TACX Flow Smart Trainer - Unboxing, Building, Ride Review

The rundown on the Tacx Flow Smart Trainer - The cheapest interactive smart trainer available today. How does it compare to the one-step-up Vortex? Is it worth looking into as your first smart trainer? Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE to support this KZbin channel: bit.ly/3aUph9W
Links:
Tacx Flow Buy/Reviews/etc (Amazon US): amzn.to/2zgVRSp
Tacx Flow (Official Tacx Site): goo.gl/KP9e28
Tacx Blue Trainer Tyre 23mm 700c (Amazon US): amzn.to/2wSGaeH
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Web: shanemiller.net
Instagram: / gplama
Strava: / strava
Twitter: / gplama
KZbin: / gplama
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[@davidaveiro6199]

Amazing that 6y later, this is still useful

[@rangersmith4652]

As a returning rider who's never used such a trainer before, seems like this thing will be perfectly adequate. The main thing for me is to gain the interactivity that will make indoor training fun.

[@peterjongde5133]

Nice review and very educational for a first time indoor cyclist. Started cycling ‘bout 6-7 months ago and a friend gave me this Tacx Flow in exchange for a bottle of whiskey 😎 Now I know how to set it up. Can’t wait to try it out during rainy days.

[@avlis66]

I bought at Decahtlon 200 bucks! Delighted! Don´t care lack of accuracy. Having power data bring home training to another level. Much easier to motivate!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Shane you have been killing it!!!! Honestly every smart trainer I look at you have done an amazing review of it! Thanks matey! :)

[@Powsimian]

Did you get a smart trainer, Katie? Which one?

[@lassemaja8382]

I bought a flow smart from a buddy who had it stuffed in a closet for 18 months without using it. For me as a new cyclist i thiink it is a great product, it´s still in better shape than i am so no need for an upgrade anytime soon.

[@raybarber9526]

What a brilliant video. Well paced, no unnecessary waffle and lots of great information.

[@martincornish1737]

Great review. I got one of these as my first smart trainer, and I can honestly say, for its price range, and specs, its a good first trainer to have, for riding about Zwfit. I've now upgraded to a direct drive, but despite the thoughts of selling this on, as a back up in case my direct drive breaks down, (which its done so once already, and was kindly replaced by the manufacturer).

[@yuumeow393]

can you give me a hint on how loud this thing gets ? im thinking about getting one but im not sure if i will annoy my neigbours lol :)

[@rayyang7211]

@@yuumeow393 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWjIZKeGfa10iqM

[@brownsugarcoffee1]

I just ordered this today I’m new to indoor cycling, so I think this would be just fine for me. Until I become professional❤️🥰😜

[@brownsugarcoffee1]

Well instead I got the wahoo snap instead because that one was in back order for almost 5 weeks. I got wahoo snap less than a week. On wahoo.com 😍🥰

[@liannekulik7640]

@@brownsugarcoffee1 how is the wahoo? I'm also newer to indoor cycling and am considering it.

[@novak-peter]

Just ordered one - thanks for your video, the only place to figure out it contains the compatible quick release, no need to order a separate one :)

[@michwoz]

Yep. For bigger wattage intervals harder gears and greater wheel speed are required. It works the same on Vortex.

[@szabiakanich]

Great timing with this review :) I'm looking to get a smart trainer and was wondering what the differences were between the Vortex and the Flow and if it the Vortex was worth the price difference. I think the Flow will do just fine for me. Just discovered your channel a few weeks ago by the way. Fantastic content. I watched a bunch of your videos. Great insight, great reviews, great discussion. Keep it up!

[@DavidMacVicar]

Tarquin I just bought a flow instead of a vortex. I hope I don’t regret it.

[@tomasazevedo1979]

@@DavidMacVicar are you enjoying it?

[@richardhill9944]

David MacVicar inhad 2 vortex and got my money back. Both failed

[@tomaustin5981]

Hi Shane had one of these for a year good in parts but terrible in others. Tacx quality control leaves something to be desired unit delivered with no qr or bolts. Unit struggles to register low cadence high power efforts in zwift work outs. But just got my direto delivered yesterday after your recommendations and it is the bomb thanks for all the vids keep going!

[@grasho]

I have the Flow Smart and I am quite happy with it... The only bad thing I can say about it, is that it is a bit noisy... but I've never had another trainer to compare it with, so maybe it's normal for such type of a trainer...

[@richardgoodman6071]

I’ve got this turbo trainer coming tomorrow so I’ll let you know how it goes!

[@sabamacx]

The lag in reported power reading is due to the internal smoothing on power measurement. Since it needs so much, this suggests internally the readings may be noisy.

[@LastLamplighter]

Cheers Shane, just ordered one as a present on the back of this review.

[@TonyRoberts]

I've been running the Flow for just under a year now. I got a good deal from Halfords with BC discount, £171 IIRC. Overall the Flow's been a great starter unit with no problems or faults. 95% of the time I'm using it in ERG mode on one of Zwift's training plans. In those workouts I am consistently having to change gear to adapt to the power required. As this is my first trainer I assumed this was normal. Also I cannot get my unit to register above about 580 watts. I concede that I may just be a weakling (my FTP = 257) but I was surprised to see Lama could get his to 850w. Overall a good starter at an affordable price but I will be looking to upgrade mine to something a bit more capable this winter.

[@miles_walker]

Hey dude - I like seeing the power stats in all your trainer videos! It might help also showing a time aligned plot of speed as well, then dividing power by speed (in rad/s) to show torque too (I'd certainly be interested in seeing that). My hypothesis on the delay and accuracy: There is a delay in power measured at the trainer because there is a component of torque generated at the crank which goes into the rotational acceleration of the rear wheel (and other rotating masses). The trainer has to imply this from changes in measured speed, calculating rotational acceleration. For better accuracy (and reliability) this speed signal is probably passed through a moving average filter introducing a delay. Accuracy is lost with respect to a "wheel off" trainer because it has to assume a value for the moment of inertia of the rear wheel (this is clearly known for a "wheel off" trainer). Again this is probably well known to the road biking community to which I'm a noob!

[@mariesimmonds3118]

Hi Shane thank you so much for doing as always a great review on this particular product. I have had this for about one year now with very little instructions. I agree you do have to learn how to ride this especially in erg mode. I had installed tacx training and couldn't figure out how to update the firmware now sorted that out and up to date. I enjoy your videos keep them coming. This product like you said is very good for entry level but of course you always want better so looking to upgrade in time to tacx flux.

[@reepsaag]

Great review. Just bought myself tacx Flow smart in Decathlon for 199,95eur :) For now i did 2 rides on zwift and I'm loving it!!!

[@joannejames4925]

Thank you. I am new to riding and found this test review/set up very helpful

[@brianrychlicki8561]

Great video. Suggestion....since these bikes are typically for newbies, you were right on until the firmware update was completed. As a newbie to the whole bike trainer world, I was lost. Would have been nice to show how to use the app vs jump right into Zwift.

[@CanyonWanderer]

Very helpful, I'm reviewing my 'cheap smart trainer' options, many thanks!

[@antonn.9223]

Codefoto ok boomer

[@DaveyDingDong]

I was using a Neo in a cycling studio until I moved. The Flow was a no brainier for me at £180 new. It’s decent in workout mode - that said ERG mode isn’t he smoothest - but honestly this will do me nicely until I can do a under the radar Flux or Neo purchase.

[@AndysCuts]

Mine, honestly wont lock in. It feels like I'm going to crack my bike? I loosen the other side as far as it can go. Any idea guys?

[@jamilehkhalili4196]

Andy Tran man I’m dealing with the same issue.. can anybody help?

[@gplama]

Make sure you're using the correct skewer. Failing that, ping Tacx Support with photos/details.

[@AndysCuts]

Shane Miller - GPLama I bought it from them. It might need up being the screw

[@richardhutchings1980]

Great flooring in the new pain cave. Keep up the reviews of both the high end and lower end kit. It's interesting to compare them

[@AfonsoRamosmtb]

Tks Shane! Great review! I believe these products are a big chunk of the market, especially for the other countries like here in Brazil that we do not have the products officially imported, besides being expensive. I thought the Qubo Digital Smart Elite seemed better, I'm right? Anyway these products are not for the very high requirement. This week I'm going to start zwift, and I'm anxious, it's a simple trainer with ant + sensors, but the desire to pedal in Watopia is huge, thanks for your videos, you have a big part in it.

[@bigmitch3612]

Good review Shane, I've had my Flow for nearly a year now and it's been brilliant for the money, looking to upgrade now but definitely happy with my choice for an introduction into the smart trainer world. £200 from Halfords not bad!

[@mariesimmonds3118]

Big Mitch yes mine was exactly the same from Halfords think I paid £170 plus postage.

[@antonykbullivant]

Same here, just £160 with British cycling discount. Used it for 6 months with power from the unit and experienced pretty much the same as Shane but it was good enough to get me hooked on Zwift. Have done another 6 months taking power from a stages pm and the resistance from the flow and it’s worked really well. I’m sure a high end trainer would feel better but £500+ better? Not sure I can justify it unless the flow does on me a some point.

[@kiverrussell8369]

Thanks for this info. I'm currently using a reliable, quiet but "dumb" fluid trainer, I'm actually not bothered about ERG mode but wondered if I could take power from my 4iiii power meter and use the Flow to give a better feel for the terrain within Zwift - sounds like this approach works fine? Also how does the resistance change feel on the hills within Zwift - worthwhile and quickly responsive to gradient changes or not?

[@antonykbullivant]

Ian - I’ve had no problems using power from the stages and resistance from the flow. Erg mode even works reasonably well with that setup. There’s a second or 2 delay on resistance when you hit a hill but you get used to that - definitely more immersive than a dumb trainer. You’re reaching for the gears with even the slightest gradient change, you just won’t use quite the range you would if you were outside up a real 15%. I found that when I used power from the flow it overestimated on hills for some reason. It was about 10-15% over the watts I’d normally put out over say 5 minutes on the flat in Zwift. Once I switched to a power meter for power it’s been much more realistic and matches what I can do on the road more closely.

[@kiverrussell8369]

Thanks for extra info, much appreciated. Sounds like a good budget buy to take it up a notch on Zwift this winter. The 800-900W ceiling might be a bit of an issue for me but to be honest that will likely be super-seeded by the ability to get out of the saddle for an indoor sprint (currently I have to stay seated if I'm going over 500W due to wheel slippage/trainer using my body weight, which means it's a struggle anyway to push past 900W for long).

[@tobortine]

I have the Vortex and I find it also suffers from the ERG mode peculiarities, you do have to learn how to ride them. Having said that I do love it and would recommend it as an entry level smart trainer.

[@baley7]

tobortine wow's the noise level in normal use, I am thinking of getting one but I live in a apartment

[@tobortine]

Very difficult to give any advice because an acceptable noise level is a very personal measure. I train in my garage so the noise is fairly irrelevant to me but I don't think it's particularly noisy. To get a very quiet machine you may have to spend a lot more money :-(

[@baley7]

tobortine might not be practical for early morning rides, but should be OK for evenings. Probably not even a fluid one would be OK for early morning anyway.

[@tobortine]

I think you're right. Also worth investing in a mat or piece of off cut carpet (cheaper) that should reduce the transmitted noise and makes it feel more comfortable.

[@billytm5840]

Hey man, wondering if you can help me. Ive been dying to know this and cant find the answer anywhere. Can you upload rides from this trainer to strava without using or having zwift ?

[@GoustiFruit]

I have the same "problem" with the Vortex in ERG mode, but really it's not that big of a deal, you just have to change to a bigger gear when it asks for more watts. Still, ERG mode is way better on the Vortex than on the Drivo ! What I wish you would review, is the actual slope simulation: the Vortex is supposed to simulate the slope "up to" 7% but in my case I don't feel any difference above 4-4.5%.

[@thankyoujesus2836]

Yay thank so glad you made this one! Been waiting for it :)

[@marksmith7719]

I’ve used this trainer for 9 months and had already sussed out the need to change 2 to 3 gears to hit short power intervals in ERG mode. The BLE dropouts mid ride have been very frustrating. Only recently found out that the Flow has a known overheating issue at low rpm and power over 250 watts. Now need an extra fan trained on the Flow to avoid that.

[@GabrielMeza]

Happens to me too, and now it makes a really loud noise.

[@GerardPetersen]

Another great Lama production! :) ... Due to bad snowy, slippery weather here in the Netherlands I couldn't ride for a couple of days and started looking at some trainers that can be hooked up on Zwift. I'm a long-ish distance average recreational rider. I'm aiming at making my flight time up to 100km a week to get through the winter. So, I'm not the sprinter, heavy wattage and what not total freakout user, but I am a sucker for quality. Have said that ... Comparing the Flow with the Vortex, as far as judging them on video goes, the Flow looks/feels a bit flimsy. I would like a more high-end trainer but I'd rather invest that in outside gear because cold and rain don't bother me ... Just want to keep paddling through those few truly horrible weeks :) ... Thus, Viewed your Vortex review as well and I think my heart is set on the Vortex. Thanks again, keep it up and enjoy the good stuff!

[@NathanBudd]

This is exactly what I've found. I have a Flow Smart for indoor with Zwift, and also a 4iiii power meter. The Erg mode is extremely laggy, and does require gear changes to match. Weirdly, it's a lot better in TrainerRoad than it is in Zwift.

[@rosslenihan7294]

Just bought one today.. Hope it's good!! Halifax, Canada

[@itsMo_J]

Is it good! I am in Halifax as well planning to buy it !

[@daniellegon5394]

Getting this as a present for Xmas, great review - can’t wait to get started on it. Questions though - what does “erg mode” mean?

[@gplama]

This explains ERG mode: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpPInZyNbdqCmM0

[@freds-shed]

I had two and had to bring them both back, moved onto a Tacx flux S ...so fingers crossed

[@ravingcyclist624]

Great thorough review !

[@ebonygibson4333]

Novice with bikes, only have a spinning bike, have been advised affordable price and quality reliable will more than likely go for this and get a bike to go with it that is compatiable and affordable again with quality. Wanting to sign up to Zwift when all completed and purchased. Great informative video very informative for my needs.

[@ortizma13]

Awesome video! Thanks always for the great content

[@CreRay]

Great review Shane! About the inaccuracy of the 350W intervals at slower flywheel speeds, isn't that just the unit hitting the maximum resistance? I mean, the unit is specified as 800W at 40km/hr, but that also means that it will capable of substantially less than 400W (300 to 350W?) at 20km/hr. It would be interesting to see the sped plotted in the same graph. Generally, thumbs up! Really helpful reviews.

[@barefeg]

Even with the flux I have to shift up to hit some numbers as it can only simulate 10% and I like riding in the 34 23 gear... But for say 400e I have to shift 3 cogs down

[@gplama]

Yep. I've found slowing the flywheel down by changing to an easier gear is sometimes required on the FLUX when in ERG mode. 20-25km/h flywheel speed is the optimal range for ERG on the FLUX.

[@jromtb]

Thx for a great review. I've just bought Flow and hope it will be fine. Greetings from Poland :D

[@milan4ever]

jaro0011 What do you think of it after a year of use?

[@snowberry1211]

@@milan4ever any reviews after usage?

[@milan4ever]

Moose I bought Wahoo Kickr Core and I’m super happy, very quiet and works great. Help me stay sane during COVID-19 lockdown.

[@jh-oj7nb]

love to see an indepth on the qubo like this if youve still got one.ive just bought one off the back of your original review and the one done by athletic tech review. more than good enough for the money but seems to have similar drawbacks with lag and erg.

[@gplama]

They're very similar units.

[@TheArtofEngineering]

3 months after purchase mine is dead...power supply failure?

[@moha8136]

Great in depth review. Thanks

[@kawaspresso3228]

Great review, makes me want a higher end model now :D

[@gplama]

This one fits the purpose at the lower end. But yes, the higher end units which usually get all the attention are the premium experience for sure.

[@TheRoshan89]

so the only real difference between this and the vortex is that it has less max watage and less max incline?

[@openwheelracing88]

Does this type of trainer go through tires faster? Please excuse my lack of knowledge, just started looking into indoor trainer.

[@ericvillalobos4657]

Given this review is a few years old, I'm guessing not sure much has changed.. Finally pull(ed)ing the trigger on a smart trainer with what my wallet could currently comfortably allow right now, and it was between this and the Kinetic Road Smart 2. Weighed the pros/cons on both in terms of tech, and the personal reviews on both, but after getting a slight headache about this, I went with the the Tacx Flow! And should arrive in 5-7 business days.. I'm a new Cat3 living in California, and hopefully this will do what I need it to do Lol Also to note; I'm going with TRAINERROAD for training, and have the Favero Assioma UNO pow'met, so hoping for the best!

[@hotdog9025]

I bought this dead cheap for £160! I love it. Edit: Turbo’s never last long for me (1-2 years) and spare parts cost more than a new unit in the U.K. It is cheaper to buy the same or a new Turbo.

[@gplama]

Good timing... and you might be able to help with another video I was about to do. You're saying the spares are expensive to buy from Tacx / a Tacx dealer? I've just found tacx.com/spare-parts/ and thought it'd be a good video to do for Tacx owners who might want to replace a part or two to keep their trainers ticking along.

[@hotdog9025]

Hi Shane, your videos are really informative. Sorry but a Long breath: Unfortunately the 3 different brand turbo’s I’ve owned have all been binned due to the high costs of parts vs. an identical new turbo. My Father’s Taxc Blue Matic 2650 is dying after 2 years of heavy use. I also used a Tacx PDF for the roller part number. To buy a new roller part, Tacx directed me to their U.K. importer. They wanted to charge me £110 for a whole new rear braking unit - which is greater than the price I can get the whole turbo trainer new (£82 with discount). Ironically, I’ve just bought another Smart Flow today (£162 with discount) for him. So we both have a new Smart flow in parallel in the lounge. He’s elderly and lives and trains with me. It’s a shame apps don’t sell a family subscription except FulGaz who do. I’m impressed by the Tacx Flow ERG and the price and specs vs. £1000 units. I can’t complain, as it can be expensive to buy in Oz when I last lived there. Keep up the good work! Kind regards, James.

[@hotdog9025]

Had to take it back due to faulty manufacturing and then the replacement had missing nuts. Finally managed to get it going phew!

[@hotdog9025]

On many forums there is a complaint about faulty clicking rollers. I think people are over-tightening the tension with the calibration app - it’s not accurate. Check the metal roller with your thumb and see if it clicks.

[@hotdog9025]

Also pride open the fan cover, push it gently in and tighten the screw.

[@daihat]

accuracy for this one on tacx web says

[@ironadministrator2533]

Hi Shane, would be interesting to see a review of Tacx Genius Smart now and see how it looks compared to Vortex and Flow (high end wheel on trainer vs. entry level).

[@gplama]

I like the idea! If I can get a hold of one, I'll do just this.

[@CaibalionER]

Guys Im very new to this so sorry if the question is dumb: this trainer can simulate like a uphill where I would need to shift my gears to spin more? If Yes, how that works? I mean, the pressure of the trainer on the wheels change according to the road?? Can't understand that

[@dsmithvideo]

You should try to get your hands on a Kinetic Rock and Roll trainer they look cool. They should make an interactive front wheel chock that adjusts the wheel height to match the grade on zwift.

[@gplama]

I've tried. I'll keep trying. What you've just described is the Kickr Climb. That'll be out soon.

[@dsmithvideo]

Shane Miller Awesome I'll keep on the lookout for it. Just searched it didn't realize you made a video for it lol. Must have snuck past me

[@cecylemus912]

great info thanks so much was very helpful

[@UK-Cycling]

Thanks Shane. Does this work with a disc brake bike 142x12mm through axel ?

[@tomsaunders2496]

Hi Shane. I am loving the videos! What are your thoughts between this and the Tacx vortex smart trainer? I am in the UK and am looking for my first trainer for an indoor set up and to test out Zwift. I can get the Vortex for £169.99 and the Flow for £189.99 here in the UK. Which would you go for at those prices. Thanks again.

[@snowberry1211]

did you buy a trainer I'm looking at getting one myself? is the taco flow or vortex any good?

[@brklyndog]

Hi Shane - I just got Tacx Flow for Christmas! I'm having trouble calibrating. I suspect its because I'm running tubeless tire at 82PSI. I'm afraid to inflate it to 100PSI as it's not recommended for my wheel and tire. Should I just go back to tubes so I can inflate to the Tacx recommendation of 100psi or is there another solution to calibrate with tubeless setup? Thanks a bunch and love your videos!

[@ChrisTaylor-un1wv]

Hi, great video. I need to strengthen my leg after a ligament tear. I was told that cycling would do this. Would this be good for leisurely exercise while I watch TV. Could you recomend something else not to noisy.

[@vitorpavao4857]

Can you tell me if it is possible to connect the tacx flow smart power sensor with Ant + to garmin fenix 3 ??

[@LIONSSPEAK]

My trainer. Its really good. I know what he means regard ing the fly wheel speed.

[@juliely7425]

Thanks for the instruction. Do you need to change anything on the bike before you put it on the trainer?

[@yay-cat]

These units are on sale atm. Is it simple/easy enough to use for a beginner cyclist with a spare bike that just wants a late night exercise option. Like I have an electric mountain bike that I’ll take outside when it’s light/dry enough and an entry level road bike I don’t get to use much. I also assume I’d need to figure out the whole cleat situation for an indoor system like this but I’m mostly just worried that it’s a bit tricky to balance on etc.

[@korovkin]

is there anything special about the screwed that hold the wheel to the bike? or all bike road will be able to hook up to this trainer ?

[@gplama]

The skewer has to be compatible with the trainer clamps. Your local bike shop will be able to help here.

[@paginini]

i have one why so hard to pedal ? shoul i upgrade to higher end ?

[@vitorweersma]

Hello! Just about to buy one for me. Do i need anything else do conect to Swift or ir has cadance, speed and power output already on it?

[@icthysfischlein]

Outrageous: From Oct. 2018 *€9,99/month* subscription fee for GPS functionality! Love my Vortex, which I bought for training race routes just a few months ago. Now I'm supposed to pay €100/year to be able to do that??? No way that is going to happen. If Tacx wants to move from hardware into software and take on Zwift, they should find an investor or do a kickstarter... or they could try and get their existing paid-up customers to pay a pile of money more for the functionality they already have. Yeah, the last one sounds good, let's do that.

[@gplama]

Hmmm. It’s the way things are going these days. I’ll make note to always look into free alternatives.

[@Teixeira325]

Como fez pra usar o monitor cardíaco ? Pois eu nao consigo usar mina sinta garmin não parea

[@ThePippo2975]

ok good video, but what if you have a thru axle? What type do you need to use to mount the roller?

[@gplama]

You'll need a thru-axle adapter kit as shown here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYukh4l8fZqnia8

[@frankberesford55]

love the videos! What would you recommend the flow or the elite qubo interactive trainer? I am torn between the two.

[@jfvanschalkwyk]

You obviously posted this sometime ago but still a good video...!

[@gplama]

Thanks! :)

[@jfvanschalkwyk]

@@gplama Well done!!!

[@LQ-gaming]

i got quick release on my bike, i can t attach it to this device

[@4lecsg]

After 20Km ride started to make strange sqeaking noises when manually turning the wheel. Also there is a periodic thump when going hard on it. I'm dissapointed in the quality, will take it back. Also it seems there is a big delay between Zwift incline and resistance adjustment, and between actual power output and what Zwift displays.

[@CenaSitnica]

Got a new version of this hometrainer for this winter, Tacx Vortex. Can't get my garmin power meter even close to what tacx is showing. And i was doing my training at set amount of watts on the tacx app. Any ideas as to why there is such a big difference? Let's say i am riding at 250w on tacx while garmin shows around 210 +/-. I am using Garmin Vector as my power meter, had it the whole year while riding outside, had no problems with it.

[@gplama]

Make sure you're performing the correct spindown procedure on the Vortex after a warm-up. Failing that if the numbers are significantly different, you'll need to talk to Tacx and/or Garmin. (who are the same company now days)

[@luca010191]

Hi Shane, nice review! in your opinion whats the best smart trainer on a budget between this Tacx Flow Smart and the Elite Qubo power mag smart? Someone tell me that found some problem on the Tacx calibration. thanks

[@mikenaus]

There's an Elite model called the Intera Ritmo, here in Canada at $599. Wonder how it stacks up!

[@Andy7846]

Great video, thanks for posting.

[@Cyclingchoice]

This looks like essentially a vortex with the a different resistance unit. I heard that the pedal cycle is a bit choppy with dead spots, did you feel any issues with pedaling smoothness?

[@gplama]

The 'ride feel' was similar to that of the Vortex. I assume this was due to the same flywheel weight.

[@grasho]

I have the Flow smart and I can't say that is has any dead spots... It's smooth.

[@kar-unboxed]

Does it sound too noisy?

[@workhorsemtb7075]

Great review. Super helpful

[@AnatolyGatt]

Hi, does this unit transmit data to a Forerunner 935 (including power readings) as well as Zwift through bluetooth at the same time? Thanks

[@gplama]

Yes, I believe so.

[@barihayat831]

Can I use the unit with a mountain bike with 26*2.0 (50-559) tires? And do the trainer tires fit any bike?

[@gplama]

That's one for Tacx or your local distributor. This may help tacx.com/product/trainer-tyre/

[@RadosawFlaum]

Hi. That moment starting from 10:18 , when you run Zwift and start selecting devices, which of them are additional and which are included in the trainer?

[@RadosawFlaum]

Judging by the model I assume, that power source, controllable trainer and cadence are the devices built in the trainer itself and the only additional is the HR strap, correct?

[@cooltiques]

I got one three weeks ago, great when it's working....but I have had the annoyance of having it replaced twice. Am really enjoying zwift with it.

[@gplama]

Oh. :( What have been the issues?

[@cooltiques]

Shane Miller the first unit wouldn't sit flat and rocked about 10mm, construction/weld issue. And the second unit was fine for about 120k over a few sessions, came to use it again and pushed the lever to pull unit against the tyre and the bolt popped out of the nut, ruined the thread so kept popping out after fixing. it's a bit of an issue looking online, to get it tight enough to calibrate via the app you almost reach the end of the thread. Rightly or wrongly with this one I'm running in the mtb wheel position as I can see it happening again, wheel just fits and needs a little tightening and calibrates fine, feels the same in zwift...

[@TooManyGooglAccounts]

@Mark That's exactly the same issue the Vortex and Bushido have but for a different reason. The Vortex and Bushido have plastic tabs for each wheel size but they're not strong enough and slowly bend. As they're bending you will need to keep tightening and tightening until either the bolt falls out or the plastic tabs snap. At least with the Vortex and Bushido you can buy a replacement part for £5 and then pre-fill it so the tabs can't bend. With the Flow it seems like you'd need a whole new frame.

[@cooltiques]

@toomanygooglaccounts not sure what the plastic tabs are you mention? Halfords have been great so far but they should be really, it's my time spent going back there, re-setting up etc, safe the say i'm keeping the receipt safe ;)

[@TooManyGooglAccounts]

If you google for "Broken tabs in Bushido smart" (including the quotes) the only result should be the Tacx forum with a photo of a broken tab. I think it's rocking side-to-side motion that breaks the tabs rather than pure downward force. I seem to break mine when doing aggressive climbs on Zwift.

[@liambarber9036]

Was wondering how much you have to turn the tension dial, to have the right mount of resistance on the rear wheel. I am getting a Cycleops Fluid 2 in a couple days.

[@gplama]

The Fluid 2 is a different unit. With the FLOW you need to have the roller just touching the wheel then locking it in with the mechanism. The Fluid 2 is 2 (maybe 2 1/2) turns of the knob. It should be in the manual or on the CycleOps site.

[@cmd2709]

Do these work with normal mountain bike type tyres / with tread? I’m, not particularly into bike riding but have a Carrara bike and looking at getting into ZWIFT

[@gplama]

It’ll work.... just not very well. These roller resistance units work best with slick tyres.

[@christianalejandromunozrob22]

One question: Do you replace the blockage for the tire?

[@michael0765]

Hi Shane, I see this is posted in 2017, wondering if there is later version now and a second question - do you have to change the skewer to the one supplied or can you just drop standard bike in if you have a standard steel skewer on it?

[@gplama]

No updates to the hardware since. Maybe a firmware update or two, nothing major iirc. If you already have a solid skewer that fits, that'll be fine.

[@cassim67]

Thank you ! very nice review, good job !

[@hawkeye5035]

Hey Shane, enjoy your videos and reviews!! Which wheel-on smart trainer would you recommend at this point with all the current offerings? Thinking about asked no for that for Christmas for my wife...

[@gplama]

This will help: gplama.blogspot.com.au/p/indoor-trainer-guide-gplama.html

[@nickrogers6441]

Is this one better than the elite Qubo smart ant + ? (or whatever it’s called) the one you’ve previously reviewed as part of your budget zwift set up. I bought the elite and have about 650km on it, so far so good except where the power cord plugs in. My kids walked past it and pulled the cord slightly sideways and it actually broke the pin off where it’s soldered on to the board. I took it to an electronics store and had the plug replaced. It needs something to protect where it plugs in.

[@gplama]

They're very similar units. I might need to loop back to the QUBO and give it the updated Lama Lab Test run-down.

[@neilhendley1119]

The Tacx reviewed in this vlog looks better to me because it has adjustable tension for the contact with the rear tyre/wheel. The Qubo Smart bla bla, as I've reply posted in other vlogs, relies on the rider's weight to provide the aforementioned tension. Thus, for me, the Qubo bla bla you refer to, suffers a LOT of tyre slippage when riding out of the saddle, ie; either sprinting or steep climbing. Even the Elite ugly indoor tyre (entitled opinion only) does not help. The Specialized TurboPro Gripton bla bla tyre seems to grip best for me. I point out that I too sprint in a similar style to the great lil' OS-Greenedge sprinter Caleb Ewan, so I wonder how he would get by on one of the the Qubo bla bla trainers haha. Basically, I infer that you get what you pay for. Also, after nearly 12 months, my Qubo already has the mechanical condition equivalent to arthritis. Second to last, I have always had to work fairly hard when the gradient is 0%, which I put down to the tension already applied by the rear wheel contact with the trainer, resulting in questionable gradient quality riding, resulting in having to work harder, especially noticeable on group rides. As an example of my experience whilst zwifting my time away (now only Lvl19), I had found it hard to retain a steady position in the pack (save 'peleton' for the road), and I'm watching myself moving all over the place onscreen fairly rapidly with small gradient changes that I assume would not affect the overall pace. Looks like a dodgem car ride. Just my own experience of online riding. Finally, the Qubo bla bla power connection does remind me of that on an electronic toy from the 1980's or thereabouts.

[@nickrogers6441]

Please do. How to check for firmware updates (if you can with this model) too please. Thanks for the great videos.

[@nickrogers6441]

I've noticed it slip too, I try and keep mt weight back when out of the saddle to help this a little. I'll give the Specialized tire a go. thanks. That's a good way of describing the power connection. Thanks for the insight

[@Davstrapp]

Hi, I just bought a Flow smart. I use a 27.5 x 1.25 Tacx training tire. I'm on position 2. Whatever I do, It looks to me that it is always too tight against the tire. On position 1, I can't get the tire to touch the unit. Also, how hard should it be to press the lever. In position 2, it looks like it's going to break if I press too much. Help would be appreciated 😁

[@gplama]

One for Garmin/Tacx support.

[@pedroribeiro2721]

does it support off road bicycles with 26x2.25 tyres? Want to start in this hobbie that is cycling but i only have this off road bike and i dont know if it does fit on taxc flow. Thanks in advance

[@gplama]

It should but the roller is best with slick tyres. Tacx makes slick trainer specific tyres for MTB/etc. Your local bike shop should be able to help out.

[@thomasgittins5065]

Can this act as speed distance / Cadence sensor to my Garmin watch when I’m not on zwift and just want to an indoor activity through my Garmin watch? Thanks

[@thomasgittins5065]

Indoor cycle*

[@gplama]

That should work when pairing ANT power and speed to the watch.

[@bathanmark]

Hi guys. What is the minimum size of wheel it can work to? Wil it work on 20 inch wheel bike? Road bike with smaller wheels basically. Thanks

[@gplama]

Best check on the Tacx website. I'm not sure off the top of my head.

[@thisis1704]

how do you keep your feet locked in on the peddle? are those cycling shoes?

[@gplama]

Yes.

[@angelnnnb8628]

Hello my bike have 12mm thru and I ve found adaptor tacx 8mm and 10mm but not 12mm.

[@gplama]

Best contact Tacx Support

[@angelnnnb8628]

@@gplama thanks but tacx support doesn't answer me