Garmin has unveiled the new Tacx NEO 3M, which the company is calling its… ‘most accurate and powerful direct-drive trainer with multidirectional movement.’
The newest Tacx indoor smart trainer (the brand was acquired by Garmin in 2019) adds integrated motion plates to let cyclists experience a more comfortable and realistic ride. The Tacx NEO 3M also builds on its innovative electromagnetic motor braking system to deliver a virtual flywheel. This allows cyclists to experience the feeling of riding on different road types and even downhill.
The new bike trainer integrates with the Tacx Training app. Using this cyclists can: complete training plan workouts synced over from their Garmin Connect calendar; participate in virtual GroupRides; take part in training rides with WorldTour pros; and experience immersive videos from routes and locations around the world.
“Our goal is to make indoor training as realistic to outdoor rides as possible and we’re proud to do just that with the introduction of the Tacx NEO 3M – the only trainer to offer built-in multidirectional movement, a virtual flywheel and a magnet motor,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales.
“Now, cyclists can take advantage of features and technology they won’t be able to find anywhere else and, as a result, level-up their training like never before.”
- Multidirectional movement: Built-in motion plates complement the natural side-to-side flexion of the trainer by adding front-to-back movement, letting cyclists ride in a more natural position to train more effectively. The plates can even be toggled on and off as desired.
- Real road feel: the virtual flywheel simulates the feeling of riding on different road types – like cobblestone and gravel – to help cyclists train virtually on a variety of terrains.
- App integration: in addition to integration with the Tacx Training app, the bike trainer connects with other popular training and virtual riding platforms, such as TrainerRoad and Zwift, then automatically uploads ride data to the Garmin Connect app.
- Simulated inclines: indoor riders can train on ‘realistically simulated inclines’ up to a 25% gradient – and experience descent simulation too.
- Power accuracy: performance measurements including power, speed and cadence are claimed to be accurate to within 1% across a broader range of power outputs to meet the demands of cyclists of all levels.
- Sprint-ready: stability for riders, even during explosive sprints, up to 2,200 watts.
- Dynamic inertia: maintain a sensation of forward motion based on a cyclist’s weight, speed and gradient.
- ERG mode: power targets are automatically adjusted during workouts in this mode.
- Design: magnets minimize vibration, making for a quiet trainer while a built-in LED indicator changes colours to show how hard a cyclist is pushing. Cyclists can also ride without plugging the trainer in and a new integrated handle makes for easier transportation.
The Tacx NEO 3M is ready-to-ride with a new preinstalled 11-speed cassette, an in-app onboarding process via the Tacx Training app and no calibration required. Cyclists can also use a new adapter (sold separately) to get a stronger, more stable connection for virtual races through Ethernet or Wi-Fi technology. Available now, the Tacx NEO 3M has a suggested retail price of £1,749.99.
