).
I experienced the same issue with this trainer flashing red light and disconnecting from Zwift due to overheating at low cadence and high power. This is unfortunately a well known problem with this trainer.
In addition, several users have also reported that this trainer is breaking down due to bearings that have gone in the flywheel. I therefore decided to return my trainer to the dealer and I do not recommend this product as it does not appear to be durable enough.
The trainer is indeed overheating, I experienced this myself for the first time and through searching I have seen reports of this occurrence in other places. Pushing 250-300W at low cadences, 60-65 rpm, seems to be too much for this model.
According to some users the solution is to have a small fan pointed directly at the trainer.
You can even 3D print a support for a computer fan and it seems to do the trick.: link to thingiverse.com
I believe through firmware upgrades they increased the stated accuracy, which is honestly somewhat common in the trainer industry. Wahoo at one point increased the accuracy of the KICKR SNAP through firmware, and I think Tacx did as well for the Flux.
Is this a usual thing thing with these budget trainers? Would simply getting a power meter and using that instead of the trainer fix the problem? I should probably just buy a better quality trainer but it would be good to know the cause instead of just throwing money at the problem :D Thanks for all your hard work!
Yes, I experienced the same issue with this trainer flashing red light and disconnecting from Zwift due to overheating at low cadence and high power. Overheating is unfortunately a well known issue with this trainer.
Some users have reported that they solved this issue by using a fan:
link to forums.garmin.com
To adjust the tension on the wheel just look at which way it moves when you turn the small wheel. If it goes up it gets tighter ;-) Based on some feedback here the Vortex must have a better designed adjustment wheel too because when the lever is released it moves very easily.
For example, Clever Training does stock it (but, like all trainers, stock is super limited). Performance Bike in the US used to sell it for a while. But for whatever reason a lot of retailers seem to hide away from it, and Tacx has always hesitated to meaningfully market it. Likely because it cuts into higher priced trainer sales.
While in ERG mode if you are training above 250 watts for a prolonged period of time the trainer may go into an overheating protection mode. If this happens the resistance on the trainer may cease while the trainer cools down. In order to avoid this issue we suggest that you increase your speed during your workout. Doing this allows the brake to decrease the resistance amount for your workout and in turn allows the trainer to operate at a cooler temperature.
I have a Smart Vortex trainer, and after reading this review, I calibrated on a cold wheel. I also got a nice FTP boost. But I recently got a Neo 2, with more accurate power measurement, and it looks like the cold-calibration Smart Vortex measurements were about 15% too high (FTP went from 230 to 200).
Cost aside, is the wahoo kick starter a better choice for someone who wants a comfortable cardio workout? I am in my 60s and am looking 60 min daily workout to burn calories and exercise my leg muscles.
Thank you
Hi Loic,
I have the Flow Smart and find it surprisingly quiet. Disclaimer: mine is in the garage, not an apartment, but I honestly expected it to be noisy enough to drown out conversation yet I hear my bike more than I hear the trainer. The only thing I might have done significantly differently is I have a spare bike (old heap nobody rides) on the trainer with a slick tyre on it. If you have to use the same bike for indoors and outdoors, repeated swapping over might be a bit of a pain. If you could get a second rear wheel to wear the slick tyre, I reckon you could get pretty quick at switching out the wheels. HTH.
Avril
@Brian Reid, if you are 160lbs it would be 6% (or whatever the weight number Tacx used is, I was guessing). My Flux S seems to top at about 8-9% instead of 10% and I am 195lbs. Also, this 6% is at a certain flywheel speed so try going to a harder gear and see if the resistance goes up a bit. The higher the flywheel speed the more resistance can be provided. My Kickr Snap could probably do 10% (of the quoted 12%) so you may just need spend a little more if you want better resistance control. The difficulty multiplier in Zwift should do something either way though so that might be concerning. DC Rainmaker really liked the Elite Tuo so you might consider going that route if you can swing $500 (or whatever cheaper thing Elite has going on in Euro/Pounds if you are in Europe).
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