TACX NEO BIKE SMART

Fit it or forget it

Setting the Neo up took a bit of trial and error to get the fit right. Adjustments are locked in place easily via hex bolts, though QR levers are supplied. Crank length is set using crank inserts, secured by the pedals. These were a hassle to fit and needed grease. The bike can be run without mains power and connectivity was easy and reliable.

On-board features

While it doesn’t tilt, Tacx’s Road Feel and Gear Feel features add to the authenticity. The bike vibrates when ‘riding’ over rough virtual roads and gives a surprisingly realistic ‘clunk’ through the pedals when changing gear. The pair of small fans are... small.

Power delivery

In ERG mode, where the bike automatically adjusts resistance depending on what’s happening in your training app, the gear shifts work well but the on-bar shifter feel is poor, with stiff, short-throw, closely spaced buttons doing the job. The reaction to changes in incline is natural, but we struggled to hold a consistent power output while in ERG.

App-preciation

We found integration with Zwift to be seamless, with no issues connecting to the app via Bluetooth, and the transmission of data between bike, phone app and laptop proved issue free.

Livability

The low-slung chassis helps getting on and off the bike. The contact points win prizes for comfort with thick bar tape. Compared to the Kickr’s bike-like performance, the Neo feels much more like a premium training apparatus. However, setup isn’t as slick as the Kickr, its ERG mode is more frustrating and it is marginally noisier too.