After a tacx vortex, this tacx neo turns out to be something completely different. Much quieter, much smoother in the transitions in heaviness. You notice that very well in a descent that turns into a climb, the bike then continues slightly in the climb, which corresponds much better with reality. There is some movement in the bike, which I did not have to get used to and which actually feels nice.
The installation speaks for itself and was therefore no problem at all. You can fold and store the tacx neo very compactly. The whole feels solid and does not look "cheap"! He actually isn't, because despite the cool blue price, you still need a (or more) good conversation with your partner for such an amount. but the sound of the trainer totally convinced my wife too!
Keep in mind that for most a cassette will probably be added (don't buy the most expensive one) and as I discovered then, also a new chain!
The neo is so strong that in a steep climb (15%) you sometimes have to step on the pedals, because this neo keeps simulating just about every percentage. I was used to the vortex that after about 5% the heaviness no longer increased, but only that the speed decreased if you kept pedaling just as fast and hard. The neo easily beats you and you will therefore have to provide more and more power yourself to get "above". But that's how it is in real cycling life too! What I also noticed is that the neo indicates a considerably lower power output than the vortex. This is often mentioned on the internet: the neo does pass on the power very neatly, but also a bit too low. Calibration is not necessary, but it is also not possible. Well, you have a bit of a handicap compared to other virtual cyclists.
Then we have some gadgets. The neo has lights that indicate your delivered power: nice but not more than that. Then the surface simulation. You feel whether the road surface consists of concrete slabs, wooden planks, gravel, etc. etc. in the form of vibrations and some more resistance. As far as I know, that only works in Zwift and the tacx software so far. You can test it with the tacx app! Also nice.
But you should not buy this neo for the gadgets, but for the great transmission of resistance / weight, solid and handy design, the noiselessness and you are freed from slipping and hard wearing rear tires! This neo hardly needs any further maintenance, just remove the cassette and body every year and grease it: see tacx website.
I've been enjoying it for almost 2 weeks now! If you have the money, do it!
