Tacx Flow Smart roller trainer: Smart entry-level device in the TOUR test

Is the cheapest smart trainer on the market suitable for serious training? Yes and no, is our twofold conclusion after testing the 350 euro smart trainer. Tacx Flow Smart. Yes, because the small brake of the classic wheel-on trainer has enough power for endurance training. 800 watts at the peak and 300 watts in a high gear at just 50 revolutions per minute - this also makes so-called K3 training possible. The free Tacx basic app has a useful ergometer mode. So far, so good. But there is also criticism.

>> 38 smart trainers in the test: everything about roller training

How well the power measurement works in the Tacx Flow Smart

No, because the built-in power measurement in the cheapest Tacx smart trainer is inaccurate. After calibration - which is a little awkward - we measured a whopping 400 watts with our reference power meter instead of the 350 watts displayed. Even at low power levels, the roller trainer shows 10 per cent too little. The rear tyre clamped in the friction roller is rolled extremely hard, the required contact forces are very high, as are the operating forces. The mechanical adjustment knob for the preload is an imposition. If you can overlook these design flaws, the small and handy Tacx roller is a training device that can even be used for Zwifting. The control is sufficiently fast for virtual Zwift rides, the ride feel is better than the small pressure roller and the low weight (1.6 kilos) would suggest.

How the cheapest Tacx smart trainer performed in the TOUR test lab

• Price: 349,99 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 8.6 kg
• Flywheel mass: 1.6 kg
• Stand size: 67 x 66 cm
• Average deviation of the watt values: 23.4 watts
• Volume: 46/61/83 dbA at 27/40/66 km/h
• Connectivity: ANT+ and Bluetooth

Test summary of the Tacx Flow Smart

• PLUS: easy, free basic app
• MINUS: inaccurate, fiddly mechanics, short power cable, only partially suitable for thru axles