Garmin TacxFlow Smart Trainer(Return to Product Page)

Well made, attractive, compact, easily storable, this trainer works as advertised, compatible with multiple virtual cycling platforms. However, this trainer can be somewhat difficult to calibrate. The glaring weakness of this trainer is measuring power (wattage) during sprints or sudden, hard efforts during interval workouts - the lag time is very long, and may not accurately measure the effort produced at all. However, if maximal power and accurate interval training is not an issue for you, and you just want to enjoy virtual cycling programs such as Zwift, Rouvy, Fulgaz, etc, and want to do steady state power training for IM courses, then this will fit the bill.

This is my first smart trainer, I used to have a Travel Trac Comp Fluid trainer, it's quite nice but when it's not very realistic especially while using with Zwift on hills, with this Tacx Flow Smart Trainer, the ride in Zwift now are so much more fun, the hilly ride is so realistic and more align with my level comparing riding outside. Only flaw is there are a few seconds delay when going uphill, hopefully they can fix in future firmware update..

The trainer is quieter than I expected and works well. It only attains a 7% grade and does not go higher, which is an advantage for me with a knee replacement, but would be a disadvantage for a cyclist would wants to feel the steeper hills. Sprinting is difficult with this trainer.

If you train with Power, but don't train indoors all too much, then this value trainer is a perfect pick-up.

I did run into out of box failure, but Garmin Support was easy to work with, and they RMA'd for me.

I previously owned Trax trainers in this mold before, like the the old Santori and on, so I know the base is stable when you stand or sprint.

I have it with Apple TV/Fulgaz App. I can ride almost around the world. When I climb in the hill video the resistance work very well.

Wife purchased for my birthday... best birthday gift. I love this trainer. It was affordable and gives me a great ride. I use Zwift for my rides and this trainer keeps it fun. I love that it automatically adds resistance for climbs. If you're a pro, this isn't for you, but if you're looking for a way to get great exercise inside and have some fun while doing it, this is perfect.

The Tacx Flow Smart Trainer has blown my mind, and is one of the best cycling investments I have ever made. Have never owned a Smart trainer, and if you are an active cyclist who isn't thrilled riding in lousy weather, or dark mornings would urge you to buy some brand of Smart trainer. The Tacx Flow Smart has been a game changer for me.

Am a 55 year old dinosaur. As a younger, skinner faster man raced all over the United States, Canada and did campaigns in Belgium and the Netherlands. At that time being based out of Minneapolis meant winter outdoor riding, when possible, was tough and spent many a hour on rollers. Over time had a Racermate and settled on a Turbo Trainer which I still own. Moved to Seattle in 1988 and winters were great for year round riding but as I have gotten older can handle the cold, but prefer not to ride in the rain and dark. Tried Sufferfest videos while riding on the Turbo Trainer and it was ok, but still a grind. For a long time have looked at Smart trainers but their cost had me concerned about committing a marriage limiting move.

Have looked at different brands, and reviews over the past few years and kept my eyes open for a good deal and when seeing the Tacx Flow Smart trainer on sale at Bike Tires Direct decided to pull the trigger. Also spent the cash (Euros) and downloaded the Advanced Tacx Trainer software directly from Tacx. It is near impossible to put into words how AMAZING the trainer and software combination is. The training features and options are just mind boggling and endless. Enjoy plugging into the TV via a HDMI cable from my laptop, and riding in front a large screen is great. Have a Garmin 520 cycle computer with cadence, speed and pulse monitor (and indoor training option) which can communicate with the Flow Smart. Have enjoyed the Tacx virtual reality mode and blows me away to be able to adjust wind speed and power modes so in a ride as you turn a corner or climb a hill your resistance increases.

Need to make sure your computer is compatible to the software and the Tacx site has a link that allows you to check your computer to software compatibility. Please note I passed all checks except my processor, but as I had a relative new Toshiba Windows computer risked the purchase of the software and all has worked fine. TAKE YOUR TIME and be patient with download of software.

In the beginning standard training workouts worked fine, although had issues at first with the virtual reality option no coming up. Had to follow on-line Tacx video instructions to troubleshoot. DON'T RUSH, messed up loading virtual reality upgrade the first time and Tacx software just hung up. Reloaded old deleted folder from recycle bin back into the computer's Tacx folder and the Tacx soft

Had a hard time getting it setup to fit my bike.

The instructions could be a lot better in this area.

Overall, great value for an entry level smart trainer.

I use this trainer about 3 days a week to supplement my winter training program. It has a a great real life road feel and connects with ease to Zwift. I highly recommend this product if you're looking for a smart trainer that doesn't brake the bank!

I use this item in my den of pain with Zwift. When I am simply plugged, it pairs with my iPad and Zwift just fine. When I run ANT items like my Garmin alongside the workout then there are weird issues, so I just don't bother tracking with Garmin while I'm on my Tacx. The issue itself is not important enough for me to try to troubleshoot.