great review!; which one is easier to put a bike on and off (on a daily basis) if you have disc brakes (thru axle); the 2T or the Kickr? (small condo :))
Agree. Have had the NEO 2T for two month now and it is a joy to ride. I have also tried to used previous rides as tracks and run them in TACX GPS. And if you put your personal data correctly, it will simulate the outdoor condition almost perfect, only except the wind factor. I think its perfect, if you can't get outside, nothing beats that.
Excellent review here, thank you! I am looking to upgrade to a first-class smart trainer, and was looking for a real user experience review video, and you provided it here! I will update again on my purchase, I am glad to refer to your website purchase links to make my purchase.
Thank you for this detailed fantastic review! No regrets so far after I purchased it a few weeks ago. As you've noted, the power and cadence is accurate and I'm more than happy to see the results. I think my only gripe is just the steep price but for my 1st smart trainer I'm glad I waited!
At about 400 miles and 40,000 feet of climbing I was getting creaking noise on the “flywheel” part whenever I swayed side to side. I lubed the black spacers inside the hub and creaks much less, hardly noticeable, but it’s still there if I get off the bike and sway the saddle side to side. No big deal because I don’t hear it when I ride. And since I lubed the pawls in the hub, freewheel noise is almost gone too.
Still have slight flywheel slipping on the Neo 2T at Alpe du Zwift in the lowest gear at 250 W (85kg bodyweight). But it is not a deal breaker for me. :)
Thanks for your excellent reviews. Still fence sitting on purchasing. So many good products though each model still with some minor design flaw or assembly defect IMO.
SMART Bike Trainers thanks Tariq. If I was deciding between this and the Kickr which would be better overall? I feel like the Neo has a stronger reliability track record. Not sure if I should even buy now or just wait till the next round comes out in the fall
I think both are very good and you will be happy with either one. Personally, I prefer certain features with the NEO such as self-powered, lack of calibration, and road feel simulation. But the kickr is also a solid trainer. You will be happy with either one. If you are in the US, both CleverTraining and REI are running 20% off sale on trainers this weekend: www.smartbiketrainers.com/spring-sale-2020-10956
SMART Bike Trainers speaking of that lack of calibration, how is it, because I heard there were some power accuracy issues initially (as well as ERG being too aggressive). I heard the ERG issue got remedied a bit, not sure on power. I typically powermatch with my Assioma DUO anyway but just wondering. For reference I’m coming off a Saris H3 and like the feel of it in ERG, though ramps up and down can be a bit laggy at times. I guess if we are looking for the second gold standard for TR training, which would be better aside from H3? I do about 20 weeks of TR in the late fall and winter and then use the trainer when weather calls for it during the warmer months. My LBS is giving me a great deal on both, the NEO2T ending up $100 more than the Kickr18 so not sure which is best for me. Reliability is important, very. I’ve had some really shite experiences with Saris thus far and want something solid. I also hear the Neo tends to lean slightly right since the bike is not mounted 100% centered, ever notice this while riding?
Hi, what exactly does descent simulation on the Neo 2T do that the Wahoo KICKR can not? When I called Wahoo, they said the KICKR can simulate acceleration during pedal-free coasting on steep descents and send the simulated speed data to the control app. The flywheel itself won’t accelerate, but what difference does it make to the rider? It’s not like the bike is actually moving anyway, so what will the rider feel differently on Neo 2T compared to KICKR on descents?
The NEO has a motor that operates the flywheel where the Kickr does not. The momentum of the kickr’s heavy flywheel can spin it for a long time but will eventually slow down and stop at some point.
The neo is a maintenance free trainer. No belts to worry about. You can grease the hub once every couple of years if you want and wipe the sweat and you should be good.
Depending on the trainer you purchase, you can use the trainer own app to adjust resistance. You can also use a garmin edge device or Wahoo Elemnt to control your trainer. Also, there are some apps you can use for free such as Golden Chetah, and RGT Cycling.
I still have an original (circa 2016) Wahoo KICKR. I've had to send it in for service only once, and that was for a known problem, so Wahoo covered the cost. Lately I've noticed some erratic data when I use it with TrainerRoad, and I had detected some erratic behavior in Zwift as well. Since then, at the behest of Wahoo's customer support, I have performed a factory reset of the unit. The jury is still out, however, because I got sick and haven't used the trainer since. When my faithful KICKR finally fails, I guess I'll consider the Neo.
I have a Wahoo Kickr 2018. I seem to need to calibrate it often. Would you recommend switching to the TACX NEO 2T from the Wahoo? Or do you think the 2018 KICKR is just fine? Thank you!
Loving Tacx, but racing on Zwift, my Neo 2 gives me a 5-8% penalty, compared against SRM, 4iiii, InfoCrank... How much % would you say is an accurate loss from crank to wheel?
Hello again ! We just got our new NEO2 T and both my wife and I immediately found it "Harder" (reading LOWER watts) than our usual bike mounted STAGES - so we just tested everything side by side and sure enough there is a 15-20 watt gap between the 2 sources (again with Neo reading LOWER)?! We have latest firmware installed on the new Neo2T, and using our freshly calibrated STAGES Power Meters & Stages APP, you can see a very consistent 15-20 watt difference. I was under the general impression that Smart Trainer (integrated) Power Meters would almost always read HIGHER (more generously) than any Bike Mounted Power Meter (True? False?) so this comes as a real surprise. My hunch: since the sole purpose of this new "T" model is to address the former slippage issue, perhaps they have somehow "overshot" with the base calibration in the process? IS there a way to calibrate this thing NEO2T or are we stuck with this reading? For now we have to continue using our STAGES power meters in order to ensure consistency with our data (we've been using our STAGES indoors and out for years now). Thoughts!?!?
Hey Paul, the 2T should measure lower than your Stages because of where the measurement is happening. So you are on the right track. But when you say 15-20 watts, are you talking about 15 watts at 100 watts or 500 watts? Also, is your Stages dual or single.
@@SmartBikeTrainers thanks very much for this - yes we both use Stages Left Side Only but we downplayed that as an explanation since we (wife and I) both have different "strong & weak" legs....at least one of us would have a different reading gap if this was the cause (?) but it may well explain part of the gap. The gap was consistent from 100-200 watts with the missus this AM, it didn't seem to vary with total output. We'd have to look at this more closely to answer you correctly. I understand now that a crank PM should read higher due to being closer to the input - but 20 watts!? Yowza. Bottom line for us is that we'll continue using our Stages since consistent data per rider is far more important for training purposes that accuracy between riders on Zwift (both would be nice though - that's why we're disappointed).
Good evening I am French but I don't speak English, here I use the deepL translator, I want to change my current home trainer (a bkool smart pro 2), I saw that you have tested the 2 home trainers I would be interested in, namely the elite direto XR and the NEO 2T, but not being able to understand your videos, could you give me your preference, and maybe advise me on my choice, also I give you my characteristics for info : I use a bike with a 10 speed cassette, shimano TIAGRA group, I use the Rouvy and Bkool applications. If you need any further information, I will be happy to provide it to you. Sincerely jérôme
The NEO 2T is a premium trainer and better in erg mode. But the Direto XR is also a good trainer and might be priced lower. Both trainers are good and you will enjoy either one.
Hello there!!! Love your vide, I got a question now with the Taxc Neo Bike I'm looking to up grade my old Taxc Bushido. I'm a amateur triathle who like to train hard. But it the Neo Bike worthy price comparing to the Tacx Neo 2T. Which would you recommend. Thanks in advance
If you train mostly on a tri bike, you might find replicating your position on the Neo bike not as easy depending on how aggressive your fit is. For me personally, I like the Neo bike as a road bike but will use a direct drive trainer if I want to train on my TT bike.
That's a great point about the positioning on my TT bike. You are totally right. Thanks again for the the reply and keep it up with such great videos. Last thing have you a video comparing the 2T Smart vs Wahoo Kickr. See you around !
Just got mine today. Do you think you get as long of life out of the trainer using it unplugged? Is there any advantage or disadvantage of using it unplugged, besides that one feature?
I have no data to support using it plugged vs unplugged. I believe the unplugged feature is mean to be used sporadically when you need to but plug it in when you can to allow for the fan to run.
Sounds like the Perfect trainer for me that live in 4th floor With thin floors :) (vibrations from trainer down thru the floor) What about if the floor is not Perfect even ? as the neo does not have ajustable feet like the kickr?
NO MORE WHEEL SLIPPAGE. Yesss!
Agree I've tried a few simulated steep rides in Zwift/TR/Fulgaz workouts and no slippage that I've discovered!
great review!; which one is easier to put a bike on and off (on a daily basis) if you have disc brakes (thru axle); the 2T or the Kickr? (small condo :))
Both have thru axle support out of the box so you should be good with either one.
Agree. Have had the NEO 2T for two month now and it is a joy to ride. I have also tried to used previous rides as tracks and run them in TACX GPS. And if you put your personal data correctly, it will simulate the outdoor condition almost perfect, only except the wind factor. I think its perfect, if you can't get outside, nothing beats that.
Excellent review here, thank you! I am looking to upgrade to a first-class smart trainer, and was looking for a real user experience review video, and you provided it here! I will update again on my purchase, I am glad to refer to your website purchase links to make my purchase.
Glad you find the video helpful and really appreciate your support. Thank you 🙏
Thank you for this detailed fantastic review! No regrets so far after I purchased it a few weeks ago. As you've noted, the power and cadence is accurate and I'm more than happy to see the results. I think my only gripe is just the steep price but for my 1st smart trainer I'm glad I waited!
Yep it is not cheap. But hopefully it lasts you for many years. Plus, the tech inside this unit is years ahead of its competitors.
I really hate a slippage on steep hills and now it fixed!
At about 400 miles and 40,000 feet of climbing I was getting creaking noise on the “flywheel” part whenever I swayed side to side. I lubed the black spacers inside the hub and creaks much less, hardly noticeable, but it’s still there if I get off the bike and sway the saddle side to side. No big deal because I don’t hear it when I ride. And since I lubed the pawls in the hub, freewheel noise is almost gone too.
Still have slight flywheel slipping on the Neo 2T at Alpe du Zwift in the lowest gear at 250 W (85kg bodyweight). But it is not a deal breaker for me. :)
Thank you very much, amazing video as always. Do you if it’s possible to connect an Apple Watch heart monitor to the Tacx app?
Thanks for your excellent reviews. Still fence sitting on purchasing. So many good products though each model still with some minor design flaw or assembly defect IMO.
This must be a massive upgrade from the Tacx Vortex, my Vortex always sucks going up climbs.
Yes it is
Have you ever noticed a rumbling sound when in the highest gears? If so, any solutions? Thank you
Does the unit have slip under hard acceleration like for sprints or no?
I haven’t experienced any slipping since I’ve been using it in climbing or hard sprint.
SMART Bike Trainers thanks Tariq. If I was deciding between this and the Kickr which would be better overall? I feel like the Neo has a stronger reliability track record. Not sure if I should even buy now or just wait till the next round comes out in the fall
I think both are very good and you will be happy with either one. Personally, I prefer certain features with the NEO such as self-powered, lack of calibration, and road feel simulation. But the kickr is also a solid trainer. You will be happy with either one. If you are in the US, both CleverTraining and REI are running 20% off sale on trainers this weekend: www.smartbiketrainers.com/spring-sale-2020-10956
SMART Bike Trainers speaking of that lack of calibration, how is it, because I heard there were some power accuracy issues initially (as well as ERG being too aggressive). I heard the ERG issue got remedied a bit, not sure on power. I typically powermatch with my Assioma DUO anyway but just wondering. For reference I’m coming off a Saris H3 and like the feel of it in ERG, though ramps up and down can be a bit laggy at times. I guess if we are looking for the second gold standard for TR training, which would be better aside from H3? I do about 20 weeks of TR in the late fall and winter and then use the trainer when weather calls for it during the warmer months. My LBS is giving me a great deal on both, the NEO2T ending up $100 more than the Kickr18 so not sure which is best for me. Reliability is important, very. I’ve had some really shite experiences with Saris thus far and want something solid.
I also hear the Neo tends to lean slightly right since the bike is not mounted 100% centered, ever notice this while riding?
Hi, what exactly does descent simulation on the Neo 2T do that the Wahoo KICKR can not? When I called Wahoo, they said the KICKR can simulate acceleration during pedal-free coasting on steep descents and send the simulated speed data to the control app. The flywheel itself won’t accelerate, but what difference does it make to the rider? It’s not like the bike is actually moving anyway, so what will the rider feel differently on Neo 2T compared to KICKR on descents?
The NEO has a motor that operates the flywheel where the Kickr does not. The momentum of the kickr’s heavy flywheel can spin it for a long time but will eventually slow down and stop at some point.
How do you maintain or clean this unit? I own the neo 2 it’s about 12 month old
The neo is a maintenance free trainer. No belts to worry about. You can grease the hub once every couple of years if you want and wipe the sweat and you should be good.
@@SmartBikeTrainers thank you
Is it true that Road Feel mode (switched on as default) can knock the magnets out of line?
Anything is possible but I haven’t seen that happen yet and I’ve done thousands of miles on NEOs.
what smart features can you do with the trainer if you dont want to subscribe and pay a subscription fee?
Depending on the trainer you purchase, you can use the trainer own app to adjust resistance. You can also use a garmin edge device or Wahoo Elemnt to control your trainer. Also, there are some apps you can use for free such as Golden Chetah, and RGT Cycling.
I still have an original (circa 2016) Wahoo KICKR. I've had to send it in for service only once, and that was for a known problem, so Wahoo covered the cost. Lately I've noticed some erratic data when I use it with TrainerRoad, and I had detected some erratic behavior in Zwift as well. Since then, at the behest of Wahoo's customer support, I have performed a factory reset of the unit. The jury is still out, however, because I got sick and haven't used the trainer since. When my faithful KICKR finally fails, I guess I'll consider the Neo.
I have a Wahoo Kickr 2018. I seem to need to calibrate it often. Would you recommend switching to the TACX NEO 2T from the Wahoo? Or do you think the 2018 KICKR is just fine? Thank you!
You shouldn’t need to calibrate the kickr that often. Generally, you need to do it once every two weeks or so.
Loving Tacx, but racing on Zwift, my Neo 2 gives me a 5-8% penalty, compared against SRM, 4iiii, InfoCrank... How much % would you say is an accurate loss from crank to wheel?
Assuming your crank is calibrated and measuring correctly, It shouldn’t be more that 1-2% at the max.
@@SmartBikeTrainers That's what I thought. I emailed Tacx customer service
Hello again ! We just got our new NEO2 T and both my wife and I immediately found it "Harder" (reading LOWER watts) than our usual bike mounted STAGES - so we just tested everything side by side and sure enough there is a 15-20 watt gap between the 2 sources (again with Neo reading LOWER)?! We have latest firmware installed on the new Neo2T, and using our freshly calibrated STAGES Power Meters & Stages APP, you can see a very consistent 15-20 watt difference. I was under the general impression that Smart Trainer (integrated) Power Meters would almost always read HIGHER (more generously) than any Bike Mounted Power Meter (True? False?) so this comes as a real surprise. My hunch: since the sole purpose of this new "T" model is to address the former slippage issue, perhaps they have somehow "overshot" with the base calibration in the process? IS there a way to calibrate this thing NEO2T or are we stuck with this reading? For now we have to continue using our STAGES power meters in order to ensure consistency with our data (we've been using our STAGES indoors and out for years now). Thoughts!?!?
Hey Paul, the 2T should measure lower than your Stages because of where the measurement is happening. So you are on the right track. But when you say 15-20 watts, are you talking about 15 watts at 100 watts or 500 watts? Also, is your Stages dual or single.
@@SmartBikeTrainers thanks very much for this - yes we both use Stages Left Side Only but we downplayed that as an explanation since we (wife and I) both have different "strong & weak" legs....at least one of us would have a different reading gap if this was the cause (?) but it may well explain part of the gap. The gap was consistent from 100-200 watts with the missus this AM, it didn't seem to vary with total output. We'd have to look at this more closely to answer you correctly. I understand now that a crank PM should read higher due to being closer to the input - but 20 watts!? Yowza. Bottom line for us is that we'll continue using our Stages since consistent data per rider is far more important for training purposes that accuracy between riders on Zwift (both would be nice though - that's why we're disappointed).
Good evening
I am French but I don't speak English, here I use the deepL translator,
I want to change my current home trainer (a bkool smart pro 2), I saw that you have tested the 2 home trainers I would be interested in, namely the elite direto XR and the NEO 2T, but not being able to understand your videos, could you give me your preference, and maybe advise me on my choice, also I give you my characteristics
for info : I use a bike with a 10 speed cassette, shimano TIAGRA group, I use the Rouvy and Bkool applications.
If you need any further information, I will be happy to provide it to you.
Sincerely
jérôme
i forgoten, i use the garmin 830
The NEO 2T is a premium trainer and better in erg mode. But the Direto XR is also a good trainer and might be priced lower. Both trainers are good and you will enjoy either one.
Hello there!!! Love your vide, I got a question now with the Taxc Neo Bike I'm looking to up grade my old Taxc Bushido. I'm a amateur triathle who like to train hard. But it the Neo Bike worthy price comparing to the Tacx Neo 2T. Which would you recommend. Thanks in advance
If you train mostly on a tri bike, you might find replicating your position on the Neo bike not as easy depending on how aggressive your fit is. For me personally, I like the Neo bike as a road bike but will use a direct drive trainer if
I want to train on my TT bike.
That's a great point about the positioning on my TT bike. You are totally right. Thanks again for the the reply and keep it up with such great videos. Last thing have you a video comparing the 2T Smart vs Wahoo Kickr. See you around !
Just got mine today. Do you think you get as long of life out of the trainer using it unplugged? Is there any advantage or disadvantage of using it unplugged, besides that one feature?
I have no data to support using it plugged vs unplugged. I believe the unplugged feature is mean to be used sporadically when you need to but plug it in when you can to allow for the fan to run.
Sounds like the Perfect trainer for me that live in 4th floor With thin floors :) (vibrations from trainer down thru the floor)
What about if the floor is not Perfect even ? as the neo does not have ajustable feet like the kickr?
That’s one advantage the kickr and other trainers with adjustable legs have over the neo.
Does the neo 2T support a 300 pound cyclist?