The latest Wahoo Kickr(v5) and Tacx Neo 2T are undeniably two of the most highly regarded direct drive smart trainers out there, but which one is best?
Watch on to find out, and get our expert insight as we pitch them against each other in a head to head battle for supremacy.
To read our in-depth product reviews click here:
www.cyclist.co.uk/wahoo/kickr...
www.cyclist.co.uk/reviews/831...
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I found this roundup extremely helpful thank you - steering a really good line between too much and too little info to make a pragmatic comparison.
Can't stand KZhead videos that ask "Which is best?" then just sit on the fence by not answering, just because they're worried they might miss out on some future deal themselves.
Great video 👍🏻 Just bought the Tacx neo 2t so looking forward to trying it !
Whan an awesome review. Not overly technical and hits all the practical points. The price point is just a little beyond me for now on either product. Will save my pennies for a someday. Will keep wishing and watching great videos like these until my money gets right. I have an old school direct drive LeMond for those bad weather days.
My main priority was the descent simulation. And the Tacx Neo simulates it perfectly - it accelerates going downhill even if you stop pedalling. This is exactly what happens on a real road in real life!!! You can catch your breath, while gravity is doing its job!!!
I feel like my KICKR does that also 🤷🏻♀️
someone else commented on how the Neo doesn’t plug in - it’s powered by you pedaling so when you rest on the downhill - is it measuring any metrics?
@@MidwestHome_Hens I think I've heard somewhere that wahoo added el.motor into the new Kickr. And this is Great news!!! Even more realistic descent simulation :)
@@MidwestHome_Hens First of all Neo doesn't support the descent simulation without power source. Other than that it is 100 % functional even without power cable plugged in. The next thing is about metrics - if you're not pedalling - there's no cadence and no power data (because you're not producing any). In this case Zwift (for example) still measures TIME, DISTANCE and SPEED!
@@MidwestHome_Hens it is normally plugged in, but if you dont have power you can still use it. It powers itself.
This is exactly the review that I was looking for. I'm inclined to go with the Tacx, but principally to keep everything within the Garmin family.
Funny, I went with the Tacx despite being a Wahooligan :D
Great comparison! I'm going to go with the Neo 2t since i live in a small apartment.
have both .. the kickr will shed black dust over time onto the floor because of wear. No dust residue ever noticed under the 2t. Also 2t doesn't require you to plug it in.. which is interesting as long as you don't intend to "coast" on virtual rides.
Excellent point about coasting on the TACX!
Beautifully packed components designed for ready assembly
You can easily use the Headwind with the Tacx also. Use it together with your HR-meter and let that set the speed of it, or let it go at a steady wind. To let it correlate with speed is not the best option anyway and is the sole difference to use it with Wahoo. I use mine with my Tacx Neo2 and it works brilliantly.
Thanks, I've been cursing re: the headwind, and I'm pleased to see, unlike the climb, that it works nicely. I'm a Wahooligan in everything else, but I bought the Neo 2T because it was available during 2021 January lockdown, and I wanted the pavé effect, which I still enjoy today.
The Wahoo KICKR is literally the same setup time as the Taxc IF you’re only talking about the main unit. Obviously adding the Climb and fan will add less than 1 minute more time as the bluetooth connection is super fast. I just got the KICKR and the Headwind 2 weeks ago, but did not get the Climb - Yet. I may get that for my birthday in 5 months 😄 Im really liking the KICKR!!!
obviously we need both
Thanks bro. Good review
hi! thanks for the video. Only one question, which one is less noisy?
@Cyclist - Re comment in your summary. Why is the Neo quicker to setup and ride. Is this referring to Kickr Climb setup?
How do the KICKR’s axis feet compare to the side to side movement of the Neo 2T? Is the latter noticeably better?
One big plus you forgot to mention for the Tacx Neo 2T is that you can use it with out any power, so if you want to take to a track for warm up etc you can, it is fully self powered and the power brick is only needed for the down hill sections if you want to just roll.
Hi Martin. Do you mean that the kikcr, if no electric power, doesnt work? Concretly, i'm a triathlete and i want to try swimming to bike in fast transition. But no electricity near by my swimm8ng, it won't work ? Merci 🙂
@@urbanreef17 To my knowledge every other smart trainer requires power to provide smart power resistance and connectivity to your apps or bike computer, except for the Taxc Neo series trainers, because these Neodymium magntes (where the name comes from) in the fly wheel and electric coils to provide the resistive magnetic force, they can generate their own power while you pedal allowing you to connect your trainer to your smart phone or bike computer to do a work out, even if you don't connect you will still get a resistive force from the trainer.
@@beyond990 merci beaucoup ;)
The head wind fan from Wahoo seems too big to me. I wish it can be smaller and portable in the next version. 10” square size is the best size to me.
wait how does the tacx give you the feel of going up or down? seeing how front of bike hooks up to a whole separate machine for that?
What about the direct mounting for gravel bikes and Mtn bikes with disc brakes? Do the both have compatibility?
Great review! I have used the 2T without any problems for four months and it's so impressive. Two important aspects in my view. Firstly, as someone else said, you can use the 2T without power. Secondly, and more important for me, the 2T generates light from the bottom which change as power increases. This is a super super cool feature. It goes from blue at low watts, so purple as you ramp it up to hot red at high wattages during max efforts. Love, love, love this feature. Trivial, maybe, but I would miss it so much if it was not there.
Hey thanks for this, I hadn't read this in any other reviews. It does sound silly, but also kind of fun and something I'm sure my 4 year old couldn't resist making note of when he wants to come check on me during a ride.
That’s cool, I guess it’s kind of like the track my Garmin Connect App makes after a run.
Make a call!! You can’t just say both are good!
I have used both the tacx neo first generation and kickr first gen. The ride feel is better on the tacx but most disc brake bikes wont fit properly on the tacx first gen. I had to remose the rear brakes from the fram to allow it to fit to the tacx. Whereas on the kicker every bike just fits. I donˆt know if this issue with the tacx is solved with the second generation. But for me that was the reason why I have sold the tacx and bought the kickr. Now I ride a wahoo bike and loved it. Simply the best.
No, it is not. Quite disappointed that such an issue exists on a smart trainer with premium price tag.
I have also have a Neo (first gen) which I love but now that I’ve bought 2 new bikes with disc brakes I can’t use it anymore because I’m not interested in remove the brake caliper every now and then. Considering buying the Kickr to replace the Neo.
call garmin; they will send you an spacer
I have put both a Giant TCR disc and a Cervelo C2 disc on the Neo 2T with no problems using only the thru axle hardware and spacers which come in the box (other than having to get a cassette, of course).
Will these work with a single speed bike? Like a fixie?
What really matter in the long run, is the durability. These things are expensive heavy devices, and when the break they are serious PITA to get repaired. Tacx are great (i've had 3) but their reliability is very poor (most people don't use them enough to really test this, but I do).
Tacx neo 2t … 150‘000 km, now i buy a new one
Does the Neo 2T simulate ascent by physically making the rear lower than the front (like Wahoo’s Climb) or does it just simulate the resistance while keeping the bike level?
It doesn’t appear to move downward enough - my guess is that it’s strictly about resistance which is the same on the KICKR if you don’t use the climb. I have the KICKR without the climb
Is there a risk of metal fatigue where the bike is mounted on the trainer?
In Canada it looks like Tacx is 2 year warranty while Wahoo is only one. With this kind of financial investment that extra protection is huge.
Seems like opinions about even with minor preferences differences. These 2 are priced about the same for me but I can get the Minoura LSD9200 close to the Core but with good support as a local Japanese product. Overseas Minoura not very popular but in Japan seems riders mostly satisfied.
My kickr has die. It was the third one. All three has die due to the resistance not working, the sensors die. The third one is out of warrantee. 4 years, 3 dead. There is a reason why Wahoo has re-furbish on sale on their site.
Hi everybody. Do you know if kikcr has electric power, doesnt work? Concretly, i'm a triathlete and i want to try swim to bike in fast transition. But no electricity near by my swimming pool, it won't work ? Merci 🙂
Thanks 🙂🚴🏼♂️⚡️
2:00 You say that the KICKR can simulate up to 20% incline with the Climb accessory compared to the 25% simulated by Neo 2T, but you didn’t really mean to imply that the Climb accessory was necessary for it to simulate the hardness of an incline, yes?
I’m confused how the Tacx is supposedly going to simulate a higher climb when it doesn’t even move? Yet they have the same energy output of 2,200?
@@MidwestHome_Hens The review just seems misleading at 2:00 in seemingly implying that Wahoo needs the Climb accessory but Tacx doesn’t. Both Tacx and Wahoo KICKR can simulate inclines by only changing the resistance levels. Both need an accessory like Climb to simulate the higher elevation for front wheel on an incline, but the Tacx simply doesn’t support any such wheel elevation feature or an accessory for it.
Garmin/Tacx offer an app with real world video where you can ride along... does wahoo offer something similar?
Yes, Wahoo Systm (you need a subscription though)
Yeh they do. Wahoo have their own app with training videos, training plans etc. wahoo are also much more reliable too
Kickr bearing failure is a big issue.
Kicker core vs taxc fliw s
Think i'll go with the Kickr once i can find a discount voucher...I have a basic elite trainer which is perfect except for the rear wheel coming to a stop within seconds of coming off the gas...does my head in.
Did you get a KICKR yet? They are currently $100 off!! Just got emails yesterday from both my local bike shop and Zwift about the offer!!
@@MidwestHome_Hens No i haven't...I've started running regularly although still thinking i might include cycling on my days off. Wether thats outdoors or indoors im not sure. Thanks for the heads up.
$300 off
Update, bought one and love it. Managed to get an ex demo for £500 in perfect condition. Love it. Perfect timing with winter at our door.
I have ridden both multiple times before pulling the trigger: A. the Wahoo Kickr , and B. the Tacx Neo 2t (wich i as a Dutch man would love to like because it was invented in the Netherlands before Garmin took over). Though I like the real heavy Fly wheel ride feel of Wahoo better than the digital feel of the Neo 2t VIRTUAL flywheel. Basically going up from 250 to 300 Watts on the Neo 2t feels like hitting a brick wall bringing your higher cadance to a sudden stop , wich on the wahoo kickr going up 50 watts in resistance feels much smoother because the inertia of the heavy fly wheel will help you to get over the first seconds of heavy resistance and slope increases. Last the Kickr climb slope simulation in my opinion is more engaging than the road feel of cobble stones wich most road racers on tarmac don't like anyway. The fact other companies like Elite did by producting the Rizer shows there is a demand and market for smart trainer slope simulation devices .
I have the Neo 2T and it seems much harder than real life or the Kickr I was previously using. I can't figure out if it is a problem with the trainer or the program I am using like Zwift or TrainerRoad. It is a real problem.
Have both...ride feel on the Kickr edges out the digital feel of the Neo plus adjustable feet are a must.
Hey how you find power accuracy on Neo 2t vs kickr!? Any difference!?
@@quvenju Have the Neo1. I’ve only compared each indirectly with a Stages. The Stages seems to read maybe 3-5% lower than both trainers. My gut feeling is the power accuracy is excellent with both.
Just so I understand, you like the Kickr more than the Neo? I have a Neo (first gen) which I love but now that I’ve bought 2 new bikes with disc brakes I can’t use it anymore because I’m not interested in remove the brake caliper every now and then. Considering buying the Kickr to replace the Neo.
@@kimcarlsson5868 The Gen 2 Kickr flywheel gives a more natural and roadlike feel,particularly on steeper climbs with higher torque. I note the latest gen Neo has increased the magnet power to mitigate against the flywheel slip so the difference between the 2 units may not be so apparent now. I’d still go with the Kickr if I was buying again.
Got both. Tacx way way better. Smoother, more responsive, closer to real life ride simulation. And better priced.
Can they be dangerous for carbon frame?
How do? I have my specialized carbon on my kickr
Hearing a lot about the Tacx burning out after 1 year?
I use it for almost 2 years - perfect machine!
Just seen this Ha the main thing is getting one that lasts more than weeks or a few months had 3 Kickr 18 before I went for Neo 2 had 2 of them replaced got Neo 2 T 3 replacements and no it was nothing I did to them . I would like to know how many other people have had big problems with these trainers. I can say that Garmin 👍👍 where brilliant at replacing 3 Neo 2t but the last replaced one has just developed a noise like my chain grinding over cogs but it is the trainer.
I still have an older version of Tacx Neo. The bearing is pretty bad but this is my last resort if other trainers have failed. smoothly
Something happened with the remainder of my previous reply. I wanted to add that I bought a newer Tacx Neo 2T in 2021 and it failed after 7 months. I got a replacement but unfortunately it has failed after 3 months and now I am waiting for my second replacement. I have lost any confidence in Tacx Neo 2T reliability.
I can't fault the v5 Kickr, Paying a bit more vs a mid range trainer is money well spent. Not sure a plastic neo for another £200 is worth it.
Wahoo- no 12x135 thru axel.
I stay before decision to bay one of this favorites ! Tacx Neo 2T would be may 1. choice , ( it is more silent ) But Garmin is after my expierience such a shit company , depends of service , Example i have a Fenix 5 Saphire , and since arround 2 years ago , i have failures in may hearth rate tracking by jogging , i want send it to Garmin Switzerland , they are not interested to check or repair it , wanted to change to an other Watch ...may one is black ...like looking new !!! They offered me to change with a grey one ( used and restored ...are they crasy ? Maybe without any further extra cost , tell me , are you interested if you have a nearly new care to change it by your dealer to a used and restored one ??? Then they offered me a Fenix 6 additional i should pay 650 sFr extra . thex are crasy ...in some shops , with special offer i get that cheaper !!! Result i did not pay a bike computer bay shit Garmin , i have a Wahoo Elmnt Bolt and i am very very happy with , if i have to stop on a road signal , may Bolt stops , tracking time till i drive again !!! I only can recommend Wahoo as a top product !!! What a pitty that Garmin brougth tacx !!! So i think for me the product one second place makes the run , because my expierience with Wahoo is 10 times better then with Garmin !!! I can only recommend this shit company Garmin , with a good feeling , to everyone , when they learn , what the word Service means !!! When i make an e-mail to POLAR - Switzerland , on a workday i have an explizite answer back inside of 1,5 hours , if Garmin is not motivated , you get no answer from them or maybe after 3 weeks ..and then you can be happy !!! Service is for me a big point !!! Means that i can be sure to get a good service when i have trubbles !!!
I make my decisions based on service too, especially with purchasing decisions like these, where the price is high and the products are both very good at what they do. The question I always ask is who has the better post-sale support - in my experience, wahoo wins.
I just found a Kicker used for $550 US. Ugh…..decision’s
I have been tempted by the used kickrs on offer but have decided to go for a brand new. From reviews I’ve seen all sorts of problems with smart trainers, Kickr’s included, and I don’t want any issues with technical support or warranty if or when they do occur. What I’m trying to say is that I’ll spend that little bit more for peace of mind that I’m not going to end up stuck with an expensive brick.
the one that isnt the time bomb
Oh my god. It’s so wearing when you are so terrified of falling out of favour with manufacturers that you won’t commit to a conclusion or criticise anything meaningful.
What's a standard adult conversation? Is it quieter than a chat about tits and beer but louder than a conversation about dinosaurs?
Come on man, watch for 10 mins just to be told to make my own decision. Take a stance, what do you prefer for your own riding?
Miss leading title when you bail out on actually having an opinion on which is best.
He said he personally would choose the tacx for simple setup - which actually isn’t fair because both units are exactly the same time - only adding 1 extra minute on the KICKR to pair the Climb and fan. (I have the kickr and fan). As for quality, he eluded that both are equally reliable so a person needs only decide if they want the “real-feel” of cobblestone roads (tacx) or always smoothe (kickr)
He stated that it boils down to a matter of personal preference. That's far more honest than faking a preference because you feel that you must.
WHAT A BLOODY COPOUT…. Really? You have people watch a 10+ minute video of how they can better invest a very large sum of their money and your answer is “meh, it’s up to you” ?? That’s it? YOU consider yourself the subject matter experts here. Yet you can’t even come up with one straight answer after extensive testing. Most people watching this won’t know better than you. Grow a pair and be more professional. I suggest people unsubscribe until then.
LAME! Why not ask him what brand of bike shoes you should get? um, how about because everyone’s body and preference are DIFFERENT!! He gave the data, YOU can be a mature person and decide which features you like. Goodness sakes
Take a breather mate
neo2t is better. no energy plug required and descent simulation
I don't own any of them but I already know the neo is better