The Tacx Neo 2T Reviewed: A Real Game Changer!
Alex McRae- 14 Min To Read
- 18 Nov, 2023
The Tacx Neo2T is Tacx’s most advanced smart trainer model and a great smart bicycle trainer. It is considered the best bike trainer, or perhaps the Tesla. The Neo is quite quiet, which is why it’s a Tesla in many ways.
Since its inception, the Neo’s quiet has been a hallmark. The Tacx Neo has been a popular smart training option, quieter than most on the market since its introduction in 2014. Although others are following suit, such as the Wahoo KICKR and the Tacx Neo, we believe the Tacx Neo is still the most quiet training option available today.
Tacx has been around since 1970, when they started making rollers and parts. They didn’t know that they would become a high-tech computer company producing connected bike training devices in the next generation.
or >Let Competitive Cyclist’s Gearheads set you up,
History of the Tacx Smart Trainers and their Lineup
In 2014, the Tacx Neo was released. It immediately became a favorite with the cycling community. It remained the Tacx’s most reliable model for a long period.
The Neo 2 was released in late 2018 and significantly improved Tacx’s game. Many of the most popular features today, such as Road Feel or decline simulation, were introduced here. The Neo 2 introduced pedal stroke analysis, which can be used to check if your legs are turning in a symmetrical way.
Garmin purchased Tacx in 2019, but it did nothing to alter Tacx’s product line or branding.
The Neo 2T was replaced by the Neo 2T in 2020. The motor was improved, creating a more realistic riding experience and better climbing simulation. Tacx improved the quality of their trainers with each generation, which we always appreciate.
The Tacx Flux 2 is below the Neo 2T. Below the Neo 2T is Tacx Flux S.
Concurrence
Two smart, well-trained trainers are the main competitors to the Tacx Neo 2T. We have written extensively about them: the Wahoo KICKR and the Saris. Both options are cheaper than the Tacx Neo 2T, but they’re both equally good.
Wahoo’s KICKR is most commonly used competitor to the Neo 2T.
The Tacx Neo Neo, or the Tacx Neo, is the most sophisticated and sleekest of all the bikes. We’ll get into more details as we review the product. The Peloton is certainly a competitor, but it’s a fundamental difference between a stationary bicycle with a $40/monthly membership and a smart trainer with unlimited access to a variety of apps.
Ride Experience
It’s a wonderful experience to ride the Tacx Neo. We don’t want to sound fanboyish, but the Tacx Neo is one of those products that you can think of everything. It is quiet, which is the first impression. There is no “whine” as you might hear from older models. The only sound you will hear is the engine’s noise. It is quiet, other than that. Although we are focusing on how quiet the Neo is, it should still be on your top list if noise is a top priority (e.g. if you plan to use the unit next to a baby). Bravo, Tacx.
The Neo has one thing that we love. It is not complicated and offers great functionality. The Tacx is housed in a sleek, compact unit that does the job. This minimalist design consists of a flywheel in a case and two legs that support the bike and unit. When it comes to design, sometimes less is more.
Its minimalist design doesn’t affect its stability. Even when we are breaking up the frame with high power, it is still very stable. Its weight of nearly 50 pounds may explain this. Although it isn’t light, it is very sleek. It is important to have a trainer that has some mass for stability.
The Neo 2T’s ride quality is excellent. It is very quiet and stable despite its minimalist design. The Neo 2T has a built-in flex that gives you a more natural feel than other trainers. Flex also allows your bike to tilt slightly from side-to-side while still being fully functional in the smart trainer. This nice feature is already built into the Neo 2T and is something we are just beginning to see on other brands.
This is the Neo 2T’s sleek design.
The Neo’s ability simulate surfaces is a big draw. It can simulate gravel and pavement. It can mimic climbs or downhills with no additional parts. The Wahoo KICKR can also mimic inclines/declines, but requires an additional purchase of the Climb unit. Although these features, which mimick surfaces and inclines/declines, might not be applicable to rides on Sufferfest and Trainerroad, they can add interest to riding and speed up the time.
We love the 2T’s lighting system. It creates a variety of backlight colors and intensities, which indicate how much power your unit is putting out. This is a great feature that we didn’t know existed. The color communicates how hard you’re working, even if you don’t have the mental capacity to look at the number. It’s pretty cool.
The unit is the only one with true downhill inertia thanks to Tacx’s unique flywheel design. The unit’s power output immediately drops to zero when you stop pedaling on most trainers. The Neo has a freewheel effect, which applies some resistance to the unit when you stop pedaling downhill on a Zwift. It will be very similar to a road ride. Most units will stop you from pedaling downhill if your power output is affected by hills.
Although it’s difficult to list all the details that make the Tacx Neo 2T so realistic, we believe that the virtual flywheel makes it a lot easier to describe. You are free to use your own belts and chains.
The backlight intensity and color will tell you how much wattage your are creating.
It basically powers the engine of the unit. It feels responsive, real, and it is very realistic. The Neo 2T is the most responsive smart trainer we have ever seen.
Connectivity and compatibility
The unit’s connectivity is almost instantaneous thanks to the direct-drive setup and virtual flywheel. You can pedal and the lights on your unit will tell you instantly that you are connected.
The Neo 2T’s coolest feature is . You don’t even have to plug it. The trainer can work without external power thanks to the direct-drive system. You lose some of the incline/decline features if it is not plugged in. You can treat the unit as a self charging generator, which is something we believe other units should emulate. We have believed for years that smart trainers should be able to generate wattage and power themselves. Bravo, Tacx.
You will have no problem connecting to all of your favorite apps with the Tacx Neo 2T – whether you are using Zwift, Rouvy, Sufferfest, Trainerroad, or even Peloton’s alternativenon-native app for smart trainers.
Noise
When it comes to how much the Neo 2T makes us sound, we probably sound like a broken record. Similar results could be made for older Tacx models, such as Neo 2 and Neo 1. It’s amazing how this unit can be powered by 300 watts and still maintain a low 60 decibel level. The loudest part about riding is, in truth, your bike’s drivetrain or your own whining as you attempt to power the unit.
This setup will make almost no noise if the bike’s drivetrain is well-maintained. Your fan will likely outweigh the noise generated by the trainer and bike (something we recommend in every indoor biking setup).
Accuracy
The Neo 2T is very accurate, according to our assessment. The Neo 2T responds quickly to power changes and, as mentioned, the direct, virtual flywheel gives you a more realistic power output when you do a Zwift uphill.
Similar to the Wahoo KICKR’s Neo 2T, Tacx claims that it will measure power to within 1 percent of actual. Based on our testing, we don’t see any reason to disagree.
Tacx’s focus on motor improvement and the direct-drive design without any middlemen in the drivetrain make this trainer very responsive. This unit is responsive, let’s just say. Your power ramp-ups or downs will have an immediate effect on your power readout, and if you’re riding Zwift on your position within the pack. It’s fun to feel this tight responsiveness, but it can be difficult to go back to something with even a slight lag.
The Neo 2T is more accurate than the midrange flux, with a precision of 1% instead of 2.5%.
Mounting and Driving
Tacx Neo 2T trainers are direct drive. This means you don’t need to have your rear wheels on while using them. The trainer’s axle connects to your bike’s drivetrain, similar to smart trainers like the Saris or Wahoo. This is the current standard for smart trainers.
Notice a cord? Nope. No, the Tacx is able to work without being plugged in.
The Neo 2T is a great choice because you can connect directly to the motor of the unit, which reduces the need for belts and drives.
You will need to purchase a cassette separately as the Tacx doesn’t come with one. The Neo 2T can hold a variety of cassettes, including those made by Shimano and SRAM 11-speed designs. It can also handle SRAM 12 speed cassettes with a special cassette body.
Once you have the unit set up, mounting it is easy. It locks securely and can be used with all types of axles.
Safety
Every smart trainer or other cycling device should be inspected for safety. You will be putting a lot of power on the bike so it must be stable and safe.
The Neo is a great unit for stability. We are often amazed at how a stable unit can be housed in such an elegant, simple design. It would be easy to assume that a smart trainer would be bulky and large to be stable. Tacx proves this is not true.
Because we have used our trainers around young children and pets for many years, we always pay attention to the flywheel design. We don’t want the unit to be a danger to other people. The Neo 2T’s flywheel is covered, but the shroud that covers the flywheel allows it to move with the axle. Although it does not protrude or make the Neo 2T as appealing as the KICKR for 2-year-olds, there is still a spinning, moving part.
The Neo 2T’s rider weight limit is 275 lbs. This is in line with what we see on higher-end trainers. The Wahoo KICKR limits riders to 250 lbs and the Saris H3 to 300 lbs. Peloton bikes also have a weight limit. It is published at 297 lbs.
Durability
We love the Tacx brand. One of the reasons it is on our shortlist of smart trainers we recommend is the fact that it tends not to have any problems, whether you’re looking at the Neo 2, Neo 2T, or the Neo 2.
We’re curious to see how it holds up to its other features, such as side-to-side flexibility and the ability to simulate different surfaces. It should provide enough power to give you years of great spins for most riders.
We expect the trainer to last for a long time as long as you don’t exceed the 275 lb limit. You won’t be able to handle 2,200 watts and outspin the trainer, but you can do the same for the Saris or Wahoo products.
Price Point
The Tacx Neo 2T trainer costs $1,400. Many winter riders may prefer to spend the $1,400 on a fat-tire bike, but that’s not surprising. You get a lot more technology for the $1,400 when you compare it to the Wahoo or the Saris. It becomes an acceptable price point when you consider all the add-ons you might need to get the same results in the 2T.
Because there are so many functions in this small, sleek unit (such as road surface simulation, slope and descent, side-to-side flexibility, and other benefits), $1,400 is a reasonable price. The Neo 2T is an option if you have the funds.
Locate the Neo 2T here (REI) or let the experts atCompetitive Cycles get you your Neo 2T here
Tacx Neo 2T vs. Saris h3
There are two types of competition for the Neo 2T: Somewhat similar models and then step-down smart training models. The Saris H3 model is most likely the closest to the 2T, and will offer the greatest cost savings.
Both companies are huge fans to us. Tacx is Dutch and Saris is American. Tacx is a veteran of the cycling industry, while Saris has been making smart trainers for several years (previously known as CycleOps). We have found that both companies and the shops that sell the brands will provide excellent support.
The Tacx is quieter than the H3, and it’s quieter. The Saris is not loud; in fact, they have made significant improvements with the H3. If quiet is your priority, the Neo 2T is the better choice.
The Neo 2T has more options than the standard. All the features that the Tacx offers, including incline, decline, and side-by-side flex, are available on the Neo 2T. The Saris, however, does not.
The Saris excels in where else? The price. The price of the Saris H3 is $400 lower than that of the Tacx Neo 2T. The retail price of the Saris H3 is 30% lower than that of the Tacx Neo 2T. Saris has managed to pack a high-quality trainer in a package that is not too expensive. We have enjoyed riding a Saris for many hours and it was a joy to ride. The Neo 2T is a better trainer if you have the money.
You can read the entire Saris H3 review here.
Tacx Neo 2T and the Wahoo KICKR
We love the Tacx Neo models especially the newest Neo 2T, but it is possible to save hundreds of dollars if you choose the Wahoo KICKR instead.
The Neo is a high-end, quiet trainer that packs all its functionality in a compact unit. The Neo is almost like purchasing an Apple product. You don’t need any extra peripherals. Everything you need is included in the box.
The latest KICKR version offers a slight side-to-side giving, giving the vehicle a more real road feel.
However, the Wahoo KICKR has some advantages. The price is where the Wahoo edged out the Neo 2T the most. The Wahoo usually costs $1,200, while the Neo 2T is $1,400. The KICKR also comes with a cassette attached to the axle which will save you $70.
The Tacx is the one who pays for all the add-ons to the KICKR. The Neo 2T includes additional features for the KICKR, such as the incline/decline feature to do climbs with Zwift. It really boils down to how much functionality the unit has right out of the box. You can have less functionality, but you will get more.
Flux 2, Neo 2T, Flux S
You won’t regret spending your money on the Wahoo or the Saris.
With our W ahoo KICKR review, we did a deep dive in the Wahoo.
Tacx Neo 2T vs. Tacx Flux 2 vs. Tacx Flux S
Tacx has introduced a lot of new products in the last couple years. These include upgrading the Neo 2T to the Neo 2T and introducing lower-end trainers like the Flux 2 or Flux S. You can review both Tacx Flux models.
The Flux S was actually the old Tacx Flux with minor upgrades and updates. The Flux 2 is a step-up model that replaces (in our opinion) the Flux S and Flux S. The Flux 2 costs around $900
The Tacx Neo 2T is their top-of the-line model. While we love all Tacx models. Here are the main differences between the high-end Neo 2T model and the midrange Flux 2:
The Neo 2T can handle 2,200 Watts while the Flux 2 can handle 2000. Although you might not require all those watts the 2T has a heavier and more stable flywheel. This means that the 2T has a slightly more stable ride for those who are trying to crank out high power while exerting a lot of effort.
The Neo 2T’s wattage measurement is precise to 1% of your actual powered, while the Flux 2 will give you a “good, but not as good”, 2.5%.
The Flux 2 doesn’t offer side-to side flex. However, the Neo 2T has about 5 degrees of side to side movement.
We recommend the >Flux 2 and Flux S if you have a tight budget.
