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Add to SafariWhen comparing CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer vs Tacx Neo Smart Direct Drive Trainer, the Slant community recommends Tacx Neo Smart Direct Drive Trainer for most people. In the question“What are the best bike trainers?” Tacx Neo Smart Direct Drive Trainer is ranked 1st while CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Tacx Neo Smart Direct Drive Trainer is:
With this bike trainer, you can simulate various road types like cobblestone, gravel, mud and other. It does it by producing vibrations as you would experience while riding outdoors.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Smooth performance
The flywheel on this bike trainer uses fluid resistance. So the harder you pedal, the more resistance you get from the trainer. This gives a road-like feel to your workouts.
Pro Doesn’t make a lot of noise
The harder you ride the more noise it will make, but at 20 mph the CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer produces 64-68 dB of noise, which is about the same as an air conditioner.
Pro Works with almost any size tires
The resistance unit roller is 2 in wide and it allows for 650b, 700c, 26", 27" and 29" wheel sizes – up to a 2.0 tire.
Pro Lifetime warranty
The warranty of this bike trainer doesn’t expire after few years. As long as original buyer owns this trainer, it is under warranty.
Pro Adjustable footpads provide stable riding
The footpads on this trainer can be adjusted so you can have a stable ride on an uneven surface.
Pro Can be folded for easier storage
The foot pads can be folded down so it can be more easily stored when not being used.
Pro Simulates real road biking
With this bike trainer, you can simulate various road types like cobblestone, gravel, mud and other. It does it by producing vibrations as you would experience while riding outdoors.
Pro Doesn’t wear out tires
The Tacx Neo Smart Direct Drive bike trainer is attached to the rear of your bike and replaces its rear wheel. Since this trainer replaces your rear wheel, the tire of your bike will not take any damage as it would with fluid or magnetic trainers.
Pro Very quiet
Since there’s no flywheel this trainer doesn’t produce a lot of noise. The only noise you will hear will be from your bike chain.
Pro High variety of workout apps helps with motivation
The Tacx Neo is compatible with a high variety of workout apps and software. You can use the Tacx app, Zwift or any other compatible software, that logs your workout data and allows you to compete with other riders. The full compatible software list can be found on Tacx website.
Pro Can simulate riding a hill
With the Tacx Neo bike trainer, you can simulate a slope of up to 25%.
Pro You can monitor your workouts on your smartphone
The Tacx Neo is a smart trainer. It has Bluetooth connectivity and it supports ANT+ Fitness Equipment control protocol. This allows you to connect your smartphone wirelessly to your bike trainer and monitor your workout data on your smartphone in real-time.
Pro Can be folded for storage
The base of this trainer can be easily folded up. When folded its dimensions are 24.4 x 10.2 x 17.3 in.
Cons
Con Wears out tires
Because of the friction between the flywheel and your bike, the treads on your tire may wear out to the point where your tire can eventually fail.
Con Resistance can’t be increased on the trainer itself
To add more resistance you have to change gears on the bike.
Con Expensive
Direct drive trainers can be 5-7 times more expensive than magnetic or fluid trainers. However, if you plan to do serious training indoors, it's worth the investment.
