Tacx Flux Question

[Rockford]

Long time no post

Am looking at getting back into riding, so wanted to get my base fitness and aversion to winter temps checked with an indoor trainer.

Was looking at the Tacx Flux but am unsure which QR axle I should get 10mm or 12mm - as according to this article it uses a 9mm one.

http://www.cyclist.co.uk/giant/defy-adv ... l-0-review
“The cycling world has not yet decided which disc-brake hub system will become standard. Giant has settled for the easiest standard, but the least likely to catch on. With traditional 9mm quick release rather than thru-axle wheels, it’s possible that upgrades could become difficult with this frame if wheel producers side with thru-axles. But with a spec like this, and no risk of brake-track rim wear, who needs upgrades?”

The options Tacx offer are pages 8-9
https://tacx.com/wp-content/uploads/201 ... 216_EN.pdf

Anyone have any advice/knowledge? Would the 10mm be OK?

[CoffsGal]

Not a specific answer to your question...
I have heard so many bad reports on the Flux. The Tacx Neo seems to be a much better option (I have had my Neo for about 12 months) even though it is a bit more expensive. Of course not all bikes will fit on the Neo. If your bike isn't compatible with the Neo, then maybe a Wahoo Kickr will be a better choice.

[Rockford]

Thanks for the heads up, I read there were some issues in the initial batch but delving deeper (Facebook page called Tacx Flux owners group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1246355348749602/ seems like it is an ongoing issue.

The Neo is nearly double the price, so probably a bit more than I wanted to spend. So you think the Wahoo might be a better option or the CycleOps Hammer?

[biker jk]

Derailleur clearance is another problem with the Flux. TACX says a long cage derailleur won't fit but my medium cage derailleur is at the 200mm limit. The new Flux has improved clearance.

https://rf.tacx.com/product-attribute/s ... erailleur/

[andrewjcw]

Elite Direto is your best bet in this price range unless you want to wait for the Kickr Core or Flux2.

[CoffsGal]

The Wahoo Kickr seems to have a good reputation but is also not cheap. Of course you will still need to confirm your frame will fit. It seems the disc brake models are more more prone to fitting issues due to calipers hitting the trainer.

The advantage of the Neo over ALL the others is that there is no internal belt drive, so very quiet and one less thing to go wrong. Also has more resistance (simulates up to 25% climb) than most of the others. The early Neos also had problems, but appear to be largely issue free since the 2017 model. There is also a Facebook page on the Neo...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TacxNeoOwners/

I use mine with excellent high quality videos from Veloreality...
https://veloreality.com/
Is great to ride the bergs of Belgium in the morning before work, or the coast of Corsica or the many many others to choose from. Videos are app $15 ea and there is no ongoing subscription. If you like racing then you will like Zwift...
https://zwift.com

For trainer reviews, this is a good place to start...
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/product-reviews/trainers

[CoffsGal]

The Neo is nearly double the price, so probably a bit more than I wanted to spend.

Hehe, that's where I started too, but after much research, I decided to pay the extra for a product with more features. That said, there are many 'good' direct drive trainers on the market that are less expensive that I expect will still do the job.

Pushys and Bike Bug often have specials on various trainers, so worth keeping an eye out for those. I purchased my Neo from Pushys.

[Rockford]

Thanks for that, much appreciated, tips and stuff as well

The CycleOps seems to come with a few adapters so hopefully mine will fit one. I think mine is 135mm although I'm not 100% where that is measured as dropout to dropout is much wider.

From CO Website
Thru-axle compatible for bike frames with fork widths of 142 or 148.
Quick-release compatible for bike frames with fork widths of 130mm and 135 mm.

What am I measuring??

[Tim]

I don't want to cause unnecessary alarm but if your bike is a Giant Defy Adv SL it most probably has carbon fibre rear dropouts.
Having chewed out the carbon dropouts on an older TCR ADV SL frame (ruining the entire frame) from ordinary road use I would only very reluctantly fit my newer replacement frame to a trainer. The stresses on the rear dropouts are quite different on a trainer compared to road use.
Check with Giant. Ask if they are prepared to guarantee (warranty) the frame against frame damage from trainer use.
I also own a Cycleops Hammer. I wouldn't buy another one or recommend them. Mine has been back to the shop twice and is still making weird "dragging tin can" noises. The manufacturer says this is quite normal and no problem. I think otherwise.

[Rockford]

You are correct Tim carbon drop-outs. :-/ Things are never simple are they

I guess if I ask about any trainer someone will always have had a bad experience with it. (so I guess that is to be expected)