How to Choose the Best Indoor Bike Trainer for You

From beginner cyclists to pro racers, Garmin has an indoor bicycle trainer for everyone.

You don’t always feel up to heading out on your bike — we get it. Maybe the sun is scorching, or the cold is threatening frostbite. No matter what, you can always ride inside. You can prepare for your next cycling race with our smart technology — or just stay in shape — anytime, and we’re here to help.

Which Tacx® indoor bike trainer is the best for you? It depends on what you’re looking for.

Maybe you’re new to cycling and looking for an easy wheel-on setup, or you want simple rollers to practice your balance and cycling form. Maybe you want an immersive experience with a high-tech direct-drive trainer, or you’re looking to upgrade your indoor training sessions with a premium smart bike.

No matter where you are on your cycling journey, we’ve got an indoor bike trainer for you.

You’re dipping your toes into cycling

Tacx® Boost trainer bundle: You need something simple that allows you to train with confidence. The Tacx Boost trainer bundle is your answer. It takes two clicks — yes, two — to set up this wheel-on design that measures speed, power and distance. It’s easy to move and store thanks to the multifunctional front wheel support, which can serve as a handle when the trainer is folded up. It has 10 resistance levels, supports power up to 1,050 watts and has a magnetic brake. The included speed sensor means this trainer is also compatible with the Tacx Training® app and third-party apps such as Zwift. (Note: The speed sensor is included in the bundle).

You’re a skilled cyclist staying sharp and balanced

Tacx® Galaxia advanced roller trainer: If you’re looking to practice your balance and pedal movement, this roller might be for you. It offers a patented swing system that absorbs sudden movement from sprinting or switching pace so you can avoid derailing. Plus, it’s retractable, making it easy to store.

Tacx® Antares basic trainer: If you don’t need the added swing system on the Galaxia, these rollers offer a stable ride with conical rollers and the same easy storage.

You want a smooth, responsive ride on a direct-drive smart bike trainer

Tacx® FLUX 2 Smart bike trainer: This is a midrange option that can handle sprints up to 2,000 watts, offers simulated inclines up to 16%, and power and cadence measured to within 2.5%. This trainer’s heavy flywheel provides a smooth and responsive ride feel for every indoor workout and virtual ride. (Cassette not included.)

Tacx® FLUX S Smart bike trainer: Your data is measured to within 3% accuracy on the Tacx FLUX S Smart bike trainer, an extra quiet trainer that can handle sprints up to 1,500 watts. You can climb simulated inclines up to 10% with a smooth and responsive ride feel thanks to the heavy flywheel. (Cassette not included.)

You want accurate performance tracking and ultimate immersion

Looking for the ultimate indoor experience? You’ll want to take your direct-drive smart bike trainer to the next level.

Tacx® NEO 2T Smart bike trainer: We love the Tacx NEO 2T Smart bike trainer, and we think you will too. It features a Tacx NEO magnet motor and virtual flywheel, meaning you’ll get a quieter ride, ultimate immersion, power and cadence measured within 1% accuracy, and left/right balance. It can even simulate climbs up to a 25% gradient and help you stay stable during sprints up to 2,200 watts. Want your ride to be even more comfortable and realistic? Add a pair of Tacx® NEO motion plates. (Cassette not included.)

Tacx® NEO 3M Smart bike trainer: Our most accurate and powerful smart bike trainer, the immersive Tacx NEO 3M Smart trainer gives you the sensation of real outdoor riding thanks to the Tacx NEO magnet motor, virtual flywheel and built-in motion plates. This extraordinarily quiet trainer can handle sprints up to 2,200 watts and climbs up to 25%. It doesn’t need to be calibrated or plugged in when you’re ready to ride, and it has a pre-installed SHIMANO/SRAM 11-speed cassette.

You want an all-in-one premium smart bike

Tacx® NEO Bike Plus: Are we allowed to have favourites? Because the Tacx NEO Bike Plus would be it. Bring the outside in with our fully customisable smart bike.

This all-in-one smart trainer offers all the benefits of our top-of-the-line NEO Smart trainers without worrying about taking a bike on or off — it’s ready to ride anytime. Plus, it’s totally customisable for a precise fit for multiple athletes.

And when we say it’ll feel like you’re outside, we mean it. Our NEO technology means you can feel the road beneath your pedals — even cobblestone and gravel. It also offers smooth virtual shifting, simulated inclines up to 25% and maximum stability for power up to 2,200 watts, and more.

Don’t worry about taking those super early or late rides either: Our super-silent operation means you won’t wake up the rest of your house. Plus, it features a 4.5” integrated display with USB chargers, built-in fans and five crank lengths for a more dialed fit. The shifters are also customisable for SHIMANO, SRAM and Campagnolo.

What you need to go with that indoor trainer

Tacx® rollable trainer mat: You can protect your floor from sweat and muffle any noise by snagging a Tacx rollable trainer mat.

Tacx® Training app: While we’re at it, we should mention the Tacx Training app for your compatible smartphone, tablet or desktop. Escape your living room and ride across Scandinavia, for example, with more than 250 real-life videos1. Plus, complete your training plan workouts from Garmin Connect™ within the app on your Tacx smart bike trainer. When you’re finished, all your indoor ride data is automatically synced and uploaded to the Garmin Connect™ app.