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Wahoo Kickr vs Tacx from Garmin | Smart Trainer Comparison
Comparing the Wahoo KICKR, KICKR CORE, and KICKR SNAP Smart Trainers
with Garmin's Tacx NEO 2T, Tacx FLUX 2, and Tacx FLUX S
Short on time? Jump to our Smart Trainer Comparison Chart or Click on a subject in our Table of Contents!
When it comes to indoor cycling smart trainers, you have choices, which is why we created this Wahoo KICKR vs Tacx smart trainer comparison. Tacx has been highly involved in cycling since 1957, first developing the NEO smart in 2015. Since the company was acquired by Garmin in 2019, the technology just keeps getting smarter! Founded in 2009, Wahoo creates innovative solutions to make hard fought goals attainable and lives better. Wahoo was built on the foundation of simplicity and the mindset that “there’s got to be a better way.”
In this comparison article, we're looking at the 3 levels of these 2 top brands of smart indoor cycling trainers: Wahoo KICKR vs Tacx NEO 2T, Wahoo KICKR CORE vs Tacx FLUX 2, and Wahoo KICKR SNAP vs Tacx FLUX S. See the data, technology, specs, compatibility, and other impressive features side by side. We hope this article and the following smart trainer comparison chart will help you decide how you want to continue training indoors while feeling like you're riding outdoors.
Check out these PlayBetter articles on more cycling tech to help you train and track your progress!
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Features You Want in an Indoor Bike Trainer
Sturdy and Stable!
The Wahoo KICKR and Tacx smart trainers are all sturdy with wide bases for when you explode into sprints!
Accuracy Is Key.
All of these Tacx smart trainers from Wahoo and Garmin are impressively accurate in measurement, with power, speed, and cadence measured within <1% to <3% accuracy!
Get a Smart One!
These indoor cycling trainers are smart! All communicate via BLUETOOTH® Smart technology and ANT+® FE-C protocol, so it works with a number of popular devices and training apps such as TrainerRoad and Zwift.
Silence Is Golden!
Tacx and Wahoo trainers are designed to bring vibration and noise levels to the absolute minimum, resulting in the most silent indoor cycling trainers!
Is It Realistic?
Garmin's Tacx and Wahoo KICKR smart trainers use a variety of design and technology to ensure a realistic ride feel and good responsiveness.
Can You Climb Higher?
Get the most out of your intense workouts by training on realistically simulated inclines from the 10% to 25% gradients available between these Tacx and Wahoo KICKR smart trainers!
Comparing Indoor Cycling Trainers
Wahoo KICKR vs Tacx from Garmin
The Wahoo KICKR vs the Tacx NEO 2T | Top Smart Trainers
The Wahoo KICKR smart trainer is a more powerful, accurate, and responsive indoor bike trainer tuned for the world’s most demanding cyclists, delivering the ultimate indoor training experience. Get immediate feedback, reduce fatigue, and go longer. Forego routine spindowns and get within 1% accuracy!
Wahoo KICKR Technology and Data
The Wahoo KICKR uses ANT+, BLUETOOTH®, and ANT+ FE-C wireless technology. It can be controlled by iOS, Android, and PC (Mac and Windows). This advanced indoor cycling trainer uses electromagnetic resistance and has an accuracy within +/- 1%. It gets wireless firmware updates and is third-party power meter compatible. The Wahoo KICKR smart bike trainer measures speed, distance, cadence, and power and has automatic power calibration.
Specifications
Max Power Wattage: 2200 Watts; Incline Incline: 20%; Flywheel Weight: 16 lbs; Footprint (Length x Width): 20" x 28"; Total Weight: 47 lbs; Electrical Specification: 100-240v power cord
Compatibility
Wheel Size: 24", 650c, 700c, 26", 27.5", 29"; Axle: 130 and 135 mm quick release, 12x142 mm, and 12x148 mm; Cassette: 11 Speed with 11-28 ratio included. Compatible with 8, 9, and 10 Speed.
KICKR Additional Features
Additional features of the KICKR smart bike trainer include BLUETOOTH and Ant+ LED indicator lights, disc brake clearance, KICKR AXIS compatible, KICKR HEADWIND compatible, KICKR CLIMB compatible, steel construction, and controlled resistance.
The Wahoo KICKR Smart Bike Trainer
$1,199.99
The Tacx NEO 2T Smart Trainer from Garmin
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The Tacx NEO 2T smart trainer makes riding indoors realistic and fun. Here are the features that'll give you a more immersive experience, measure total power and left/right balance, and more.
Tacx NEO 2T Technology and Data
The Tacx NEO 2T uses ANT+ and BLUETOOTH wireless technology. It can be controlled by smartphone, tablet, ANT+ bike computers, stand alone, and computer connection via ANT+ antenna and get readout on a smartphone, tablet, bike computer, and computer with ANT+ antenna. This advanced indoor cycling trainer has an accuracy within less than 1%. The NEO 2T is compatible with many other devices and works with a number of popular training apps such as TrainerRoad and Zwift. This Tacx smart bike trainer measures speed, cadence, and power and has automatic power calibration and has simulation of descent.
Specifications
Max Power Wattage: 2200 Watts; Incline Incline: 25%; Flywheel Weight: virtual; Total Weight: 47.4 lbs; Electrical Specification: 100-240v; Max Torque: 88 Nm; Max Break Force: 260 N; Mass inertia: Variable to 275.6 lbs.
Compatibility
Suitable Axles: Width of rear fork: Race 130 mm, MTB 135 mm, 142 mm and 148 mm. Adapter for 135 x 10 mm available; Gear Ratio: Shimano/SRAM 9 to 11 speed compatible, Campagnolo (compatible, requires special cassette body), SRAM 12 speed/XDR (compatible, requires special cassette body), Shimano 12 speed Microspline (not compatible yet, requires special cassette body).
NEO 2T Additional Features
Additional Tacx NEO 2T features include 2 LED connection indicators, Multicolor LED, spot on floor power indicator, no calibration needed, newly redesigned magnets make for stillness, more power at low speeds, improved pedal stroke analysis, dynamic inertia for a more realistic ride, and a library filled with more than 100 high-quality videos that let 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.
The Wahoo KICKR CORE vs the Tacx FLUX 2 | Mid-Range Smart Trainers
The Wahoo KICKR CORE smart trainer gives you KICKR power and precision in a simple and stable design, making it your essential smart trainer, offering a realistic, connected, and quiet indoor training experience.
Wahoo KICKR CORE Technology and Data
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.
Specifications
Max Power Wattage: 1800 Watts; Incline Incline: 16%; Flywheel Weight: 12 lbs; Footprint (Length x Width): 20" x 23"; Total Weight: 40 lbs; Electrical Specification: 100-240v power cord
Compatibility
Wheel Size: 24", 650c, 700c, 26", 27.5", 29"; Axle: 130 and 135 mm quick release, 12x142 mm, and 12x148 mm; Cassette: Compatible with 8, 9, 10, and 11 Speed (cassette not included).
KICKR CORE Additional Features
Additional features of the KICKR CORE smart trainer include BLUETOOTH and Ant+ LED indicator lights, disc brake clearance, KICKR HEADWIND compatible, KICKR CLIMB compatible, steel construction, and controlled resistance.
KICKR CORE Smart Trainer for Indoor Cycling
$899.99
Tacx FLUX 2 Indoor Smart Trainer
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The Tacx FLUX 2 smart trainer makes riding indoors realistic and fun. Here are the features that make this direct drive smart trainer everything you need for an enjoyable and efficient indoor training session.
Tacx FLUX 2 Technology and Data
The Tacx FLUX 2 uses ANT+ and BLUETOOTH wireless technology. It can be controlled by smartphone, tablet, ANT+ bike computers, stand alone, and computer connection via ANT+ antenna and get readout on a bike computer, computer with ANT+ antenna, smartphone, sports watch, and tablet. This mid-range indoor cycling trainer has an accuracy within less than 2.5%. The FLUX 2 is compatible with many other devices and works with a number of popular training apps such as TrainerRoad and Zwift. This Tacx smart bike trainer measures speed, cadence, and power and requires spindown calibration.
Specifications
Max Power Wattage: 2000 Watts; Incline Incline: 16%; Flywheel Weight: 16.8 lbs; Total Weight: 52 lbs; Electrical Specification: 100-240v; Max Torque: 41 Nm; Max Break Force: 120 N; Mass inertia: 68.8 lbs.
Compatibility
Suitable Cassettes: Shimano and SRAM: 8-11 speed. Campagnolo, SRAM XD and XD-R body (sold separately). Not suitable for specialized SCS system. Suitable Axles: Width of rear fork: Race 130 mm, MTB 135 mm, 142 mm and 148 mm. Adapter for 135 x 10 mm available.
FLUX 2 Additional Features
Additional Tacx FLUX 2 features include 2 LED connection indicators, spin down calibration, a large footprint and durable materials ensure maximum stability; a stronger resistance unit with a heavier flywheel significantly improves the ride feel and responsiveness. This direct drive trainer is designed to bring vibrations and noise levels to the absolute minimum. Ride a famous cycling ride in the Tacx software, take on the virtual worlds of Zwift, or utilize other platforms such as TrainerRoad.
The Wahoo KICKR SNAP vs the Tacx FLUX S | Affordable, Convenient Smart Trainers
Wahoo KICKR SNAP Indoor Smart Trainer
The Wahoo KICKR SNAP indoor trainer gives you the control, accuracy, and connectivity of the original KICKR indoor bike trainer in a convenient design, making this the best wheel-on indoor smart trainer available.
Wahoo KICKR SNAP Technology and Data
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.
Smart Trainer Specifications
Max Power Wattage: 1500 Watts; Incline Incline: 12%; Flywheel Weight: 10.5 lbs; Footprint (Length x Width): 29" x 26"; Total Weight: 38 lbs; Electrical Specification: 100-240v power cord
Compatibility
Wheel Size: 650c, 700c, 26", 27.5", 29"; Axle: 130 and 135 mm quick release, 12x142 mm (with adaptor); Cassette: Not applicable.
KICKR SNAP Additional Features
Additional features of the KICKR SNAP smart trainer include BLUETOOTH and Ant+ LED indicator lights, disc brake clearance, KICKR HEADWIND compatible, KICKR CLIMB compatible, front wheel block included, steel construction, and controlled resistance.
$499.99
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Tacx FLUX S Smart Bike Trainer
The Tacx FLUX S smart trainer is an ideal indoor training companion—made to help you sweat while cycling with your favorite apps.
Tacx FLUX S Technology and Data
The Tacx FLUX S uses ANT+ and BLUETOOTH wireless technology. It can be controlled by smartphone, tablet, ANT+ bike computers, stand alone, and computer connection via ANT+ antenna and get readout on a smartphone, tablet, bike computer, computer with ANT+ antenna. This affordable Tacx indoor cycling trainer has an accuracy within less than 3%. The FLUX S is compatible with many other devices and works with a number of popular training apps such as TrainerRoad and Zwift. This Tacx smart bike trainer measures speed, cadence, and power and requires spindown calibration.
Smart Trainer Specifications
Max Power Wattage: 1500 Watts; Incline Incline: 10%; Flywheel Weight: 15.4 lbs; Total Weight: 50.3 lbs; Electrical Specification: 100-240v; Max Torque: 22.1 Nm; Max Break Force: 65 N; Mass inertia: 50.3 lbs.
Compatibility
Suitable Cassettes: Shimano and SRAM: 8-11 speed. Campagnolo, SRAM XD and XD-R body (sold separately). Not suitable for specialized SCS system. Suitable Axles: Width of rear fork: Race 130 mm, MTB 135 mm. Adapters for other widths available.
FLUX S Additional Features
Additional Tacx FLUX S features include 2 LED connection indicators, spin down calibration, and a large footprint and durable materials to ensure maximum stability. This indoor cycling trainer's heavy flywheel provides a realistic ride feel and good responsiveness. This Tacx 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. Use the trainer in stand-alone mode, on rides in the Tacx software, or with platforms like TrainerRoad!
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The PlayBetter Smart Trainer Comparison Table
| WAHOO KICKR | TACX NEO 2T | WAHOO KICKR CORE | TACX FLUX 2 | WAHOO KICKR SNAP | TACX FLUX S | |
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Price |
$1,199.99 |
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$899.99 |
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$499.99 |
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Weight |
110 lbs (50 kg) |
47.4 lbs (21.5 kg) |
110 lbs (50 kg) |
52 lbs (23.6 kg) |
110 lbs (50 kg) |
50.3 lbs (22.8 kg) |
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Connectivity |
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Measures |
Speed, Cadence, |
Speed, Cadence, |
Speed, Cadence, |
Speed, Cadence, |
Speed, Cadence, |
Speed, Cadence, |
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Accuracy |
+/- 1% |
<1% |
+/- 2% |
<2.5% |
+/- 3% |
<3% |
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Features |
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PlayBetter |
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