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Wahoo KICKR Transfer, and the brand new Tacx NEO 3M are the highest-end sensible bike trainers in the marketplace.
On this article, I examine their options that will help you determine which one to decide on in case you are deciding between them.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Aside from the value, the principle distinction between the Wahoo KICKR Transfer and Tacx NEO 3M is that NEO 3M offers electromagnetic resistance. Because of its digital flywheel, it may possibly simulate downhills and numerous driving surfaces like cobblestones. KICKR Transfer can’t try this as a result of it makes use of a bodily flywheel. However, KICKR Transfer gives race mode, built-in WiFi, and Ethernet assist. NEO 3M doesn’t (but).
Wahoo KICKR Transfer vs. NEO 3M Abstract
The next desk summarizes the variations between the Wahoo KICKR Transfer, Tacx NEO 2T, and NEO 3M.
FeatureWahoo KICKR MoveTacx NEO 2TTacx NEO 3M
Resistance2200W2200W2200W
Gradient simulation20percent25percent25%
Decline simulationNoYesYes
Energy accuracy±1%±1%<1%
Auto calibrationYesYesYes
Energy requiredYesNoNo
Race modeYesNoNo
Rocking motionYesNo (solely with NEO Plates)Sure
Noisinessnot measured but~55.5dBnot measured but
Energy consumptionnot measured yet0 Wh (it’s powered by pedaling)44 Wh (when the downhill simulation activates)not measured but
Flywheel16 lb (7.3 kg)Bodily flywheel275 lb (125 kg)Digital flywheel275 lb (125 kg)Digital flywheel
ConnectivityANT+, ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth, Direct Join, WiFiANT+, ANT+ FE-C, BluetoothANT+, ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth, Community Connection (Ethernet or WiFi require adaptor)
12-speed cassette supportYesYesYes
Cassette includedYesNoYes
Weight64 lb (29 kg)47.4 lb (21.5 kg)52 lb (23.6 kg)
Purchase (USA)Test PriceCheck Value (competitivecyclist.com)Test PriceCheck Value (amazon.com)n/a
Purchase (EU)Test Value (tredz.co.uk)Test Value (tredz.co.uk)n/a
Comparability of KICKR Transfer, NEO 2T, and NEO 3M sensible bike trainers options like resistance, gradient and decline simulation, energy accuracy, and many others.Noisiness is measured at 200W. *n/a – not measured
Execs and Cons Abstract
I summarized the professionals and cons of each bike trainers beneath.
Wahoo KICKR Transfer Execs
Race mode
Flawless compatibility with the Wahoo ecosystem (Climb, Headwind)
Extra reasonably priced
In-built WiFi and Direct Join
Wahoo KICKR Transfer Cons
Can’t simulate numerous highway surfaces
Can’t simulate driving downhill (freewheeling)
Can’t function with out energy
Tacx NEO 3M Execs
Can simulate numerous highway surfaces
Can simulate driving downhill
Increased accuracy
Auto-calibration
Can function with out plugged-in energy
Tacx NEO 3M Cons
No race mode
Dangerous portability as a result of lack of a carry deal with
Dearer
WiFi and Direct Join require shopping for a separate adaptor
Options Comparability
Let me now examine each sensible bike trainers in depth. Do not forget that firmware updates might add digital shifting, race mode, and auto-calibration to KICKR within the following weeks.
Race Mode
In race mode, the ability information is transmitted at 10Hz by Bluetooth and 4Hz by ANT+. This high-frequency information transmission lets you react swiftly throughout races since your energy data will get up to date 10 occasions (or 4 occasions) per second.
The race mode is presently solely accessible within the KICKR Transfer, nevertheless it is perhaps added by way of firmware updates to Tacx NEO 3M.
Winner: Wahoo KICKR Transfer
Ease of Setup and Practicality
Each bike trainers are simple to arrange, however MOVE is heavier and harder to maneuver round. I don’t advocate shopping for it when you don’t have a devoted exercise space and should relocate the coach earlier than each trip.
The NEO 3M has a carry deal with, in contrast to its predecessor, the NEO 2T. However a minimum of it’s about 7.5 kg lighter than MOVE.
I like to recommend selecting a distinct coach except you’ve a devoted coaching space. For instance, the Wahoo KICKR v6 is healthier on this regard.
Winner: Tacx NEO 3M
Experience Really feel
At this time’s sensible bike trainers are so superior and related within the trip really feel that noticing a distinction may be very tough except you trip them facet by facet.
I haven’t had an opportunity to check these trainers but, however 3M has an edge due to the digital flywheel. It will possibly simulate completely different highway surfaces, making your rides extra real looking.
The utmost resistance is irrelevant at this level, however beneath, you’ll be able to see a number of the perfect bike trainers in the marketplace.
One other distinction is that 3M can simulate flywheeling when driving downhill. Nevertheless, once I examined NEO 2T, I observed it “pulls legs.” It’s harder to pedal on it. So, if the 3M is identical, it is best to maintain this in thoughts.
Winner: Tacx NEO 3M
ERG Mode
In accordance with the DC Rainmaker, NEO 3M has the perfect (i.e., correct and easy) ERG mode of all trainers he examined. He claims it’s even higher than the Saris H3, which I reviewed as nicely.
Winner: Tacx NEO 3M
Noisiness
Each these bike trainers are just about silent. Your drivetrain or fan will trigger extra noise than the coach itself. This shouldn’t be a deciding issue when selecting between these two.
Winner: n/a
Accuracy
The claimed accuracy of KICKR Transfer is ±1%, and NEO 3M <1%. The next desk exhibits energy ranges for particular accuracy charges. You’ll be able to see that the watt variations are marginal.
Accuracy Charge / Energy Output250W500W1000W
0.5percent248.8-251.3497.5-502.5502.5-1005
1percent247.5-252.5495-505990-1010
1.5percent246.3-253.8492.5-507.5985-1015
2percent245-255490-510980-1020
2.5percent243.8-256.3487.5-512.5975-1025
3percent242.5-257.5485-515970-1030
Energy meter accuracy for particular accuracy price (0.5%, 1%…) and energy output (250W, 500W, 1000W)
Once more, I couldn’t conclude accuracy exams but, however in accordance with the opinions accessible, each are among the many most correct trainers you should purchase.
Winner: n/a
Equipment Compatibility
Tacx NEO 3M will not be {hardware} suitable with Wahoo equipment like Wahoo CLIMB or Headwind as a result of the Wahoo ecosystem is closed.
Nevertheless, you need to use both of those followers for indoor biking and purchase an Elite Rizer as an alternative of the Climb for the Tacx NEO 3M.
So, though the Transfer is technically the winner, there are nearly equal options for the Tacx NEO 3M as nicely.
Winner: Wahoo KICKR Transfer
Complete rating: Wahoo KICKR Transfer (2) | Tacx NEO 3M (3) | It’s a draw (0)General winner: Tacx NEO 3M
Conclusion
Value excluded, the Tacx NEO 3M is a greater choice. Nevertheless, the value is a vital deciding issue for a lot of.
I truthfully wouldn’t purchase any of those trainers due to their excessive worth and low added worth in comparison with the competitors. The movement will not be a dealbreaker for me, and there’s a comparatively simple work round it. You should purchase a NEO 2T with NEO Plates and obtain nearly the identical impact as with the 3M. Ultimately, you need to use a rocker plate with KICKR v6.
Anyway, I hope you will see this comparability useful. If you happen to determine to purchase considered one of these bike trainers, please think about using the hyperlinks beneath. It received’t price you something further, and it helps maintain this web site alive. Thanks!
