Tacx Flux 2 Trainer Review (2020/2.1 Edition) // Details, Tested, Accuracy

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hey folks - thanks for watching! If you're looking for more accuracy charts, you can hit those up at the full written review here: dcra.in/TacxFlux2Part2

[@Spazsailor]

Most incredible thing about this is you managed to actually talk to Garmin/Tacx! I got a Flux 2 (2020 build date so I assume a .1 model), first ride out of the box was having 2000w spikes every 15-20mins, nowhere near enough resistance and erg mode would struggle to give enough resistance reporting 250w when the interval was 300w. Cleary not functioning and Garmin/Tacx report while helpful to begin with now have stopped replying to my emails...unit given back to my LBS and even they can’t get in contact to sort a solution. Edit: just read the full review and saw you hadn’t seen anyone complaining about 2000w spikes, if you are in contact with Tacx about that issue, happy to provide data.

[@alexemard5091]

I just sold the Flux 2 edition didn't know it was that bad on accuracy but I always found it kind of loud. Will go with the wahoo from now! This review is really good as always.

[@chrisalberti]

I want to let you know how much I appreciate this review. I was shopping for a Garmin trainer as I am already in the Garmin ecosystem. The Neo is too much for my needs, so is was considering the F2.1 and the Flux S, the latter you reviewed favorably. I had thought the more $/hardware update is better, until I watched this and followed up on your website on various mechanical problems you experiences with the 2/2.1. I purchased the Flux S and am delighted. Sometimes refining a solid product is better than a redesign. Thanks again.

[@shanew634]

This brought back the bad memories of my Tacx Flux 1 where I couldn’t use my long rear derailleur and on the third failure I paid to upgrade to the NEO. Fun times 😂

[@cusebike5391]

Got the original Flux. It's a fine doorstop in my attic. Never again.

[@cusebike5391]

@Brainjock ????

[@PhilAlbu]

I must've lucked out. I got the original Tacx Flux in 2017 and it's still working well for me! Call my lucky 🙏🏻

[@PhilAlbu]

@Brainjock probably both good trainers. I lucked out and my Flux has treated me well over the years, but I think my next trainer will be the KICKR 2020 (if we ever get that stimulus package 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻)

[@cusebike5391]

@Brainjock One year. It lasted 13 months. Most of that time it was unused due to outdoor riding. I'm guessing you don't live in the U.S.

[@cusebike5391]

@Brainjock You must purchase through REI to purchase the warranty. They don't sell it separately. Why would I want to purchase a warranty in the first place? Extended warranties are a bad buy if you purchase them on all your equipment. If you know ahead of time which items are going to break down, don't buy the item in the first place and save a lotta money. By avoiding Tacx in the future, I don't need the extended warranty. Simple solution.

[@daveward6098]

I picked up a Flux 2 in June. I had the drop out problem after about 10 rides, lasted a couple of minutes while I powered off and on and re pairing, I was just about to give up, then it just came back and worked OK. A couple of minutes later McAfee popped up saying it had finished a scan (and all OK). Now completed a further 30ish rides with no problems even with with McAfee completing further scans. So just once so far, ride on 👍

[@johnfarr5415]

Ray - I find your comment about not seeing reports of signal drops interesting. I used to own a Flux 1 and had this happen all the time...like every ride. I was a member of the Flux owners FB group and I wasn’t the only one having this same issue. Also pretty sad that Tacx claims to not have heard of it and they will start looking into it...because I know I filed an issue with them about it as did others. What you describe is exactly what I’ve seen dozens of times. Yeah that trainer is now gone and replaced by a KICKR Core that has been flawless for nearly a year now.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, but the challenge is the Flux 1 is a different beast than the Flux 2.1, lots of different internals. As such, it’s kinda hard to compare, and, even among Flux 2 users, there’s very few reports of exactly what I saw.

[@markstone5390]

Another helpful review and update, this helps as I own this trainer. You will soon be at 200k subs 👍👍. Update, ive started having the same drop outs issue.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks! Soon indeed!!!

[@bobbymac1972]

Great video as always Ray!! One comment - the :06 second response time to a surge in power would not just be noticeable on a 30/30 workout but I would imagine on a Zwift race. :04 to a whopping :06 seconds to respond to a group surge could be the difference from staying with a surging group or getting dropped. Also during a Zwift Race Sprint finish that kind of delay could be the difference between jumping into another Sprinters draft and finishing on the podium or ...not.

[@Dcrainmaker]

ERG mode responsiveness and SIM mode (where a sprint would occur) responsiveness are actually different things. The trainer is in a different mode, so there isn't a delay for power there.

[@bobbymac1972]

DC Rainmaker oh. My bad! I totally misunderstood. Thanks for clarifying.

[@leslie7922]

That explains why my lbs has about three of these units in stock, but all other trainers are sold out

[@todd_yasso]

My 2016 Flux 1 is still good except I had to replace the belt for $20 and use a separate power meter for accuracy. I don't mind the rumble noise. I can't justify replacing it for a Kickr Core or Tacx Neo; I'm fit and fast enough!

[@krisbowditch827]

Erik onTech same, I use separate power meter (stages) with the flux 2016 .. still going have the occasional lack of resistance drop out going up alpe du zwift , which gets annoying.. for the most part it’s kept me in good shape over dark cold winter months 😁👍.. not perfect, but does the job 95% of the time

[@IvanLChess]

Been using my original flux for about 2.5 years with no issues 🙌

[@IvanLChess]

Cristobal Canellas Waldenfels have PowerTap p1 pedala to compare watts.

[@steppylud]

I have this, definitely a new 2.1 not seeing the power spikes, but do get weird drop outs occasionally. I get the feeling of a surge of resistance for a second and then it just dies. A lot more reliable now its connected via apple TV. On the whole very happy with it but I don't have anything to compare it to.

[@dcolum23]

I've been riding my Flux 2.1 for about 3 months now, put hundreds of KMs on it and I have never experienced power surges or cut outs. But I have noticed specifically on the UCI 2015 course, the first climb on the hairpins, the power is all over the place ... which I'm going to say is actually Zwift's fault, not the trainer.

[@BRC76]

I've been trying to advise a friend on a trainer to replace his Vortex with, having upgraded from the Vortex to a Neo (1st Gen) two years ago, which I now absolutely love and got a bargain at £850 new. I've also come to the conclusion that now isn't a great time to buy a trainer!! Can't see the value buy out there in the mid range and top ends are not doing any discounts - why would they right now I guess with supply limited. Kickr Core is probably the best option right now. Welcome your thoughts.

[@StuntpilootStef]

I've recently bought a trainer (Kickr Core). I've been wanting one for ages, but never had the room. Now I do. I don't care that it's a model of a few years old, I want a goddamn trainer!

[@tall5342]

Great video. I am having issues with this trainer giving 2000w surges!! Really frustrating

[@AirwaveMustang]

I bought the flux2 in February 2020. I had the 2000w powerspike issue from the beginning. It happened at random and about 2-3 times per hour. The helpdesk and firmware updates could not fix it so i’ve returned it to the shop and got my money back. Next: wahoo. Let’s see how that goes.

[@ericfung]

My kids are on a Flux S. Just the other day, the power and cadence just went to "blank" (not even zero) for a good ten seconds (Zwift on AppleTV). The "dropout" was long enough that the kids complained to me. I wasn't paying attention as I was on my trainer (Zwift on PC, ANT+ to Neo 1). As far as I can recall, this has not happened before.

[@rasherdk]

Good thing most shops have probably cleaned out their old stock of bad Flux2 trainers already during the lockdown rush, so there's presumably little risk of getting an old unit.

[@SpeedBoosted911]

Great review, thank you very much! What Trainer can you suggest in that range of price up to 900$?

[@bgm1911]

I've been reading reviews of trainers for about two years. What the heck is about these things that not a single manufacturer can build one that actually works? You can spend up to $1500, and they can still be junk. Just don't get why these products can't be produced well.

[@marshallhughes4514]

I agree I am on my third Wahoo Kickr. It now has the "wobble problem.

[@felipeschieber2408]

I´m here years after thinking the same thing. It is like everything that I want to buy is crap. I should stop reading/watching reviews and just buy the damn thing

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Brah, did you get a probe lens for that intro? 👀

[@morenohau]

Nice video... Between a tacx flux 2 and a jetblack volt, what would you recommend?

[@fightthruchronicpain4137]

Cool vid! What is the stand you’re using to hold the iPad? If you had a choice between Tacx vs Wahoo KICKR V5 which one would you buy?

[@akhmalzainal7435]

Hey mate, between this, and elite suito, which one u recommend the most to be the best budget trainer for paincave?

[@Never_unknown]

On a flux 1 and also have had dropouts recently, past 4 weeks but never before. Got booted from the seconds l'etape de tour which was frustrating. Not sure if it is a Flux thing, Wifi Router thing, or ISP thing. My Flux is annoyingly noisy. A neighbor has just given up and returned for a refund his third Tacx bike. Such a history of QA issues.

[@carolineandjoey]

Very cool!

[@mlegrand]

And probe lens!!! I'm telling you: As odd as that thing is, I kind of miss it.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Haha...I don't miss it one second! That thing was miserable to shoot with! 😂

[@mlegrand]

@@Dcrainmaker - 😆

[@CoenCoenNL]

Knowing Garmin, they'll "fix" the bugs with a new version 3.0. Which will have new bugs. Rinse, repeat.

[@deansmith4752]

My first taxc surged , stutters and stiffened at random times, whether a Zwift or Taxc communication issue is something I cannot say

[@RixtronixLAB]

Nice video, thanks :), does it give you real 39-25 at 10% and real torque ?

[@MrFataux]

Been using flux with MacBook pro on zwift for a while and it sucks, the wait is too much to connect, if you stop pedaling connection is lost, resistance is not even close to real-time with the gradient, sometimes I just couldn't decrease the resistance, erg mode didn't work as expected. Then I tried the iPad, most of the problems are solved. I don't know if it is because of zwift or because of tacx but I do not recommend to use the mac+tacx+zwift combo, and next time, I will definitely go for a high-end trainer

[@Stevenafoe]

I also use zwift on a ‘13 macbook (latest os) with flux (new firmware). Never lost connection. I do have them ‘close’ to each other (screen on front of me).

[@lucasman42]

Having the same issue with the abnormalities - mine just craps out (no power) normally after an auto pause or manual - mine doesn't come back though. I've tried with a couple of different apps and devices. Mine is a Flux 2.0.

[@D1visionbyZer0]

Hi, first of all thanks for the Review. Would you recommand the Tacx Flux 2 or would you go with a other indoor Trainer?

[@gelaycute16]

Had the same problem with the resistance surge all of a sudden. And I’m frustrated.

[@BreumFlemming]

Hi. Thanks for the update. I bought the unit last november and has actually only had one 'glitch' and I am pretty happy with the unit, it 'lags' a bit for instance when cornering up Alpe du Zwifts like it is 1-2 seconds late in reducing resistance, but now I am used to it..... Many of my freinds has been super angry at the trainer, but they have all been using Apple TV or a MAC, can there maybe be something in the way that it connects to those Apple products?? I use a laptop and Bluetooth for the trainer and a Ant+ dongle for HR, that works for me. Thanks for the reviews!!

[@Stevenafoe]

Flemming Breum ; i use a mac (bluetooth/ant2) and not noticing any problems there. Pretty happy with it too. It’s not great (not very quiet) but definitely also not bad. Do you use the updated one flux 2.0 as ray puts it?

[@Stevenafoe]

Hey ray, how does it compare to the flux 2.0 with updated firmware? I have the 2.0 , and i am quite happy with it. It’s not great, but not bad also. Didn’t notice any powerdrops on mine. I do notice a difference in power compared to ‘outside’ (different bike outdoors vs indoors). I have a iiii powermeter for outdoors, and i seem to be more powerfull outside, lol. I clean the unit once and a while, and it stays pretty quiet (cleaning the belt only). I use it a few times a week. But yeah, is it worth upgrading, or (as fanatic hobyist) is the old flux 2.0 good and precise enough?

[@TalesfromtheGreenway]

Yes I feel the same thing with the slux 2 It's depressing! It's a struggle indoors when I can throw down way more power outside.

[@ivanb___2217]

I don't see a link for the t-shirt. did i miss it?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Here ya go! teespring.com/new-trainer-chill?tsmac=store&tsmic=dc-rainmaker&pid=373&cid=100039 - In theory it should have automatically shown up below the video...but...perhaps not! Enjoy!

[@peterrothstein7478]

Love the Channel, I recently bought a new bike with disc brakes, I currently have a Tacx neo 2T. the brake caliper is hitting the silver enclosure on the NDS. is there some sort of fix for this that you have heard about. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@n2racingmoto]

Hello I am thinking of buying a new smart training. I am thinking of a Saris H3, Flux 2.1 or Kickr Core. Although the price of the H3 is another 200 euros more expensive in the store where I am thinking of buying it is at the same price as Flux and Core. What is the best option?

[@ketjuariittaa]

5:39 You should defenetly go to bikefit. Looks too much reach just even looking at the wrong angle. And the knee is little behind the pedal axel as well.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, the bike is probably a touch bit small for me.

[@ketjuariittaa]

DC Rainmaker 😁. Butbut😗 maybe some real athletes can ride extended position ’no worries’ and have more aero 0€$£¥✌🏻

[@Dcrainmaker]

Being on constantly changing bikes (real, loaners, smart bikes, demo bikes, etc)...my tolerance for a bad fit is exceedingly high. I can do about 2.5hrs on just about anything.

[@anthonyrizzuto309]

Very interesting, I have had my Tacx Flux 2 for 5 weeks now. So disappointed and Garmin help desk cannot help me. I have ask to full refund. Never every buying their products.

[@chrismadden9126]

Hey Ray, What size of T-shirt our you wearing. love the new Trainer Tees :)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks! That was a medium (after one washing as well).

[@chrismadden9126]

Are these US sizing?

[@Dcrainmaker]

I believe it’s the same globally. Mine shipped from the Euro teespring store.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I would note that a medium on me is a touch snug...errr...fitted. 🤣

[@IsmaelDiazIAGoupeFinancier]

What about a more recent review on the Neo 2T?

[@ruipratas87]

Nice review 😉 I'm really thinking about buying Flux 2. One thing i didn't understand: is there any hardware difference between 2 and "2.1"? If so, how do i know what the store is selling me? Should i wait for them to start selling "2.1"? Thanks once again for that review

[@cjtathome]

Hi Ray , my Flux original needs to go back to Garmin. They have offered me a Flux S or I can pay extra circa 150 for Flux 2(.1?). I’m a light user. Worth it do you think ?

[@lucaschannels2846]

1:40 What picture is the new one? the 2.1?

[@Sara-df8xp]

Compared to the flux s is it better interns of power accuracy? In anyway will I feel it down when sprinting

[@midrangemonroe1]

I've seen these exact quirks (power spike 1 time, connection drops fairly regularly) with my Tacx Neo 2t. I'm wondering if this is a general Tacx firmware issue. It's not seemingly unique to this trainer, at least in my experience.

[@HarrisonNewmanJ]

Hi, did you find the kikr core surge? For someone who has never had a trainer do you think I would notice the road feel between the kickr and flux? Thanks :)

[@ramadhanratrifarhandy9860]

Do you have a plan to review magene T300 trainer?

[@nathanjsimpson]

And the laptop???

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thankfully, it only rotated it around and barely stayed on the desk. The phone also went flying - but I didn't realize that till after I finished shooting. No problems there with a case on! 😂

[@gabrielmarias972]

Hi! Between Flux 2, Elite XR or Core? In therms of fiability and accuracy? I like Core, but not sure if 2020 model its out of the noisy problems of bearings etc. Please any feedback? Thanks

[@bakayaro117]

Looking to get a trainer for my apartment. Is the noise level acceptable?

[@tjhammer24]

I wouldnt be getting this for trainerroad or zwift. I like running my own workouts. Still seems like the best value for me

[@markdavid801]

Have any firmware updates fixed these odd anomalies since this review?

[@MetalProduction]

Hi, wich on do you prefer between : - direto Xr - Wahoo Kickr Core - Tacx Flux 2 ? It’s complicate to choose... thks ;)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Core. Enjoy!

[@barrygarfield2203]

What’s the best “smart” trainer in your opinion

[@mattfreeman2952]

Tacx neo

[@simsimmer250]

Kickr Snap

[@MegaMagicbeans]

Suito is great value and a great trainer to boot.

[@marty197666]

Wahoo kickr 2016 version. Noisy af but mine is on 10k miles and going strong

[@danlancaster2239]

Saris H3, quiet, heavy wheel

[@sfef84]

I'm wondering if your surge feeling has to do with you using a riser block when it's not needed?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Nah, it's a surge in the actual power, which is shown on power charts and has nothing to do with a riser block, but electronics internally: www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/07/tacx-flux-2-smart-trainer-edition-review.html#power-accuracy-analysis

[@sfef84]

@@Dcrainmaker gotcha. Just bought one (flux 2) yesterday on sale at LBS and 50 minutes into first zwift ride... 2000W spike during a 2.5w/kg pace group ride. Talking to support now. Ug

[@alasdairgeddes]

Is the Saris H3 better?

[@thomasdoig6083]

I have the same issue with the flux 2 where the Bluetooth just cuts out

[@edhendrix7327]

How does it compare to the Suito?

[@djaluby]

5 Stars for the intro!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@bakayaro117]

I got the Flux 2 but even using the QR x 135 NDS mount my frame still has to bend inward around 5mm. Do they sell a 140 mount or can I just add a washer?

[@matteo-silva-1974]

Hi , how can find the corect version ? In italy they sold this with part number T2980.61

[@leslie7922]

Im lucky enough to have a top of the line power meter so I'll probably cheap out with the elite suito

[@leslie7922]

@Brainjock yeah went with wahoo kickr core the suito is full of issues according to the zwift forums

[@leslie7922]

@Brainjock during covid there is such limited stock, I bought mine and the shop said we got 20 units and sold 12 in an hour

[@leslie7922]

@Brainjock if it helps I've done 1300 virtual kms since my original comment and the kickr hasn't missed a beat once

[@christrickett3291]

Is this quiet? Any noise and my neighbours will hit the roof, so I won't be able to use it.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I include a noise section in the review.

[@charliebrown4721]

How important is gradient on a trainer? For example there is only a short bit of 17% incline on zwift so is it worth getting a trainer that simulates 17%.

[@1carusjohn32]

Christopher, by default zwift only sims half the gradient at the trainer. You can set it to 100% but unless you have a really wide cassette it is not practical for mere mortals. If zwift says 16% you are effectively riding 8% on the trainer trainer. However, your avatar progresses up 16% at the rate of wk/kg you are putting out. So your wheel speed although faster its the watts that count.

[@charliebrown4721]

1carus John I ride a 52/34 up front and a 11/25 at the back. I always ride at 100% trainer difficulty and complete ADZ in just over an hour and completed Ven-top in 1H 43min. I’m not a world class climber but I enjoy it. I was just wondering how a trainer that can only do a max 15% works on 17% inclines. Is it worth getting a trainer that can do 20% inclines but max watts of 1800 or a trainer that only does 17% gradient but max watts of 2400. I guess it all depends if you are racing crits or climbing hills for fun.

[@MrSomeone123]

Is the flux 2 good in the long term?

[@IdolOracle]

Have there been any improvements to this device over the years? Has anyone done a follow up review? Because I get a heavy discount on Garmin devices through work (A lot of UK companies do now - so it's worth looking at your corporate perks! including blue light for any NHS) I can get this for £490 which is a big saving to the Kicker Core currently at £599 on Wiggle

[@DamienClarke2438]

Original Tacx flux would drop connection unexpectately. Other than it was ok.

[@NathanBudd]

Why is this not a Flux 2S?

looks like a good product

[@hendranandradrone7064]

And the done ....

[@aleaflm4663]

12.00 overheating?

[@Camrographer]

Does this still hold true in 2023?

[@belly450]

do you get drop outs on Sufferfest

[@Dcrainmaker]

Adam Bell Hadn’t tried it. But it’s clearly a trainer issue, and not an app issue.

[@ervinabadesco2141]

Anyone here having 2k watts surges on this unit?

[@TheKarenjh]

Oh, ouch. Thanks, Ray.

[@malcolmtirabassi803]

Better than the Flux S?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Minus the dropouts, yes.

[@michaelb6973]

Saddle height looks a bit too high

[@zyghom]

900$ and still a toy - where are we today? I cannot believe this shite :-)

[@geoffgoldplum1231]

Sounds like pretty typical Garmin behaviour, unfortunately. Don't worry, they'll fix it in the next product.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Do be fair, almost all of this occurred before Tacx was acquired by Garmin.

[@StuntpilootStef]

@@skulbowd4312 I've owned a 1030 for two years now and I don't recommend it.

[@geoffgoldplum1231]

@@skulbowd4312 Vector 3, 530, 130 and some older stuff, I'm done with all of them