The relentless cape winter is the perfect time to get acquainted with an indoor trainer, and Garmin sent a Tacx Neo 2T our way at just the right time.
The top of the range smart trainer from Garmin, the Tacx Neo 2T offers these stand out features:
- Silent Operation: Extremely quiet with almost no noise or vibration.
- Improved Power Accuracy: Measures power output with high precision, and provides realistic ride dynamics.
- Enhanced Stability: Increased power at low speeds for steep climbs and sprints.
- Dynamic Inertia: Simulates outdoor rides by adjusting resistance based on speed and slope.
- Simple Connectivity: Supports various apps and devices via Bluetooth and ANT+.
Here’s what we liked about it:
Quick and easy setup and use
I’m allergic to technology (just ask my long suffering colleagues) and so ease of setup and connectivity is absolutely critical for me.
The Tacx Neo 2T ticked all my boxes. It’s simple to work, and doesn’t require calibration. Put on the cassette and thru-axle and adapters and it’s ready to ride.
I connected it to my laptop and Zwift in seconds, and similarly to my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. I also used the Tacx Training App on my phone to do an interval session in ERG mode. The session was quick and easy to build in Garmin Connect and synced seamlessly . This is a nice option for anyone not keen to pay a monthly subscription fee. It also does not require calibration which is a great relief.
If left unplugged in stand-alone mode the resistance increases the faster you pedal, much like a flat road. Very nifty for loadshedding and recovery spins.
The only feature I disliked was the “Road Feel” which makes the trainer vibrate to simulate the feeling of riding on different road surfaces, such as cobblestone and gravel when in Zwift or using the Tacx Training App. I disliked the extra noise and vibration it generated, and had to google how to turn it off in a hurry mid-session. Again it was a quick and easy process and the setting comes down to personal taste. Some riders like the variety this adds to an indoor workout, and I can understand why.
The sound of silence
As an apartment-dweller, noise and storage space are two critical concerns. I can’t have something that is going to wake the neighbours up in the early hours of the morning, or disrupt a Saturday afternoon nap vibrating through the floor.
The minimal noise and vibration from the Tacx Neo 2T was by far my favourite feature, and anyone who isn’t lucky enough to have a training cave will appreciate this. Also it folds up easily and neatly and can be stored out of sight when not in use.
What you need to know
The Tacx Neo 2T comes pre-installed with the Shimano/SRAM 9- to 11-speed freehub body. If your groupset is different you’ll need to source the correct body.
It includes the following axles suitable for bikes with: direct drive quick release axle (130 mm/135 mm x 5 mm), and thru-axle end caps (142 x 12 mm and 148 x 12 mm) for bikes with thru-axle. A cassette is not included so you’ll need to invest in a cassette of the same type and speed as your bike.
The support and information available on the product page is comprehensive, so I won’t bore you with a deep dive.
On the pedals
In addition to being beautifully quiet, the Tacx Neo 2T feels incredibly smooth and stable. Admittedly, I only put out teeny-tiny hamster watts, but there is no rocking or alarming sense of instability even when standing and sprinting.
Free riding in Zwift was the closest thing to riding outside that I’ve experienced indoors. The Tacx Neo 2T has downhill drive simulation, which means that as you go ‘downhill’ the trainer forward spins the flywheel, simulating the inertia of descending.
A change to the motor from the previous iteration allows it to deliver more power at low speeds, giving an improved ride feel during a climb or acceleration and thanks to 32 magnets supplying the braking force it can support sprints, up to 2,200 watts (I was, unfortunately limited by my legs and unable to confirm this). Lastly it can simulate inclines up to a 25% gradient, meaning your indoor ride experience can be as varied as any outdoor route.
In short
The Tacx Neo 2T delivers everything you’d expect from a premium smart trainer. At an MSRP of R28,599.00 the price point is premium, but so is the ride quality and user experience. If you’re looking to make indoor training as realistic, enjoyable, convenient and unintrusive as possible you can’t go wrong with the Tacx Neo 2T.
You can learn more, or find your nearest Garmin dealer here.
brilliant trainer unit. I've had a Neo 1 since 2017 and its flawless