In September 2019, Tacx launched the latest iteration of its Neo high-end direct-drive smart trainer, the Neo 2T.
The Tacx Neo 2T at around £750. Quick disclaimer – this price will probably have come down by the time you are reading this.
Here’s a quick bit of analysis and research on whether to pick one up.
A bit of back story
So what’s new about the Neo 2T?
Comparing the specs the Neo 2T is broadly similar in terms of incline, power, etc to the Neo. They even look identical – the Neo 2T trainer has a blue stripe on the inside.
So what is different?
Before we put together our Tacx Neo 2T thoughts, we asked Tacx for the topline.
It replied: “[There’s] less sound on 35 km an hour, much more Torque (resistance) under 10 km, you can use your own adapter, left-right balance on 3rd devices like Garmin.” All well and good then.
Improvements
- There is native thru-axle support. So quick release adapter are no longer required. Instead you can use your bike’s thru-axle to mount the rear wheel.
- Extra power has been added to the resistance unit. This sorts addresses the virtual tire slip and means power more resistance at lower flywheel speeds.
- The internal neodymium magnets have been realigned. So there is reduced noise. In fact, it’s pretty flipping slient. No chance of annoying any other people in the house watching TV.
- Other factors include. Stronger magnets for higher torque, thicker wiring to reduce heat, and a new magnet holder to lower vibration.
Probably one of the most interesting points in the review though is the focus on resistance simulation on the direct drive trainer.
Power
It has a maximum power of 2200 watts and can simulate a gradient of 25%. But few cyclists are going to hit 2200 watts and Zwift’s top gradient is around 20%.
But elsewhere in the review, it said the ERG performance was exceptional in terms of accuracy and response.
Power accuracy is supposed to be around 1%. However, there have been some questions over whethet it is that low.
Connectivity
The turbo trainer supports wireless protocols ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, and Bluetooth FTMS the data transmission speed cadence power and trainer control. So if you’re on Apple TV you geteverything you need.
The Ride
Like the previous versions there is a downhill drive. So the flywheel will run on a virtual downhill – some extra realism if you are on Zwift.
There is also road surface simulation. Cobbles, ice, gravel, plank bridges, are all covered.
It is definitely a step up from the neo 1 and the neo 2. One thing to note, the ERG resistance changes really make themselves known.
Set up and putting away – Tacx Neo 2T review
In terms of set up, Bikeradar said the Tacx Neo 2T was easy to put together and could be stored away easily. This is something that is especially important if you don’t have a dedicated training space. Bikeradar added:
After pulling the Neo 2T out of the box, it’s super simple to set up by simply unfolding the two legs. That’s it.
Unfolded, the unit’s footprint is 75cm long x 58cm wide x 55cm tall, and it instantly feels stable.
However, Titanium Geek had a different view on this, describing the trainer as difficult to move and needing a handle. It added:
Conclusions
DC Rainmaker describes the trainer as one of the best in the market. Apart from the issues with ERG it is incredibly strong in terms of cadence, power, and accuracy.
In its review, Bikeradar pointed out the virtual flywheel (125kg), which is one of the largest on the market.
So should you get one?
If you have a Neo you should stick with what you have. We all know how easy it is to get ahead of ourselves on bike kit.
But unless you are looking to upgrade from a dumb trainer, or have a mid-range Flux 2, then you should probably leave it.
