Tacx NEO Motion Plates In-Depth Review: Worth It?

[@chrisobyrne5675]

Let’s hope other manufacturers create their own cheaper version as there is nothing complicated about the design that warrants the $300 price tag.

[@yardenfernandez2002]

i got it for free, when I bought the Neo 2T

[@raymondwebby2441]

@@yardenfernandez2002 I missed the offer

[@skipugh]

Thank you. I trust your reviews and will get this - anything that makes long rides more comfortable 👍

[@CannabisTechLife]

Hmmm. I'll be watching this for sales throughout the year. Definitely tempting given I got my Tacx Neo 2T last Dec, but with spring here and the weather getting better I see my need for indoor training less at the moment. (I.e I can wait). Thanks for the review! I didn't know this was coming out until I saw your video in my feed.

[@r0bv123]

I was so close to pulling the trigger on buying this for my 2T, but I agree the price is high. I don’t have any rocker boards and this seemed like a good alternative. I can wait for a price drop or sale unless Garmin sends me one for free to review.

[@yardenfernandez2002]

i got it for free, when I bought the Neo 2T

[@tonyb9735]

I agree, I have a Neo 1, already sitting on a rocker plate, and would like to add this as well, but I'm buggered if I am paying that kind of money for it. It's just greedy.

[@Miekzz]

nice, great review. definitely something to consider if the price drops!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks! And yup, I agree!

[@valuableblu]

I thought about getting it at the beginning of the video... By the end of the video I just said I'll keep what I have and make due.

[@Catcrumbs]

5:18 Score one for mechanical shifting 😉

[@kwakeham]

Integrate into a Neo3T with a lockout for those who don't want. No additional molds, not calculating adoption rate of the plate as a secondary function of adoption rate of the trainer. The 10% of 10% problem as I describe it, going to live that soon. One of the interesting points of all these "passive" devices is kind of related to the VR problem. You're brain expects acceleration in one direction and get acceleration in the opposite, but you luckily have a view of the world to keep you from getting nauseated.

[@larrygraham1580]

Ray, Here is a tip that I noticed that should work in your garage setup. If your bike uses a through axel this works and I have not noticed any problem. Here it is…when you are done riding, pick the front of the bike up and gently pivot it to a vertical position. If your TacX is positioned near a wall you can tip the bike over until the handlebars rest against the wall. Position the whole thing carefully so that the bike is slightly leaning back onto the wall. Voila, instant workspace in your garage. Be careful if you have younger children that may pull it over but I am sure someone could rig up a safety strap if this is the case. I could not notice any problems doing this with a through axel mount.

[@SQUALOio]

Loved the considerations about the price. Great work as usual!

[@donschoppe5516]

If Garmin had also integrated steering into the front wheel block, similar for example to the elite sterzo smart, then the cost would’ve been more palatable. I find that allowing the bars to rotate a bit side to side makes big difference in terms of ride comfort too so I’m not sure I’d be willing to give that up in favor of the front / back movement provided by this motion plate.

[@MatthijsKoningstein]

I actually bought the Neo 2T with a coupon for the Motion Plates (there's a sale this month). The Motion Plates are free of charge until the end of September.

[@CouchToBike]

They have the sale again right now and that’s why I am here

[@jmreinke]

I saw GPLama's video for this product first. As I watched it, I asked myself what I'd honestly pay for it, and I decided $100 BEFORE I found out that it is priced at $300! It honestly doesn't seem to increase the experience that much, so I don't NEED it. It's just nice to have for a little variation to my trainer experience. I can appreciate the nifty design aspect, but for that price point, I'll never consider it.

[@yardenfernandez2002]

i got it for free, when I bought the Neo 2T

[@mq3868]

Thanks for the detailed review Ray, yup the motion plates are overpriced, but they make my long rides more comfortable, so they're worth it in the end.

[@wylie102]

Yeah, I'd buy it at £100, maybe £150. Not more. Do they seriously not think they would vastly increase their sales by making it a reasonable price? Now that this design is out there I'll wait for someone to make a knockoff like happened with the wahoo desk

[@yardenfernandez2002]

i got it for free, when I bought the Neo 2T

[@nfkb]

Merci Ray ! I am wondering if this could lessen strain on a carbon frame ? I thought carbon frame damage due to turbo trainer usage was a bit of a legend until I had a problem with my beloved TT bike mounted on a Neo. It's a Canyon Speedmax and Canyon website say the warranty is not void with proper trainer usage. Is there an engineer in the room :) ? thanks

[@gweflj]

Lateral torque is what damages frames. This won’t do anything for that.

[@beneyckmans20]

Thanks for (as always) very honest and critical review. I don’t think I will buy this now maybe if there is a similar product or if price decreases.

[@teqnl1981]

About your creaking sounds, I had the same issue back when I had a Canyon. The problem is your rear derailleur pad (not sure what the correct name is). Try greasing that with the proper lube and I'm pretty sure it's gone. I also looked the the bottom bracket and seat first but in the end it was the pad. Nice video!

[@DDGB08]

Great review!

[@BikesBlades]

Ray! I like your Thread & Spoke t-shirt!

[@HobbyHoarder]

General shortage of everything probably doesn't help either and why they've decided to jack up the price. Similar to what Nvidia did in the GPU market - they started scalping their products themselves.

[@jeremysweeten2792]

If nothing else, awesome innovative and engineering.

[@jondashun]

I was quickly googling on the side, read 29 $ at first, and was completely amazed. Then I read again. I have to admit that I am still thinking about getting them since I was contemplating buying a rocker plate several times.

[@Lacking_something]

I read the start of your message and thought "ouch, 129 is steep"... Then realised it's 299. Nuts.

[@PedroPrego]

On a rocker plate you can sprint. On this apparently not so much. Not even Garmin recommends it.

[@nicolalunardon9118]

Great video, thanks. Do you have power data from Favero Assioma with and without the plates? I own Assiomas, Neo 2T and the plates: after two rides with the plates I got the feeling that they are causing some waste of power.

[@Jarek.]

Maybe I missed this point but I was hoping for more details with ride feelings and if this 300USD marvel actually helps for 2hrs trainings?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thought I covered it in the review, but the forward back ride fee is good for steady state rides, and certainly helps for longer rides. But for sprints, as noted, it doesn’t feel as natural.

[@Jarek.]

@@Dcrainmaker Sorry for being a bit pushy... I understand, there is an immediate difference when you jump on the bike. But can you really feel the difference, let's say after 60/90/120 minutes and thanks to this equipment now 2hrs indoor rides became pleasure? I'm trying to justify this purchase but till now I couldn't find in any of the reviews any solid statement that it brings an improvement. Many thanks!

[@MrSoundflare]

What would you prefer? Something like "Leeze Boom Board Pro" or the Motion Plates?

[@RevolutionGroupKC]

Just an FYI, Garmin is giving these free when you buy a new TACX NEO 2T (August 1 2022 through September 30 2022

[@christopherreid6972]

Just wondering, I’ve changed the cassette on my Tacx Neo from a 11 speed to a 12 speed, I’m now getting a rubbing noise and the chain is jumping from the biggest gear. Will l have to change the rear hub to stop the noise etc?

[@scottintexas]

Does a mod like this make any sense on their Smart Bikes? To lessen static fatigue?

[@markkoorenneef5715]

Using Garmin discount from Perksatwork scheme still coming in at £194. Might entertain at £150 next autumn. Peculiar release date in spring, or this just consistent with TACX release cycles?

[@larrygraham1580]

Ray, Great review. Sad to see the crazy cost. I await your review of this thing when riding the Zwift Uber Pretzel. Does it relieve some of the saddle pain from riding super long rides?

[@Chuckolicious]

I appreciate the Apple Tax comparison, but I think it falls short. While things like ear buds and external storage are arguable necessities, this thing is a curio, even for power users. I am absolutely certain they will sell a much smaller number than they project, and ultimately they will be had at deep discount liquidation sale.

[@AnaJakeMcNally]

I want to know where you got your shirt!?

[@JohBak010]

Talking about prices. During this video there was an advertisement for a Gymrail Momentum X1 rocker plate for ..... € 1395 ex VAT .... say what????

[@MateHegyhati]

Thanks for the vid! I can't help but notice, that you have been wearing the I2 a lot lately. Any particular (and public) reason behind that? It isn't even red 😀 Poor 745 must be jealous. 😛

[@Dcrainmaker]

It was mostly there as I needed to finish a Instinct 2 Beginners Guide video. But, shot that over the weekend, so no longer wearing it and have moved onto something else. 😄

[@MateHegyhati]

@@Dcrainmaker Ach, I was hoping for some mindblowing features in v8.01 you mentioned😀 (I still have 6.16)

[@christianhelg96]

Thanks for the review. When I have money for a bike, for a roller and so on this is kind of normal Price

[@gearmonkey]

this feels like a pick it up when it's on sale in the middle of next summer sort of a product...

[@Dcrainmaker]

Definitely agree!

[@danbatute2694]

Awesome review - really inciteful. In the uk these are selling for £260, which is more like $350. Personally, as an owner of a near vintage OG, I'd consider spending a maximum of £200 on one, so I think I will sit tight, keep an eye on how they fair reliability wise, and as already suggested plenty of times, wait for the inevitable sale - probably July time ;-)

[@yardenfernandez2002]

i got it for free, when I bought the Neo 2T

[@raulcarandang8619]

If this eliminates the issue of soreness in the saddle on longer rides, then this is worth it. Does it?

[@Bigjuergo]

does the plates reduce noise of taxc neo?

[@4ndrossi]

I’ve got an old tacx neo trainer (road simulation but no left/right balance). These pads would cost more than my unit is worth. I can afford them but there is no way that I can justify that price

[@mikeprytherch8875]

Another great review, the only useful thing from this, I found out I could remove the feet from the Neo, not that I ever want to do that, in the same way that I will never pay so much for this add-on, utterly stupid price

[@jmreinke]

Interesting comment. For me, I knew the feet were removeable because every time I pick my Neo up, the feet fall out! I actually put some electrical tape around the feet to make them more snug so they don't fall out. GPLama encountered the same problem and used double-sided tape.

[@danielaruffin2182]

But it doesn’t include steering as far as I’ve understood now, does it?

[@CanyonWanderer]

Indeed 299, that is exactly what I paid (in Euros) for my Tacx Vortex Smart (the low end, but still fully smart) indoor trainer in April 2020. I know this is not compatible and meant for the more expensive Tacx trainers, but is seems disproportional: an accessory same price as a full smart indoor trainer. Ironically, I just opened my mail and the first title I see is: "Maak kennis met Tacx NEO Motion Plates" (Get to know the Tacx NEO Motion Plates) ...

[@eo1830]

I would buy it at 100-150€ for my OG Neo. But 300€ is way too much. That's a 1/3 of a new Neo 2. "No Tacxation without representation" (?)

[@LaloHao]

Does it work for the Tacx Flux S?

[@JThelen1031]

I got my wahoo trainer super cheap so I'm not target market for this (although I do own a ton of other garmin stuff), but you're spot-on at the end; great product, but the price point is ridiculous.

[@yardenfernandez2002]

i got it for free, when I bought the Neo 2T

[@metamurph]

yay, now a rebate for free....along with the sale on neo 2t to "move old inventory" is great.

[@JBDazen]

5:09 this is why I stick with mechanical shifting ;-)

[@alex_smallet]

I wonder if this reduces the noise from the trainer?

[@toadlguy]

Given yours and most others responses to the price, I wonder if Garmin wouldn’t make more money if they lowered the price to something like $129. They would have to make more of them and support more users, but I bet they would get an awful lot of people to buy them. Their costs, landed, couldn’t be much more than 15 or 20 dollars.

[@lewishinks7310]

Would this motion plates work with the Elite Steerzo Smart??

[@happyharry7331]

try putting two garden kneeling matts under the tacx cost ten pounds it works on the the flux not sure about the Neo

[@lauriemilner5180]

Fantastic Post

[@richardgarrett3188]

Just got an email from Garmin for free motion plates: "Purchase a qualifying Tacx NEO 2T Smart trainer from Aug. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2022, and receive a discount code for free Tacx NEO motion plates" I suspect these will be part of the next released version.

[@edge23310]

Why do these bastards have to be so greedy with the $300 for pieces of plastic? Make it a reasonable price ($70-80) and almost every person that owns a Tacx Neo would buy one.

[@SamLGND]

Can this be paired with a rocker plate ?

[@yardenfernandez2002]

awesome review! i got it for free, when I bought the Neo 2T

[@matthewkopytko2188]

Will it work with the Taxc Neo Smart?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes, all Tacx NEO variants.

[@NM-zi2zv]

Almost $400 in Canada!!!! No Way I'm spending that!!

[@wubble666]

We also have to remember that it is a garmin product so there needs to be a 50% mark up so that they can manage the cost of all the product returns due to failures.

[@gowenu]

Damn. Probably wait for an Alibaba clone.

[@bittiapina]

Is the popping sound coming from the gear shifting? Also yeah that price is a big no. Maybe bundled up with the actual trainer for extra 150? Sure, but 300 extra? Nah.

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, it’s coming from my seatpost. Need to take it out and put it back in.

[@zwiftfrance]

For OG Neo 1 as well ?

[@MattSwain1]

did you watch the video? That question is clearly answered

[@zwiftfrance]

@@MattSwain1 sorry, did not. I only read the titles.

[@richardglazer7813]

Just received the email this is ready for sale in Canada. $389.99 Canadian! No this is not good value for the money. Being all plastic it won't last. GARMIN is allowing this product to be cloned since it is easy to produce and cheap...

[@elliottslab]

Time to make an open source 3d printable copy (just different enough to not get sued )

[@AaronGoodTimes]

Garmin Tacx is giving these away free until the end of February 2023 if you buy a Neo 2T.

[@PedroPrego]

Indoor training industry is running out of ideas to innovate. Garmin does this which is honestly depressing. The Neo is now some 6 years being the same product. No significant change, no even allowing the bike to pivot so the front wheel can use a riser/climb function.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Ultimately we’ve largely reached the point of saturation or product peak for the trainers themselves. Instead, it’ll be more minor things for a while. I think had this been priced more affordably, it’d have made a lot of people happy. It’s a very good product, but just seems out of touch with pricing expectations.

[@PedroPrego]

@@Dcrainmaker I get the part of the resistance and so. Nonetheless, I'd be expecting structural changes to improve movement. This is a afterthought. Elite introduced a rizer lately, wahoo is away ahead of the game in the full-bike segment. Garmin, which probably has the deepest pockets is lagging behind. Oh... Wait... They added this. They themselves don't even recommend it for sprints. 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@galenkehler]

It's funny I hadn't heard anything about these but now it's all youtube can talk about.

[@Dcrainmaker]

They were announced today, thus, press embargo times released.

[@galenkehler]

@@Dcrainmaker that makes sense! I watched the GPLama review and his was so sqeaky!

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@galenkehler To be fair, his wheels were squeaking due to being oversized for the front wheel block.

[@KenJones1961]

You guys just missed a rebate on these. Free for buying a 2T. It ended 10-31-2022

[@CyclingMessiah]

That's where the bike industry is moving. Cycling becomes the new golf

[@frankconte264]

I was aboutbto buy until you said the price. He'll with that. Keep it garmin. Putting that money into my tesla 🤪

[@michaelhaack7471]

I think, material cost is 20 to 25$ max. Lets add 3 to 4 $ logistic and warehouse cost. With overhead cost and marketing lets finish with total ~50$. It's 70 to 80% growth margin if you have 200$ end price. Of course market is smaller than hifi etc. But in online business. Puhh. But this is ending with 300$, where of course shops get the last piece of margin. For me 50 to 100$ to much.

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

I've only used my NEO twice in the last year. You know I won't be buying this product. Since owning Tacx Virtual trainers since the beginning of I-Magic days I've pretty much had my fill of indoor training. I like riding outside more now so my investments now go towards the proper clothing.

[@Iamavtar]

Awesome review and view on pricing, I can't agree less. When I watched the Garmin story on IG, I immediately headed to bio to buy but then the price tag stopped me. Now, let's wait for some Chinese firm to build the replica for less than 100 dollars. This is how big companies like Garmin give the opportunity to piracy.

[@yardenfernandez2002]

i got it for free, when I bought the Neo 2T

[@liutang]

I’d pay $100 for it. No more.

[@JS-sy8mo]

***There's a rebate for these - FREE - if you buy a Neo 2T now...they'll probably be included with a Neo 2T when a future Wahoo ups the competition...

[@alanrobertson3172]

All these people spending money to cycle indoors on their expensive bikes- here’s a tip, go out on your bike without any tech and enjoy the ride.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Lots of people live in places where that’s not viable or safe to do year round.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Some of us ride to train. Hard to impossible in getting a good workout on city roads with having to stop, dodge things, or worry about being mowed down resulting in hospital stays or worse. On these trainers one can get a solid defined workout without any fuss involved.

[@lexper7244]

Did anyone else got this plates for free with a rebate when bought the tacx neo 2t for 1200 and is here to find out what theyre for?

[@bettyxd9]

Thank you for the video! This thing looks really nice and at one side I want it. But sorry this cheap plastic rails with some tiny bearings is even not worth 100€.... And 299€ is just a bad joke. Sorry Tacx/Garmin but not like this.

[@buildingreno]

How come I can't like this video? Says action not allowed

[@Dcrainmaker]

KZbin is solidly broke this morning.

[@bikedawg]

I agree--its too expensive. Would consider it if they dropped it by at least $100.

[@MrYbeaudoin]

Well, my ass is worth more than 300.00$!!!! When I go over 75min, like 1h45 to 2h45 training, I feel it. If this can take away the pressure and that I am fresher for the next day, this is just a bonus to me. Right now when I go for longer ride, I always need to give my but a day rest. So, yes, expensive, but I think it will be worth it.

[@keithallen4313]

£260 in the UK.

[@guidovonohlen738]

There is one basic wrong assumption here from Garmin. People have other priorities, or let's say that amount of money can be spent much better for other cycling products. I'd rather buy a new cycling computer or invest in bike fitting. Even a 3d printer is a better option here ...

[@stephanestaelens5914]

feels like compagnies don't care about the costumer, chair holders need to be satisfied. As everything is getting more expensive there are pushing the limits way to far. Have a 2015 Neo, not worth it to pay 300 euro to get this gadget.

[@ndegraafndg]

Product is not good enough for the price in my opinion, not that in my current situation I could afford it anyway (currently can't even afford to pay for zwift), but even if I could afford it I would not be paying that much for something so simple.

[@photography_by_henk_101]

"The Tacx tax, pretty clever"... 😂

[@adeka59]

5:17 F***ing Sram!

[@Dcrainmaker]

It’s a seemingly common problem, where full batteries will discharge very quickly when not in frequent use. I’ve mostly been riding other bikes lately, but these batteries were filled up no more than three weeks ago, and have no more than 1-2 shorter rides on them.

[@StephanieLuff]

Am I the only one thinking this is a reasonable price? It’s not an entry cost, it’s a marginal benefits cost. What is too expensive is very subjective when it comes to marginal benefits.

[@gweflj]

Yes, you’re the only one. Compared to what the Zwift Hub One offers it’s an absolute joke.

[@Abu_Reem_Sherwani]

ذكي وخفيف ،ولكن للاسف سعره مرتفع

[@FrankZgoznik]

Lol, $ouch. I’ll give it a miss at that price.

[@erockem]

Love my tacx 2 neo, very disappointed in this price point. PASS.

[@awakenedbahamut2574]

The tacx tax

[@playmoreguitar5393]

$300 ?! 🤣🤣🤣 Garmin? GFY...

[@Stefanosinf]

It's a free market, but.....

[@MrLeovdmeer]

It is like the Wahoo fan. Great product but not worth the money

[@DarenC]

Half the price is still too high. It's a bit of plastic FFS.

[@derekwildash2683]

I'm out at $300

[@Chimpy_Mc_Gibbon]

I’d get this for £70 but it’s not worth any more.