Garmin/Tacx Updates: Boost Bundle [Budget Trainer] // Discontinued Trainers // Software Integration

[@Robin_S78]

That makes this channel so worthy, you dare to be honest!

[@gplama]

I thought twice about posting anything.... these reviews can end up with me being shitlisted and further isolated from "the industry". The reason I rolled with this one is that nothing is made up or fabricated. It is my hands-on experience. I threw a number of tests at the unit to remove variables (Slower ramp test / Tacx Training app test / etc), and it was still disappointing. The T3 article (while just marketing) is misleading. Their headline is "Wahoo, beware".... beware of what? This unit isn't 1/2 a SNAP. I'm equally disappointed and frustrated at this trainer. It's good to know these videos are viewed and appreciated. :)

[@Robin_S78]

@@gplama I (and MANY others) highly appreciated your reviews and feedback. You (and DC Rainmaker) made me buy the Stagesbike 20, and I love it!

[@MD0886]

@@gplama +1 this is to confirm, your reviews are viewed and appreciated. Keep it up

[@davidpancerz5820]

+1,000,000 your videos are viewed and MUCH appreciated! Thank you Shane. I'm not even in the market for a trainer (own a Wahoo Smart Bike in response to your informative series on that product) but watched this intently. The things I've learned from your channel over the years as a subscriber have helped my cycling immensely.

[@AB-fh9zh]

Exactly. There's enough industry pleasing 'journalism' out there.

[@diracflux]

Shane does a wheelie, cautions "DON’T DO THIS" ME: Immediately tries a wheelie on my Wahoo Kickr.

[@rasmuswi]

Don't know why, but reviews of really crappy products are so often way more entertaining to watch than reviews of faultless products. Had several laughs watching this!

[@cliveweir]

Watching this felt like travelling back in time 10 years, with super production quality of course

[@marcbryant8482]

Garmin: "I want the truth". Lama: "You can't handle the truth!" Telling it like it is Shane.

[@guillaumelongchamps7355]

Tacx Booster was my first trainer 2 years ago. Bought it used at a decent price and it opened me the doors to the indoor trainer world. Last year, I went for a Kickr Core and this was one of my best purchase for cycling. Glad to see that I am not alone having problem with the resistance screw !! 🙂

[@DilbertMuc]

Hey, at least you had a problem with the resistance screw. In my case my first Tacx unit didn't even have a hole for the screw in the frame to attach the break unit. They forgot to drill one during manufacturing. Had nothing but trouble, but at least customer service replaced it quickly.

[@AdamJohnson-u1g]

Mate! Can't thank you enough as I was so close at buying this but nope, not after watching that! I had noted the TACX Flow so will check that out now. Hoping you also reviewed that too! Cheers, keep em coming :)

[@lesreed6230]

Having watched many of your balanced views on turbo trainers you have not pulled any punches on this review. Your correct, ten years on customer require simple set ups , products that work out of the box. There is so much competition in the world now, businesses have to get it right first time. Someone who is getting into turbo training might start of with a base model and then move on up the turbo selection. Given a bad start with one could make them move to another brand. On a separate note I followed your advice started on a basic turbo and now use a Wahoo Snap as you rated that trainer, which I enjoy using with Zwift. Keep up the reviews.

[@guzz95]

So basically POS! Love this channels honestly!

[@BetterShifting]

My very first smart trainer was a Tacx Vortex Smart - it was great at the time! Well.. considering my own level and requirements. It was cheap and they offered great support too, here in NL.

[@hankschrader2353]

Had the ad for this very unit when watching this. Her unit was stable 😀

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

4:55 : Built in rocker plate. 🤣

[@plaicknaa]

Thanks for the honest review! 👍 This gives you a lot of credibility! I really appreciate your work.

[@jpmccarthy4622]

Another great review, Shane - as a relatively new convert to regular indoor training (I think I'm not alone) this is the type of content I appreciate. I still don't know how accurate my current wheel-on trainer (it's a basic CycleOps-branded Mag trainer) is on Zwift, as you point out so many variables.

[@ralr]

This one is perfect for me, I never go above 400W either.

[@MedievalRichard]

Same as I have the exact turbo trainer. What resistance level do you ride it on?

[@bentong4121]

I like the hard cold facts! Thanks GP LAMA

[@AlexReimerTrail]

I had a Tacx Flow smart before upgrading to a direct-drive trainer. It's a pretty solid trainer for only a bit more money than the Boost, I can only recommend it (although it's loud).

[@LvanderM]

I own that trainer to T2180. 300 euro`s. That is much better then this trainer.

[@alexj.3206]

I agree with EVERYTHING YOU SAID! Just set this up and had every single problem you complained about so far! Smh

[@vato3198]

Another thought on the frame: I think yours is definitely faulty. The one that came with my Tacx Flow is stable and pretty sturdy on sidewards motion. I like it because it folds so small, I can easily store it in my suitcase. That is worth a lot i.e. for this Xmas when I visit my parents and don't need to stop training during that time.

[@DilbertMuc]

My frame is absolutely rock solid. His is defective.

[@mikechan1720]

I completely agree with everything you brought up in this video. I had to set up a Blue Matic Smart trainer not too long ago and it was hell. They really need to do better in 2.0.

[@sabamacx]

If it weren't for the current world situation, I just don't see this competing against lightly used smart trainers on ebay, like the Tacx Vortex.

[@CanyonWanderer]

Great analysis. While watching this video I was thinking: I had a better deal with the purchase of my Vortex Smart which I purchased in NL in April 2020 EUR299 and near the end of the video you mention that as well. FYI: for lots of products (Apple etc) in NL we mostly see that we pay more in EURO's than the list price in dollars although the exchange rate would suggest the opposite. But for the vortex I did pay in EUR exactly the same as the US$ price for this trainer. I also never experienced the wobble 😀

[@taavinen]

Lama - keeping the Bullshido out of the indoor trainer scene

[@gplama]

I see what you did there! 🤣

[@RafaelFaenir]

I'm surprised that they "launched" such a product at this price. I have the Tacx Flow and I'm super happy with it! It is clearly not a high-end trainer, but it is more than enough for what I use and for my power level, and I get a lot of fun and good training out of it in Zwift. This Boost is not that much cheaper and seems to be a very poor experience... thanks for pointing that out honestly (and showing it clearly with your tests), as well as recommending the Flow as an alternative! As you said, it is not that much more money for a much better product. My guess is that Tacx just decided to go the easy way and use this moment where indoor trainers are selling like crazy to make some easy cash. It will probably work and from a business only perspective is not a bad move at all at this point in time (0$ development and a lot of revenue, pandemic still raging and start of winter in the northern hemisphere), but I guess the beginners that buy this and eventually decide to upgrade will look for other brands...

[@DilbertMuc]

I happen to own both the Flow and the Booster (aka Boost). I love both and they both work flawlessly. Shane got a bad frame, a bad sensor and probably a bad software. Typical of Tacx as they seem to have bad quality control. I couldn't even assemble my unit because they forgot to drill the hole for the screw to attach the breaking unit. It everything is fine, the unit works fine. If....

[@GM-vk8jw]

Saved me some money here. Thanks 🙏

[@PClarkson101]

I'm still using my booster for zwift, not the best no but it has a good feel for my level of fitness atleast. The 400w issue I'm sure zwift actually cap it to 400w as it's a non smart trainer. Good job my ftp is half of that Haha.

[@vato3198]

Got the flow as entry trainer some months ago for 280€. Who in their right mind would by this? If I was looking for an absolute budget trainer, I would be getting the one from Aldi for 50€

[@cliffclermont]

Well done Shane.

[@milandavidovic5723]

Interesting that I have an old Tacx Satori unit that kinda looks similar (exempt for the diffirent magnetic spinning thing) and does the power curve much better.

[@drumtoe]

But couldn't you just buy a super simple mag or fluid trainer that does the same thing? It only makes sense if you have a powermeter on your bike already.

[@djns]

Wish I'd seen this sooner - have just ordered one! Ah well.

[@gplama]

If you're on a quick-release bike, can put up with a bit of messing about setting it all up, and Garmin/Tacx work on the power reporting issues.... then it rides quite well.

[@TylerMcHenry]

IIRC, Zwift explicitly caps estimated power at 400W, so that issue is probably Zwift and not the hardware. Could be different on another indoor platform.

[@gplama]

I assumed that was for ‘unknown’ trainers. The Boost is a listed trainer with a known speed/power curve. And it never topped out at 400W. The test with the Tacx Training app had the same issue (independent of the Zwift tests) 🤷🏻‍♂️🥲

[@TylerMcHenry]

@@gplama Interesting. My programmer brain still finds it suspicious that there were plateaus at exactly 400W, given that that value is used as a limit in similar contexts. But it's probably not as simple as that limit applying if TacX's software showed the same plateau.

[@gplama]

This never hit 400 like I’ve seen with unsupported trainers. I think you’re on the right track though. Something is up with the algo.

[@jeremyhopwood]

I had the exact same thoughts - seems like it is hitting the cap although in a weird way. I wonder if Garmin provided the power curve calc to Zwift and got it wrong. As can’t just be a Zwift issue given you got the same result on the Garmin App. So based on that I think the issue is driven by the Garmin side and in particular software / algorithm

[@DilbertMuc]

Shane, I've been using the Tacx BOOSTER (which seems identical to the new BOOST) for years in combination with the Tacx Speed&Cadence Sensor (that unit that is mounted on the chainstay and reads both magnets). I don't have problems and I CAN REACH ANY WATTAGE, which is not capped at 350W as it is the case in your test. The Boost(er) is pure electromechanical and can't be bothered with sudden power spikes, it just follows the power input up to 1050W. However, I had many issues with the notoriously crappy Tacx App which was full of endless bugs until recently. The virtual power is calculated by software reading the speed sensor, the switch pre-set and the power curve of the unit. This software had many problems with sensors (e.g. in the previous version it could read Wahoo sensors but not its own Tacx sensor!! It was dropping the sensor like your test. Often it did exactly what you experienced. It froze when rotated in landscape mode and so on...). The newest version after Garmin integration seems to be buggy as well and there was also a new bug fix recently. However, Zwift reads the sensor directly with Tacx presets and doesn't care about the Boost Unit. It's all software reading one speed sensor. So, if your unit shows Faulty wattage in Zwift and Tacx App, the Tacx sensor is faulty! Use the Tacx S&C or the really good Wahoo Speed.

[@blackcyclist]

Surely you're better off paying a bit more for a smart trainer? (Budget allowing) cus after buying this it will become an under the bed storage unit

[@DilbertMuc]

Your recommendation for the BOOST 2.0 is actually exactly the BUSHIDO Smart, which they decided to discontinue! :(

[@MrBJPitt]

Shane! Listening to the new zwiftcast now - I can tell you aren't a big western movie fan! That shiny mirror you talk about on the hill as you go down the main street of the old town - it's from the scope of a sniper, in the vain of the guns of the wild West. Nice little Easter egg.

[@gplama]

Ahhhh...... I assumed it was a reference from Westworld (which is set in that genre anyways now I come to think of it).

[@MrBJPitt]

@@gplama it could be a westworld thing, I've never watched that so maybe you are right, but the glint of a sniper scope - and the hero alerted to the sniper on the hill because of it is what I think it is - and it makes me concentrate being hidden behind other riders even more when riding through town lol.

[@paulinfrancis]

I once had a Tacx Genius Smart with a similarly wonky frame.

[@abc32167]

I have similar unit from tacx that is very old (tacx cycletrack). It probably 15 years old (idk), but in construction it's exactly the same thing! I bought it many years ago (used) for ~$50. It has exactly the same problems (except for being square). I wanted to give it someone for free but it's still gathering dust in the storage unit.

[@dOoMnX]

My god... I paid only 200 € back in 2011 for this. Surprised to see that they changed the color and sell it for 50% more! Yes, my unit was faulty, the flywheel was ringing at every revolution and they replaced it for free under warranty, but since then it's been working flawlessly! There must be something wrong with your speed sensor. The one that came with my Edge 510 registers speed just fine...

[@chrisalbertdeleon5354]

Hey Shane have you tried the Tacx Vortex? Is this an earlier version of the Flow? Thoughts? Im currently using it but I dont think its recording my actual power but it could just be me =)

[@gplama]

Yep! Here’s the video on that from a while back: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m52unKONj6mladU

[@jelle7224]

The biggest difference I saw between my Vortex and my Assioma pedals was 10% at the end of a workout, I think if you calibrate it right after a session it should be fine. ERG mode reporting was way too stable though, average is alright but you miss the real variations you get from a proper power meter or high end direct drive trainer. That said, I still use my Vortex and like it a lot.

[@chrisalbertdeleon5354]

@@jelle7224 Yep agreed. I experimented with different rear cassettes and finallly got the one that closely resembled real life power however I could not sustain 250w so it must be me hahahaha! Thank you for your insight and keep riding peace!

[@bluesthemoose]

Kind of makes sense that a trainer you have to set on Number 2 would be quite shitty 😇

[@gplama]

🤣

[@crompensation]

It’s using the inbuilt Zwift virtual power limit of 400w

[@gplama]

It doesn’t hit 400. And the Tacx Training app is also screwing up. It might be hitting something.... but whatever it is it needs to be published and known.

[@crompensation]

@@gplama weird considering the 1000w max.

[@chrisalbertdeleon5354]

Say wha? I sometimes hit 415-420w on short bursts but I can never sustain that without danger of passing out heheh!

[@sontyp8271]

The problem why you can‘t reach 400 w is that the trainer only can deliver about 350 w resistance at 60 km/h on stage 2 which Zwift forces you to choose if you want to use it. So it‘s a Zwift problem.

[@markd.9538]

This is all kinds of terrible. The Bushido Smart should be TacX's entry-level trainer.

[@wattgehtab.]

The Bushido Smart was my entry, too and that was a solid unit imho

[@SaschaN]

Bushido is also the name of a German rapper ,😀. I would never ride on him!

[@DilbertMuc]

I am missing the Bushido Smart. Currently scanning eBay for a unit. Why on earth did they discontinue their only stand-alone smart unit?

[@andreabuono9693]

Shane Miller thanks for you review...Do you think Garmin/Tacx will made a new neo (neo3?) In the next 3 to 6 months?

[@gplama]

I'd say Eurobike 2021 at the latest for any refresh to the NEO2T. If this re-release is anything to go by.... Eurobike 2022.

[@abedfo88]

I had the cheek to post under bike radars review pointing out this machine is out of date and merely greed. They weren't happy

[@StringerBell50]

Thank you for the honest review. I know there is a high demand right now but prices are ridiculous. This crap from last decade for 300us$? I remember seeing the Flow for way less than 200€ at some retailers last year in EU.

[@raydelfing3725]

Regarding estimated power, that is a Zwift-Garmin Speed senor issue (ish)... I race on Zwift using a dumb fluid trainer and garmin sensor. From my experience, Zwift + Garmin Speed Sensor doesn't pick up on big instant power increases. Sometime it will catch up but most time it will just miss the jump completely. If using the speed sensor, I recommend always ramping up for sprints to make sure the sensor catches it. Sensor has killed me on many Zwift TTT starts

[@gplama]

Still no joy on the 20 second 450W zone and the slower ramp test to 1000W. I'm happy to give up the instant high torque readings in the first few seconds of sprints as the wheel comes up to speed. Once it's spinning there's no excuses for it then.

[@sontyp8271]

Would you recomend it to someone who is on a budget and needs a quiet indoor trainer? I also saw the Elite Qubo Fluid seems to be very quiet, but there is no resistencecontrol at all which is rather important for me to have one. I‘m not that ambitious to use zwift ect. all the time. Sometimes I just want to hop on and pedal 30 minutes. And basic training on zwift seemed to be possible. Buying a used one isn‘t an option.

[@gplama]

Drop into your local bike store and have a chat about what they stock, what they support, and what they can ensure is compatible with your bike.

[@sontyp8271]

@@gplama That‘s one of my problems. None of my local bike stores got indoor trainers in stock. Furthermore I ride a Canyon and bike stores in Germany are a bit picky when it comes to bikes they don‘t sell in their shops. So the internet is the only way to get information and Canyon (as all bike manufacturers I guess) fobid the use of thru-axle bikes with fixes trainers.

[@MilanSmore]

$299? Isn't that the same price as the Tacx Flow smart?..

[@gplama]

Flow US$369 here (as viewed from Australia)

[@andraslukoviczki519]

It should be 150$ maximum... but would be better recall and discontinued it, a few days and 2021 is here and the users need to play with speedsensor and a goddam lever... holy s...

[@MilanSmore]

@@gplama just finished the video and saw you discussed the Flow smart too. Just seems like such a weird move for Tacx to release it at this price point. IMO it should be 199 max

[@gplama]

@@MilanSmore A local online shop has the original Tacx Booster frame minus the resistance unit for AU$29.99 at the moment.

[@thebarbermitch]

I bought this one. i have 27 1/4 wheels. that would explain why setting this thing up has been such a pain in the arse. Also, my bike is an 80s peugeot. I thought i was doing something wrong, but maybe the bike isnt compatable?

[@Porkfu]

15:53 at least this trainer does a solid impression of a cyclist after a long workout

[@chrispoel658]

Hi Shane, what is the best value for money wheel off smart trainer. Don't have the budget for the top end ones.

[@gplama]

Value is subjective. Most people will lean towards the mid-range direct models and claim ‘value’ with units like the Suito and Core.

[@zl0j]

As usual: the only thing good about Garmin stuff is PR. I'm glad I have one more reason to crap on Garmin now.

[@chapmag6578]

I have had a Garmin instrumentation package on my boat for 3 years that has been truely excellent. I don’t have a fancy bike computer yet but wouldn’t rule out Garmin on my marine experience. I have had a jet black volt smart trainer for a few months that is very quiet and suits my needs, as I will never get to its max 1500 w power limit. I was very tempted by the Neo as several friends have them, however the Jet Black was less than half the price.

[@jamieswedler2793]

Does the speed sensor work as a normal speed sensor you can pair to a Garmin or whatever, and if so, have you tested it outside? That 35 kph on the sprint seems low.

[@gplama]

Yep, it's a standard speed sensor. It's not stable with the speed number in the higher ranges, but it does go well over 35km/h freewheeling on the trainer with no resistance unit in contact with the wheel.

[@ssjnimma]

So I'm trying to figure out if my bike will work. Its a Kent 700c Roadtech. I've reached out to Garmin support to talk to 2 different reps and got 2 different answers. The recent saying no because it's a bolt on axel? But yesterday I was told it should work but would probably need an accessory to make it work

[@gplama]

If you're not getting the answers/support you want even before purchase, I'd be looking at other products. Maybe drop into your local bike store with your bike and have them look at what will work.

[@averyhillroad235]

My booster i bought 3 years ago had the same issue with the wonky frame. Did you try different speed sensors?

[@gplama]

I didn’t try other sensors. I hoped the one they supplied would work.

[@averyhillroad235]

@@gplama Happy New Year! Hopefully no more lockdowns! I thought your power meters show the trainer is working as expected. The data from Zwift and the Tacx App show the performance of the speed meter. I would expect the Algorithym estimating the power of the unit should be consistent so any rabbit holes should be the speed unit. Why not try just spinning up a wheel with the speed unit fitted, not connected to the Boost unit, to see if power increases in correlation to the increase of the speed.

[@averyhillroad235]

@@gplama I have just tried the following experiment: I fitted a Wahoo speed sensor. Using the Tacx Training App on my Android phone I connected the Wahoo speed sensor and used as virtual trainer [Boost]. I slowly increased the wheel speed. At about 38Kmh the power fell to ZERO. As the wheel slowed down, the power snapped in about that speed. I tried the same again but using the speed sensor as a virtual Blue Matic, it was the same but a lower speed. The conlusion is it's porbably the software at fault. Does Tacx provide Zwift with the virtual power algorithym?

[@davidalexander9047]

I had a classic trainer that wasn't reviewed by Zwift, and it was capped at 400W, could it be that they do the same for classic trainers that they have evaluated?

[@gplama]

The Boost/Booster has a known speed/power curve (up to 1050W, I assume). It shouldn't fall under the 400W cap. It also didn't ever hit and clip at 400W. Having said this, if this is Zwift capping it... this has to be published as a massive WARNING to potential users.

[@fletcherchambers7175]

Wow... There is a LOT of daylight between that and the Tacx Flow for $370 (and occaisionally available for less - I paid $299 for the Flow at REI )... I'm not getting who this is targeted at... Are there folks who still ride to DVDs? I doubt anyone would want it for pre-race warm-ups given the cable-based resistance control.

[@chadwaddington4488]

Once again Garmin shows its complete lack of interest in quality. I've been a Garmin user for almost a decade but their products get less reliable every year and every year fitbit, wahoo, and others close the gap to their top-end offerings. They have also blocked Zwift rides from counting toward their weekly challenges. They even have badges for virtual rides, but after their purchase of Tacx, you have to do the ride using one of their trainers and upload it using the built in software for it to count. I used to look at my Garmin connect data everyday, but I've become so frustrated with the company that I barely look at it once a week now. I think when it comes time to replace my Forerunner 935 I'll be moving over to another ecosystem.

[@DilbertMuc]

++ Shane, the power limit and inability to cope with power spikes for sprinting is a software bug of the current version 4.13.4. ++ I tested it with the older version on my Tacx Boost(er) and I could go beyond 467 Watts and power was up immediately at a sprint. Then I upgraded to the newest App version 4.13.4 and now I am stuck with the same problems like you. Power is capped at 349 Watts and drops immediately to zero (0) Watts and stays there. Sprints are impossible because of the huge latency of the software. I'm afraid they completely screwed it up in the new software version.

[@maximilianofigueroa7073]

I think is not fair review. You have reviewed the Tacx Vortex, which one has similar packing, same frame (I guess), and for sure the same way to mount the resistance unit... And you loved it!. Moreover, the problem with the watts in the sprints is not relates to the Tacx Boost unit but from zwift, because is using the speed sensor, so the signal is transformed from speed wheel to watts and the turbo trainer has no relevance. You should compare it with non smart turbo trainers using the same speed sensor. I think you get what you pay: a manual trainer with an speed sensor, using the same well prove it frame in other tacx devices.

[@gplama]

● My Vortex review was three years ago. That's a long time in sports tech. Even at the time the Vortex wasn't being marketed as a 'new' trainer. Thru-Axle bikes have become a LOT more popular in that time too. The Vortex also provides a different user experience, it's smart AND interactive (SIM and ERG). ● I acknowledged, in detail, one of the 'power' tests was the Zwift algorithm. This is why I then loaded the Tacx Training app and encountered the EXACT same issue. ● RE: Getting what you pay for. This trainer did not reach 1000W as they say it does. With both Zwift and the Tacx Training app. In my experience the Tacx Boost I had did not deliver what they said. Simple. I can't make excuses for the failings I encountered. It has been interesting to see people attempt to do so when they haven't ridden or tested the unit themselves.

[@maximilianofigueroa7073]

@@gplama thanks for the reply. Regarding the last point, I think the tacx boost 'may' reach the 1k watts, but simply the algorithms are not able to calculate it from a speed sensor. My point is that using the powermeter you reached the 1k Watt, so the resistance unit is able to generate a resistance equal to 1k watt, then it works! But the interpretation of watts from a speed sensor is the problem... Not sure if I am explaining myself well. Anyways, I love your channel and reviews. Thanks for taking time in read and reply comment. Cheers from Chile

[@gplama]

@@maximilianofigueroa7073 I understand the unit does provide 1000W+ of resistance, but if it can't correctly measure/report this, then this is a failure of the unit/system/solution. Being able to accurately measure effort is extremely important for training.

[@alfonsolizarazo9806]

I owned a Tacx vortex, it developed an un-motivating / unbearable noise, in the end It was picked up and refunded by Garmin. In my opinion these trainers eventually break down, I would recommend selling it with low kms before faults start if you ever get one. After my experience I don’t think I’ll buy another one. If they discontinued a few of the range, to me that is an indication of the ongoing issues.

[@TomvdS86]

Given that the power is estimated based on speed alone, it does not see any of the forces (torque) associated with sprinting. You start from a given speed and mostly increase torque and not forward velocity. You do see that the estimated power increases slightly in your sprint, my assumption that this is almost linearly correlated to your velocity. To get a better idea of what the trainer is actually doing, it would be interesting to see the velocity versus estimated power. It should be a line and not a point cloud like you normally get when you plot such data. Edit: Based on the assumption stated above, the Tacx is a suitable companion for steady-state riding, not so much for more dynamic events. To do so you would need an estimate of the angular acceleration of your wheel+Tacx flywheel and multiply this with the mass moment of inertia (which is unknown). Besides that, it is based on the assumption there is no slip between the rear tire and roller on the trainer.

[@gplama]

I’m across how a speed/power curve is meant to work. This just doesn’t. The slower speed ramp test I did should have at least peaked over 400W. It was a limp fish.

[@barriegibson]

I have a Tacx smart trainer and I would like to add the rides to Garmin Connect. You said that Garmin have made some changes to allow that to happen automatically but I cannot see how to do it. I have looked in the settings in Tacx software (I run it on a PC) and in the Tacx activities which are kept in the cloud and also in Garmin Connect. Anyone know how to automatically add Tacx activities to Garmin Connect ?

[@DilbertMuc]

I had the same problem until Google found it on a Tacx website (Tacx doesn't find anything on their own site). It's a setting on Tacx Cloud where you have to set enable for automatic data exchange. Took me half a day to find out. After Garmin-Tacx integration it was set to OFF automatically.

[@markstone357]

You can count on Shane to tell a Large company what they are doing wrong, lets hope they listen.

[@gplama]

A relatively small department of a large company. I hope they listen.... if not the feedback they’ll get from consumers and all the software platforms who have to deal with additional workload due to these sub-par products will be heard loud and clear.

[@p40l084g]

way to expensive for a dreadful ride experience. I had the original one a couple of years ago.

[@arroyoiam]

minute 3:10... KUDOS

[@paulhyland4653]

hopefully they sort out the motherboards on the smart trainers .mine died by burning up the components. i wont buy one again .

[@galenkehler]

If this were cheaper it would be fine, make it $100 and fix the packing (recyclable materials, come on its 2020), it could be ok for lots of people as a starter, I know of lots of people that can't sprint more than 400W

[@Simon_is_not_sure]

Hey guys, could you give me please some advices. What I need for nice tacx vortex interactive setup - probably some trainer tire- but it's hard to find tacx tire some maybe some experience on that someone? And can I connect Garmin watch with the trainer? Also for sure ant+ usb dongle

[@chrisalbertdeleon5354]

Hi I use a Tacx Vortex and I use a Vittoria Trainer tire and it works just as well. No, the watch does not connect with the Trainer. The watch will connect with Zwift via the existing bluetooth connection you have on your laptop or tablet or phone running Bluetooth. I have a Samsung smartwatch and this is what registers my BPM. I run zwift on my laptop which connects to the TV via HDMI. I make sure that my phone and my laptop are on the same wifi before I begin. I turn on 2 apps on my phone to turn on the Heart monitor. I turn on Zwift companion on my phone. This is what connects my phone, my Vortex Power, cadence and speed. Once all that is turned on, Then I open zwift on the laptop. Once Zwift on my laptop detects Zwift companion running on my phone, all my devices connect which is a beautiful thing ! Trust me Ive done a bit of research before getting this setup perfected good luck!

[@Simon_is_not_sure]

@@chrisalbertdeleon5354 Oh man, thanks so much for this😃

[@Simon_is_not_sure]

@@chrisalbertdeleon5354 Do you have any problems with the slippage of the tire?

[@canemsystemsit3232]

@@Simon_is_not_sure Nope I made my setup a little tighter to compensate for this but even the Tacx tires I have seen on the forums do have some form of slippage to some degree but so far so good on my vittoria.

[@chrisalbertdeleon5354]

@@Simon_is_not_sure Sorry I replied to you using my work Gmail accont LOL. Nope I made my setup a little tighter to compensate for this but even the Tacx tires I have seen on the forums do have some form of slippage to some degree but so far so good on my vittoria.

[@dmoku]

1;000 watts! Your knuckle popping intimidated me to not buying it.

[@cliveweir]

How was ERG mode?

[@gplama]

It doesn’t do ERG

[@flammablehippy]

Garmin “don’t introduce anything modern, it will make the connect iQ store look outdated and old”

[@gplama]

ConnectIQ has some pretty good apps/data fields though. The fact their units support this kind of development shows how far ahead they are in this area.

[@MD0886]

this is probably for those with power meters on their bikes who only want the resistance from the trainer, and are on a low budget. Still, I think it's overpriced for what it is. I wouldn't pay more than 130EUR for this.

[@chrispyy606060606]

Really disappointing...it seems everything Garmin touches turns to crap. The Kurt Kinetic with the little inride sensor is a much better solution.

[@MrBJPitt]

Little dropout - don't mention that to Jay Vine for the next few months!

[@gplama]

What’s the story? Worlds drops?

[@MrBJPitt]

@@gplama yep, he was looking strong, then got a dropout or disconnect, going up final reverse KOM I think....

[@gplama]

Ouch!

[@MrBJPitt]

@@gplama yep, I reckon he would have created his own "break rooms" like they they have here in Melbourne after that.

[@imperialspy3457]

@@MrBJPitt He actually took his anger out by getting the KOM for Mt Pleasant, one of the few hills in Canberra where he didn't have the fastest time on Strava.

[@mr.piccolo186]

Wait a sec... I have a blue matic that came with a speed and cadence sensor, which is now obsolete by the company standard. They replaced it with something that is worse than it? SHENANIGANS!

[@pauldamian2988]

mmm... er... ah... um... HAVE you seen the latest SpaceX landing????

[@gplama]

🤫🤣

[@stephenbetley9596]

Haven't used a trainer like that since the early 90's for obvious reasons. That's a no from me then. Surprised they're even selling it other than to dump excess rebadged stock in a sellers market. Not good Tacx, not good.

[@GM-vk8jw]

I’ve just re watched this and realised that the Tacx Boost Turbo Trainer actually delivered the results you expected…. The power meters show this. The speed sensor and the fancy mathematics that’s used to come up with the fake power readings failed. I see it as though the Tacx Boost works ok as a dumb trainer. I agree 100% with the things you said about what Garmin could have done (should have done) I reckon if you ride outdoors without a power meter but do use a gps you could ride that route indoors if the weather was crap using the boost. You could set up your pace setter and race your ‘head set’ and your legs would feel it. Would your body tell the difference between a 1hr outdoor ride or 1hr on a Turbo? (Probably) I reckon if this is all you can afford and you still get seat time then it’s good enough.

[@marcus_velo_9970]

Shane you forgot to mention the word 'useless' in your review. I'm at the point now where I'm keeping right away from garmin products, maybe its because they aren't a cycling company, they just don't get how much attention to detail cyclists expect in their products. When you think about the quality of Shimano, sram, etc, garmin just aren't in the same league.

[@loudiet.5674]

In other words I don’t buy this thing. I was planning to order this next week

[@galenkehler]

Drinking game: drink every time GPLama clarifies "This is NOT a smart trainer!" 💀

[@gplama]

That’ll explain the power numbers. The trainer was drunk! 🤣

[@shanew634]

I thought Zwift limited dumb trainers to 400 watts max.

[@gplama]

Unknown dumb trainers. This has a known speed/power curve to 1050w, apparently.

[@DiGitalpUnk1000]

🤮

[@gplama]

I wanted to love this trainer... I gave it the best chance.... it wasn’t to be. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@RichardTanW21]

Possibly the worst VT I've seen from you Shane. I shan't disagree, Tacx seem to have missed the mark with this product. However I also think you've missed the point of the product and therefore your whole review is flawed from the outset.

[@gplama]

What was the point I missed? A trainer claimed to do 1050W not ever passing 400? It simply doesn’t do what they claim. That’s a problem. No support for TA bikes out of the box. That’s a problem. The frame being bent/warped. That’s a problem. If you want to excuse all these flaws that only contributes to where things are at. 10 years behind the game. No progress. And people having a shit experience when wanting to get into indoor training. This video isn’t flawed. It’s just not an advertisement which most people expect. It’s my experience.

[@SyamaiArtemis]

@@gplama You are 100% on the point with this video! As someone new to indoor training, I made the horrible mistake of buying this trainer. I've experienced every problem you highlighted, even unscrewing the roller adjustment until it fell apart. I agree, it probably will sell well... to newbies like me who don’t know any better and will end up having to upgrade to a smart trainer sooner than expected - That sounds like a revenue generating business plan, with little to no consideration for it’s target market! My biggest mistake was not seeing your VT before purchasing. Oh well, at least others will have the opportunity to make a more informed decision after watching your review!