Tacx Flux S Review: Unboxing, Setup, Accuracy, Sound, and more!

[@tacx]

We’ve investigated this issue after it was noted by Ray. Fortunately, it was a one-time issue only present in this model due to a mistake in the assembly of this single trainer. It is not present in the existing production line of the FLUX S Smart, so it won’t occur in the models in stores.

[@stevejones167]

Tacx sorry to report my MK1 made an identical noise which I managed to correct 😣😤😔

[@markstone722]

Sorry tacx you are wrong. I'm now on my 5th tacx in 4 months all have issue and the flux 2 also has problems as well I've had 2 and the one I have now is going back. You're QA does not exist.

[@robertrodriguez5170]

Dear Tacx, a week ago I received the purchase of this Smart Trainer Flux S and they present the same annoying noise problem that happened to Ray and he reports in this video!! ... I have a support case open in Garmin Support since last week waiting for an answer and solution to the expensive purchase I made for a product of a supposed brand and quality that was not reflected in the unit received, which makes more noise than a fixed bicycle that I have 20 years ago. A real shame that they continue to deliver defective units all over the world !!

[@robertrodriguez5170]

@@stevejones167 Hi Steve, could you share with me how you were able to solve the annoying noise the unit makes? Last week I received mine after a long wait and it presents the same annoying noise of wank, wank, wank ... and so far the Garmin support bright by its absence due to more support case that I have opened! Thanks in advance, best regards!

[@levisisbaas]

Bought it back in May, also got the same noise. Contacted Garmin. We will see..

[@zemomunro1]

Finally! A Guy who gives you a blow by blow account on assembly and makes the whole project look full proof! ... Purchased the Flux 2 Smart for Christmas and finally getting around to assembly on my Specialized Allez … Thanks for the instructional video ….couldn't rely on the mediocre instructions that arrived in the box!

[@gplama]

If that's a condom, we know why Ray now has two beautiful children. :)

[@cliveweir]

hahaha :)

[@msheron]

Bwaaaaa ha ha

[@cusebike5391]

As the owner of a very early serial number Flux, odd noises are something I've gotten use to. It still works so I'm in better shape than some of my fellow early adapters. After all the problems with the Flux, the fact that there are still quality control issues would steer me away from Tacx unless I lived near Amsterdam. I still have some anxiety that it will turn into a boat anchor at any time but it's not as bad as when it was new.

[@cometoofast]

and that's why I advised my father to buy kickr instead of neo. 3 of 3 of my friend that own neo had issues with them.

[@jp_baril]

@@cometoofast Yet, the new Kickr 2018 and the Kickr Core also seem to have quality control issues. www.cyclechat.net/threads/wahoo-silent-kickr-kickr-core-faults.241225/

[@minchia04]

My Flux 1 developed that sound recently, but I've not had an opportunity to return it to the supplier for repair. Unfortunately, Australia isn't as close, and I cannot be without the trainer for an extended period.

[@wjeurs]

Thanks for the review, it was really helpful! Is it just me or does your saddle look very low and your overall position on the bike not very good? I could be mistaking...

[@bright6903]

Some people ride in odd positions . And if ur not a professional rider it doesnt matter that much . As longs as its comfortable

[@sontyp8271]

The 2021 Version has luckily thru-axle adapters included which is nice.

[@martinbiering3094]

Where do you get this information? Ordered the 2022 version and still no thru-axle adapters.

[@sontyp8271]

@@martinbiering3094 Mine had adapters included. But, I can‘t remember where I ordered it.

[@migrationfuntimes303]

Adapters to suit through axle for disc bikes not included in boxing, these were an additional $80 AUS with club discount!!!

[@jade4805]

Ray, good stuff thanks again for the details, keep it up. What are your top 4 recommendations.

[@jeeping32810]

A friend needed help in setting up this trainer. So I just watched this video... and now I am ready to help them set up this device and we hope to Zwift tomorrow. BIG thanks!

[@gregorakis1]

Thanks for the great presentation DC Rainmaker ! One question regarding the portability of the trainer. Unfortunately I do not have much space at home, so I am considering to set it up along with the bike in my living room in my training sessions and afterwards store it in a backroom. Is this portable enough? If someone does something similar I would appreciate it to have a practical view too.

[@Hambini]

Are Canyon still voiding warranties when used on turbos?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Nope, they've even got a whole page about it. Though, it's also a super useless page. Calling them and others out about their half-ass statements on it is on my to-do list for November.

DC Rainmaker waitingg to hear more on that...

[@Sara-df8xp]

Is it better than the flux 2? Or it has the same power accuracy...???? Am confused which you consider me to get?

[@SocialHgrenade]

Newbie question but how do you know what kit you need to purchase with this? What cassettes ,tool, bolts etc you would need to buy if you started with nothing

[@MrSteamDragon]

Great video....thanks.. however it would have been nice if you had not skipped over the part where you installed the bike onto the trainer cassette. Whilst i have done this of course many times on my road bike, i have Rheumatoid Arthritis in my hands and find this process somewhat difficult at times. So was keen to see how a few experts approached this process on a trainer....😎

[@Dmlsej]

Hi Ray I have a question for you (and anyone else, who'd like to chime in): do you have any experience running a direct drive trainer in a cold environment? Do they generally have temperature drift? I have a Tacx Vortex, which is known to have pretty severe drift, and I believe it is even worse when the ambient temperature is low. As direct drive trainers don't have a tire, I would think it would be much less of a problem? Oh, and do you know what the manufacturers think about using their trainers in cold environments? By cold, I mean below freezing...

[@TheBrandonhaskell]

Thanks for the video. You mentioned if you have a 10 speed cassette you will need the spacer. Will the same spacer work with a 9 speed or should I be looking for additional spacers?

[@pedromartins9710]

I think you need two spacers

[@atletangofw1989]

Hi i just bought flux s brand new and quiet heavy pedal even I’m on my 50/32. Any thoughts?

[@markbyrne7598]

Thank you. Just bought one today and this helped.

[@simonessex3421]

When I went to climb on my new Tacx S for the first time a couple of days ago, it tipped towards me and threw me off ! Being a leftie I prefer to climb on any bike from the left hand side, but I now notice that both the left rear foot and the LH arm of the "V" base are shorter than those on the right. This suggests the RH side might therefore be more stable, so maybe I need to learn to climb on from that side instead ?! Anyone else out there experienced this and any other suggestions please ?

[@BryanFalchuk]

Getting the wonk sound on a trainer from 2 years after this video, and Garmin support is not understanding. I've asked them to watch this video, and they clearly aren't (yet). I guess they never actually fixed the issue or changed their QA/QC on the device. If it's not problematic or bad for the unit, I am happy to just deal with it, but I'd like to know before just assuming it's not an issue.

[@MohamedOmrano]

what is your opinion after two years of use? because I'm planning to buy one.

[@tristanmaubec5081]

Firstly, thanks DC Rainmaker for the coverage of the Flux S... excellent video as usual. Secondly, to all those reading: I'm looking to get smart trainer for the winter and was going to get Kickr Snap, but Tacx Flux S looks like an excellent alternative for very similar price (in UK). Very similar specs, except that of course the Flux S is a direct drive train. Which would people recommend? n.b. I am not willing to pay the extra £200 for the Kickr Core

[@julianalzategomez7195]

Hey, I'm deciding between the two too. Which one you picked? And how do you feel about it? Here in Colombia the price difference is about 200 dollars, being of course the tacx flux s the pricier. Any advice would be great.

[@MilanSmore]

IMO direct drive is just superior so Flux S

[@newlifestartsnow4444]

Why isn’t the cassette supplied and the cost added to the overall price? In the end the purchaser has to factor in this additional cost anyway. Is there some benefit of this to the purchaser/end-user?

[@Dcrainmaker]

It's a cost savings measure. Everyone does the same, with actually Wahoo being the only exception (and only for their $1,199 trainer, their $899 trainer doesn't include a cassette). That said I've long argued it should come with one - especially above $1,000. For example, neither Elite or CycleOps include a cassette (or the new Kinetic R1). To me that makes it less competitive than the KICKR.

[@georglanger6015]

Tacx would have to offer various options regarding 9s/10s/11s cassettes Shimano/SRAM or Campagnolo etc...the end user can just buy the one he needs

[@newlifestartsnow4444]

Georg Langer Tacx could offer with or without cassette options.

[@cliveweir]

Roginello 1 but that would double or triple the number of items a retailer would have to stock

[@newlifestartsnow4444]

Clive Weir I don’t think so. They would have the same stock size but would split this in proportion to the demand for each type. A carefully designed and administered survey would give reasonable estimates of the proportionate split.

[@basti5307]

for 449 € in Germany i tried the flux s. with a 2 year warranty there should be enough time to test.

[@christophprami9863]

Wo hast du den Tacx Flux S um 449 € bekommen?

[@basti5307]

Christoph Prami bei tacx mit code

[@MilanSmore]

That's a steal

[@jakobzijlstra9719]

Hi Ray, great vid. I just purchased this flux 2900s. I don’t have the wonking sound but I do feel some vibration throughout the bike. When I boost up the trainer (above 500 watts) and let it role out by itself, the whole bike starts to vibrate (briefly). I also hear a kind of humming sound; like a shaking idler pulley, resonating shaft or unbalanced flywheel. This is my first direct-drive trainer so i’m not sure if this is normal or part of the ‘notorious’ flux 1 issues.. I wonder if you noticed these same problems or is it normal for these kind of trainers?

[@Jakeaway]

Hi there, I just got my Flux S, and it's class. However when was performing a ramp test on Erg Mode, the trainer got to about 360W and then did not continue to ramp up....I kept the cadence at 95Rpm or thereabouts. Is there anything I could be doing wrong? I know this is rated to 1500W. Cheers

[@heytreacle]

Good old Tacx with their awesome quality control...

[@LQ-gaming]

just ordered one of these babies, they are on 30% off where i live !!

[@Sara-df8xp]

Is it a good trainer and will I get power accuracy issues?

[@basti5307]

after at the point 2 years and 6000km i have the Second Flux unit. full of Performance Problems and dropouts. when going Downhill on zwift it looses Connection. Yesterday it overpowered with 1600 Watts while stages Said 1050 Watts. without the performance problems the unit would be a good one at this price Point. but a technical device has to Work Well in technical circumstances......ok tacx, next unit i will go for the direto XR i think

[@markjones676]

Very informative Ray keep em coming!

[@trapperjohnMC]

The "cap" you are mentioning: Is it a special one or included in the package? Or does it come with the shimano ultegra cassette?

[@jmdelfa]

Here is a question: disregarding the price, how does Neo 1 compares to Tacx Flux S and Tacx Flux 2?

[@5mattcolour]

My goodness Tacx really can’t get the Flux right can they! Not a good sign having a dodgy unit after all the issues with the original.

[@daveleyland990]

You mention the Flux 2 but I can’t find your video for it (or GPLlama’s). Really listen to you guys on these things and it’s weird that neither of you have a Flux 2 video. Is there any reason for the lack of video or will one be coming soon? Cheers. Great channel.

[@Sara-df8xp]

I agree too!!!

[@sabdarhasmid2030]

Can we increase the height of the trainer? @DC Rainmaker

[@danieljordan8776]

hello..a question...does it work with a mtb?

[@bailey0619]

Will the Flux S work with my Mountain Bike? It' has an 11sp long cage derailuer. Can I just purchase a 148 boost spaced thru axle and be good to go?

[@zaguita1996]

Hey man, I was looking for this kind of vídeo, so, i used your video in one of my company posts, I know this may be non correct, but i give you the credit in the hole video. Hope, you dont take this in a bad way.

[@christiangeissmann7758]

Is the Flux S still good in 2024? I could get one used..

[@redbertiethechampion1863]

Yup! I’m pretty happy with my Flux S!

[@AriestocrataStudio]

Does it vibrate when you passes gravel roads in Zwift?

[@afyz126]

Is this compatable with oversized pulley?

[@nickhutchinson9068]

Yo DC, I've got the Flux 2 yeah. Right, this is the problem im having... ERG mode using absolute black rings.. whats the best ring to be in? 53 or 39? Power and cadence is off.. any advice would be appreciated. Love it

[@Dcrainmaker]

For ERG mode, small ring in the front is your best bet.

[@emreagca91]

@@Dcrainmaker Hi Ray, i just wanted to ask i have 10 speed cassette and i just bought this, should i use in the box spacer and ready to go or do ineed 2 spacers or something else?

[@cometoofast]

What should I really buy? Direto 2018 or flux s?

[@Vifferboy]

Wahoo Kickr Core

[@d.b.744]

@cometoofast I have a Direto as my first smart trainer and it works flawlessly!

[@cliveweir]

Another happy direto owner. Have a good look at the kickr core also though

[@cometoofast]

@@Vifferboy can't) it's out of stock everywhere, besides that I cannot buy it because it exceeds shipping weight to out country. So only 2 options.

[@Vifferboy]

@@cometoofast Sorry to hear that the Wahoo is not an option in your country. I am going to to pick one up from the dealer tomorrow, waited a long time for it. If the choice is between the Flux S or Elite Direto, I would definitely take the Direto.

[@billsedge7360]

Are these quiet in operation?

[@velo1337]

does this trainer support shimano xt 2 by 29 inch mtbs with tru axel with the very long derailieur

[@kmcm2680]

Hi ray, I have a flux. Bought last Christmas. Using an 11speed cassette and according to the instructions it says not to add the spacer however there is a lot of play in the cassette when tightened fully. Any ideas?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Generally speaking when that happens to me, it means I screwed something up (it happens a lot). Usually I find the cause in that: I've managed to forget one of the spacers in between the cassette cogs (so two cogs are flush against each other), I've managed to forget the last cog (count them to ensure), or, I've got the cap slightly threaded, so that it's not going in all the way. Usually you can back out the cap, then push everything in, and then try again. I've found eventually it always works (and it's always my fault).

[@kmcm2680]

DC Rainmaker thanks for taking the time to reply, will check those items. Maybe it’s the cap as all the spacers are in. Love the videos, thanks again!!

[@xichunzhou1978]

Can this trainer pair my triban RC 120?

[@RushNCrush]

Does the cassette on your trainer have to have the same number of sprockets and teeth as your bikes cassette?

[@raddadchad]

Yes

[@robwhite164]

Think the kickr core is better for the money. That’s what I m going to buy

[@Dcrainmaker]

True, it's silent and this isn't. But, it's also $150 more (and not available in as many places).

[@heytreacle]

Just bought a Core- sounds like an angle grinder right out of the box. Extremely disappointed with Wahoo’s quality control too. 2 days now and Wahoo customer support have still not bothered to get in touch.

[@atiroocky]

@@heytreacle , mine too… Just have to open the cowling and tighten the bolt of the bottom pulley, but the real issue seems to come from the Woodruff key (element which transmits power from pulley to axle) which has some freeplay. Wahoo sends kit with new bolt, washer and woodruff key. People who did the fix(Core and kickr 18) has (for instant) eleminated the issue. On my Core, I have a little whine sound, like the kickr 17 at some speeds. And all the stickers (chevrons) of the freewheel came off too… But I enjoy riding it ;-)

[@robwhite164]

Well last week Halfords had the flux on for £399. The difference in price made me think it was worth a shot. It’s running fine a week in, smooth and quiet. 2 year warranty and easy to take back.

[@CheesyHotDogPuff]

I get a great employee discount with Tacx stuff, none for Wahoo stuff. I think I'll go for the TacX

[@YellowbirdRS]

Can I use this trainer with an oversized jokey pulley?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes, in the vast majority of cases. That was really the major change from the original Flux to the Flux S & Flux 2 casing.

[@samgarchik5823]

I weigh about 285 with bike. Do I need to worry about weight on this thing? That's about 130 kgs...

[@papanino4415]

Tried this in a shop and it was vibrating as it spun. Definitely put me off buying it. I see that they one you're testing doesn't do that. Maybe I should check a different one to see if it's better.

[@freds-shed]

Thanks Buddy , buying one this week

[@MohamedOmrano]

did you bought it? and what is your opinion?

[@freds-shed]

@@MohamedOmrano Yes its perfect , no issues at all

[@MohamedOmrano]

@@freds-shed Thanks a lot for your reply, you really helped me.

[@JBuchmann]

I'm considering this now. Was initially looking for a Wahoo (I guess because of brand recognition, shame on me!) But these days they are hard to find in stock. Yet this one seems readily available.

[@freds-shed]

@@JBuchmann Im using it all the time without issue

[@evofreak2313]

This or the wahoo kickr core?

[@jp_baril]

My question would be: Flux 2 or Kickr Core?

[@robevans8625]

does this flux actually work ? for how long

[@robevans8625]

10.40 no it doesn't on the second one already after 43 mins

[@markbyrne7598]

Does anyone have 2021 updated opinions on this system that they own please?

[@ddxjon]

Hey do you really need a Front wheel block?

[@jaspreetsidhu5708]

Nope

[@sergeyshorokhov2167]

This one or Stac Zero?

[@olegdt5757]

This one or kickr Core ?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Core, easily.

[@d.lauricks3016]

Pretty please get a new iPad Pro and show us the graphic performance on Zwift!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Haha...I desperately need a new iPad - I can't even get Zwift to install on it anymore because I stupidly got the smallest one possible years ago (just for Zwift). Grr. But, I'd rather spend my money on a Mac Mini to be honest.

[@d.lauricks3016]

DC Rainmaker Are you ever planning to test a eGPU for Macs? I have tried any Mac product and I have never seen things like shadows etc!

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@d.lauricks3016 I'd love to find an excuse to buy an eGPU, but it's honestly a pretty big stretch at this point for just a single test video.

[@msheron]

They’re just washers! Get rid of em’. That was hilarious.

[@Prof.SchulzeSternberg]

Rainmaker, your posture on the bike to me looks a bit suboptimal. You never experienced any pain in your lower back after longer rides? Believe me, I know what I am talking about 😉

[@sportnation8885]

not a good look on Tacx to have faulty machine from the get go

[@vipcioglu]

Is there anyone who can run Tacx app via Android ???

[@bikebudha01]

Instead of 'easy life' music, just raw sound from the trainer would have been better...

[@COYSMike]

Says everything about their QC if they didn't even bother checking the unit they were sending for review wasn't broken

[@Dcrainmaker]

I actually think it's a good thing. I prefer companies don't hand-pick units and carefully validate they're perfect. Rather, I like it when companies just pluck a random unit out of a pile and send it on its way.

[@robevans8625]

@@Dcrainmaker so if yours is knackered how many of the rest of the pile are ?

[@MaxwellStarr]

32 people think he should have used the washers..

[@sportnation8885]

you need a bike fit asap!!! your back and knees look painful to watch

[@brucelittle1137]

This is a poor effort by Tacx to keep up with the Kickr. It is still big as a cow and still the front wheel block.

[@johntrussell7228]

Tacx is king of making janky products.

[@johnmac9995]

Literally the worst trainer ever made, every ride could be your last. I got one of the very first in the UK which broke as did the replacement. When the 3rd arrived I got a refund.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Given the Flux S has only been out a week, seems pretty unlikely you're on your 3rd. Unless you're talking about the original Flux, which of course is a different trainer.

[@johnmac9995]

@@Dcrainmaker Sorry I wasn't clear, I was talking about the original trainer, but the Flux owners group is still getting inundated with people having issues. It's actually a wonder as to why they've continued with this line of trainer from the original through to this generation. The sheer volume of returns must be huge. I think you were very optimistic hoping yours (in this video) was a faulty one off but like you say time will tell. The point is that for this money it should just work, no fuss, worries or weird sounds.

[@robevans8625]

@@Dcrainmaker is this what the original should of been from the start. but this has broken in 43 mins. if the guy at quality control was japanese he would of killed himself

[@nattytambam]

Thanks for speeding up the most crucial parts so I cant see how to do it loll Otherwise nice review

[@Noqster]

F*** I have the wonk wonk sound..... :(

[@Dcrainmaker]

:(

[@noahfontaine7832]

no socks!!!!!! Shame on you

[@Ditypo]

where the heck are you socks bruh

[@Dcrainmaker]

Triathlete. Not required.

[@petergahan9076]

Seems fairly pointless as a product tbh.

[@velosapien]

They are crap, Ive lost faith in this company.....I've had 4 of these, all failed withing 30 minutes with grinding noises, burning rubber smell etc,...all under 200 watts, had to send them all back.

[@matthewcunnningham8715]

This man just talks for to much, really hard to follow this.

[@V124Victor]

This man does robot work. He doesn't seem happy, it's all just unpersonal the way he talks so fast and it seems boring for him. Use more animo