My first smart-trainer : TACX Flux

As described in an earlier blog, I started with a 'regular' standard trainer for the winter, a TACX Satori. I trained for 3 winters with a lot of fun, but at the moment when I wasn't going to watch movies during training anymore, but was going to use Rouvy to drive recorded routes, I soon realized that a smart-trainer would be my next step.

Since I was satisfied with the Tacx Satori, I finally bought a TACX Flux. This is a smart-trainer from the middle of the price list. There are more expensive models, but there are also cheaper alternatives. However, I wanted to have a direct-drive smart trainer. Direct drive means that you have to take the rear wheel out of your bike and then mount the frame directly on the trainer. On the trainer there is a cassette (10 speed or 11 speed).

The smart trainer controls the resistance while riding, measures it in Watts, but also measures the speed and your cadence. This data goes to the program on your laptop (or phone/tablet) where the training program uses it where you are in your route. The training program sends the gradient back to the trainer so he can adjust the resistance again.

The TACX flux can simulate a gradient of up to 10% and a wattage of 1500 Watts. Other trainers can sometimes handle higher slope angles and more or less wattage.

Data can be sent via ANT protocol to your laptop or via Bluetooth. If you work with your phone or tablet you will usually choose BT.

I have 'connected' my TACX to my laptop via ANT, that's what I found the most interference free work. My ANT dongle is not too far away from my TACX, I have a USB extension cable of 1.5 meters between the dongle and my laptop. Works fine.

The other advantage of a direct-drive trainer is that you don't have to calibrate it too often for the correct measurement, and calibrating is really easy. You start the calibration in for example Rouvy (can also be done in the Tacx app), you cycle up to 30km/h and then let your trainer ride out. Calibrated within 30 seconds.

And then the sound produced by your trainer. My first trainer, the TACX Satori made a lot of noise, especially when your cadence exceeded 85 rpm.  That's why I put the TACX in my barn, to not to disturb the family too much.

Compared to the Satori, the TACX Flux is whisper-quiet, so it's right here in my house, in my study. Really a great progress.

I am realy satisfied with my Flux. Indoor training is for me going to the next level and brings me a lot of fun.

In a next blog I will show you my experiences with my TACX Flux connected to Rouvy and RGT Cycling.