Tacx Neo smart turbo trainer - Summary Review

   Smart turbo trainer   

Smart trainers are units that have resistance and are wirelessly connected to apps and software in order to simulate virtual riding conditions. On this post, I will introduce the Tacx Neo Smart and offer summary review on it.

  Tacx New Smart Trainer  

Hyuntae Review Rating : 4.5 out of 5 stars

GOOD : accurate power measurement, fluid operation, function that simulates cobbles, dirt roads, quiet

I am using elite turbo muin trainer, which offers inaccurate power figure that is higher than a pedal-based power meter offers. In the other words, it exaggerates my power figure. So I think "accurate power measurement" is a great selling point.

Many users have reported power figure tacx neo measures is always low by 5 ~ 10 watts compared to pedal or crank based power-meter.

Fluid operation Tacx Neo has is super cool. Elite Turbo muin adopts fluid operation, too. The combination of direct drive type and fluid operation have another merit, silence. I live in the apartment, which is common life style for koreans, so I am careful of the noise compliment issue from downstair. I think Tacx Neo can be solution to noise issue.

In korea, noise issue between neighbors is a serious problem 

I have heard the unique function of Tacx Neo, which provide you with the feeling of cobble, dirt roads, and so on. I am really curious about it. 

BAD : pricey

I would like to buy Tacx Neo right now, I want to say "shut up and take my money," but in korea, Tacx Neo is too expensive. Its price is $1,734 that is equivalent to my road bike. OTL.

JongHyuk Review Rating : 8 out of 10 stars

Pros : Quiet, simulating descents and ascents, accurate, stable, can work without plugged in

All Smart trainers simulate descents and ascents, which can offer real-riding experience. My elite turbo muin does not. Without plugged in, you can work with Tacx Neo, due to fluid operation.

Cons : Expensive, hard to store, possible to trap fingers when unfolding and awkward to carry

Again, I agree it is very very expensive. This reviewer points out "hard to store" as bad point, but it can be folded enough to fit small space, I think. My turbo trainer can not be folded.

Trap fingers..? Yes, it can happen and happened once from one of my followers. "Be careful" is not enough. Tacx should consider this.

BongSep Reveiw Rating : 3 out of 5 stars

Cons : 

1. The ride on tacx neo isn't as realistic as competitors and ERG mode is not satisfied.
2. Resistance changes felt a bit brutal.
3. There is no question that it is too pricey.

Pros : 

1. The Neo have a top build-quality and the ease of set up is super convenient.
2. It is so stable that one can feel safe even during sprints.

Wiggle Costomer Review Overall Rating : 4.4 out of 5 stars ( 120 reviews )

Cons : かさばり( bulky), 高価格(expensive), teuer(expensive), 太贵(비싸다, pricey), poor fit

Pros : durable, versatile, comportable, 魅力的(attractive)

I think this is the best review :

"First review I have ever written, but I felt the need to in this case.

I was worried about buying the neo as there are a few horror stories on the web of things going wrong - but as people are much more likely to complain than praise, I took the plunge anyway.

The main issue for me is noise - living in an apartment, it's critical for people below and my sleeping wife next door. The next issue for that is critical is power accuracy.

Sound:
The trainer is quieter than the bike drive train, it really is almost silent. At high speeds there is some low frequency vibration. In ERG mode you can prevent this by selecting a low gear.

ERG mode has some low frequency vibration at higher power outputs (> 250W)
I bought a washing machine mat, just in case, and no complaints from the people below.

Accuracy:
I compared with my BePro pedals, the Neo is about 5-8W below the pedals, but very consistent. This gave me peace of mind for the pedals also! It's very accurate at all power ranges (up to 600W in my testing)

Zwift / Trainerroad
With Trainerroad, it works superbly in ERG mode, both using ANT+ and Bluetooth. In free ride mode it also works well, power changes are reflected with no lag.
With Zwift, there is a noticeable lag between the power you put out and the software. Reading on the community forums, it seems that Zwift think the issue is Tacx and Tac think the issue is Zwift. A lot of people have reported it. My solution was to use my pedals as the power source and the neo to manage the gradients.

Road Feel:
This works really well, but does create noise!!! It's a bit of a gimmick, I switched it off after a while.

I use a Trek Domane SLR7 non disc. It fits with plenty of clearance.

Summary:

It's excellent, I'm really happy. Delivery from Wiggle to Italy was on time, as promised."