Tacx NEO Bike Long Term Review: Two Years Later, Still Worth It?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ค. 2024
- It's been two years since Garmin started shipping the Tacx NEO bike in the U.S. We haven't seen much updates to the bike either. But two years later, is the bike still worth it?
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-- Chapters --
0:00 Intro
1:08 NEO Bike Specs
2:23 NEO Bike Fit
2:59 NEO Bike App Customization
4:09 NEO Bike Shifting
4:28 NEO Bike Brakes
5:21 USB Ports
6:12 NEO Bike display
6:27 NEO Bike Ride Feel
7:01 NEO Bike Accuracy
7:54 NEO Bike Noise
8:53 My final thoughts
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Just ordered mine! Glad to see that your long term review is positive although I’ve heard complains that crank arm was being noisy or pedals loosening, power meter not reporting well, etc
Thank you for the update. Since I don't have a road bike (yet) and wanted to do more cycling over the winter, I was considering what to buy (direct drive or smart bike). The Tacx NEO Bike and the Wahoo KICKR Bike were prime choices as my partner also asked to use it. I decided for the Tacx NEO bike as it is much cheaper here in Europe than the Wahoo and I bought it two months ago. Now I have over 2000 kilometers on it and so far I am very happy with it.
I don't have the fan rattle you have so the bike is very quiet - great for working out when the kids are asleep.
I really like the adjustability to slightly change my riding position. It's so easy to try out more reach or less, higher/lower saddle, different drop ... to experience how it feels. Starting with a position from a bike fit I slowly changed it to a more comfortable spot.
Finally I really like the low maintenance of the smart bike - no chain and sprocket wear.
That’s good to know you don’t have the same fan rattle. Glad you are enjoying the bike. Thanks for watching!
Thank you! I have one in the garage awaiting me putting it together. Just need to mount all the bikes on the wall to make space…
Great vid mate. To share my experience: I absolutely love mine. Super quiet, super cool (with the LED lights and form - just looks futuristic, doesn't it), the road feel sim is surprisingly immersive (makes me wish there was less smooth tarmac in zwift courses), easy to adjust to my partner's settings and back to mine, accurate, reliable pairing and stays connected...and I could go on. I'll just say though that Garmin/Tacx had to completely replace my unit due to a loud clunking noise in the rear flywheel assembly (which they did - fortunately occurred within the 12-mo warranty period). Then, after riding an entire year or so on the new machine, I gave Ven-Top a proper go, and was--not even kidding-- 1 km from the finish when the belt snapped and I watched my Zwift avatar come to a stop after the 75 min or so I'd been riding. 😂 They again swiftly fixed it with a brand new belt at no cost to me, but figured I'd share my experience. Again, love this machine, and the fact that it's so quick to set up, and then enjoyable and quiet to use, make it an awesome option. Just hope there's no other failures now that it's out of warranty 😬
Thanks for sharing your experience and glad Garmin was able to address your issues quickly.
@@_Zane__ within the first few months of use, and was in the flywheel assembly. It started quieter and got louder over time. Still worked, with power data and all seemingly unaffected, just clunking and clanking getting louder and louder with each use. My unasked-for advice is that you take a vid while it's happening and send it to the Garmin distributor that sold you the unit and have them instruct you on next steps 👍🏼
5:50 - Agreed, these electronic/USB ports seem like an easy upgrade for them to make. low power USB? There's plenty of options for QUALCOMM or IQ charging tech to be integrated into these smart trainers.
Me Surge una duda, esta categoria de Bicicletas inteligentes son muy nuevas, y no sabemos cada cuantos años las renovaran. Teniendo 2 años ya en el mercado y habiendo bajado a un poco el precio, crees que este 2022 se producirá el lanzamiento de una nueva Neo Bike 2? por ejemplo donde incluya un elevador de pendiente como hace su competencia con la Kirck Bike de Wahoo ?? Pienso que Garmin mas pronto que tarde, tendra que sacar su propio Climb tanto en bicicletas inteligentes como en rodillos
9:36 Tambien el soporte para tableta tapa la camara frontal no? es decir, en los nuevos iPad con Face ID, sera dificil desbloquearlo si por lo que sea se bloquea el iPad, tampoco podremos usar la tableta para una videollamada mientras realizamos una sección de ciclismo interior
Thanks Tariq for the review! It's also good to see other users experiences with this machine - I too have replaced 2 bikes under warranty with belt drive failures. No fan noise problem for me. I agree with Dani G that the erg mode runs 3w lower than target but also find that with my Neo 2T. Agree also with Mike S5 there is a (too long a) delay when changing gears. This was improved when I got a replacement bike. Power readings are constantly around 4% higher than my Assioma Duos - you haven't found this Tariq?
On the power vs my Assioma pedals, it’s been just spot on and always within +/-1%. 4% is plenty for this bike or NEO. Have you insured the Assioma is calibrated?
Thanks for the reply Tariq. Yes I calibrate using the Assioma app on my phone. I can send you the dual power analysis (FIT files or Zwiftpower analysis) to your email listed on youtube
Thanks for the video.That seems like a really shaky thing to do. How is it with the connection to iOS devices? iPhone, iPad Pro ... and Garmin Connect ... I have an IC7 at the moment. Great bike. Connectivity a disaster. And that's why I'm looking for something else. Johnny G?
Almost 2 year with my TACX NEO BIKE...been using almost with ZWIFT a LOT..I am on level 42. I have the old version crankset, no issues there, no fan issues. I had to replace the belt, it snapped after one year. TACX replaced it for free, and took 3 days to received it. ALWAYS UNPLUG YOUR BIKE AFTER USE. The missing Steering is ZWIFT fault...they are forcing their "partners" to exclusivity and fees...shame on ZWIFT. In Europe the price is a killer, 1000€ less than Wahoo...so forget the Climb feature
I've ridden my Neo bike for 2K miles now. The fan is best set to power for me. It's literally replaced my road miles and have improved my fitness during winter season
Thanks for watching 🙏🏼
Nice long term review! Of much more benefit than the out of the box reviews which are a staple on TH-cam. Looking to get an indoor smart trainer, and so my wife can use as well favouring a bike over Direct Drive. Did you try using the bike for Spin classes at all by any chance? If so was it easy to replicate the dial on a traditional spin bike with the gears?
The dial is a bit different on regular spin bike. But you can try to replicate it by increasing and decreasing the resistance by either using the buttons on the handlebars by increasing the slope or by using the Tacx app and using the resistance (1-100%). You can also use the gears as another way to adjust resistance. Hope that helps!
Awesome review! I love seeing reviews of a product after it's been used for a longer period of time. 👏 I wonder if you could just tape some sort of rubbery material to the inside of the iPad holder. 🤔 #tacxHack My worry would be that Tacx / Garmin would be getting closer to an update cycle for this bike. It's hard to know because we don't really know what kind of timeframe or cycle these products iterations will be on. Maybe every three years? Who knows. 🤷🏻♂️
My philosophy has been not to wait for the next thing. If you need it, go for it :)
Also, I think most seem to be going through hardware and supply chain issues causing new releases to be pushed back.
Thanks for the update video. Really thinking about ordering this bike. Any news on a completely new Tacx neo smartbike from Garmin in the near future? Garmin themselves don’t provide info on product updates.
I don’t have any insights from Garmin on a updated bike. But at the current price, I think it’s a great deal regardless if they even come out with a new one.
www.smartbiketrainers.com/deals
Nice summary thanks. It seems at this point that it’s a lot of money for a product that has been on the market for 2 years and has what definitely seem like first generation rough edges (such as the fans that rattle and a cheap tablet holder). I am interested in switching from using my Gen 1 Neo to a smart bike in the future but I’ll be waiting to see what all of the gen 2 / 3 machines have to offer
5:30 Cuando dices que la potencia de los cargadores USB son muy baja con la bicicleta desenchufada de la corriente eléctrica no? Imagino que cuando la bicicleta este conectada a la corriente eléctrica la potencia de los cargadores USB sera una potencia de 5V normal y corriente
Hi,
You preferred the stages sb20 or neotacxbike t8000? Sportingly
8:46 eso de que los ventiladores en modo frecuencia cardiaca se enciendan SOLO al azar, cuando la bicicleta este enchufada es realmente un BUG que deberías notificar a Garmin para que lo solucionen
Thanks for the video, it did lead to me buying this bike, but I'm having a lot of software issues with it so far, which have not yet been resolved by Garmin. When I first used the bike it had no trouble connecting to the TACX app and Zwift through Bluetooth and ANT+, but had the list of issues below;
1. The bike I have is not simulating hills at all in sim mode on Zwift, when I hit a hill, the power and cadence stay the same, and the speed reduces. I expected the resistance to increase when I hit a hill, as it does on the Stages SB20, which eventually leads to you hanging up to an easier gear. I've never had to change gear on a hill so far, on the TACX Neo bike.
2. Erg mode does not work at all on Zwift.
3. Road feel works intermittently, it doesn't work most of the time.
4. Too much resistance when I start to cycle from standstill, even in the esiest gear, and too resistance when changing down to a harder gear for about 3 to 5 seconds, until I increase my rpm.
I wonder if anyone else has experienced any of these issues, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Are you having the same issues using Zwift and the Tacx app? Also, in Zwift, are you pairing it as a “Controllable” trainer?
@@SmartBikeTrainers Erg mode works on the Tacx app, but not on Zwift. Road feel works on and off on both Zwift and the Tacx app. In sim mode, there's no increase in resistance when I hit a hill in Zwift, but on the Tacx app there is resistance when I hit a hill, but the resistance was too much, and I was already in the easiest gear, so I could not spin up the hill. It was only a 5% incline as well. On Zwift and the Tacx app, it feels like there's too much resistance when I start to cycle from standstill, even in the easiest gear. Also there's too much resistance when changing down to a harder gear for about 3 to 5 seconds, until I increase my rpm, like there's a lag.
As far as I know everything is connected and paired as it should be, and yes it's pairing as Controllable. Also, I connect it on the app before I connect it to Zwift. Another issue I just noticed yesterday is; the speed and gradient on the bikes main screen are not showing, and I remember them showing before. I hope this helps, thanks for your feedback.
@@SmartBikeTrainers Hi, there's something I've just noticed, on Zwift I have controllable paired to TACX FE-serial number. Power is paired to TACX PWR-same serial number, and cadence is paired to Speed/Cadence-same serial number. So I assumed because they are all the same serial number, it's obviously the same bike, and I paired like with like. But, I just went on Garmin website, and it says to just pair the controllable, and the power meter and cadence will be connected automatically with Zwift. So, I guess you meant the same as well, to just pair with controllable, thanks.
@@BlueRayWanderer you said you’re connecting it to the app before connecting to Zwift. You should only be connecting to Zwift or the tacx app but not both, otherwise both apps will try to control your bike and you will have a lot of issues. If you are using Zwift. Make sure to completely close out of the Tacx app and the bike is unpaired from the Tacx app or any other app.
@@SmartBikeTrainers OK, I did not realize that, thanks. I got most of the issues to work now by pairing TACX FE to controllable, power and cadence. When I tried to connect just controllable, Zwift said I could not continue unless I connected power and cadence. So I connected TACX FE to controllable, power and cadence, and it fixed the hill resistance issue.
I will try erg mode tomorrow, thanks very much for your help.
Hi, nice video, thanks. I have heard of many having issues with legs rubbing the saddle tube, is it something you have experienced ? My thighs are quite developed...
Yes, some people have reported that but I personally didn’t experience it. It all depends on how far back you sit and how developed your thighs are.
Hi great review, and basses on it I bought the bike. So far so good. The fan is powerful, there is a slight rubbing on the inner side but will see. The rest is awesome and am still figuring out how to use it. I have one question though. If i put the bike on power mode after a while I have to stand as it gets a bit tiring. However whenever I stand am finding it difficult to ride smoothly standing without having empty turning and either need to increase the power significantly or have to come out of power mode and make it really hilly. So far haven't found a smooth way to transition from cycling sitting to standing without faffing a lot. Any advise? Thank you
You will need to switch to a harder gear or increase resistance to help with standing.
Watched this and the Wahoo review, both great :) Can I ask, if you could only have one of them which one would you chose? And would that choice be the same if cost wasn't an issue?
They are both great bikes and you would enjoy either one. I would probably go with whoever is offering a better deal right now.
I think you have a rattly fan. Fans on my Neo are very quiet. I do hear slight rubbing on the flywheel which I remedy by giving it a bit of a wipe with a dry cloth (dusty basement perhaps). Otherwise love the trainer, it's been great.
Great vid, thanks! Now, the question is: is the Plus version worth the extra money? I have the feeling it's too overpriced for the little upgrades being offered and it's still a significant gap between this one and the Plus. So, should I go with this one? Or break the bank with the Plus?
I think the v1 is perfectly fine if you can find one.
Perhaps Tacx put a lower power USB port because it's actually bad for your battery to heat up / get too much juice while the device is also in use. Since they figure you'll be using your device when riding, they give just enough power for the device to use, but not enough that it will tacx(heh puns) the device which will reduce the lifespan of the battery.
No pedal’s?
had my wahoo core and done 10k+ miles on it since ive had it, mainly use for zwift racing WTRL etc and am serious considering getting one of these but still not sure if its worth the upgrade, I currently use my 10 year old winter bike for all my training and feel I cannot get any real power down as the drive chain/setup is more set for gentle cruising and seem to get some "float" on the down pedal both sides which I`m losing power on plus when I stand up it rocks slightly. U think id notice a big difference getting one of these? confident id get the use out of it but want to see a difference, ideally would like to try one but seems no-where in UK has a demo.
A dedicated smart bike is a treat and you will enjoy it for all kind of riding on Zwift. The NEO bike has been solid and super easy to use.
Hi - Great video, appreciated. Which model is this? I'm thinking of picking up a T8000.67. How is the ERG issue on this?
ERG mode is solid on the Neo Bike.
@@SmartBikeTrainers Thanks!
Good morning,
I live in the south of France. I follow with interest your videos on TH-cam which I find remarkable in quality. Thank you for your contributions.
Currently for indoor training I use a WATTBIKE PRO. I would like to upgrade to a SMART Bike to connect it to Cycling APPS.
I would like either the WAHOO KICKR V2 or the Tacx NEO Bike Plus Cycle trainer. Which do you prefer to use. For the WAHOO I have a concern about the durability of the slope simulation system over the long term.
Thank you.
Sincerely
Thanks for your kind words. The Wahoo Bike has been working without any issues. Never had an issue with the climb simulation. I am confident you will be happy with the bike.
Hello, thank you very much for taking the time to answer me despite your great occupation to produce videos on TH-cam. I will thus acquire the WAHOO Bike very serenely.
Sincerely
I have a Neo Bike since two years and I’m quite happy with it. Unfortunately the second firmware update made ERG mode useless because it constantly runs 3W below target. Since then I’m doing all my workouts in manual mode. With one exception: the TR ramp test. It’s still comfortable running the test in ERG mode since my only attention goes to performance. But then I have to add another minute of ramp because ERG mode always tries to pull down the average Watt. It’s been a while now and Tacx still hasn’t managed to fix that problem.
3 watts ? and that's a problem ? are you Pogacar ?
3w is nothing lmao
Tacx neo o Wahoo kickr bike?
There is a lot of plastic on this bike and my Tacx Neo 2 smart trainer does creak a bit. Does this bike creak when you move laterally on the bike when you are out of the saddle?
Never heard of creeks. It is hard plastic and never had any issues with it.
Are there more than one version model of the Neo smart bike ?
Technically no, but they have made slight modifications to the bike since it was released. The cranks are now bear claw type cranks for easier length adjustments. Other than that, it’s the same bike.
Can it simulate chain drop for eTap groupset?😀
Haha… maybe in a future firmware update.
Congratulations! Best comment on the internet today! 👏
Hi! My girlfriend would like to use the bike for "Spinning" as well - is that possible?
Yes, she can use it for spinning only and use the side buttons to adjust the resistance manually like a spin bike.
@@SmartBikeTrainers on what setting is it used as spin bike? Can you please do a video on all the bike modes like power, slope, etc? Thank you
I have seen other reviews talk about leg rubbing in the thigh area with seat post. Did you experience that at all?
This depends on the fit and rider. Personally, I did not experience it.
@@SmartBikeTrainers thank you for the prompt feedback and great review!
Any concerns with buying a Gen 1 used ? I’ve found one and thinking of buying it used . Any concerns ?
If you are able to try it out and ride it to make sure everything works and solid before making the purchase, then no concerns.
Is it better than the wahoo kickr bike?
Both heave features that are unique to each and both are good bikes. You will be happy with either one.
Dones it works with traningpeaks?
TrainingPeaks doesn’t work with any trainer. However, Zwift, and majority of cycling apps integrate with TrainkngPeaks and upload your rides and pull your workout of the day from TP.
10 days owner. Normal low noise fans. Wanted wahoo but it is hard to find that hyped trainer. Neo bike now have bear paw crank arms like wahoo. It is very stable on surface. And solid. Wahoo in reviews shakes all the time and not have that rock solid view.. glad until now. Charger that low as minus percentage of charge when zwift on ipad in use. No lifting, but i dont miss it. Road feel nice experience ;) Actually led lights i dont see when riding no use. But in mirrors or aquarium near me it is nice to have reflected feature. Pushed 700 watts to this moment on single, not teared belt ;) wahoo if you always wanted a pony ride. Neo if you want stable trainer looked like battleship in star wars. Also it cant connect to zwift and its own app simultaneously.
I couldn’t find the bear claw crank arms anywhere here in the U.S. and all ads have the original crank arms. Need to do more digging. Correct, Wahoo can connect to 3 Bluetooth devices at the same time and NEO can only connect to one. Thanks for watching 🙏🏼
Hello you recommend neo bike or wahoo bike ? thank you
Both are very good options. The NEO bike is probably the better deal right now unless you can find the kickr bike v1 at a discounted price.
amzn.to/3iolngK
@@SmartBikeTrainers Hello what about the rocket plate ? is good to have ? thank you
came here as in the UK seen it on offer for £1499 (about $1700) at the moment.. does that change the value prop?
That’s an amazing deal
Where from ?
@@burt604 tredz have it on offer I then stacked blue light discount on top
@@ciscosurplus It is working out £1710 for me (£1899 - 10%), how are you getting it so much cheaper?
@@johnmcquade3367 VAT - Buying through my wife's company and health and well being equipment bought through a ltd company is vat deductible - cheating slightly
I don’t get why self-powered for a trainer like this is of any value. If connected to the web your other devices all need power. It’s not like you’re going to use this out on the beach.
That’s true particularly for a stationary bike where most likely you will put it in a place and not move it much. I have moved mine around a bit and I was happy I didn’t have to drag around the power supply particularly when I was filming for the video 😆 . But also mostly for the tech behind and that they thought to have that option. Cyclists generate so much power already so why not convert that into power to operate the bike. It’s the little things. You don’t see many companies think in that regard and it puts it a step ahead of the competition in my opinion.
@@SmartBikeTrainers I’ve also been impressed with Tacx quality. The Neo2 I’ve used for a bunch of years has been a flawless machine. Though, I’ve never used it for long without AC power…I enjoy it spinning by itself on descents, and I’m not quite sure why!
Indoor training is still not and maybe never will be a main source of income thus garmin doesn't invest too much in it. One should really focus on companies where indoor cycling is their main priority. Not garmin's case
Such as?
Tacx, Stages, & Wahoo only three smart bikes I would consider.