So the seat will slide forward and backwards and up and down, as well as being able to adjust standard saddle position within that on the rails. But as you’d expect from a high-end stationary bike, the goal here is really to allow complete flexibility with respect to position. Moving up the bike to the seat, this is where you see the prototype aspect shining through, with things not yet finalized. Though, the fan that you’ll likely have facing you won’t yet be silent. All of which leads to a near silent bike. Obviously, the crank arms are driving the flywheel, but that can be done with far quieter components than your bike. One of the major advantages here though of an indoor bike is the ability to minimize the noise since you can remove many of the clanging and clunking parts like chains, chainings, and shifting aspects. As does the materials used on the outside of the unit.Īs you’d expect on an indoor stationary bike, the crankset is already present, though you can add your own pedals to it, so you don’t have to worry about specific pedal compatibility. Even the legs of the Neo Smart Bike start to resemble the angles of the existing Neo (and to a greater degree the Flux). The details:Īt the base of the unit sits the Tacx Neo, easily spotted by the familiar circular silver disc. Let’s dive into what the concept is though. While they had this on display at Eurobike, it’s far from ready – with it being slated for Fall 2018. In a nutshell, the company has taken their popular and high-end Neo Smart trainer and built a stationary bike around it. The first of which this week to flaunt their plans was Tacx, with the new Tacx Neo Smart Bike. No matter whether or not that happens we’re seeing bike trainer companies and others alike starting to develop products in this market. Or, at least we are according to some people. While you may not know it, we’re just at the edge of an indoor bike revolution. The Flux S offers a maximum 2,000 watts of resistance, which is more than enough for most of the cycling population.(** Update: Check out my full Neo Smart Bike In-Depth Review for the most recent information and thoughts on the product**) It’s smooth and adds to the overall feel and enjoyment when training indoors. The resistance, which works thanks to electromagnets, feels good too, especially when using Zwift and hitting the climbs. Tacx has done a good job of filtering down technology from its top-end trainer. It’s heavier than all of its similarly priced competitors and gives a life-like ride that compares well to trainers costing double the price. The general ride feel is good and this is largely down to the 7.6kg flywheel. Especially when you consider that Mont Ventoux has an average gradient of 7.4 per cent, so you know you have plenty to work with. The Flux S can simulate climbs of up to 10 per cent, and although this might not sound like much compared to its bigger sibling’s, the Neo 2, gradients of up to 25 per cent, for most this will be enough. The Tacx Flux S can replicate up to gradients of 10 per cent and has a maximum 2,000 watts of resistance power. I was also impressed with the cadence data provided by the Flux S, which matched my Vectors. Once again, impressive for a smart trainer at this price. Tacx claims that its power figures are within 3 per cent accuracy and that seemed to be the case when compared to the Garmin Vectors I was using. I measured the Flux S at 60db on an iPhone app, while pushing 200 watts, and at these noise levels you’re unlikely to upset anyone in the next room. While there is some noise, most of this comes from the transmission. The difference between modern direct-drive units and on-wheel trainers is huge, which is thanks to the flywheel design system. Noise levels or the lack of them impressed me too. At 23.6kg the Flux S feels rooted to the floor however hard you push it, whether in or out of the saddle. This is down to a combination of large footprint, well-placed legs and weight. The first thing I noticed is how stable the Flux S is, which impressed me with its budget-priced credentials. The Flux S pairs seamlessly with Tacx’s own app and works instantly with third-party software such as Zwift (which I used for testing) and TrainerRoad. As with most trainers these days it hooks up with smartphones, tablets, ANT+FE-C bike computers and connects via ANT+. There’s no need to purchase a cadence sensor however because this Flux offers that data out of the box.įitting a bike is a simple affair and a single lead plugs you in. It will also work with MTB and CX 135mm axles, 142mm, 148mm and there’s an adaptor available for 135 x 10mm. Simon Bromley / Immediate MediaĪs with most of the more affordable smart trainers on the market, there’s no cassette in the box, but Shimano and SRAM 8- to 11-speed cassettes fit directly, while a Campagnolo body is sold separately.
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