Tacx updates its flagship smart trainer
Tacx has announced the Neo 3M, its latest flagship smart trainer.
Building upon the highly rated Neo 2T, one of the best smart trainers available, the Neo 3M adds integrated fore-aft movement.
Tacx also says the Neo 3M features “enhanced accuracy and power… across a broader range of power outputs”.
As with the Neo 2T, the Neo 3M is a direct-drive smart trainer that uses an electromagnetic motor braking system.
Tacx says this enables it to create a virtual flywheel of variable weight, leading to a more realistic ride feel.
The Tacx Neo 3M is available now for £1,749.99 / €1,999.99 / $1,999.99.
Moving with the times
With virtual indoor cycling apps becoming increasingly advanced, smart trainer manufacturers are also looking for ways to improve the ride feel of static trainers.
Wahoo, for example, recently launched its Kickr Move smart trainer, which features around 20cm/8in inches of fore-aft movement along an integrated, slightly curved track.
The Tacx Neo 3M takes inspiration from the Tacx Neo Motion Plates – an optional accessory for the Neo 2T, which provided around 5cm / 2in of fore-aft movement (and cost £259.99 / $299.99 / €299.99).
This time, though, the movement is built directly in to the Neo 3M, as is an unspecified amount of “natural side-to-side flexion”.
According to the brand, this helps make the ride feel more realistic and more comfortable.
As with the Wahoo Kickr Move, Tacx says the added movement can be locked out if you prefer to ride without it.
Tacx also includes a front-wheel riser block (compatible with tyres up to 60mm wide) with similar built-in movement, to level out your bike.
Enhanced accuracy and power, but no Wi-Fi
It’s fair to say the Neo 2T was already well regarded for its data accuracy and high power output, but Tacx says it has made improvements to these as well.
Although the headline specs – 2,200 watts maximum power, 25 per cent maximum simulated gradient and +/- 1 per cent power accuracy – are identical to those of the Neo 2T, Tacx says accuracy has been improved “across a broader range of power outputs”.
We’ve asked Tacx for more details on this topic and will update this article when we receive a response.
Unlike the Wahoo Kickr Move (and Kickr V6), the Neo 3M doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
It instead makes do with built-in ANT+ and Bluetooth, and the new Tacx Smart Network Adapter, an optional dongle that enables Wi-Fi or ethernet connections.
According to Tacx, this dongle can help create a “more stable connection” between the Neo 3M and your indoor cycling app of choice.
The Tacx Smart Network Adapter can be purchased separately for £129.99 or as a bundle with the Neo 3M for £1,879.98.
Tacx Neo 3M specification and availability
The Tacx Neo 3M is available now for £1,749.99 / €1,999.99 / $1,999.99.
It comes fitted with an 11-speed cassette on a Shimano HG freehub. If shopping directly with Tacx, additional freehubs (such as SRAM XD/XD-R, Shimano Micro Spline or Campagnolo N3W) can be chosen at the point of purchase, for a surcharge of £70.
As with the Neo 2T, the Tacx Neo 3M can simulate varying road surfaces such as gravel or cobbles, and includes virtual descent simulation.
Tacx says its electromagnetic motor braking system is also “extraordinarily quiet”.
Tacx Neo 3M
- Price: £1,749.99 / €1,999.99 / $1,999.99
- Maximum power: 2,200 watts
- Claimed power accuracy: +/- 1 per cent
- Maximum simulated gradient: + 25 per cent
- Flywheel weight: N/A
- Connectivity: Bluetooth or ANT+
- Integrated movement: Yes
- Claimed weight: 23.6kg