Tacx Magnum smart bike treadmill unveiled

Tacx is pushing the boundaries of smart trainers in a big way with the announcement of their Magnum smart bike/run treadmill.

Ultimate realism?

According to Tacx, both running and riding on the Magnum are very realistic. The bottom of the Magnum was designed to slightly dent when your foot lands on it, but is stiff as concrete while cycling. A foam core is placed in between two aluminium plates, allowing for a bit of flex when running while remaining stiff for tires.

And of course, it works with Zwift, as well as other software that works with Bluetooth and/or ANT+.

How does it work?

According to Bike Radar:

The Magnum smart trainer is much cleverer than just a rolling road. As we held onto the side and spun up to speed, the treadmill works with your acceleration and light sensors on the treadmill sides (lit up between blue, green, and red) read your position on the bike.

If you push too far forward it will gently increase the resistance to put you back in the zone, and if you fall backwards it will decrease to allow you to accelerate — and if you stop suddenly or brake, the Magnum reacts in a split second to prevent you from falling.

The sensation of the Magnum takes a few spins to get used to, it’s unlike a set of rollers as you have much more freedom to balance and move around on the bike, though once it ‘clicks’ it’s a very impressive tool.

Specifications

• Incline range: 0-15% (can be adjusted manually or automatically) with simulated inclines up to 20%
• Speed range: 2,4 – 30km/rh (when riding faster than 30km/hr, the belt will increase the incline so that you can push the needed Watts)
• Speed adjustment: manual or automatic
• Weight: 150kg
• Footprint: 222.5×102.5cm
• Includes 32″ screen
• Projected price: ~€7,000

Availability

According to Tacx: “The Magnum will be delivered at your door step and installed by a certified team. It is available from November in selected countries: Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.”

Learn more at magnum.tacx.com >

Bike Radar first look article >

CycleOps announces new Magnus smart trainer

US-based CycleOps has announced the “Magnus,” a rear wheel on smart trainer aimed at the middle of the market occupied by the likes of Wahoo’s Kickr Snap, Tacx’s Bushido and others.

It’s good to see that CycleOps is jumping into the smart trainer game with both feet this fall, having announced the higher-end “Hammer” wheel-off trainer several weeks back. We expect both of these trainers to be available sometime in September.

CycleOps is focusing on the speed and responsiveness of the Magnus’ electromagnetic resistance unit, claiming it is highly responsive to even the smallest changes in power output. Perhaps this will result in less “lag” on Zwift when hitting hills or putting out more power?

Here are the key specs:

• Proven PowerTap technology for accurate power readings
• 1500 watt peak resistance
• Noise level: 69 decibels at 20 mph (quiet!)
• Retail price: $599US

Of course, like other smart trainer it supports ANT+ FE-C as well as Bluetooth.

Cycleops Magnus homepage >

Magnus announcement from Cycleops >

Elite Drivo direct-drive trainer unveiled

Elite has announced the Drivo, its first entry into the high-end direct drive smart trainer market. This market currently includes the Wahoo Kickr, Tacx Neo, and soon to be released Cyclops Hammer. The low end of the market also includes the upcoming Tacx Flux.

Here are the key features of the new Drivo:

• Accurate power measurement: Elite claims accuracy within 1% thanks to an integrated optical torque system power meter which measures power at 24 points within each pedal stroke. A note about calibration: Drivos are tested and calibrated before shipping. Users will only need to perform an occasional software-based recalibration to maintain accuracy.
• High wattage: magnetic resistance unit is capable of 2000 watts of resistance, simulating a 24% slope.
• 6kg internal flywheel: provides for an accurate road feel.
• Quiet: Elite claims you will only hear your chain.
• Bike compatibility: works with 130 and 135 quick release rear ends, as well as 142 x 12 thru-axles. Comes with a 9/10/11 speed compatible freehub, Campy users will require adapter.
• Folds down for easy transport and storage.
• Suggested retail price of £1099.99

Of course, the Drivo supports ANT+ and Bluetooth, so it can play nicely with third party apps and tools such as Zwift.

My Thoughts on the Drivo

The specs are impressive, meeting or exceeding other trainers in this market space. Focusing on accurate power measurement is good, and I hope to see accuracy continue to improve for all smart trainers (especially wheel-on trainers which are the most susceptible to inaccurate measurement.) I’m not impressed with the looks, but for me those are secondary to the features and functionality.

I’m happy to see Elite enter this market, as I believe direct-drive is where the indoor industry is heading due to its power accuracy, reliability and more realistic ride feel. More competition within this space can only be a good thing for us consumers!

Tacx Flux keeps it quiet

BikeRadar recently toured Tacx’s facility in Wassenaar, Holland, posting a writeup which includes many interesting details about Tacx’s production techniques and overall company philosophy.

The article includes a sneak peak at Tacx’s “Flux” trainer which we wrote about 10 days ago even though it has yet to be released to the market.

BikeRadar says the new Flux could be called the “Neo Light” because it offers a similar quiet ride thanks to electromagnetic resistance, but at a lower price. This is a surprising revelation, because we initially assumed the Flux would use a belt drive based on its design and lower price. Apparently Tacx is using less expensive magnetic coils to keep the price down.

Neo vs Flux

Here are my current best guesses as to Flux specs vs the Neo.

• Same low noise
• Simulated flywheel vs real flywheel
• 2200w max brake power vs 1500w
• Incline simulation: 25% vs 10%
• Power measurement accuracy: 2% vs 5%
• Price: £1,200 vs £699
• Road feel only supported on Neo

UPDATE: Tacx has taken the Flux Smart page live on their site. See the details here >

DC Rainmaker has also released a hands-on review here >