Garmin’s Tacx Nēra smart trainer has built-in motion pods that let the bike move forward, backwards, and side to side, without separate motion plates. It costs $999.99.
- Garmin says power and cadence are accurate to within 1%, supports sprints up to 2,200 watts, and simulates grades up to 20%.
- One version ships with a preinstalled cassette, and a Zwift Ready version ships with Zwift Cog and Click for virtual shifting in Zwift and ROUVY, both at $999.99.
- Built-in Wi-Fi connects to Zwift and ROUVY, and a race mode responds quickly to attacks in select training apps.
- The trainer pairs with the Tacx Alpine gradient simulator, which tilts the bike up to 25% uphill and 10% downhill.
- Garmin Coach plans set up in Garmin Connect can be ridden in the Tacx Training app, and rides sync to Garmin Connect.
The details come from Garmin’s Tacx Nēra announcement.
What it means for athletes
During indoor sessions and out-of-the-saddle efforts, the bike moves under the rider in three directions, with the motion built into the trainer itself. Tacx NEO 3M also offers multidirectional movement.
The Zwift Ready version costs $100 less than the Tacx NEO 2T with Zwift Cog and Click bundle. Compare it in the best smart trainer guide.
Quick answers
How much does Tacx Nera cost?
Tacx Nera has a suggested retail price of $999.99 in both the cassette version and the Zwift Ready version with Zwift Cog and Click.
Does Tacx Nera work with Zwift?
Yes. Tacx Nera has built-in Wi-Fi for Zwift and ROUVY, and the Zwift Ready version includes Zwift Cog and Click for virtual shifting, which needs an active subscription.
More indoor cycling coverage: Zwift buys Rouvy and FulGaz, and the Garmin hub.
Last Updated on 20 October 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. See the gear tfk uses. ID
