| Manufacturer | Garmin (Tacx) |
| Type | Direct-drive smart trainer |
| Series | Tacx NEO |
| Status | Previous model, listed by Garmin under Previous Models |
| Predecessor | — |
| Successor | Tacx NEO 2T |
| Weight | 21.5kg |
Specifications and features as listed by Garmin.
Summary | Versus Tacx NEO 2T | Specifications | Features | Further reading
Summary
Tacx NEO 2 is a direct-drive smart trainer that measures power and cadence to within 1% with no calibration. It simulates climbs up to 25% with descent simulation, supports sprints up to 2,200W and uses a virtual flywheel with variable mass inertia up to 125kg. Garmin lists it under Previous Models, and the Tacx NEO 2T replaced it. A cassette is not included.
Versus Tacx NEO 2T
- Peak torque is 85Nm; the NEO 2T reaches 88Nm
- Maximum brake force is 250N; the NEO 2T reaches 260N
- Weighs the same 21.5kg and measures the same 575 x 750mm
- Maximum power of 2,200W and a 25% maximum climb are the same on both
Specifications
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Maximum power | 2,200W |
| Maximum simulated grade | 25%, with descent simulation |
| Power and cadence accuracy | Within 1% |
| Calibration | None needed |
| Maximum torque | 85Nm |
| Maximum brake force | 250N |
| Flywheel | Virtual |
| Mass inertia | Variable up to 125kg / 275.6lb |
| Magnets | 32 neodymium magnets |
| Measured | Speed, cadence, power |
| Physical | |
| Dimensions | 575 x 750mm / 22.6 x 29.5in |
| Height | 550mm / 21.7in |
| Weight | 21.5kg / 47.3lb |
| Q-factor | 147mm |
| Electrical requirement | 110-240 volts |
| Indicators | 2 LEDs for ANT+ and Bluetooth, and a multicolour LED power indicator, spot on floor |
| Bike compatibility | |
| Cassette | Not included |
| Suitable cassettes | Shimano/SRAM 9 to 11 speed. Campagnolo (requires special cassette body). SRAM 12 speed/XDR (requires special cassette body). Shimano 12-speed Microspline (not yet compatible; requires special cassette body). |
| Suitable axles | Rear fork width: race 130mm, MTB 135mm, 142mm and 148mm. An adapter for 135 x 10mm is available. |
| Gear ratio | Chainring set-up of up to 3 sprockets, adjustable between 22 and 53 teeth per sprocket. Rear cassette of up to 12 sprockets, adjustable between 11 and 40 teeth per sprocket. |
| Connectivity and compatibility | |
| Wireless | ANT+, Bluetooth |
| Control by | Smartphone, tablet, ANT+ bike computers, stand alone, computer via ANT+ antenna |
| Read out on | Smartphone, tablet, bike computer, computer with ANT+ |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
Features
Ride feel and performance
- A virtual flywheel with mass inertia that varies up to 125kg follows your speed and gradient
- Climbs up to 25% are simulated, with descent simulation
- 32 neodymium magnets give a high brake force for sprints up to 2,200W
Accuracy and setup
- Power, speed and cadence are measured to within 1%, with no calibration needed
- The gear ratio is configurable, with a chainring set-up of up to 3 sprockets and a rear cassette of up to 12 sprockets
- It connects over ANT+ and Bluetooth, and a smartphone, tablet, ANT+ bike computer or computer with an ANT+ antenna can control it
Further reading
Related trainers
- Tacx NEO 2T, the successor
- Tacx NEO 3M, with movement built in
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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