That’s a heck of a mess. I expect the Neo 3 might get a real thru axle setup. The current solution is very much a rigged one.
I run it 142/148 on my Neo. It’s really not that bad once you know the playing field, but they don’t seem to really try hard to make it easy on someone.
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@Hoverp
Thanks for the info on the Neo hook up.
How do you find the unit? Are there any cons?
Also, just to confirm, the 142/148 kit is included?
I’m considering grabbing one on sale once the Neo 2 becomes available in Oz. I’m pretty sure I could already wrangle a pretty good deal with one of my local shops.
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Check to make sure they are sending it with now, but if not the adaptor kit is easily purchased.
The trainer itself is the gold standard. Mine has been flawless for 3 plus years of hard use. Accurate, repeatable, smooth as silk and quiet. some say there is a loss of a few 5-10 watts (numbers vary) based on the method of crank based vs axle based measurement but I don’t really care. It’s the repeatability that counts. No calibration required because it’s true direct drive. The feedback through the stepped motor you get on Zwift is fun too, like riding on the wood slats or the cobbles you feel it. Kind of fun if you care.
But accuracy and repeatability, reliability , quietness , adaptability are the keys for me.
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Thanks for this.
It’s been a real chore trying to get a handle on my options. My options for test units have been really limited due to the way the LBS’s operate. I don’t blame the shops as I run my own business and get why they only have so much stock for demo use. It’s a cost versus reward thing and the Australian market is not huge.
For a company like Wahoo (and the other big players) it would be great to see more demo stalls set up in the local bike shops. Heck, I bought a set of Aftershokz on the spot after trying a small POS demo stand while waiting in line.
For now, it’s back to the good old Elite Qubo Power Fluid with Stages L PM. So hard to keep numbers smooth at the pointy end of workouts. Maybe that’s a good thing. Who knows.
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The thru axle adapter is included with the Neo 2 but must be purchased separately with the original Neo.
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Thanks Kuttermax. If I go down that route I’ll be sure to get the adapter kit included as part of the deal.
Does anyone know if the 12sp NX Eagle cassette can be put on the Tacx Neo 2 trainer?
I’m trying to decide between the Neo 2 and 2018 Kickr–assuming the issues have now been resolved with the Kickr… I like the plug-less idea of the Neo 2, and it sounds like it might be a marginally better trainer than the Kickr. However, I am also toying with the idea of the Climb with the Kickr given the price differential between Kickr and Neo can partially subsidize the price, and I’m training for the long sustained climbs of Leadville…
If it has a standard Shimano hub it will take an NX cassette. There is a new Shimano 12 speed hub, but that is another story all together.
If I had my time again, I would cough up the extra money for the Tacx Neo. I’m less than impressed by the half arsed build quality of the Kickr Core.
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This is true, that the cassette will mate to the standard trainer freehub.
However, the issue may be the clearance between the 12th cog and the case of the trainer, not to mention the rear derailleur needs to clear in a further inboard position. I’ve heard that the NX can work on a Kickr, but not seen it mentioned with a Neo.
I know the Neo has had other clearance issues in the past, so it’s a good idea to look into this closely before jumping in.
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To add, I have a Neo 2, and might be able to do a closer review based on my Ultegra 11-speed road bike setup, to see about cog and derailleur clearance with that at the least.
I am prepping for a race, so might not be able to handle it until next week. But feel free to bug me via PM next week as a reminder.
I found this picture online but couldn’t find anything with actual dimensions. It was on a site called Tacx Faqx. It looks OK, but there isn’t a whole lot of room available.
Definately worthwhile getting actual confirmation that the cage can move freely.
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I found a related FB post in the Tacx Neo owners group (must be accepted as a member to view).
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If you run your Tacx Neo in the Erg mode, you can run your Eagle setup on a Shimano Ultegra / 105/ etc 11 speed cassette that works for both road and MTB. You don’t shift! For your MTB Eagle setup just put your Mt bike on the trainer and shift into the middle of the cassette, the just go up or down a few cogs to find the one that lines up perfectly. I run my MTB Xx1 Eagle 
like this and it’s easy. Almost perfect straight chainline, no noise, backpedal is fine.
Erg mode boys!
Zwift would be tough…like a SS.
That’s good to know.
I wonder if the derailer will clear the frame when using the full range of the eagle cassette? It extends 230mm from the axle at it’s worst as shown in the attached pictures.
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I don’t know, I don’t like swapping cassettes all the time so I just put my MTB on and line up the chain, Erg mode on go. Fast. (Other thing I have to do is add the 6mm Boost spacer to the non drive side of the Tacx Neo to go from 142 to 148 for the MTB. Takes 30 seconds.
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Update on using Sram Eagle with the Neo 2.
It works. I have no issue shifting through all 12 gears smoothly.
The only problem is that the derailer touches the the casing when in the 50 tooth. It swings in close and the side of the jockey wheel cage rests against the casing.
It does not impact the performance. It will leave a mark though if you decide to ride in the granny gear for some bizarre reason.
I’ll add some photos once I finish stuffing around with my new toy.
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I put SRAM Nx on my Kickr as well. No problems.
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And which tacx neo do you have? 2 or 2T?
Does anyone have a problem with clearance between the Neo and MTB brake caliper? From what I have heard, there seems to be problem mostly with direct mount calipers (road bikes).
I contacted Tacx support and got “It should work, you have to try” answer. 