| Manufacturer | Garmin (Tacx) |
| Type | Direct-drive smart trainer with built-in multidirectional motion |
| Series | Tacx NEO |
| Released | December 2023 |
| Price at launch | $1,999.99 / £1,750 / €2,000. At Garmin today: £1,129.99 / $1,799.99 / €1,299.99. |
| Predecessor | Tacx NEO 2T |
| Successor | — |
| Part number | 010-02808-62 (UK, with preinstalled Shimano/SRAM 11-speed cassette) |
| Weight | 23.6kg |
Specifications and features as at launch.
Summary | Versus Tacx NEO 2T | Specifications | Features | Further reading
Summary
Tacx NEO 3M is Garmin’s top direct-drive smart trainer. It builds multidirectional motion into the trainer, and you can switch the motion on and off. The NEO magnet motor and virtual flywheel give a quiet ride and simulate surfaces such as gravel and cobblestones. Power and cadence are measured to within 1% with no calibration, climbs up to 25% are simulated, descent simulation is included, and sprints up to 2,200W are supported. A Shimano/SRAM 11-speed cassette is fitted. It connects over ANT+ and Bluetooth, and the Tacx smart network adapter, sold separately, adds Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Garmin Tacx NEO 3M
Garmin's quietest trainer, with movement built in and no calibration to think about before a session.
$1,799
£1,129/€1,299
+other retailersVersus Tacx NEO 2T
- Includes multidirectional movement in the trainer, which you can toggle on and off; the NEO 2T adds movement through motion plates sold separately
- Includes a preinstalled Shimano/SRAM 11-speed cassette
- Works with the Tacx smart network adapter for Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, sold separately
- Measures power and cadence to within 1% across a broader range of power outputs
- Includes a built-in LED indicator that shows through a range of colours how hard you are pushing
- Weighs 23.6kg and measures 630 x 800mm; the NEO 2T weighs 21.5kg and measures 575 x 750mm
Specifications
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Maximum power | 2,200W |
| Maximum simulated grade | 25%, with descent simulation |
| Power and cadence accuracy | Within 1% |
| Calibration | None needed |
| Maximum torque | 88Nm |
| Maximum brake force | 260N |
| Flywheel | Virtual |
| Mass inertia | Variable up to 125kg |
| Magnets | 32 neodymium magnets |
| Measured | Speed, cadence, power |
| Integrated motion | Multidirectional, can be toggled on and off |
| Works without mains connection | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Dimensions | 630 x 800mm / 24.8 x 31.5in |
| Height | 595mm / 23.4in |
| Dimensions when folded | 695 x 355mm / 27.4 x 14.0in |
| Weight | 23.6kg |
| Electrical requirement | 100-240 VAC 50/60Hz, with integrated power adapter |
| Indicators | Multicolour LED for connection and a multicolour LED power indicator, spot on floor |
| Bike compatibility | |
| Suitable cassettes | Shimano/SRAM 9 to 11 speed (11-speed cassette included). Campagnolo. SRAM 12 speed/XDR. Shimano 12-speed Hyperglide+. |
| Suitable axles | Quick release 130mm/135mm x 5mm. Thru-axle end caps 142mm/148mm x 12mm. A 135mm thru-axle adapter set is available separately for bike dimensions outside the industry standard. |
| Connectivity and compatibility | |
| Wireless | ANT+, Bluetooth |
| Tacx smart network adapter | Compatible; adds Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection, sold separately |
| Control by | Smartphone, tablet, ANT+ bike computers, stand alone, computer via ANT+ antenna |
| Read out on | Smartphone, tablet, bike computer, compatible smartwatch, computer with ANT+ antenna |
| Apps | Tacx Training app, Garmin Connect, TrainerRoad, Zwift |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
Features
Ride feel
- Built-in motion plates give a more comfortable, more natural riding position, and you can toggle them on and off
- The Tacx virtual flywheel simulates different road types such as cobblestone and gravel in the Tacx Training app and other popular training apps
- The NEO magnet motor minimises vibration for an extraordinarily quiet ride
- Dynamic inertia compensates for weight, speed and angle of inclination to make the ride more realistic
- Climbs up to 25% are simulated, and descent simulation is included
Performance
- Power, speed and cadence are measured to within 1% across a broad range of power outputs
- 32 integrated neodymium magnets give stability in sprints up to 2,200W
- ERG mode adjusts power targets automatically during workouts
- Race mode gives a fast response in virtual races
Setup and connection
- A Shimano/SRAM 11-speed cassette is preinstalled, and no calibration is needed each time the bike is installed
- Stand-alone mode simulates a flat road when no app is connected, and the trainer can run without a mains connection
- A built-in LED shows through a range of colours how hard you are pushing
- The Tacx smart network adapter, sold separately, adds a stronger connection for virtual races over Ethernet or Wi-Fi
Apps
- The Tacx Training app offers training videos, workouts and rides with WorldTour pro teams, and tracks trainer mileage with a virtual odometer
- GroupRide in the Tacx Training app lets you ride with friends around the world
- Structured training plan workouts from Garmin Connect appear in the Tacx Training app
- Ride data uploads automatically to Garmin Connect
Garmin Tacx NEO 3M
Garmin's quietest trainer, with movement built in and no calibration to think about before a session.
$1,799
£1,129/€1,299
+other retailersFurther reading
Related trainers
- Tacx Nēra, motion built in at £859.99
- Tacx NEO 2T, the predecessor
- Also consider the Wahoo KICKR (v6)
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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