Tacx NEO Bike Smart Review // Complete details & ride testing
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- In-Depth Review: dcra.in/TacxBike
Here's everything you could possibly want to know about the Tacx NEO Bike Smart that's FINALLY shipping. But, I've been riding one for months and have plenty of thoughts on how well it actually works. From Zwift to TrainerRoad, and everything in between. Shifting, braking, the display, downhill drive, gearing, fit & fans, ride feel, and plenty more. This is the no-holds back review you actually want to make up your mind. And fear not, a comparison is soon coming to the Wahoo Bike & Wattbike Atom (FedEx man permitting).
Enjoy!
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Hey folks - thanks for watching! Don't forget all the accuracy data is here in the review dcra.in/TacxBike , and then expect a complete shoot-out between the Tacx Bike, Wahoo Bike, and Wattteam Atom in the coming week or two (FedEx man permitting!!!).
Thanks for the review! The link to the full review has an extra bracket that needs deleting btw.
@@gamecat1923 Ahh, thanks - fixed!!!
Great review. Looking forward to the three bike shoot out
I'm looking forward to seeing next year's offerings now that Wahoo and Garmin are both in the game. Let the competition begin!
What is Garmin's offering called?
@@noybiznatch Theirs is the Tacx NEO Bike. Tacx was acquired by Garmin earlier this year.
Thanks for a great job on the reviews. This is the last one of the three, after initially watching your Shoot out Review. Its a big financial commitment to be making without honest, structured and meaningful critiques. Be lucky👍
Another great shirt!
I have followed and subscribed for years and I don’t buy anything of value without looking with you first. You are the ONLY independent reviewer out there. Everything else is sponsored and suspect, thanks
Thanks Ray - ordered one today. Neo Pro is out of stock everywhere so I'll sell mine and upgrade.
Two things...
1 - great video Ray as usual
2 - where can i get that shirt?!
Thanks! Originally years ago I got it from THREAD+SPOKE, but they don't seem to have it anymore. I just searched, it's called 'Ti Bars', and this other company has it: www.spreadshirt.com/shop/design/ti+bars+mens+premium+t-shirt-D5b18faffaa0c6d0ed9a89ee6
Nice video Ray! I'm counting the time to see wahoo smart bike video review...👍🇵🇹
Me too! Well...me, you, and the FedEx man.
DC Rainmaker the FedEx man I'm not too sure...😂😂😂
Toni Marques True, he’s currently holding it hostage! Maybe tomorrow they’ll release it from customs jail.
@@Dcrainmaker
Impatient to watch the review vs the Wahoo Kickr bike !!! Thanks a lot for your job..
The box was less annoying than the flashing traffic light.
I bet this wish they got this out 2 years ago - Wahoo bike is going to smash this
Exactly, I was ready to buy this bike and then Wahoo jumped in with theirs and ... yeeeeeaahhh nnoooooo.
this one is better...garmin wins...better dependability and better features...the tilt feature on the wwahoo is a gimick and the wahoo bikes break a lot more...they also are not as stable...they also dont have a as good a screen showing gears/misc info, led lights, a tablet holder, phone tray etc... also the garmin bike can be used when the power is off... also, the wahoo bikes DO simulate shifting better but i could care less about that....outside of shifting simulation this bike beats the wahoo in every way
@@BigChiefWiggles this bike beats the wahoo imho
I am going to GO AHEAD and say this was another detailed, informative review by Ray, with one exception (21 times).
Quick heads up,got my neo delivered yesterday and they’ve sorted the lever situation they,you can adjusted them so they are straight (seat post ,for aft etc)
Richard, Have you tried charging devices with the USB sockets? 2 items at a time being used? Mine cant charge as much as the ipad and iphone need, so they go flat eventually.
That T-shirt is awesome 👍🏻👍🏻
Brilliant review
Thanks!
Also here for the shirt
Thighs touching the frame is inexcusable for $3200....
The frame appears to be not as even as wide as a bottle cache though. So what?
non issue
Maybe ur thighs are too thick
I just hope enough people buys these bikes that the trainers drop in price.
As always, great work, thank you. Wow, lots of moving parts, electronics and initial set up procedure; a spin bike on steroids. Still looks like a prototype with more fine tuning required, all in all very clunky, i'll stick to the Suito trainer. Thanks again Ray!
Great Review as usual.
Hi, Do yoy prefer this one or the stages bike 20?
Great review! Could you share a bit more information on the geometry? I'm 194cm and am particularly interested in the max saddle height...
Another great review video! Can’t wait for the comparison video, this space is getting interesting, wish I had a spare $3000. Will have to stick with my Spinning bike for now, which can’t connect to Zwift. BTW, did you notice that even when you weren’t pedaling going down hill it was putting out watts. I think Zwift/Garmin need to figure that out as well. Maybe when they figure out the brake 😉
How do you get the fans to work or change as the app isn’t working with it or and one of the fans doesn’t start!
Great , informative video! Thank you!
Fantastic review. Be interesting to see how it runs on TDA and their own in house software.
I note there is no steering option on there, guessing the same is true for the Wahoo one. Just as Zwift is developing steering. Doh!
Technically both have steering actually in-game (you'd use the inner buttons for that), but Zwift doesn't support it yet for 3rd parties.
@@Dcrainmaker aaaah thanks for that Ray.
Nice work
thanks a lot for your review. very well presented. may i ask two questions? 1: does this bike connect to zwift via bluetooth? 2: are you using zwift on apple tv in this presentation? thanks.
Yes and yes. Cheers!
Thanks man good review
I received mine last week, It didnt come with 172.5 washers for the pedals, It had the 170 & 175cm though.
Only pain Ive had is if I charge via the 2 usb sockets,, is the Ipad air 2 and iphone se, at 50% charge, connected via BT and 50% brightness on both displays is the charging. Both devices don't charge as much as the power their drawing. The longer the zwift session, the flatter they get. I can get charge if I only use 1 device with the screen off. (note its plugged into the wall).
Cool device. Can I not use the tablet holder if the fans are not mounted?
Thanks. Still looks like a prototype to me. The Kickr bike looks a lot better thought out.
Seems a bit hard to say until one spends quality time with a KICKR bike. That when you notice these nuances.
kickr bike breaks this one dosnt...better build quality and better features too
this one is better...garmin wins...better dependability and better features...the tilt feature on the wwahoo is a gimick and the wahoo bikes break a lot more...they also are not as stable...they also dont have a as good a screen showing gears/misc info, led lights, a tablet holder, phone tray etc... also the garmin bike can be used when the power is off... also, the wahoo bikes DO simulate shifting better but i could care less about that....outside of shifting simulation this bike beats the wahoo in every way
It's not a bug that you keep going when you pedaling and brake at the same moment, that's something you do not do when you ride for good ;)
Where did you find the Star Wars handlebar t-shirt?
On face value the wahoo bike seems a better execution. Of course the proof is in the using so that may be just an assumption. Would love to see a head to head review whenever the Wahoo bike is released also contrasting the standard wheel on trainers from each vendor. That would be a marathon video or video series!
Yup, if FedEx releases my Wahoo bike out of customs jail, then there will be both a Wahoo video and a head to head one. At present it's just a few minutes away...yet...spending the weekend in customs jail.
I’m excited to see the stages bike. I teach spinning classes, and in studios the stages bikes are my favorite by far!
this one is better...garmin wins...better dependability and better features...the tilt feature on the wwahoo is a gimick and the wahoo bikes break a lot more...they also are not as stable...they also dont have a as good a screen showing gears/misc info, led lights, a tablet holder, phone tray etc... also the garmin bike can be used when the power is off... also, the wahoo bikes DO simulate shifting better but i could care less about that....outside of shifting simulation this bike beats the wahoo in every way
Love the smart bike idea, I'm a Neo owner and love the idea of not sweating all over my bike and gears. But why are they all so wide? I cant use a down tube water bottle due to calf size, so how are these supposed to work unless you have a massive thigh gap and no leg muscle?
i bought the bike, but i'm a bit dissatisfied with the noise. if you are spinning at 100 rpm its definitely not "silent" or whatever one might want to associate with that term
Any new smart bike in the making out of the Tacx factory ?
But did they fix Neo 2? with firmware? Cadenca, L/R Power with Zwift....
I'm betting not
This is all great, but I’m wondering if you have continued riding the bike and how you found it over an extended period?
I liked the bike, but it lasted less than three months and then, basically, stopped working. And I’m not alone - far from it. The internet and social media is littered with people who have had similar problems - all over the world; this Smartbike and other Garmin trainers. I don’t know what the issue is, but there would appear to be something fundamentally wrong.
Folks can leap on me here and say there’s has been fine, and if that’s the case, I’m pleased for you - but, trust me, when it happens just before Christmas, Garmin tell you they’ll have stock in that week to send a replacement (I had to pay an £1100 deposit), then a week later they tell you they are HOPING to have stock at the end of January, it gets a bit much! Basically, by the end of January, I’d have had the bike for 4 months, of which I wouldn’t have been able to train for six weeks. That’s unsatisfactory and I’m now trying to send mine back for a refund!
Thanks so much @DCRainmaker for this video. I was completely stumped by the seat post handle until I watched this. Why is there no explanation in the manuals about the spring-loaded ratchet?! It's really not obvious, and strangely poor design in the context of the rest of the trainer.
How do you like her so far? I am getting this soon.
Which (additional) fan would you recommend that dynamically to speed, etc.? Is the Wahoo Headwind compatible (over ant+) with the Tacx?
Thanks for the review! What ipad size fits better?
Hi! My girlfriend would like to use the bike for "Spinning" as well - is that possible?
Anyone know how the vibration of the unit is? Hoping it would be quieter for downstairs neighbors compared to my neo trainer
Does the neobike have any adjustments for uneven floors ?
Yup, you can adjust four little feet individually.
What kind of maintenance is there to do with the bike? Grese? Replacements?
Let me know if you get the answer pls
I managed to ride the Neo Bike at the Worlds on Sunday.
Gear changes are very smooth, which is unlike my crappy Tiagra.
Does it compare with the more expensive groupsets, or is it more like an exercise bike increasing resistance?
So if you had to buy wahoo bike or this what would it be ?
this one is better...garmin wins...better dependability and better features...the tilt feature on the wwahoo is a gimick and the wahoo bikes break a lot more...they also are not as stable...they also dont have a as good a screen showing gears/misc info, led lights, a tablet holder, phone tray etc... also the garmin bike can be used when the power is off... also, the wahoo bikes DO simulate shifting better but i could care less about that....outside of shifting simulation this bike beats the wahoo in every way
Has erg mode been fixed? Mine comes nxt week 👍
How does it compare to Wahoo Kickh?
Does the braking increase power when you are not pedaling? Couldn't it be that by breaking, you're increasing the power necessary to spin the pedals and as you spin them it assumes you'd doing that? Sounds like it should be something fixable in firmware either way.
4:55 red knees from assembly or ...?
Hello
Any ideas why is no smart bike on the market (except for the CV19). Six months before was so close and now is absolutely no news at all(Garmin or Wahoo)?
Massively disappointed. For the amount you’re paying it should be perfect, and clearly isn’t. Definitely a version 1, if I was interested I’d wait for the second iteration.
what the hell are you talking about?
I don't understand, your bike isn't approximately 110lbs? I always thought it was good to use a heavy bike to get stronger....
Can I use mtb handlebar with neo bike?!
how is it different from a spin bike?
The thigh touching the frame is an absolute dealbreaker for me.
Ridiculous design flaw.
Yeah I don't care about all the other bells and whistles...can't have that happening.
its a non issue unless your super fat
Would you say the leg rubbing frame is a deal breaker ray ?
No, I don't think so. I think I could continue to tweak position a bit, and in all my approx 1hr rides I usually do it hasn't been an issue for the most part.
If you were to rank these smart indoor bikes what would be your pick keeping wahoo out of the question as I don't like the build quality. Other than that kindly suggest. I am looking at Stages , Wattbike atom next gen, Tacx Neo.. Also is there any other brand better than these?
I'd say that ranking would be: KICKR Bike, Tacx NEO Bike, Stages Bike, Wattbike (in terms of 'everything'). I think all of them have had some build quality issues over the last two years, and all of them have mostly mitigated it. Cheers!
this one is better...garmin wins...better dependability and better features...the tilt feature on the wwahoo is a gimick and the wahoo bikes break a lot more...they also are not as stable...they also dont have a as good a screen showing gears/misc info, led lights, a tablet holder, phone tray etc... also the garmin bike can be used when the power is off... also, the wahoo bikes DO simulate shifting better but i could care less about that....outside of shifting simulation this bike beats the wahoo in every way
@@thepatternforms859 The Garmin is also a lot more quiet, which is very important for me in appartment. The Wahoo have loud ringing resonance complaint on users videos at certain rpm.
Make it pack away neatly and I might be allowed one.
Hi I am kunj from India. I am a cyclist and planning to buy a smart indoor trainer like these. So can u help me that how does it works, is it a fun to ride on it and how does it works can I buy it or not
the t-shirt, were did you get it!!!!
Originally years ago I got it from THREAD+SPOKE, but they don't seem to have it anymore. I just searched, it's called 'Ti Bars', and this other company has it: www.spreadshirt.com/shop/design/ti+bars+mens+premium+t-shirt-D5b18faffaa0c6d0ed9a89ee6
does neobike have any attachment, so I can bolt it to the floor of a boat?
No method I can see easily. How we, if you can get two u-brackets you should be able to go over the rear feet.
@DC Atom or Neo?
How is this ever going to sell? $3200 is equivalent to buying a very good Kickr Core and a $2500 carbon roadbike.
I could see it as a good solution if:
1) You have the money for it.
2) Possibly you already have all the bikes you need, but you don't want to use them for your indoor training.
3) Multiple people use an indoor trainer at your house, where adjustments on this bike are super easy to change for each person. Also, you only need the one bike for everyone instead of each person having a bike, swap it every time on a trainer, etc.
But it mainly starts with #1. Some people are also concerned with damaging their bike frames on an indoor trainer if they're putting down major power.
putting a carbon nice bike on a dedicated indoor set up is stupid...it wrecks the bike and requires you to also buy a second bike if you ant to ride outside...OR you must change bike on and off which sucks...for a dedicated indoor setup the smart bike obv wins
Are the front bars flexing around a lot?
It looks worse than it is in real-life. The thing to remember is you actually want flex. No flex means it's like riding a brick wall, and nobody wants that.
Ray, my weight is 120kg . Which of the brand would you suggest for indoor training? Wahoo,Tack,Ellite?
emil d tacx will work, thats what i Can Tell you
Which one did you go for and are you happy. I'm a big guy 126kg 195cm so would appreciate any advice, thanks.
@@anyportinastormqwert I end up with suito and I cant complain,no issues what so ever ( 4000km )
@@emild560 thank you, I'm going to look into it.
Do you plan to do a review video of the direto x?
Yeah, a bit behind on that. But I do have written review up!
Can you fit normal pedals? Like SPD
Yes
Have you came across any noise faults with neo bike ? Theirs a couple on Facebook talking about a creaking/grinding noise ??
No noise faults here.
I am looking to buy a smart bike and i am between stages sb20 and tacx neo bike. What's your opinion? Thank you!
Kickr Bike
That t-shirt. I must have it! Where did you get it?
Originally years ago I got it from THREAD+SPOKE, but they don't seem to have it anymore. I just searched, it's called 'Ti Bars', and this other company has it: www.spreadshirt.com/shop/design/ti+bars+mens+premium+t-shirt-D5b18faffaa0c6d0ed9a89ee6
Shit forgot to put grease on pedals you think it’ll be ok on a indoor bike ? Or would you take them off to grease ??
Nah, it’s fine.
No 165 mm crank option. Then I can’t use it
Not sure if people have tried both or not but can anyone help? I want to purchase a smart bike. I’ve been humming and arring about purchasing the wahoo kickr smart back for easy 12 months. Had another look on the market recently and come across the Tacx neo in this video which looks and sounds very decent itself. Any recommendations on which is better, or is it solely personal preference? Thanks in advance for any replies 👍
this one is better...garmin wins...better dependability and better features...the tilt feature on the wwahoo is a gimick and the wahoo bikes break a lot more...they also are not as stable...they also dont have a as good a screen showing gears/misc info, led lights, a tablet holder, phone tray etc... also the garmin bike can be used when the power is off... also, the wahoo bikes DO simulate shifting better but i could care less about that....outside of shifting simulation this bike beats the wahoo in every way
Both this and the wahoo smart bikes have massively oversized frames compared to a regular bike, so why do they flex so much, esp handlebars?
Your bike flexes just as much, but you just don’t have things on handlebars usually.
For the size of the frame, they shouldn't move at all. I was looking at the flex of just the handlebar, it's really rocking in the video.
@@galenkehler But the handlebars on both units are attached via a relatively thin piece of long material, in comparison to the rest of the frame. Take any similarly sized metal object, and then take a large adult male that throws all of their body weight rocking back and forth. It's going to be roughly the same.
👍
I note that it's 6kgs heavier than the watt-bike atom and over 1000 dollars more expensive, does it feel as robust? Agree that some those front mounted accouterments look like rushed afterthoughts, though the unit itself looks like it's inhered the Neo's premium design and engineering quality. What's the latest on the virtu pro bike? Is it now fully supported by Zwift?
You didn’t really get how the handles work.
Oh trust me, I definitely do. It's silly that you can't actually get them straight, or that they hit the frame (by design!). Sure, you can get out a hex wrench and re-adjust them after every time you twist them, but that's stupid. Nobody wants to do that, and at that point you might as well just remove the handles altogether.
DC Rainmaker yeah really. They could used shorter as well. Cheaper and better design. Now you just look at these 4 “handles”.
Great review
i just see a black Lama.
I want that shirt how to get it?
Why not just buy a smart trainer and a really good road bike. Who is the intended customer here?
Feel like they saw wahoo drop their bike, knew they lost, and just said fuck it shit this thing now.
this one is better...garmin wins...better dependability and better features...the tilt feature on the wwahoo is a gimick and the wahoo bikes break a lot more...they also are not as stable...they also dont have a as good a screen showing gears/misc info, led lights, a tablet holder, phone tray etc... also the garmin bike can be used when the power is off... also, the wahoo bikes DO simulate shifting better but i could care less about that....outside of shifting simulation this bike beats the wahoo in every way
also, this bike came out before wahoo did, so...
Fans an eyesore.
So for the price of a bike and a trainer, you get neither. Why would anyone buy this? Is it meant for people who don't like spin classes and want something more interactive?
Jon Fischer spin classes do nothing for endurance training !
@@richardmathers7238 Didn't say they do. I would expect endurance athletes to buy a trainer for their bike as opposed to a bike/trainer all in one. The only people who I can imagine would want this product are non endurance athletes (who don't actually bike outside) who want to do zwift.
I currently ride 8hrs a week on my Tacx Neo with carbon road bike. I'm looking to get this for several reasons: my wife wants to use it 😜, I'm still always worried about doing sprints on my bike hooked up to Neo and lastly because I do so much indoors it'll be easier than whipping the bike on and off it.
165mm? no ? useless
Looks awful...to take all this time to deliver a turkey 🤷🏻♂️..wahoo for me ..thanks for a great review 👍🏻
Covid pricing apparently......
The price hasn’t changed in two years.
Stupid and ugly trainer, too much variables to get it functioning normal! Simple trainer is more reliable and practical, if this smart trainer were to malfunction, good luck on what the repair bill will be!
lmao what?
Is it me or does the bike just look tacky and cheap? Little things like the poor quality fans, the wiring hanging loose, seat post bolt hitting the frame, etc. These shouldn't be present on a £3k product!
I can't see any cyclist buying this. This is for the same person who has a fancy treadmill to use in their home, but NEVER runs outside. If a real cyclist is going to drop 3200 bucks, it's going to be on ANOTHER bike!!
I ordered one and I have several bikes. I ride 100 miles outside and 100 inside on zwift every week
@@therusheffect7784 That's great. You have the money, spend it how you like. But personally, I would save the money and put one of those bikes on the trainer that I'm sure you have.
In buying either this or the Kickr Bike due to a hip issue and I cannot risk an off so the best thing for me is turbo, get fit and enjoy
BS...id rather be on this with zwift anyday than dodging cars
yep flop like wahoo, over engineered rubbish. good video though
Just can't get past the design of this... looks like a stranded dolphin, horse hybrid...
Everyone loves horses and dolphins.
Has erg mode been fixed? Mine comes nxt week 👍