I have a Kickr Snap and that works perfectly for what I need it for. I'm using my existing power meter for my power input in Zwift, and I'm not putting even putting out near the 1500 watt max. It is lighter than both of these by a long shot, cheaper than both of these by a long shot, folds up smaller than the Kickr, and is quiet enough to use in my apartment without disturbing anybody. I've ridden on it at 5:00 am with my wife sleeping in the next room with no problem. For the price of a cheap rear wheel and trainer tire, you can negate the wear on your decent tires, and avoid the hassle of switching between a normal tire and a winter tire, and still pay a hell of a lot less than a direct drive trainer. It might not feel exactly like you're on the road, but neither does looking at a computer monitor with a fan on.

The Kickr power meter accuracy is underrated by Wahoo. Actual accuracy has been tested much better than ratings.

oli a hack you could do on your trainer is to superglue the little pads on

What about the Elite Drivo?

No mention of speed of response to change in power requirements in EGR mode for intervals. How about comparability with other Apps other than Zwift. Sufferfest, Trainer Road etc.

Are the max power ratings at a certain speed or do you see that full resistance at very low cadence (40 to 50 rpm)?

Does the Neo still have compatability issues? I heard a while ago that Tacx slightly modified the body of the Neo to accommodate more frames.

I'm surprised you didn't film this in Black and white. I'm not sure what era your Neo is from, but from 2017 they revised the outer casing to take TT bikes. From 2018 it no longer comes with an EDCO freewheel.

Thanks guys. I'm in the market and this really helps.

@cyclinweekly would you do a test with the drivo? I have to admit I like to ride the drivo more than my road bike sometimes. The zwift response power is just like real racing

I wanna get a direct drive trainer, but not sure of which one to get. I am not a professional rider so I don't really need all the measurement instruments, but I like the idea of the resistance changing while using an app like zwift. Any thoughts?

Nice work. Can you update this in the next few weeks (buying season is upon us!)?? Does the taco software (and ability to ride your de France stages etc) make a difference (is that any good)? Is wahoo climb any good? Does it matter which trainer you get based on your other hardware, eg pairing an ELEMNT bolt with a Neo 2? Thanks.

Can you simulate crappy asphalt and the occasional pothole on the neo? Very important.

This is really helpful. Thanks!

What about the Kickr Core? I can't afford or justify spending over a grand for a trainer but I think I can get myself to purchase the Kickr Core. I need something that accepts 148mm through axles so can't use one of the cheapo trainers and I want to use Zwift so built in power meter is important. REI has a promo atm were they match your dividends for purchases this weekend so I'm really thinking about buying the Kickr Core today.

So the Neo can be used without power yet it's not easily portable. Hope Tacx will fix that in the next version.

What about the Hammer?

Is it just me or is anyone getting a Spinal Tap vibe, love it! Hello Cleveland! Just need a bit more of 'this one goes to eleven' banter. Thanks for the video guys, gonna get the kickr I think.

I love Wahoo's customer service. Just call them up, it can't be beat.

Will go for the tacx neo soon... 🤤

The end caps on the KICKR have to remain loose so that they can pivot when you use the CLIMB. Most other trainers the rear axle lock ring is fixed and therefore your bike can't pivot up and down if you ever bought the CLIMB

Surprised you didn't cover the calibration process as a plus/minus. I have a Wahoo SNAP and am looking to upgrade to the TACX just because you don't need calibrate before every ride... I believe the Wahoo Kickr still requires regular calibration?

My Kickr is not noisy, especially compared to the wheel-on (and completely crappy) Tacx trainer I used to have.

Does both products comes with carrying case/bag/molded casing for travel?. And do you know if tacx will come out with a similar riser block like wahoo (automated ones?) In the future of this year? I do indoor trainer at home no simulation etc....I still have cyclops trainer with magnetic. I would love to get into more indoor app training like zwift etc..... But I usually do some Indoor cycle then run outside and or just mountain biking in winter cold weather in Calgary Canada of -15 - -28 degrees Celsius. And some snow shoeing and trail running. ...and swimming and speed skating...

Can I use my Garmin Edge 530 with the kickr?

I own both. If lowest noise is most important, buy the Neo. Wahoo has better connectivity and support. Neo doesn’t require calibration each ride so saves time. The slight rocking of the Neo is nice as it feels more natural.

You could get the kickr and some rollers if you really want to warm up at a race...

One thing to remember with the tacx neo is the drop in power . It’s far more accurate than the other trainers which tend to overestimate the watts

The Kickr Climb changes the nature of this whole discussion - Sure the Tacx can make you feel like you're riding on cobbles and wood slats and the like, but you're still always going to be riding on a flat surface. The climb has a hell of a lot more usage and practicality than a little bit of shake on your rear wheel.

which trainer do you think could hold a 375lb big boi biker? LOL, im serious i wanna lose weight while biking(one of my fave things to do) which one do you think would hold that weight.

Good to know the Neo has 2 yr warranty vs 1 for the Kickr

About Campagnolo compatibility: since any 11 speed cassette works on any 11 speed drivetrain, compatibility is never a real issue. I think even Wahoo say that the cassette they supply with the kickr is for both Shimano/Sram and Campag

Especially with the new Neo 2, no idea why you would buy the Wahoo. I’m about to buy one, and it’s a no brainer to me that the Neo is the way to go. Specs are better, quieter, looks better, etc.

Get a Kickr 1 and upgrade the firmware which makes it just as good as the new one,I love mine even though it really hurts your legs, and get a good fan and prepare to suffer !!

Tacx is the better unit, by far. It's quiet, it's accurate, it doesn't require extensive calibration processes and it has worked flawlessly for over 8000 indoor km's. Whereas I've had 3 kickr's in 3000 indoor km's, all faulty or with big time issues. Only the kickr has a better road feel due to the inertia of the heavy flywheel

Campag 11 speed works with shimano 11 speed with no issues what so ever, so what's the point in changing the free hub.

You should know KICKR 21KL 47 LB TACX NEO 21KL 47 LB SO NO Difference to lift weight 2018 looked it up

Could you confirm that Neo doesn't accept derailleur medium or long cage while Kickr does ? Thanks

No mention about the Neo simulating descents...? I'm considering both units right now, but Tacx quality issues are a concern... plus I like the option to add the Kickr Climb in future. I just think a real flywheel is always going to feel better than something simulated with magnets.

Wahoo customer service is awesome.. the bad news is that I talked to them ... A LOT! 4 kickrs swapped under warranty ... All ended up with noise out of the box. :( Just bought a TACX and hoping Wahoo will refund original purchase now!

Great information - I am in the market for an indoor trainer right now and your information was unbiased and professional. Thanks - it really helped my decision.

Oh, those poor road racer's arms. 20 kilograms to lift - much too heavy! :)

My winter bike, I use on my current turbo, is a 9 speed, would it be ok on either of these smart turbos? Cheers

Wahoo is Campy not compatible? Next.

Neo rubber feet coming off: how about gluing them on? Problem solved. Wahoo Kickr has a high-pitched whiny sound which would drive me *nuts*. DCRainmaker did a comparison & I was shocked.

The Kickr is not compatible with all bikes, since the metal around the axles is to bulky it rubs the inside of some frames. My Canyon CF SLX 2016 does not work with Kickr 2018. The dropouts/chainstays is to narrow, it is about 1 - 1,5 mm. This is nothing but a design flaw from Wahoo. Disc brake bikes and 142 axles will not be a problem since they are using the drop-out adapters, putting the dropouts further out. This is not a problem with the Neo.

I honestly I think the kickr making bit of noise is exaggerated! And what training advantage do you actually get from your trainer vibrating? Asking for myself lol #ilovemykickr

The Neo Is made in.Holland i believe which makes a change and a family biz.I.heard

I have an original Kickr and had to buy a 12x142mm thru-axle adapter kit....does the new Kickr come with this compatibility as standard, or does it also need the adapter kit?

I love my Tacx Neo living on the 2nd floor it’s essential

I have a Neo and a disc road bike. Every time I mount my bike I have to loosen the rear brake caliper and move it all the way outboard to clear the Neo, then recenter it when I reinstall the wheel. It has become part of my routine and only takes a few minutes at this point. However it is totally worth it, I LOVE this thing...

You guys didn’t read the Neo guide, to fold the legs simply flip the Neo on its rear end. Wola now you can fold each leg easily... most ppl don’t move the trainer often, portability is a non issue for me.

How does the noise/vibration affect the neighbours below your flat?

So basically the tacx is better as long as you have a level floor and a supportive girlfriend who doesn't mind its size.

I can't speak for the Tacx Neo, but now waiting for 4th KICKR. First two had the noise issue with the bad key. The third now will not send wattage info even though it pairs.

I would go for the Tacx but I have a feeling it will be updated soon so I'm going to hold off.

One major advantage of the Neo is that it doesn't need calibrating each ride (Saving 10 mins each time)!

I have the TacX Neo and while I haven't solved the problem of it being a pig to carry folding the legs in/out is a lot easier if you tip it so it's resting on it's back where the power port is - use that just to rest the weight whilst you're faffing with the legs :)

Kickr all day every day. I have had two kickrs now and they are solid and reliable. Bought a neo for how quiet it is meant to be and found it was far from it. Two miles into my first race, I had to stand up and it felt flimsy, then it came off the neo. Came back today the neo today and it has started making a tapping noise and a tinging noise. If you want to stand up and really want to put some power in and standup get a kickr. in fact just get a kickr!!!!!

who the hell! wants to ride on rough surfaces! LOL

u missed one point, the power meter on neo doesn't require calibrate.

I believe that the Tacx doesn't support Medium or Long rear Mech's

Kickr noise terrible. Sold it and bought Neo. How could something that noisy be flat-friendly?

What about the cassettes supplied? I’m going to guess 11speed so you need to replace that potentially and do you need to adjust gears if ratio not same as current bike? Finally...;)....seriously re power meter, 1 or 2 % surely isn’t statiscally significant especially on a Turbotrainer

I have a Neo which I use with a disc brake bike (Canyon Aeroad). Think I would rather pay the £60 for the thru axle converter and cassette for the Neo and not have that whining noise from the Kickr.

Which ERG-Mode will be the best?

that hair curl..

why am I watching those dorks ?! Both are equally great ( Wahoo kickr 2018 vs NEO 1 )

the shape of tacx neo is like star war fighter

Olly that was really good of you to give that homeless guy a job at presenting alongside you. Well done sir. Maybe next time brush his hair and beard before he goes on camera! 😜

Tacx neo is quieter That's all I need to know.

Guys if these are sat in a cupboard somewhere, more than happy to take just one off your hands!

Tacx had/have an issue with reliability + poor customer service. This made going for one a potential nightmare for returns etc depending on who you purchase from. Given cost tacx reliability a real let down. Tacx A lot of kit to carry for warm up suggest use rollers with resistance machine. The reliability issues + customer service let down the tacx, I would go for a version 2.0 once it had been proved reliable. Till then stick with wahoo drama of the Tacx not worth it.

tacx neo for sure, wahoo kicker has a lot of design problems

Somewhat ironic that, on the Net, one can get a tacx...tax free. Now, if they'd only reverse this....

my wahoo is almost silent and feels like the road, 1% really ? I mean c'mon

Ollie has been cycling weekly

Like you said... Who needs more than 2000w and 20%. There really is no actual difference in that category.

Tacx is always better engineered piece of device. 2000W is just for balancing engineered component or mech-algorithms (cant find a terminalogy for it) Handling or lifting is concerned with your knowledge of your posturized position so... Kickr climb was very intersting object for me BUT... the device quality turn me down after 4mo. of using it! However i always wanted to jump on my tacx always! TACX ALWAYS WIN & i dont think whahoo will be in the field that much (if the SKY team kick them out)

elite drivo says 5 % accuracy but in test was like the neo and the kickr for half the price i have a kickr rely good but for the money i think elite drivo is the thing

They really act like 1% inaccuracy is a lot. Not even a world tour pro would care about it.

Kickr

@cycling weekly you spelled Tacx wrong...

Lol. Kylo Ren Air Space. 🤣

Wtf was the Barclaycard wiggins advert half way through, what a terrible ad

Don't be ridiculous. "1% (difference) accuracy starts encroaching on your ability to work towards specific goals". Neither of these trainers takes into account real world aerodynamics, which account for WAY more than 2 - 6 W, which is what 1% of typical power output for any sustained period is. Typical "real road" power meter accuracy is around 3-4%...

I realy expected the kicker to walk away with that! #gutted

Once you shell out the money for a smart trainer you probably already have a power meter on your bike. So the +/- 1or2% doesn't matter. Cause no one uses the power meter on the machine. That's my experience at least.

A free Elite Drivo won

For me there's no comparison - the Tacx Neo is the superior product technologically with less moving parts to go wrong. The noise issue is quite huge for indoor trainers in general and the Tacx is light years better in this respect. While its a bit awkward to carry, its not something that I find is so unbearable and when folded it's quite easy to stash away. Also, bike handling while training and the ability to experience road feel in Zwift is quite an awesome thing - which is something that you'll never experience with the Kickr. Over time, because of the design of the Tacx Neo, the ability to improve its experience via software is something that the Kickr can never approach. While the newer version of the Kickr will have the ability to incorporate the new Kicker Climb, I feel its not something so absolutely necessary to warrant an additional $600 plus you'll need quite a larger footprint to use it. Overall, while the Kickr is an excellent product, the Tacx Neo remains the best option for indoor training if your budget can handle it - its the best there is for indoor training.

1st-like

Love the comment about possibly needing a Manual Handling Course for the Tacx Neo!! Soooo true... so for anyone interested, here's a link to our online training courses! hahah videotilehost.com/fscnationwide/purchaseCourse.php?nid=9 - Use the code "STAYATHOME20" for a 60% Discount! :D

First!!!

How many times does the homeless guy say “the Kickr is better”.

Just ride outside it’s more real world

Who ever transports his hometrainer? LOL

а нарусском???

Cyclist reviewers complaining about lifting 20kg! Jeez, do some upper body training fellas! Good advert for cross-training!

theyre both overpriced

go with the American engineered Kickr