Tacx Trainer Comparison
Floriana Grundy
So this category is more about the geekery details of all the ways you can connect, with some ways weighted more heavily than others. For example, Wahoo now supports WiFi built-in, and atop that, Race Mode at a higher 10Hz broadcast rate (so 10-times a second, which is 10x faster than the otherwise once/second).
There was only one of those small test scenarios, where we did see a slightly negligible impact. That was at maximal all out sprint for 3-seconds, but that was it. The rest of the time, the overwhelming feedback, and the test data showed that motion plates actually make sustained hard efforts feel a bit better.
However, when it comes to the base free portion of the app, Wahoo has more features/options. Most notably about custom page configuration, and the ability to export and sync to countless training platforms and file types, do other sports (like outdoor workouts), and even has more trainer configuration options than Garmin.
This is the second-most messy section after compatibility. But enough people have asked for me to include such a section in various reviews over the years, that I figure a comparison section is the most useful place for it.
First is distribution. Unquestionably, Garmin has wider distribution of this trainer in more countries/places. Or at least, it will in a few weeks as more containers start making their way from The Netherlands (where all Tacx trainers are made) to the rest of the world. While Wahoo has a good distribution network that covers many countries, the reality is that nobody has the distribution/availability breadth in the cycling sports tech space as Garmin does (unless you include Shimano).
Now, practically speaking, that may not matter to a ton of people. However, the second component of that is support. Which comes in two parts: Availability of support in your local country, and then the quality of support in your country. Garmin simply has support in more countries, largely handled by themselves in most places (versus distributors in smaller countries). And generally speaking (there will always be exceptions on either side), I hear very few complaints about Garmin support.
But the L/R Balance in any Neo (or trainer or spider-based powermeter) is just an estimation, not a true balance. It clearly sees in your comparison charts that the Assioma Duo is measuring completely the opposite than the Neo in certain situation during the same ride. a totally unusable data, meaningless to watch. if somebody has leg issue or wanna knows his/her true leg balance, buy a dual pedals or Infocrank.
Hi Ray. What do you think about the compatibility of the Neo 3T and a 1X gravel bike? I have a 10-52 cassette on the bike and a SRAM AXS XX1 transmission derailleur. So, a big cassette and a long cage derailleur. Obviously a bit smaller cassette could be used on the trainer but the long cage derailleur is there to stay. Is that likely to cause problems hitting somewhere? It would be nice to know before I buy anything. Is there any difference between the clearance on the 3T and the Neo2? A friend has a Neo2 that I could borrow to try. Thanks!
Wahoo Fitness, at least in the U.S., is an exemplar of superb service for their products. The 3M is way overpriced and the price will come down with public pushback as time passes and seasons change. Although neither compare to using a trainer on a rockerplate, the 3M only provides a little bit of wiggle compared to the Move. The self-immolation tendencies of the Neo have been corrected, as per the review, but that remains to be seen. The cause of that has never been revealed by Tacx(Garmin), to my knowledge. The close proximity of the rear derailleur, in lowest gear, to the metal flywheel is somewhat disconcerting, and in some will demand spacers.
Can anyone tell me if either of these trainers is compatible with a 12mm x 165mm thru axle?
I bought the bike last year assuming (rather stupidly) it would be fine with a trainer, but on researching I am struggling to find a direct drive one that openly states it will be.
Any advice on adapters would be welcomed!
So, check the actual specs for your bike on the manufacturer website. It will list that info in the frame and/or rear wheel info. Chances are good that you have a 12mm x 142mm (most road bikes) or 12mm x 148mm (most newer MTB) which all modern wheel-off trainers accommodate.
Wanna save some cash and support the site? These companies help support the site! With Backcountry.com or Competitive Cyclist with either the coupon code DCRAINMAKER for first time users saving 15% on applicable products.
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.
4a15465005