Garmin Tacx Alpine – All you need to know

The Tacx Alpine is a new gradient simulator from Garmin designed for use during indoor bike training, which raises and lowers the forks on your bike. It also allows for forward and backwards movement, as well as movement from side to side, thus simulating real-world cycling movements. Steering capabilities control turning during virtual training on supported platforms, such as Zwift.

Tacx Alpine – Comparison to Competitors

• Similar Products: The Tacx Alpine is comparable to Wahoo’s KICKR CLIMB/MOVE combo and Elite’s Rizer.
• Competitive Edge:
  • Garmin matches or beats competitors in almost every spec, most notably a higher maximum gradient (25% for Alpine vs. 20% for Wahoo KICKR CLIMB). I have only very rarely needed 20% for virtual training.
  • It combines steering with forward and backwards movement in one compact unit.
• Movement Differences:
  • Other early Tacx Alpine reviews suggest a similar improved ride feel to that found by adding competitors’ grade-simulators to an existing smart trainer.
• Lockout Feature:
  • The Wahoo KICKR Move features an easy-to-use lever for locking out forward and backwards movement.
  • The Neo3M requires dismounting to adjust the knobs and lock it out, although the Alpine’s damping effect may reduce the need to lock out the 3M.

Garmin TACX Alpine – Compatibility with Trainers and Apps

• Compatible Trainers:
  • Exclusively works with Tacx NEO 2T and Tacx NEO 3M smart bike trainers.
  • An axle upgrade kit for the Neo 2T is included with the Alpine to allow the axle to rotate; the NEO 3M already has these rotating axle bits.
• App Compatibility for Gradient Control:
  • Fully compatible for automatic gradient changes with Zwift, Tacx’s training app, Rouvy, FulGaz, TrainingPeaks Virtual, and MyWhoosh.
  • The paired trainer directly controls the Alpine. You pair the Tacx trainer to Zwift, not the Alpine.
• App Compatibility for Steering:
  • Currently, steering is only compatible with Zwift.
  • The Tacx app currently lacks steering capabilities.
  • MyWhoosh does not currently find the Tacx Alpine for steering.

Garmin TACX Alpine

TACX-only Compatible Gradient Simulator

$1099

£ 929/€1099

+other retailers

Garmin TACX Alpine – Setup and Calibration

• Unboxing:
  • The Alpine arrives in a box, almost fully assembled
  • The box contents include manuals, fork adapters, Neo 2T adapters (including the rotating axle upgrade kit), a power cord, a base plate, and a wheelbase measuring tape.
• Installation Steps:
  1. Align the base plate with your front wheel using markings on the base plate.
  2. Install the appropriate axle adapters for your bike (either quick-release or thru-axle) into the Tacx Alpine.
  3. Roll the Alpine into place onto the base plate. It moves forward and backwards with four rubber feet on the bottom.
  4. Install your bike’s fork to the Alpine using your thru-axle, remembering to use a brake block if your bike has disc brakes.
  5. Plug in the Alpine.
• Pairing and Calibration:
  1. Pair the Alpine with your Neo Trainer via the Tacx Training app or by a manual pairing procedure (hold the Auto button on the Alpine and select pairing mode on the NEO 3M, or the NEO 2T, and then search).
  2. Enter your bike’s wheelbase into the Tacx Training app for proper calibration.
  3. Perform an initial calibration through the Tacx Training app or by simultaneously holding the up and down buttons on the Alpine for 6 seconds.
  4. It is ideal to perform any firmware updates for your Tacx NEO trainer via the Tacx app at this time.
  5. Ensure sufficient clearance for your bike, especially if you use aerobars or have low ceilings.

Garmin TACX Alpine – Long-Term Durability Considerations

Looking to the long term after significant use, I would anticipate two areas to watch closely

• The rollers moving across the base plate might pick up dirt. This might add a gritty feeling to the forwards and backwards movement (clean it!), but it might also progressively damage the rolling surface.
• The mechanical weak point appears to be as shown in the following image. It looks strong for up and down movements, but less so for twisting motions, such as when out of the saddle. I guess only time will tell here.

Garmin TACX Alpine Key Specifications and Features

• General Dimensions and Weight:
  • Base: 475 x 316 mm (18.7″ x 12.4″).
  • Height: 753 mm (29.6″).
  • Weight: 10.9 kg (24 lbs).
• Gradient Simulation:
  • Up to 25% incline.
  • Down  to -10% decline.
  • Stated Accuracy: +/- 0.1% incline.
• Motion Capabilities:
  • Supports forward and backwards motion when used with Tacx NEO 3M or Tacx NEO 2T with motion plates.
  • Accommodates the side-to-side flex built into NEO trainers via its unique linkage at the front axle.
  • Includes integrated motion plates.
• Steering:
  • Offers steering capabilities with compatible indoor apps.
  • Allows for virtual, real-time, smooth steering by rotating handlebars, contributing to a more realistic and engaging ride.
• Control and Connectivity:
  • Wireless communication via ANT+ connectivity and Bluetooth® wireless technology.
  • Controlled by Tacx NEO 2T and Tacx NEO 3M trainers.
  • Read out on smartphone and tablet.
  • Features connection indicator LEDs for ANT+/Bluetooth.
• Manual Control:
  • Buttons on the top of the tower allow for manual adjustment of the grade in increments or by holding the button down for bigger changes.
  • It is also possible to control gradients from the Tacx Training app.
• Suitable Bikes and Axles:
  • Compatible with Road, Gravel, and MTB bikes.
  • Adapters included for quick release (QR for size 9×100) and Thru-Axle (12×100, 15×100, 15×110).
• Electrical Requirement: 110-240 V.
• Maximum Rider Weight: 264 lbs / 120 kg.
• Firmware Updatable: Yes.

TACX Alpine – Ride Experience

Garmin’s Tacx Alpine delivers a highly realistic riding experience, with smooth gradient adjustments that avoid abrupt shifts, mirroring the real-world cycling experience. Don’t expect to feel every subtle 0.5-degree change, just as you wouldn’t outdoors. One missing element might be a fan simulating 80 km/h downhill wind, but such a feature would likely feel gimmicky, as fans are primarily for cooling riders, not enhancing realism.

The steering system, although not entirely realistic, serves a purpose. Real-world steering at high speeds, like 40 km/h, involves complex mechanics like counter-steering to initiate a lean—something you wouldn’t attempt by simply turning the handlebars (and shouldn’t!). Instead, Alpine’s steering is tailored for gamified interactions, such as choosing routes or adjusting road position in virtual races. Steering is often needed to win virtual races – hence a must-have for the more competitive amongst us.

If you’re comfortable riding for hours on your current trainer, you may overlook the benefits of Alpine’s fully adjustable rear trainer and front fork setup. However, for many, this design significantly enhances comfort, enabling longer and more enjoyable training sessions.

New Feature: ClimbPro – Free Riding: The Tacx app now features a ClimbPro-like function, displaying upcoming climbs similar to those on Garmin’s Edge devices, enhancing navigation and planning during free rides.

For varied riding styles, the Tacx Alpine supports both manual and automatic gradient adjustments. You can follow gradients in GPX files via the Tacx app (probably also through an Edge device), with additional manual controls to set gradient limits for customised workouts.

Compared to the Wahoo KICKR CLIMB, the Alpine’s larger base offers the promise of superior stability, particularly during out-of-saddle efforts on steep gradients (15-20%), where the KICKR CLIMB can feel less secure.

Buy Garmin Tacx Alpine – Price and Value

• Price: – $ 1,099 (£ 929.99/€1,099).
• Total Cost:
  • Requires a compatible trainer: Tacx NEO 2T ($1,399) or Tacx NEO 3T ($1,999).
  • This results in a total setup cost of approximately $2,498 to $3,098
• Value Proposition:
  • Significantly more expensive than the Wahoo KICKR Move/Climb combo (around $2,100), the Alpine is considered by some to provide the “best indoor cycling experience” due to its comprehensive features, rock-solid feel, and natural ride dynamics.
  • The premium relative to Elite’s offering is considered worth it by some.

Takeout – Garmin Tacx Alpine

The Garmin Tacx Alpine is, on paper, the premier grade simulator, but its real-world advantages over competitors are marginal. As someone who regularly uses Wahoo trainers, I’d be thrilled with any high-end option, be it from Garmin or Wahoo.

If you’re deeply integrated into the Garmin ecosystem, the Tacx Alpine is the logical choice, just as KICKR products better serve Wahoo ELEMNT users. Garmin takes the lead with the first fully integrated omnidirectional setup, offering a unique edge. However, Wahoo may close the gap later this year with a next-generation KICKR CLIMB that could match or surpass the Alpine.

At this price point, you’re likely financially comfortable and might consider a dedicated indoor bike instead. These eliminate the hassle of mounting your bike and simplify setup for multiple users in a household. Before deciding, assess your space: do you have room for a permanent setup, or will you realistically assemble and store a mat, trainer, and gradient simulator for each session?

For years, I’ve thought indoor trainers had reached their peak, only to be proven wrong as technology advances. The Tacx Alpine feels like the current pinnacle, but I anticipate competitors catching up soon. Expect Wahoo and others to respond with innovative, possibly trainer-independent solutions soon.

Garmin TACX Alpine

TACX-only Compatible Gradient Simulator

$1099

£ 929/€1099

+other retailers

Sources and Resources

• Garmin Tacx Alpine Product Page: Here
• Garmin Tacx Alpine Manual: Here
• Garmin Promo Launch Video: Here
• Garmin sort of Glossy Teardown video with Inside component schematics: Here
• Initial YouTube Reviews: Here, and here