Tacx Neo 2T Smart for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

8.4
out of 10
7 Positive, 1 Mixed & 1 Negative
from 9 Reviews
Retail Price:
$1399.99
Used Value:
$839.99
Sale Value:
$1,259.99

We'll be the first to admit that indoor training is not our favorite part of the off-season, but it's certainly better than letting your fitness dwindle and losing your competitive edge by the time spring comes around. Thankfully we're no longer condemned to mindlessly spinning away on the rollers when the weather outside is bleak, as the new crop of smart trainers does a pretty good job simulating the feel of riding on the road, and they can pair with training apps like Zwift to keep things entertaining for the duration of the workout. One brand that consistently stands out above the rest is Tacx, and the Neo 2T is their new flagship model. The Neo 2 was already widely recognized as one of the quietest and most powerful trainers on the market, and the 2T builds upon that platform with redesigned internals that make it even more silent and powerful than the original, as well as improved axle compatibility that allows it to fit a wider range of bikes right out of the box. Tacx also added ANT+ Cycling Dynamics to the firmware, allowing you to use the pedal stroke analysis feature with third party software such as Garmin Edge computers, making it easier than ever to monitor your output.

Diving a little deeper into the Neo 2T's internals, the biggest change is a redesigned motor with stronger magnets. This gives the trainer more torque (hence the "T" designation in the name), which eliminates the slipping feeling that past versions exhibited during hard sprints at lower speeds, like when you're powering up a tough climb. The placement of the magnets is also revised, which reduces the vibration transferred to the floor and lowers the noise level caused by internal air displacement. This makes the Neo 2T smoother and quieter than any previous generation. The redesigned internals also make the trainer more responsive to speed and incline changes, with dynamic inertia quickly compensating for weight, speed, and incline changes to ensure the most realistic ride feel possible.

The Neo 2T also sees improved axle compatibility, allowing it to fit just about any bike including road bikes with disc brakes and most mountain bikes. In addition to standard quick-release skewers, the trainer includes adapters for 10 x 135, 12 x 142, and 12 x 148mm axles. This means you can train on the exact bikes you will be racing on, be it on the road or on the trails.

Other notable features that are unique to the Neo series carry over to the Neo 2T. Like before, the trainer doesn't require an external power source to operate, generating its own energy from your pedaling force and making it easy to use the trainer anywhere you like. If you do plug it in, the Descent Simulation feature is enabled, which simulates the pull of gravity when you're going downhill. This resembles the effect of freewheeling by giving your legs a breather when you're descending, just like an actual road ride. When paired with apps like Zwift or the Tacx Film app, the trainer will also mimic the vibrating sensation of riding over cobble stones or gravel roads—livening up your training session and setting it further apart from the rest of Tacx's trainers.

A few more relevant details help distinguish the Neo 2T from other trainers in Tacx's lineup. Its max power is 2,200 watts (200 higher than Tacx's other high-end direct-drive and wheel-on options), it measures watts to a claimed 1% accuracy (a full 1.5% sharper than the Flux 2 Smart unit and well beyond any wheel-on unit's ability), and it simulates inclines up to 25% (putting it 5% higher than Tacx's closest wheel-on unit and 9% beyond the Flux 2, its closest direct-drive competition).

The Neo 2T is Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible, allowing it to pair with your smartphone, GPS head unit, tablet, or computer. It receives resistance and terrain input from Tacx's own software, Zwift, TrainerRoad, Rouvy, Sufferfest, Kinomap, FulGaz, BKool, and Road Grand Tours. It includes one month of free membership to Tacx's Premium software, which lets you ride with an array of high quality films, enjoy 3D map rides by linking your Strava account or uploading logged GPS data, participate in power-based and goal-specific structured training plans, and much more.

Specifications

Brand:
Dimensions:
[standing] 22.6 x 29.5 x 21.7in, [folded] 24.4 x 10.2 x 17.3in
Foldable:
yes
Includes:
front wheel block, power cable, quick-release skewer, thru-axle skewer, axle adapters for 130mm QR, 135mm QR, 12 x 142mm thru-axle, 12 x 142mm Boost, 1 month Tacx Premium software
Manufacturer Warranty:
2 year limited
Operating System:
iOS, Android, macOS, Windows
Recommended Use:
training
Resistance:
magnetic (32 Neodymium magnets)
Weight:
47lb 5oz
Wireless:
ANT+, Bluetooth

Full Reviews

10
Have had this trainer since November 2019. COVID meant I put more miles on it than I had anticipated and so far it has been a dream. I do read about issues with bearings but in my case over the last 12+ months I have had zero issues once I upgraded to the latest firmware (within days of purchasing). I came from a wheel on trainer (Snap) which did a decent job but required proper tire inflation and calibration every time. The fact that I don’t have to do that at 5:30am before my workout is a big change for me and I am sure for a lot of people who get on the turbo before work. Also the feel is a lot more Road like not to mention that I don’t go through 3-4 trainer tires a year any longer. Overall could not be happier. I am hoping to be riding this for a lot longer. Turbos are no substitute for the real thing but this one comes close
George, backcountry.com
December 26, 2020
10
I couldn't be more pleased with this trainer, including the simplicity of installation and the easy Zwift integration. It's an upgrade from a traditional trainer used in conjunction with an older power meter. I'm very happy with the purchase. Thank you backcountry for your great write up on the product.
Isaac S., backcountry.com
December 21, 2020
10
I have had it for a week now. There is nothing I am not happy with. Very smooth, very low noise level, and a very stable platform. Has a bit of side to side movement by design which gives it a more realistic and comfortable feel. Another thing that adds to realism is the way it keeps the "back wheel" rolling when you go down hill. On every other trainer I've been on I cannot really get into my highest (smallest) cog when going down hill. No matter how hard I pedal or how fast I'm going. With the downhill simulation on the Neo2t I can easily get into the small cog, just like outside. Also if you are coasting downhill, when you start pedaling again it feels very realistic. Again, very much like outside. I do not use the front wheel support because it locks the handlebars in one position. I like the bars to be able to move a bit as I pedal. I just put a piece of wood under the front wheel to keep the bike level with a piece of thin rubber under the tire so it doesn't get a flat spot. I haven't tried it in ERG yet but it does respond smoothly and quickly to required changes in resistance. I have ridden the kickr and feel it is a very good trainer as well. From my perspective this one is superior.
Howard M., backcountry.com
December 18, 2020
2
I can't believe this is not compatible with a basic gravel bike from 2020. First, you have to realize that this trainer has some flex designed into it to create a more realistic feel. That's a great idea, would have been nice if the engineers rode a bike on it before signing off on the design though. My gravel bike is pretty standard with 11spd Sram and Sram hydraulic discs. The components on the bike are rubbing on both sides of the trainer under moderate riding loads. The flat-mount brake caliper is physically pressing against the flywheel area, before the trainer flex. The derailleur is within 2mm of the other side of the flywheel. The derailleur cage or hanger is going to bend if I were to use this. When riding you can see the cage flexing as it is pressed under load into the flywheel area. You can see the Tacx has tried to remedy this by including a bunch of janky spacers to try to space out the frame. This takes your standard dropout width from 142mm and stretches your frame width to 146mm. Your stock thru axle is going to be too short to properly engage threads in your frame. The attached photo was taken with spacers installed. The product is being returned before I damage my bike. Complete fail.
chris, backcountry.com
December 16, 2020
10
This is a great bit of kit, I have been using it for a couple of weeks so far and have been impressed. It was easy to set up and using it with Zwift I have looked forward to my indoor training sessions. If you haven’t bought one yet, you should!
Dan Wakefield, backcountry.com
October 26, 2020
4
I really tried to convince myself that the reason my Neo 2 was so noisy was down to user error. As a cyclist I am a Cat 5 when it comes to mechanics. This is not the case here though. I had a local bike shop confirm the cassette is torqued right, and have watched every video on troubleshooting this at home. There are 2 bad noises, one being a grinding type and one being a clicking. I have submitted multiple videos to their support team but after 18 days they've still just kept saying "they are looking into it." When your service for your top end product is this poor I don't know what to say. I really need a trainer due to covid-19 - myself, my wife and my daughter are all using it to train. The noise is awful for anyone else within earshot, and is distracting when you are riding, even when blocking it out with headphones. Perhaps I need to go back to riding my rollers. Those are silent, as advertised.
Ian J., backcountry.com
April 17, 2020
10
Acquired the Neo 2T to upgrade from a first generation Saris/Cycleops. Set-up was straightforward; trainer is sturdy and stable, even with the side-to-side sway out of the saddle. Appreciate the downhill momentum and the road feel features. The Tacx app is more rubust than the Saris/Rouvy environment. The Tacx video library with available real-time companions and catalog of opponents is competing for my loyalty to Zwift. CompCyclist folks were very helpful as always with the order which received on time and well packed. Hopefully Tacx's joining the Garmin family will further advance this strong package of hardware and software.
Malcolm H., backcountry.com
April 13, 2020
10
I spent a lot of time researching this vs. similar Wahoo options and although I’ve not done a straight up comparison I have to say I am extremely happy with the TACX Neo 2T. I’ve put about 1,500 km on this to date with Zwift and I really enjoy it. Set up was dead easy, Zwift integration was seamless. I ride 10,000-15,000 km a year and really prefer to ride outside. I’ve had other indoor trainers in the past and done spinning classes but ... not so interesting. The Neo 2T is about as close to the “real deal” on the road as I can imagine when riding indoors. When riding in Zwift it is not only a lot of fun but an awesome workout. Really happy with it and looking forward to many many thousands of kilometers of training and racing when its just a bit too snotty or frigid to ride outside. Yeah, ok, snigger if you like, but I’m 60 years old, been riding and racing all my life, and I can tough it out in crappy weather with the best of them and sometimes take perverse joy in that extra suffering but to be honest the Neo 2T and Zwift make indoor not only tolerable but fun.
Larry Hutchinson, backcountry.com
February 15, 2020
10
I was split for a long time between this and the Wahoo KICKR. Ultimately every detailed review I read said to get the Neo 2T. Now that I have it, it is incredible. The wide stance is extremely stable. It replicates the feel of the road whether flat, cobbles, wood etc. most importantly, when the grade is negative it allows you to coast and spins the freehub. When you start to pedal it will be easier at a negative grade which dramatically increases realism. I paired it with the Tacx video library of basically every big ride in Europe and love it. I am extremely glad to have paid the extra 200$. The inclusion of a cassette is just a marketing gimmick for other brands. This is a serious trainer and you will want to select your gearing for it appropriately. Lastly, it is made in the Netherlands if you are conscious of where your products come from.
1245, backcountry.com
February 6, 2020

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