Tacx Neo Smart roller trainer test

Robert Kühnen

 · 19.11.2018

Tacx Neo Smart roller trainer testPhoto: Tacx
The Neo Smart indoor trainer is the flagship product of the Dutch family business Tacx. We tested the smart roller trainer with direct drive in detail.

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Futuristic, self-sufficient, quiet. The Neo relies less on a large flywheel mass and more on sophisticated control technology for a good riding experience. This works surprisingly well as long as you stay on the throttle. However, if you skip a few pedals, the re-entry is hard - both in the Tacx app and in Zwift; the low flywheel mass becomes noticeable and you pedal against a little too much resistance for a short time. On the other hand, the Neo accelerates quickly on steep inclines and provides a realistic experience.

Tacx Neo Smart - precise power measurement

The Neo should even be able to shake and thus simulate road bumps - a feature that we were unable to experience in Zwift. The suspension offers some lateral flex, which feels quite natural. The power measurement is very accurate, the device hums very quietly at low speeds and also moderately at higher speeds. It can be folded very flat, but lacks a carrying handle. The Neo generates its own power when no mains power is available and runs like a progressive trainer without an app. Caution: Adapters are not included!



Technical data of the Tacx Neo Smart roller trainer

  • RRP: 1,299 euros
  • Weight: 21.7 kilogrammes
  • Stand size: 75x58 centimetres
  • Max. power: 2,200 watts
  • max. gradient: 25 %
  • Average deviation of the watt values: -4 watts
  • Volume at 100 rpm (measured at a distance of one metre, logarithmic measurement):
  1. 27 km/h - 43 dbA
  2. 40km/h - 48 dbA
  3. 66 km/h - 71 dbA

Test summary of the Tacx Neo Smart roller trainer

  • PLUS: Very smooth ride, accurate power display
  • MINUS: Ergonomics (carrying and folding), missing adapters
13 smart trainers from 300 euros in the test plus indoor software and accessories in the check and a large selection of training plans for the winter can be found in the free <a href="https://www.delius-klasing.de/indoor-special-smartes-training-im-winter-23901" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">24-page indoor special</a>.Photo: Kerstin Leicht13 smart trainers from 300 euros in the test plus indoor software and accessories in the check and a large selection of training plans for the winter can be found in the free 24-page indoor special.

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Robert wurde 1964 in Düsseldorf geboren und fuhr seine ersten Straßenrennen mit 17 Jahren. Zum Spitzenrennfahrer reichte es nicht, aber zu späten Nischenerfolgen. 2011 gelang es Robert, Zeitfahrweltmeister der Journalisten zu werden. Nach seinem Maschinenbaustudium in Essen führte ihn sein Weg bereits 1993 zur TOUR, wo er anfangs mit der Legende Hans Christian Smolik zusammenarbeitete. Heute ist Robert freiberuflich für TOUR und BIKE unterwegs, mit den Schwerpunktthemen Aerodynamik, Messtechnik und Entwicklung neuer Prüfmethoden. Motto: Geht nicht? Gibt‘s nicht. Robert berät auch die Radindustrie und Profiteams, coacht Athleten und kümmert sich um den Radsportnachwuchs. Als Radsportler mag es Robert kurz und schnell, auf schmalen wie auf breiten Reifen.

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