TacxFlux S Smart Direct Drive Trainer
Item # TAC002W
Why We Like the Flux S Smart Direct Drive Trainer
Though it doesn't boast the eye-popping specs of Tacx's Flux 2 and Neo 2 models, the Flux S Smart Direct Drive Trainer has all the capabilities that most cyclists will require for off-season training. Its watts ceiling, simulated incline, and accuracy are all lower than the more expensive models listed above, but it's still able to reproduce pretty much any conditions you could want. It tops off at 10% inclines, but climbs like Alpe d'Huez do, too, with the famed ascent only hitting 11% for a kilometer or so. The Flux S also provides up to 1,500 watts of resistance, which is admittedly lower than the Flux 2 (2,000 watts) and Neo 2 (2,200 watts), but still more than the 1,200 watts it took for Greipel to attack the field at the 2016 edition of Flanders.
The Flux S also features all the functionality you'd expect from a smart trainer, including ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity to apps ranging from Tacx's own software to heavy hitters like Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest, and Strava. If you're not into the social or virtual training modes, though, the Flux S is smart enough to function in a vacuum. When used without a device and training app, the Flux S provides a progressive resistance curve to match the effort you're putting out and mimic the experience of riding on a flat road—no additional software or set-up required.
- An indoor trainer that's both smart and accessible
- Resistance unit ranks among the industry's quietest
- Wirelessly connects to training apps or runs as a stand-alone unit
- Tracks speed, cadence, and power without additional sensors
- Progressive resistance mimics virtual routes or flat roads
- Simulates climbs up to 10% and watts up to 1,500
- Includes QR skewers only, thru-axle adapters sold separately
- Compatible with Shimano/SRAM cassettes from 9- to 11-speed (cassette not included)
What do you think about this product?
View
February 8, 2021
Not so quiet at certain levels
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Height
- 6` 1"
- Weight
- 200 lbs
This is overall an okay trainer, but when using it at medium intensity there is a resonant frequency that causes my bike to rattle, and annoys my downstairs neighbors. I have to amp it up and maintain a higher than comfortable cadence to get it to stop. I have been through countless conversations and videos with Tacx support, and at one point they sent a replacement, but the replacement was far more defective than my unit and was producing knocking noises. Had I known my warranty was essentially worthless under these circumstances, I never would have purchased this. As such I will be going with a different brand next time.
Michael
January 2, 2021
Does this come with thru-axle adapters?
Ryan L.
December 28, 2020
Great!
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
Had this for about a month, and so far so good. I went with the gut and decided against any other smart trainer since Tacx is known for their turbos. Been riding nearly everyday on this. Price is definitely worth the return on investment. I’ve ridden rollers and the standard fluid trainers, but direct mount is out of this world. Highly recommend to anyone who is genially motivated to train inside.
Daniel L.
October 29, 2020
I guess I'm a moron
Why is there no indication on the pictures or in the description that I would need a separate cassette?
Bruce H.
Wheeler C.
December 29, 2020
Try using the one currently on your real wheel
October 13, 2020
Nothing Smart About It
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- n/a
- Height
- 6` 1"
- Weight
- 170 lbs
I purchased at Flux S believing it would be an upgrade over my Kinetic fluid trainer and power meter setup that I had been using on Zwift. What is not clearly stated in advance is that the Flux S is absolutely NOT a "smart" trainer in the sense that it can connect to Zwift and allow the app to control its resistance. It has only one level of resistance, the same as any basic fluid or magnetic resistance trainer. The trainer connects to the proprietary Tacx Training application and gives accurate power numbers, so it's mechanically as it should be. I will be selling this on at a loss, however, and saving up to buy a Kickr as I enjoy indoor training and want the added value of variable resistance controlled by an app. I should have known that there wouldn't be an actual smart trainer for sale for less than $800. They need to update how they market this to consumers, however, as it is deceptively sold as being a smart trainer when it is only a dumb trainer with a heavier flywheel.
Mathew R.
Douglas A.
October 16, 2020
Everything I am reading says it can. Is something not pairing right with your machine?
Sarah
October 26, 2020
Agree with Douglas - even in the brief write up here and all the reviews I've read, this is compatible with Zwift and controls resistance with magnets.
Tad O.
November 17, 2020
I have this trainer and it does work with Zwift. It gives me variable resistance in free ride and works with the training modes. Check the settings in Zwift.
lecp905688
January 12, 2021
I have owned a Tacx Flux. It is definitely a smart trainer that works fine with Zwift and other online ride platforms. This was obviously a user error.
September 29, 2020
Does it come fitted with cassette?
oliver foster
Robert Jensen
January 6, 2021
Hi Oliver, excellent question as the pictured supplied to us is a little misleading. It does not come with a cassette. It is however compatible with Shimano/SRAM cassettes from 9- to 11-speed. If you reach out to a Gearhead or myself we can run this through the shop and have a cassette installed (no cost for installation)
March 18, 2020
does it come fitted with a cassette or do you need to purchase and install one yourself?
Dennis L.
Robert Jensen
January 6, 2021
Hi Dennis, excellent question as the pictured supplied to us is a little misleading. It does not come with a cassette. It is however compatible with Shimano/SRAM cassettes from 9- to 11-speed. If you reach out to a Gearhead or myself we can run this through the shop and have a cassette installed (no cost for installation)
March 27, 2019
Positive First Impressions
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
After a second winter on the Kickr Snap, I decided to splurge on a direct-drive trainer, and I decided to look into Tacx's take on entry level wheel-off units. After the first couple of rides, I'm impressed. Solid build quality, relatively quiet operation, and helpful startup manual make for a win in my book. Look for an in depth review soon! Important note, Tacx does not include a thru-axle adapter. Check out item TAC002S to get your disc-brake equipped bike all set up!
Joe Draper
Robert Jensen
January 6, 2021
Hi Ryan, excellent question no this does not come with a thru axle adapter. In order for this trainer to work with thru axle bikes you will need to add Item SKU TAC002S. There are two variants one is for 10mm the other for 12mm 142/148 axles, be sure to choose the correct one for your bike.