Ride Through Our Indoor Cycling Collection on PlayBetter Today!

The Quick & Dirty ...

That's right! Today we're comparing apples and oranges, that is indoor smart trainers from Tacx (NEO 2T, FLUX 2/S, & NEO Bike) and Wahoo (KICKR, KICKR CORE/SNAP, & KICKR Bike) vs the Peloton indoor exercise bike.

First of all, the purpose of a Peloton is fitness. It's an indoor exercise bike with online streaming classes. It's easy to use and fun; just hop on for a 20-minute class with great music and instructors and you're done. While it's 139 lbs big, it's compact and self-contained with its own touchscreen and sound. There are two Peloton options that range from $1,500 to $2,500.

Smart bike trainers from Tacx and Wahoo are built for training. Serious cyclist will typically spend 1-4 hours on their bike, using software like Zwift as an endurance training program. Smart stationary trainers connect to sensors on your bike, like a power meter, and to online training and riding programs that can automatically control things like resistance. Both Tacx and Wahoo also offer smart bikes. The space smart trainers require varies, as does price—$500 to $3,500.

Get More Details on Indoor Cycling ...

We go over the features below, answering those question 3 essential questions and more about the: Tacx NEO 2T, FLUX 2, FLUX S, and NEO smart bike vs the Wahoo KICKR, KICKR CORE, KICKR SNAP, and KIKCR BIKE vs the Peloton. Enjoy the ride!

Check out these PlayBetter articles on more cycling tech to help you train and track your progress!

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Who's the Tacx NEO 2T For?

The Tacx NEO 2T smart trainer is for those of you who want to the closest thing to riding outdoors you're going to find indoors. You care about accuracy and want a quieter ride in your house even when you really let loose. It's the best, so this smart trainer is also the most expensive in the Tacx indoor smart trainer lineup, coming in at $,1,399.99.  

The Tacx NEO 2T Experience

This advanced indoor cycling trainer has an accuracy within less than 1%. Measure speed, cadence, and power and get automatic power calibration and simulation of descent. Dynamic inertia makes the ride feel real. A library filled with more than 100 high-quality videos lets you experience the rush of riding the steep hills of the Alps or the cobblestone roads of Bologna. Race against live opponents, upload GPS data and ride on 3D maps, create your own workouts based on slope, power, heart rate or FTP, and show off on Strava.

NEO 2T Smart Trainer Features

Powerfully Built, NEO 2T integrates 32 neodymium magnets that allow for a high brake force and high power levels. It can resist sprints up to 2,200 watts and simulate climbs up to a 25% incline. This Tacx smart smart trainer uses ANT+ and BLUETOOTH wireless technology. It can be controlled by smartphone, tablet, ANT+ bike computers, stand alone, and computer connection via ANT+ antenna. The NEO 2T is compatible with many other devices and works with a number of popular training apps such as TrainerRoad and Zwift.

Equipment Specs

Physical dimensions: 22.6" x 29.5" (575 x 750 mm) Height: 21.7" (55 cm) Weight: 47.4 lbs (21.5 kg)

Who's the Tacx FLUX 2 For?

The Tacx FLUX 2 indoor smart trainer is for the cyclist who want enjoyable indoor riding sessions that won't wake the whole house. You want an accurate and reliable measurements for a mid-range price: $899.99.

The Tacx FLUX 2 Experience

Train with confidence and get power, speed and cadence, measured accurately within 2.5%. Conquer Extreme Climbs with maximum stability when cycling in even the most explosive sprints. It powers up to 2,000 watts, and you can train on realistically simulated inclines up to a 16% gradient, even at low speeds. Ride a famous cycling ride in the Tacx software, take on the virtual worlds of Zwift, or utilize other platforms such as TrainerRoad.

FLUX 2 Trainer Features

This direct-drive trainer is designed to bring vibrations and noise levels to the absolute minimum, resulting in one of the most silent flywheel-equipped bike trainers available. A large footprint and durable materials ensure maximum stability; a stronger resistance unit with a heavier flywheel significantly improves the ride feel and responsiveness. You can also opt to use the trainer in stand-alone mode. When not connected, it will simulate a flat road; the faster you ride, the higher the resistance. And it can be connected to multiple devices simultaneously, so you can enjoy the software and track your performance on your Garmin bike computer at the same time.

Equipment Specs

Physical dimensions: 26.4" x 25.3" (670 x 642 mm) Height: 18.1" (460 mm) Weight: 52 lbs (23.6 kg)

Who's the Tacx FLUX S For?

The Tacx FLUX S smart trainer is an ideal indoor training companion if you're looking for an extra quiet ride that can take full out beast mode while you train with your favorite apps! And for $749.99, it won't go full out beast mode on your wallet.

The Tacx FLUX S Experience

With data measured within 3% accuracy, the FLUX S provides a reliable and consistent measurement of your power, speed, and cadence, so you can keep track of your performance and progress. Enjoy your time in the saddle with a library filled with more than 100 high-quality, real-life videos that let you experience the rush of riding the steep hills of the Alps or the cobblestone roads of Milan. Take advantage of efficiently structured training plans, designed for your fitness level to help you meet your unique goals. Race against live opponents, upload GPS data and ride on 3-D maps, create your own workouts based on slope, power, heart rate, or FTP, and show off on Strava.

FLUX S Smart Trainer Features

Well-balanced design ensures maximum stability when cycling in even the most explosive sprints. It powers up to 1,500 watts, and you can train on realistically simulated inclines up to a 10% gradient. A heavy flywheel ensures a realistic ride feel and good responsiveness, and rest assured that vibrations and noise levels will be to the absolute minimum. BLUETOOTH Smart technology and ANT+ FE-C protocol make it compatible with a number of popular training apps. You can also opt to use it in stand-alone mode. And it can be connected to multiple devices simultaneously, so you can enjoy the software and track your performance on your Garmin bike computer at the same time.

Equipment Specs

Physical dimensions: 26.4" x 25.3" (670 x 642 mm) Height: 18.1" (460 mm) Weight: 50.3 lbs (22.8 kg)

Who's the Tacx NEO Smart Bike for?

The Tacx NEO smart bike trainer is for those of you who want a smart bike that lets you train your way and who are ready to invest in a quiet, powerful, and accurate piece of cycling equipment that's realistic and fun. And the price tag is as real as the ride at $3,199.99.

The Tacx NEO Bike Experience

Features like Dynamic Inertia and Road Feel make ride feel realistic with Tacx software and Zwift app to make the trainer vibrate and simulate the feeling of riding on different road surfaces like cobblestone and gravel. While you ride, the gear feel mimics the sensation of your chain jumping into a different gear. When connected to an external power source, descent simulation accurately simulates a downhill drive. Tacx training plans are structured and designed for your fitness level to help you meet your goals. Race live opponents, upload GPS data, ride with 3-D maps, and more. Enjoy a library filled with more than 100 high-quality, real-life videos that let you experience the rush of riding the steep hills of the Alps or the cobblestone roads of Milan!

NEO Bike Smart Trainer Features

Keep track of your performance and progress with reliable, consistent measurements—no calibration needed. That includes power, speed and cadence, measured accurately within 1%. The NEO Bike Smart trainer also measures the position of your left and right legs to analyze your pedaling technique and help you develop a more effective stroke. Train on realistically simulated inclines up to a 25% gradient. It's fully customizable and highly compatible with BLUETOOTH Smart technology and ANT+ FE-C protocol allow the NEO smart bike to work with a number of popular training apps such as TrainerRoad and Zwift. Enjoy a 4.5” display and USB chargers to power up your devices. Built-in interactive fans are automatically controlled by your power and heart rate.

Equipment Specs

Physical dimensions: 54.7" x 29.5" (1390 x 750 mm) Height: 46.1" (1170 mm) Weight: 110 lbs (50 kg)

Who's the KICKR for?

The Wahoo KICKR smart bike trainer is for the world’s most demanding cyclists, delivering the ultimate indoor training experience. And at $1,199.99, it's for those who are okay with a price tag that is as hardcore as they are.

The Tacx NEO Bike Experience

Forego routine spindowns and get within 1% accuracy. AXIS unlocks your KICKR smart trainer with subtle side-to-side movement for a more natural feeling during your indoor endurance training. By allowing you to move more naturally with the forces applied during long hard training sessions, KICKR AXIS reduces your fatigue, so you can go harder, longer. With three stiffness levels to choose from, AXIS gives every cyclist the ability to match their unique riding style. KICKR automatically responds and adjusts resistance via your favorite app or software to simulate grade changes of up to a 20% incline. Continued improvements make KICKR almost silent.

KICKR Smart Trainer Features

The Wahoo KICKR can be controlled by iOS, Android, and PC (Mac and Windows). This advanced indoor cycling trainer uses electromagnetic resistance and provides 2,200 watts of power. It gets wireless firmware updates and is third-party power meter compatible. This smart bike trainer measures speed, distance, cadence, and power and has automatic power calibration. ANT+ and Bluetooth® capabilities allow the KICKR to connect to smartphones, GPS devices, and FE-C enabled devices or applications.

Equipment Specs

Physical dimensions: 20 x 28 x 17 in / 51x71 x 44in - Legs open configuration Weight: 47 lbs (22 kg)

Who's the KICKR CORE for?

The Wahoo KICKR CORE smart trainer is for you if you're looking for a simple and stable design that is realistic, connected, and quiet, and if under $1,000 is more your speed for an indoor trainer.

The Wahoo KICKR CORE Experience

Flywheel technology and tested algorithms emulate the power and experience of riding outdoors, especially when using virtual training platforms like The Sufferfest or Zwift. It provides precise inertia needed to recreate an outdoor ride feel while training indoors. KICKR CORE automatically responds and adjusts resistance via your favorite app or software to simulate grade changes of up to a 16% incline. This smart bike trainer is robustly built and virtually silent.

KICKR CORE Smart Trainer Features

The Wahoo KICKR CORE uses ANT+, BLUETOOTH®, and ANT+ FE-C wireless technology. It can be controlled by iOS, Android, and PC (Mac and Windows). This mid-range indoor bike trainer uses electromagnetic resistance and has an accuracy within +/- 2%. It gets wireless firmware updates and is third-party power meter compatible. The Wahoo KICKR CORE smart bike trainer measures speed, distance, cadence, and power and requires spindowns for calibration.

Equipment Specs

Physical dimensions: 20"L x 23"W x 19"H / 9"L x 23"W x 21"H (legs closed) Weight: 40 lbs

Who's the KICKR SNAP for?

The Wahoo KICKR SNAP indoor trainer is for you if you want the control, accuracy, and connectivity of the original KICKR indoor bike trainer in a convenient design, with a convenient price of $499.99.

The Wahoo KICKR SNAP Experience

Get the power and feeling of riding outdoors, especially when using virtual training platforms like The Sufferfest or Zwift. KICKR SNAP automatically responds and adjusts resistance via your favorite app or software to simulate grade changes of up to a 12% incline. The 10.5 pound heavyweight flywheel in this smart trainer provides precise inertia needed to recreate an outdoor ride feel while training indoors.

KICKR SNAP Smart Trainer Features

The Wahoo KICKR SNAP uses ANT+, BLUETOOTH®, and ANT+ FE-C wireless technology. It can be controlled by iOS, Android, and PC (Mac and Windows). This affordable indoor bike trainer uses electromagnetic resistance and has an accuracy within +/- 3%. It gets wireless firmware updates and is third-party power meter compatible. The Wahoo KICKR SNAP wheel-on smart bike trainer measures speed, distance, and power and requires spindowns for calibration.

Equipment Specs

Physical dimensions: 29" x 26" (74cm x 66cm) (legs open) Weight: 38 lbs

Who's the KICKR BIKE for?

The Wahoo KICKR BIKE smart trainer is for anyone looking to blur the line between virtual and reality during their indoor training experience—and doesn't mind the $3,499.99 price tag.

The Wahoo KICKR BIKE Experience

KICKR BIKE combines KICKR’s resistance and grade simulation technologies to replicate the sensation of riding outdoors—including downhill simulation that allows you to maintain speed on virtual descents. Programmable virtual shifting allows KICKR BIKE to match the gear ratios and functionality of group sets. From saddle height to crank length to reach, you can dial in the fit that provides optimal comfort and performance. Enjoy proven power accuracy that provides precise measurements within +/- 1% and generates up to 2200 watts of resistance. The KICKR BIKE simulates grade changes in real-time by not only providing changes in resistance, but also physically raising and lowering the bike to match ascents up to 20% and descents as steep as 15%.

KICKR BIKE Smart Trainer Features

The KICKER BIKE is calibration-free, integrates into the Wahoo product ecosystem, and easily pairs to your ELEMNT GPS bike computer, smartphone, tablet, or PC, so you can go from zero to ride right away. The balanced, belt driven motor on KICKR BIKE combines years of engineering knowledge to create a virtually silent riding experience. When connected to your smartphone, tablet or computer, KICKR BIKE automatically sets your resistance via your favorite app or software.

Equipment Specs

Physical dimensions: 54" x 14" x 35" (1350 x 340 x 880 mm) Weight: 93 lbs (42 kilograms)

Who's the Peloton Bike for?

The Wahoo KICKR SNAP indoor trainer is for people who want an immersive cardio workout with weekly live classes and need the motivation of fun instructors and music. Get a fun spin workout in 20 minutes. This indoor exercise bike starts at $1,495.00.

The Peloton Exercise Bike Experience

Feel the energy of a live ride with real-time instructor shoutouts in streaming classes that range from 5 to 90 minutes. With a variety of workout options, Peloton lets you keep it fresh with different themes, difficulty levels, and music genres. Commit to goals and earn badges. Create individual profiles so everyone in your household can access our complete library of classes under one membership. $39/mo All-Access Membership required with Bike purchase.

Peloton Indoor Bike Features

See your progress from every class including heart rate, resistance, cadence, and output. Ride with other Peloton Members live and on demand. Send high fives and filter by followers, age or gender. This indoor bike is compact, adjustable, immersive, connected, and quiet, making it easy to find a space for it in your home. Access thousands of classes like strength, stretching, yoga, outdoor running and more from your phone, tablet, TV and web browser with the Peloton app (included with membership).

Equipment Specs

Physical dimensions: 59" L x 53" H x 23" W Weight: 135 lbs

Who's the Peloton Bike+ for?

The Peloton Bike+ is you option if you're looking for a total body experience (cardio + strength) with Peloton's immersive technology. Bike+ starts at $2,495.00.

The Wahoo KICKR BIKE Experience

A 360° larger rotating touchscreen lets you hop of the bike to the floor and switch from cardio that’s rooted in cycling to strength-training classes and more. Level up and track your progress with advanced features like auto resistance and Apple GymKit™ integration. Get live encouragement from top instructors. Different themes, difficulty levels, and music genres along with workouts ranging from cardio to strength to yoga, really allow you to mix it up. Following along in class is easier than ever thanks to the digitally controlled resistance. The Auto-Follow feature on Bike+ can automatically adjust your resistance to the instructor's callout.

KICKR BIKE Smart Trainer Features

Ride and interact with other Peloton Members live and on demand streaming classes that range from 5 to 90 minutes. View your progress from every class including heart rate, resistance, cadence and output. Use Stacked Classes to create a total body workout ahead of time and keep up momentum on and off the Bike+. Pairs with your Apple Watch. This quiet, intuitive, and compact indoor exercise bike has front-facing speakers and subwoofer. Access thousands of classes like strength, stretching, yoga, outdoor running and more from your phone, tablet, TV, and web browser with the Peloton app (included with membership).

Equipment Specs

Physical dimensions: 59" L x 59" H x 22" W Weight: 140 lbs