Tacx NEO Smart Trainer // Long Term Review

After two years of continual usage - Here's my take on the Tacx NEO smart trainer. The specifications, the usage, the issues, and resolutions for the trainer which has lasted over two years in the Lama Lab. Remember to click SUBSCRIBE to support this KZbin channel: goo.gl/QS5YZg
Links:
Tacx Neo (Amazon): amzn.to/2n0fOnt
Tacx Neo Smart T2800 User Review - June 2016: goo.gl/2ELReg
TACX Neo Smart Trainer: Basic Maintenance Tips goo.gl/pSTMmV
TACX Neo Smart Trainer - Creaking Problem Solved goo.gl/8F19Zk
TACX NEO Road Feel - The Game Changer! goo.gl/bdJNoE
TACX Neo Smart Trainer: Off The Grid: goo.gl/MVHu1n
TACX Neo: Grinding Noise Problem Solved! goo.gl/dzfqA9
Unit Specifications:
Direct Drive Interactive Smart Trainer (Rear wheel off)
Bike compatibility is 'Most Bikes' for the revised casing on the 2017 Model.
Standard Quick Release axle compatible - with an adapter for Thru Axle support
Shimano and SRAM cassette compatible - You'll need to supply your own.
Campagnolo is an additional purchase.
Connection protocols ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth Smart (FTMS is in the works)
Power Accuracy Claims 1%
No calibration process required!
Maximum Grade simulation: 25%
Max wattage: 2200W @40km/h flywheel speed.
Flywheel size/weight: "Virtual Flywheel" - Variable to 125kg
Unit weight ~22kgs / Small Footprint Box (Surprisingly Small!)
Noise Level: QUIET!
Can be used with or without mains power (It's portable!)
Bonuses:
Transmits Power, Cadence, and Speed Data.
Has Road Surface Simulation (cobbles, gravel, etc)
Interesting modes such as Isotonic and Isokinetic
Downhill Drive Simulation (It'll freewheel by itself on negative gradients!) Mains power required for this.
Comes with a neat front wheel riser block (Rear Axle is higher than normal wheel)
Some flex in the unit so you're not locked in.
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Web: shanemiller.net
Instagram: / gplama
Strava: / strava
Twitter: / gplama
KZbin: / gplama
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#tacx #cycling #fitness

[@degzi]

I love my Neo it's one of the best things I've ever bought.

[@adammillsindustries.]

degzi Same here. It’s amazing!!!

[@rasmuswi]

I LOVE my NEO. I've had it since November and apart from during winter I am on call every five weeks and outdoor riding is unpractical when I need to be able to connect to the Internet reasonably quick. And I'm with you on the looks. While some of the competitors aren't outright ugly, none of them look like Darth Vaders command vessel. It definitely contributed to my choice of trainer. When I first noticed the virtual tyre slip I actually thought it was intentional. It made sense, I noticed it on my second or third radio tower climb when I tried to push myself as opposed to just getting all the way up. Zwift said I was high up, it produced a snowy landscape so it just made sense that the surface could be a bit slippery. It was only after discussing with other NEO owners that I found out that the slipping wasn't a "Road feel" thing.

[@Peter_Stiff]

Just got one myself, I was looking for a good review before I bought :) but at least I now know made the right choice got mine for about £840 with BC discount at CRC thank's for the review's Shane

[@stuartcampbell5150]

That's a great deal. I got mine for £999! worth every penny

[@troycollett2778]

Had my neo for a few weeks now and love it

[@darleneanderson228]

Just picked this unit up today, glad to hear it's still running well for you.

[@RK01]

Really like my Neo. I had noticed the slight lean to the right and the virtual tyre slip, glad to hear this is normal and it's not broken. I don't rate the thru axle adapter kits, it marked my frame on the right side until I fitted a rubber washer(not supplied by Tacx) inbetween the frame and the axle adapter, (Be careful before you ride it in this configoration), my frame is now marked and nothing can be done about that, disappointing. Apart from the above thru axle issue it's brilliant. I am considering upgrading to the Neo 2T just so I can use the thru axle without an adapter and avoid further frame marking issues.

[@chuckmoney8721]

I thought I was crazy with the slight lean, its like ever so slight

[@14DaveS]

Always look forward to your reviews Shane.... great info in them

[@romelmaciaspinto2478]

The best smart trainer for my, I loved I am very happy whit this no issue yet..

[@RH-iq3wz]

I've just ordered one and I'm pretty excited!

[@ghnfyhj]

How do u like it? Is it noisy?

[@RH-iq3wz]

@@ghnfyhj it's cool, not really noisy, get a bit worried getting out the saddle as it feels very odd but def rate it

[@ghnfyhj]

@@RH-iq3wz thanks man. I appreciate it.

[@DonnyDonnMendoza]

BAHAHAHAHA YES!!! I love it when Von starts "yelling" at you for power and the LED of the NEO gradually morphs from blue to red and your reaction when she asks for too much!!!

[@HoodyDJ1]

Hi! I have the Tracx Neo since 4 month and use it with TrainerRoad, I am super satisfied !!! No problems except for that short 5 second sprints, that feels weird about the strong watt increase. I‘m using it always in Erg Mode. Greets from Austria (close to Innsbruck)

[@gplama]

Nice one! And Innsbruck is an amazing place. I'd love to get back there one day with my bike.

[@HoodyDJ1]

Shane Miller - GPLama cool, let me know, so we can do a ride! Its lovely here 👍

[@cliveking7976]

I've had a long term problem with Neo (also two years old) with the rear mech touching the flywheel when in biggest rear gear. I thought this was due to a bent hanger, but after fitting a new hanger and shadow rear mech, I had same problem. Transpires on forums I wasn't the only one with this issue and TACX ship some washers 0.5 and 1mm to add behind the block pushing the cassette further away from flywheel. Saves reindexing gears on and off Tacx now 👍

[@gplama]

Cheers for the comment! That's one I haven't run into myself.

[@mkii9110]

Clive King I have the same issue but only with my giant TT bike. Both of my bike have etap, I never actually contacted tacx about it maybe I should as well

[@bkmontgomery]

Really appreciate this video. I’ve seen this unit for about 30% off usd on amazon lately, and I’ve been contemplating it for months. There have been so many conflicting reports out there, and I’ve watched your other videos, so it’s nice to see you’ve had this thing working for such a long time.

[@gplama]

User groups for products are all support/complaint pages these days. It’s pretty depressing, so most happy customers don’t join or participate in those groups/forums, they’re just riding their bikes. 👍🏼

[@bkmontgomery]

@@gplama Too true! Makes channels like yours with gold 👍

[@GinLimeSoda]

@@gplama I just placed the order for this Shane and you're the reason. No flattery here, just wanted to thank you for this review (and all others)

[@robertbertollo5282]

thanks for your prompt reply Shane, I will try your suggestion. One thing I didn't try is exiting the swift APP after switching everything off and back on .. I will give you some feedback .. cheers and thanks again

[@bosco2814]

I am watching this that I have been owing NEO for 1.5 years.

[@bakeha82]

Best trainer on the market hands down

[@rieckstudio]

Thanks Lama! Really useful info

[@mlee6136]

The virtual slip also occurs with the Elite Direto... that high power mushy thing on steep climbs

[@stephenbetley9596]

With the ultra-quiet Kickr 2018's it's lost its strongest USP. Tacx are going to have to readjust to compete in the top end this Autumn (up north). Cyclops have already repriced the hammer in the direto/flux/core bracket in the UK. They're going to have to drop the Neo to at or below Kickr price - 899-999GBP - to compete imo this year & 2019.

[@gplama]

Agreed.

[@stephenbetley9596]

There's going to be a real bunfight at the mid-range price bracket this year. I wonder if we'll see the gradual phase out of wheel-on trainers as prices drop, or at least a removal of the crappier bottom end ones and a general consolidation around the better ones such as the snap?

[@milzeh]

Well I got my Neo for £874.99 The KickR 2018 has drive belt issues.

[@lazurm]

Stephen Betley: The Neo doesn't need to be calibrated. They're both quiet.

[@Albschmidt]

The calibration is what puts me off the kickr. Bought my wife a kickr core and it was off by 50 watts. Quickly returned it and bought another Neo.

[@Jfos33]

I'll be keeping a close eye on these reviews to see if anything pops up about the wheel slipping, I notice it when going for a flat out sprint, the trainer wont keep up and the watts/resistance just drops off for a fraction of a second before picking back up, very off putting when working of getting the leg speed up.

[@torbenfrlund5964]

Great review Shane! You don't need to buy anything for Campagnolo, I mounted my cassette without any problems, just need to select correct spacer.

[@simonbussey7530]

Torben Frølund Only valid on the old models with the EDCO hub. You can't do this on a current version Neo.

[@torbenfrlund5964]

Ok, my model is from 2018, but forgot to write that my Campagnolo is an old 10 speed cassette, maybe that also makes a difference.

[@ademanning5158]

Fantastic review on the Neo Shane, had mine for 18mths now and I'm having problems with the power and cadence readings (higher readings than my PM) but I love it and could I use the kickr headwind with the Neo? Maybe another video to make lol Keep the videos coming great to watch and RIDE ON.

[@gplama]

The Headwind works off ANT+, so yes. (I'll have to do a video about this cross compatibility)

[@ademanning5158]

@@gplama cheers mate and look forward to seeing the video.......best go spend some more money now! Thanks mate! 😂😂😂😂

[@Telukin]

I've noticed the 'mushy' feel when on high gradients in low gears. I always get it on the Richmond course, on that winding steep bit - there's one place that always feels like the wheel slips from under me. I'm used to it now and kind of expect it.

[@HoodyDJ1]

Omaristalis kinda „slipping under me“, same „problem“ happen to me!

[@fiftyoneindustries2]

Have noticed now I have my cadence sensor working again that the gear changes are quite a bit smoother and the power ramps are much better too

[@simonbussey7530]

The 'virtual tyre slip' bugs me too. Software Updates over time have improved it but not solved it. Some people swear they don't get, I wonder if there is variance between units or internal updates on newer models that have solved it? It would be interesting for you to test a brand new 2018 fresh from the factory model to see if you notice any difference.

[@patrickbaker6978]

I found that I was getting the feeling of wheel slip on the new zwift workouts .The neo doesn’t seem to like low cadence drills it’s like trying to cycle up an icy hill.

[@timdixo]

Just moved to a Neo1 from a Kickr2. The pros: The subtle sway with the Neo is far more natural,a rocker plate(almost). Lack of calibration...lovely. The cons: Virtual tyre slip on the steep climbs..eeeeew...almost a deal breaker. The unit also flops badly to the right,it desperately needs adjustable feet. On balance I'm not convinced which I like better,remove the tyre slip and I'd be a Neo but overall I'd have to say I'm 50/50.

[@aiyaaz1]

I'm caught between kickr 4 and tacx neo 1 and am leaning towards the kickr at present, mainly due to price. Is the stated 1% accuracy and no calibration worth an extra $250 or so in your opinion? Would be great to get your opinion seeing that you've had both.

[@timdixo]

Aiyaaz Dollie I’d go the K4 if you’re on Zwift...it’s so straightforward to calibrate in game now. If you’re using other software eg Trainerroad it’s more faff calibrating over Bluetooth...that may sway me to Neo1 if I was obsessed with accuracy. Overall my gut says go K4,quality control issues aside.

[@aiyaaz1]

@@timdixo thanks for the advice! I'm going with the K4 then. Initially it was the zero calibration requirement that made me lean towards the neo, but I guess calibrating a K4 every two or weeks is not that bad, plus the K4 accuracy looks good anyway based on Shane's reviews. Thanks for your advice!

[@perryajr]

sorry for late response. I've been through 3 kickr18 waiting for fourth.

[@szabiakanich]

Would love to try a direct drive trainer (Neo or Kickr or something), but there's just no way around where I live to try one, short of actually buying one. Also when you have a bike that costs around €1200, buying a trainer that costs as much or more is a bit of a stretch. Great review as always though. Liked the "here's the most important stuff to know in 60 seconds" bit.

[@poshaughnessy9468]

Jeez vons tough on you Shane 😂

[@peterbystrom6799]

Been using mine for four years now. Only problem was the EDCO hub that gave up in november after 640 hours use.

[@brettgoodsall9421]

Great video Shane. How is your Edco free hub holding up after all this time?

[@gplama]

Replaced with a Shimano one a while back after I grew tired of not being able to install cassettes easily.

[@brettgoodsall9421]

Shane Miller - GPLama do they still make the Tacx Shimano freshens for Neo? All I can find are the SRAM XD hubs...

[@gplama]

They should have them. Ping Tacx Support.

[@abedfo88]

ah love that hoody!

[@gplama]

I love a free hoodie! :)

[@JavierGarcia-MindGym]

Love the long term review on this one Shane. I have an old Fuji Roubaix which I intend to clean up and have as my trainer bike. With a Shimano Ultegra 10 cassette am I right to assume that the spacer that comes with it will make it compatible without issues? Sorry for the dumb question and thanks for this in-depth review!

[@gplama]

Yes

[@davidpch]

Hi Shane. I have a Tacx Neo for about one year now. Recently I have been paying more attention to its power accuracy when compared with my other power meters (Quarq Riken and DZero). After several tests I concluded that the Neo power is very close to the Quarqs (-1 or -2%) but ONLY when doing ERG mode in a small gear or using simulated slope of more than 7-8%, basically when the flywheel is going slowly. If using the Neo with a large gear either in ERG or in simulated mode, like a Zwift race, the accuracy drifts to -4 to -5% comparing with the Quarqs, and if using in ERG mode with the 50x11 it goes down to -10%!! Do you have any experience or information regarding this issue? I contacted Tacx but they seem to be in "denial mode"...

[@gplama]

Yes. The higher the flywheel speed the less accurate the Neo becomes. I’ve run a number of tests.... I can acknowledge the issue, that’s about it.

[@davidpch]

@@gplama Thanks for reply! In one way it's good to know it's a general issue and it's not only my case. On the other hand it's a bit weird that you acknowledge the Neo as "go to unit for tests" given this issue...Have you ever discussed it with Tacx? By the way, I've found a video from another channel regarding this issue, but using a Tacx Neo 2, and basically saying that it does not happen with the Neo 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYHNmmSrdtqSi9U&feature=emb_logo

[@gplama]

I use the Neo at lower flywheel speeds for power tests. Tacx are aware of the issue.

[@davidpch]

@@gplama Do you know if they are planning on fixing the issue or is it a lost case for the Neo 1? They haven't released any firmware updates in more than a year.

[@gplama]

@@davidpch Lost case by now I'd say. The Neo1 is two releases old now.

[@FPL_Drago]

Great review Shane. You say ‘go-to’ a lot....but back against the wall, would you choose this over the Kickr?? (Now I’m going to check the other comments to make sure no one asked the same thing 🙄)

[@gplama]

Horses for courses. This for power accuracy/testing, and riding if it's set up. Kickr otherwise. Back against the wall - I'm outside riding. :)

[@CakeShooter]

Shane would you choose the Neo 1 over the new KICKR18 or the Core, given the current teething issues for Wahoo? I can get the Neo 1 for the same price as the KICKR18.

[@lobuk516]

Mine 'slips' in the 34/30 also on trainer road. It's a neo thing. I just don't use the small ring and it's good to.go.

[@BradGranatier]

Thanks for the vid. Greatly influenced my decision which is one I definitely have not regretted. #zwiftriders

[@Thekidisalright]

Great review video, but not sure if it’s necessary to rap all the features in 60 secs. It serve no purpose to speed up like that, it would be better to your viewers’ ears if you just speak as per normal.

[@gplama]

Those tech specs are well known and published. Those are the details I'm simply regurgitating quickly to get them done.

[@gkstarter1]

Hi Shame, have you had or heard of the recent issues with the Neo and Zwift, resistance changes (HIll climbs) not being recognized and the Neo not changing resistance and or a lag in the reaction time to recognise a climb or descent, also the Road Feel not working on Zwift? I've added to the Zwift Forum on it since i've received my Neo 1 on Friday and immediately noticed the issue. I have noticed it on Road GRand Tours also but the trainer works fine on the Tacx routes where gradient reacted wonderfully. Any tips welcome, thanks.

[@gplama]

No issues for me. One for Zwift Support.

[@jbergene]

700W, impressive :D

[@micahdean5370]

Are you going to do a review on the new Stac Zero trainer?

[@gplama]

Sure, I just need to get a hold of one.

[@troycollett2778]

Easiest way to check if the virtual slip is the neo or zwift is to test it on just the Tacx app

[@gplama]

*It's not that easy. If it's related to the user weight, bike weight, or other variable configured within the FE-C or Bluetooth profile, then it takes more than just switching apps. It could be a combination. Either way, it's there. How it's solved is up to those who can (software devs, hardware/firmware devs)

[@LukeGJPotter]

Or something like FulGaz or Road Grand Tours, for the gradient changes.

[@lindsaycripps1597]

Shane regarding the tyre slippage have you tried paring to a cadence sensor and or power meter to see if stops or reduces the slippage? Wondering if it's related to how the Neo measures cadence.

[@go5alive]

@shane - recently came across an FB discussion regards drifting of power on a Neo. Have you seen this at all? Tacx ask that a test ride at 30Kph on Tacx App should provide stabilised power reading of 150W, yet some have reported this as Watts much higher and lower!

[@gplama]

Interesting. I haven't seen anything in the Lama Lab Tests that indicate this occurs on my Neo.

[@mattsippert5798]

Hey Shane, thanks for all the great resources! I have a question for you though about this virtual slip. I picked up a Neo a few days ago and really like it. But I find at around 7% and above I can start to notice it when in the easiest gear with a small but sudden jolt of even around 500W or so. With a grade of around 10% or above, doing my preferred cadence of around 90-95 rpm (which definitely needs the easiest gear ratio), I can even feel it slipping at the bottom of my pedal strokes without making any sudden accelerations or anything, it just can't seem to handle the high cadence at that incline. Another way to put it is this: on a ride of Alpe du Zwift even with only 80% trainer difficulty, I can definitely feel slipping on some of the steeper sections while just trying to maintain a threshold level effort the entire way and not doing any sudden sprints or anything. Is this normal? Or should it be taking a lot more power to be seeing any slipping, and it might be my unit in particular? I otherwise love the thing, so if this shouldn't be happening, I will definitely try and get another one. Otherwise I may try a Drivo II.

[@gplama]

That's consistent with now the Neo works in my experience. Just make sure it's on the latest firmware. An update a while back went a long way in fixing the virtual slip, but it may or may not resolve your issue.

[@mattsippert5798]

Thanks for confirming that! It is indeed on the latest firmware. If that is the usual behaviour, I guess I will just have to decide whether or not it is going to bother me in the long term. Thanks Shane!

[@barryhambly7711]

I wondering if this low speed slip is ? To read power a peddle has to be turned a certain number of times in a minute and at slow speeds without a pause. So wonder if NEO gets confused by slowness of cadence and low gearing. Just a thought !!

[@mkii9110]

its my Best Buy in bike industry because it just works and not like any other stuff in this industry that got replaced by another version within a year. Even just trainer the other companies replace their flag ship in just a year or two eg wahoo

[@gplama]

In their defence, the Kickr 1 is still a pretty good unit. The 2 and 3 were incremental updates. Similar to how Tacx updated the Neo in 2017 to accomodate more bikes.

[@mkii9110]

well, i think u have a point there. btw i bought my neo sololy after your old power test :D

[@bikerjk1205]

@@gplama Did the Neo update allow the unit to accommodate long cage derailleur s?

[@gplama]

No changes to the Neo legs from the original vs newer one.

[@bluemystic7501]

What's the best one for the money? $1400 USD is steeeep!

[@gplama]

There's a few to choose from in the mid-range. Kickr CORE. Elite Direto. Tacx Flux S/2.

[@chrispidgeonmusician]

How about a video addressing whether or not we actually NEED a direct drive trainer. See, I have a cycleops Magnus which is fine I guess, but keep hanging my nose over the Neo etc. But is it necessary?!? Probably haha just a thought

[@gplama]

Entirely up to people to choose themselves. There’s pros and cons of both. Covered here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGi9Zn5jps95rrM

[@hombrealagua]

Hello Shane, I'm getting a used Neo Smart but I'm not sure if I can use it with my 12spd Sram Etap AXS? Thanks!

[@nozza83]

Awesome video Shane! I’ve been looking at smart trainers for a bit now and am keen to jump in - are there any newer ones you would recommend over this one? Would prefer to stay under $3k AUD :)

[@gplama]

They're all well under AUD3k! Drop into a local bike shop and test ride what they stock/support and go from there.

[@nozza83]

Shane Miller - GPLama gotta find better bike shops - my locals will only stock them in the box & won’t let me try. Back to the internet for research ;) thanks mate keep the vids coming

[@adammillsindustries.]

Hi Shane. I’m about to do the bearing service kit. I’m planning on fitting my own bearings and using the DT Swiss tool. My question is should I replace both bearings as some people are only replacing the smaller front one? Thanks.

[@gplama]

Not something I've looked into. I have the official kit from Tacx to replace mine with (as an exercircise to see how easy it is with the official kit).

[@hussTennis]

never smell anything after my sprint... wired no ? 😆😆😕

[@jonathanedwards6622]

Interesting note about greasing the axle. Any maintenance you recommend for owners of other trainers? (I have a gen 2 KICKR.)

[@gplama]

Every trainer is a little different - See my Kickr Gen I maintenance video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ambbY62Xotientk (Gen 2 has a different optical sensor location, so it's not 1:1)

[@jpprovost64]

strange but for me its been 2.5 years i have it .. i love it ... but for races ... its not reacting fast enough ... i use stage power meter ... its more faster when you want to accellerate fast ... its 2 or 3 secondes ... the reaction i see on my screen ... i use apple tv 4k ... whit other poer source its ok ... ?

[@alfonsovazquez1008]

Does the downhill drive kick in when you are racing on zwift or is it only when doing workouts/your own rides?

[@gplama]

The downhill drive does virtually nothing when you're putting the hammer down on the pedals. In fact, it may even decrease your ability to generate power (and therefore in-game speed) as it removes a small amount of resistance on negative gradients.

[@yoeddy0420]

Shane, do you have the Trolley for the Tacx NEO. If so would you use that to travel by plane with your NEO?

[@gplama]

I don’t have the Neo Trolley

[@KL-sk7kk]

Why would you take a bike outside during winter cold and train on the trainer? I would rather just go on the road and cycling why bother doing that?

[@gplama]

Race warm ups.

[@midhc5072]

Shane, my experience with the Neo and head units, shows it doesn't play with the Wahoo ELEMNT series. Works fine with Garmin, but not Wahoo. Yes, I can get it to connect but if I try to follow a course or route, the Neo locks up. If I connect it as a sensor rather than a trainer, it shows, watts, rpm and speed without problem, but that is only of limited use. I'm told you or DCR did manage to connect the Neo with a Wahoo head unit and ride a course/route, any chance you can point me as to where this is so I can try following the process?

[@gplama]

I've done a few 'reride' route videos. If the process isn't working with the Elemnt then ping Wahoo support. Their ANT+ FE-C trainer control should work.... but...

[@midhc5072]

@@gplama Have had lots of contact with Wahoo techs, but we were unable to find a solution.

[@gplama]

@@midhc5072 Ping Tacx Support. Their FE-C implementation should be as per the spec..... if not, they'll need to fix it.

[@julianarnold4137]

G’day mate, I’ve only ever used a basic trainer, but looking at getting a neo and stepping up the indoor training this year. Will I need to buy a cassette also to attach to the trainer. Thanks in advance.

[@gplama]

Yes, the Neo doesn't come with a cassette.

[@jimscally2160]

Is the skipping that users are describing something momentary and not a constant skipping, say, if you wanted to stand on a 8% grade for a minute? Would it just skip the first few seconds?

[@gplama]

I'm not sure what you mean about skipping. Virtual tyre slip....?

[@jimscally2160]

@@gplama yes, slip.

[@jimscally2160]

So I have a wheel on smart trainer, and tonight in slope mode at 4%, if I stand at about 60 cadence at only 250-270 watts, the wheel slips on the roller, and it continues to slip as long as I stand. I'm asking if that is what you're describing as a virtual tyre slip and if that virtual slip is a momentary issue or is continuous.

[@chrispidgeonmusician]

I about about to pull the trigger on this bad boy. One quick thing - I use it on ios via native bluetooth on the ipad. Just want to check that this works fine, and both transmits to the ipad but also is controllable via bluetooth FROM the ipad? Thanks

[@gplama]

Same as other dual protocol Smart Trainers in this regard, supports BLE for power, speed, and cadence.

[@robertbertollo5282]

Hi Shane, occasionally my Tacx NEO has significantly less climb resistance to the previous ride ? I don't notice it until I hit the hills when everything above 6% gradient is really easy and down hill is slightly harder . During the ride I have tried turning the Tacx off and unpairing the sensors also put no fix .. I noticed the virtual road feel is non existent when this happens during the ride also .. have you come across this ? is this common ? My settings are always the same .. your thoughts and reply would be much appreciated . Cheers Rob

[@gplama]

Not something I’ve come across. Just make sure nothing else is connecting and trying to control it (head unit, other app, etc)

[@geoffsearle2778]

Compatible with Campag AND shimano straight out of the box (it has a dual compatibility Edco freehub body)...just delete this if that's mentioned elsewhere.

[@gplama]

They've switched to Shimano/SRAM freehubs on later builds.

[@geoffsearle2778]

@@gplama Cheers (yes....Mine has been unused for a couple of years/is a couple of years old...odd they retro-graded to an inferior solution tho)

[@Stefan-nc2uc]

Hey Shane. I use the Neo with my wahoo elemnt to set the resistance. When i'm on lets say 200w than it often happens that the neo bumps the resistance up so im no longer able to pedal. I than have to sprint to get the cranks turning again. Did you run into this problem yet? Or does someone know a solution? Thanks

[@gplama]

Hmm. One for Wahoo or Tacx Support. It should be ok, but if there’s nothing else grabbing control then it should work fine.

[@davidsweetman7967]

Shane, I have never updated my Neo since I have had it. I have read on various forums of people having issues after updating it. It has worked perfectly since I have owned it and some say if it ain't broke don't fix it. What say u? Should I update or not?

[@gplama]

I’m always one for updating. If it ain’t broke, make it better! :)

[@kaveac]

We’ve had a Neo for a couple years. Always updated with no issues at all.

[@BlackMesa322]

Can this be used as a “non-smart” trainer, faster I go, the more resistance I get?

[@gplama]

Yes. That’s just slope / basic mode.

[@atanasg]

Count me up as another happy owner of a Neo. The no-hassle jump-on-and-ride experience without thinking about plugging it in, turning it on, or calibration (after warming up first!) is a big win for me, still almost exclusive to the Neo. Shane, you mentioned snappy resistance changes but I am seeing a ~3-second delay in mine when I ride in Zwift -- both to gradient changes in free rides and b/w intervals in ERG mode. Could that be because I've set the Zwift power output averaging setting to 3 sec? My impression was that that setting should only affect the values shown on the screen but not the reaction time. Is there an extra in-unit power averaging setting that I might have to possibly tweak as well?

[@gplama]

The 3sec averaging is the display only, no in-game influence having that on or off. Are you using ANT+ or Bluetooth? Test both to see if there's any change in gradient/resistance kicking in.

[@twardo2224]

i have the same delay with the Neo and Zwift. for example after i ride under a workout arch at the end of an interval it takes 2-3 seconds to add or release the erg mode power. i’m using ant+ so will try to use bluetooth but i’ve never been able to get bluetooth connection to work on PC.

[@atanasg]

I am using Bluetooth almost exclusively so I don't think switching the protocol will make a difference. ISTR seeing a firmware setting for power smoothing in one of the trainers I was interested in some time ago but I forget which. Such a setting would be available in the trainer specific app. I will take a closer look at the Tacx Utility App tomorrow to see if it's there.

[@atanasg]

Hmm, the Tacx Utility App is very bare-bones -- not much in the way of settings. I guess I was thinking of a different trainer making the power smoothing configurable. WRT the Neo, it seems to be hard-coded in the firmware and there is quite a bit of history on that front. The issue seems to be getting the right balance b/w responsiveness and kinetic energy feel. Here is a very informative thread: www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/index.php?/topic/103637-tacx-neo-v-wahoo-kickr/&page=4&tab=comments#comment-1522718 It seems that Tacx can fix the problem easily by having two different algorithms: one for SIM mode with realistic (i.e. large) kinetic energy simulation and another for ERG mode with no (or minimal) kinetic energy model. FTR, I tried briefly switching to using my Quarq power-meter during my last workout but that resulted in larger power fluctuations during steady-state efforts which I found more annoying.

[@lsgutah]

Shane, My Tacx Neo (Series 1) has all of a sudden stopped giving resistance. I have factory reset it and everything. I'm thinking there is a hardware problem. Are you aware of how I can fix this?

[@gplama]

One for Garmin/Tacx support.

[@galbraithian]

join the "many" i'm down 2 units now

[@josephphillips865]

Tacx Neo 2 coming out, someone here please sell me your old Tacx Neo at a bargain :)

[@tobiasjohansson982]

Going to by a used tacx neo 1. It now has a 10s kassett but i have a 11s kassett on my bike. Is it possible to ride like that? Ore should i change to a 11s kasset on the trainer? Best regards Tobias

[@gplama]

Best change the Neo to an 11 speed cassette too.

[@stevewalter1888]

👍

[@adammillsindustries.]

Hi Shane, is it true you need that silver spacer / washer for a Shimano 11-28 on first? I haven’t put it on, I thought it was only for campag?

[@gplama]

It depends 11spd should be no spacers for a road cassette.

[@adammillsindustries.]

Thanks. Just thought I’d check. How do I get your monster work out sessions into my Zwift? Regards.

[@gplama]

Scroll to the bottom of this page for how to install workouts: whatsonzwift.com/workouts/

[@adammillsindustries.]

Amazing!!!!!

[@sidekickasss4968]

What it means GPLama?

[@robertpocock8893]

Hi Shane, looking at a 2018 NEO 1, do you think it's worth still going for this turbo in 2022? Sounds like it hasn't been used much, for sale at £300.

[@gplama]

It depends. If you're a sprinter / huge watt monster, no due to the virtual wheel slip on those models. If you have a thru-axle bike you'll need an adapter thingy. The 2T is better in many ways.

[@robertpocock8893]

@@gplama thanks Shane, I'm not a big sprinter, FTP at 300W on a good day but rarely get above 500W for sprinting. Got a Elite Novo Smart so I've only had experience with fairly basic turbos. Also bike has rim brakes and QR so no issues there

[@gplama]

Might be worth a punt then. If it doesn’t turn out to be what you want, you’ll be able to flip it for no loss.

[@robertpocock8893]

@@gplama appreciate the advice, Cheers

[@robertpocock8893]

@@gplama Turns out it's a Neo 2, so a bit of a bonus. Arrived today, looking forward to trying it out!

[@arieldumlao2766]

Hi, GP Lama. is it true it is not compatible with the new Ultegra r8000 Mid cage RD? Thanks

[@gplama]

I can’t see why it wouldn’t be. I’ll need more info. Tacx Support are your best bet for an answer here.

[@OscarLopez-jc7vj]

would you rather a flux s2 or NEO 1???

[@gplama]

Neo 1

[@OscarLopez-jc7vj]

@@gplama thanks for the reply, could you be a little spesific on the advantages of neo1 over flux?

[@gplama]

​@@OscarLopez-jc7vj I'm terrible at sales pitches. The Neo is a better unit. Different hardware too.

[@JomsF]

Will this work with zwift on android?

[@gplama]

Yes

[@richardhutchings1980]

Llama ears up for good luck

[@thomasgiallo5899]

First

[@johntrussell7228]

Tacx has had massive quality control issues with these. Metal shavings inside, inconsistent power, and good luck trying to get Tacx customer service. Plastic, noisy shell as well. Just buy a Wahoo Kickr and be happy with a solid, well built machine and good customer support.

[@gplama]

Very very early on? Mine was purchased 8 months post launch. And that's not the general experience we're reading about on user groups / forums these days. It's interesting trying to be balanced and factual (data based) when the Internet allows people to be forceful and emotional about their experiences. You'll find similar war stories told against any company.