Tacx is releasing an updated version of its Flux Smart Trainer, the new Flux S coming with an altered design that makes it compatible with long cage derailleurs, and improved power measurement. It is also much cheaper than before at £549.
If recent stormy weather has convinced you that it's time to batten down the hatches and think about training indoors, this looks like a great deal, especially when you consider that the previous Tacx Flux Smart Trainer was £699.99 — and that was very good value.
We were impressed by the Tacx Flux Smart Trainer when we reviewed it last year, but we did think it was odd that a long cage derailleur would catch on the body of the unit in some gears. Tacx says that it has addressed this issue with the Flux S, and has also altered things under the bonnet.
Read our review of the Tacx Flux Smart Trainer
"The internal mechanics of the Flux S Smart are redesigned to improve the power measurement," says Tacx. "Because of this, the trainer is reliable, accurate and consistent and calculates your power accurately within 3%.
"The internal upgrade together with the heavy flywheel of 7kg (15.4 lbs) [the previous version had a 7kg flywheel too] improves the ride feel significantly. This direct drive trainer is designed to bring vibrations and noise levels to the absolute minimum, resulting in the most silent flywheel-equipped bike trainer available."
We remarked in our review of the previous Flux Smart Trainer that it wouldn't disturb the family watching TV in the next room.
Check out 11 of the best smart home trainers
The Tacx Flux Smart Trainer comes with ANT+ (FE-C) and Bluetooth Smart technology so you can connect it to Zwift and the Tacx Desktop app, for example. Connecting to the Tacx Utility app allows you to update the firmware to take advantage of any new improvements and features. You can also use it without any software connections.
Weather's taken a turn for the worse? Here's how to get started on Zwift
Tacx says that the Tacx Flux Smart Trainer has a maximum resistance of 1,500W and can simulate a slope up to 10%.
It will be available from 1 October 2018 for £549.
Get more info from Tacx's website.
Mat has in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now pushing 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.