At a glance
- Direct-drive smart trainer with forward, backward and side-to-side movement built into the base.
- Maximum power 2,200 W, simulated gradients up to 20%, power and cadence accuracy within 1% with no calibration.
- Built-in Wi-Fi plus ANT+ and Bluetooth, with Race Mode for virtual racing on Zwift and ROUVY.
- Two versions at the same price: pre-installed 11-speed cassette or Zwift Ready with Zwift Cog and Click.
- Suggested retail price €999.99, weight 24.7 kg, folding legs and carry handle.
What Tacx Nēra is and where it fits
Until now, if you wanted a Tacx trainer with movement you had to go all the way up to the NEO 3M, the flagship with motion plates. Nēra brings the same idea to a more accessible price point: movement is not an add-on but part of the trainer's structure. It is aimed at riders who train indoors consistently through the winter and want long sessions to feel more comfortable, without giving up reliable data.
If you are weighing up the alternatives, our home trainers category lists the Tacx, Wahoo and Elite models we stock, from direct-drive units to more compact options.
Multidirectional motion: what changes on the bike
On a traditional trainer the bike is locked in place and all the load goes through your sit bones, shoulders and wrists. With Nēra the bike can move slightly forward, backward and sideways as you pedal, just as it does on the road when you stand up or change pace. It is not a gimmick: on indoor rides of 90 minutes or more you feel the difference in comfort, because your body is not held rigid in one position.
Unlike the NEO 3M, where the motion plates can be locked, the movement on Nēra is always active. Riders who prefer a completely rigid platform for seated strength work should bear this in mind.
Power, accuracy and ride feel
Garmin's figures put Nēra firmly in the high-end bracket: maximum resistance of 2,200 W, simulated gradients up to 20%, maximum torque of 55 Nm and a maximum braking force of 162.5 N. The flywheel weighs 6.13 kg and delivers an equivalent inertia of 35.9 kg, which keeps the pedal stroke smooth on the flat and when you accelerate.
Power and cadence accuracy is within 1% and no calibration is needed, so you can rely on the trainer's data for FTP tests and ERG mode workouts without a separate power meter. Garmin also describes it as stable and quiet, which matters if you train in a flat.
Wi-Fi, Race Mode and compatible apps
Built-in Wi-Fi is one of the most practical upgrades: no external adapters and a more stable connection than Bluetooth alone when your tablet, phone and sensors share the same room. ANT+ and Bluetooth are still there, with a multicolour LED showing the connection status.
Race Mode shortens the resistance response time when power changes suddenly, for example during a sprint or an attack in a virtual race. Setup is done in the Tacx Training app, which includes a free workout library and 45 days of Premium with purchase, so you can ride real-world routes from around the globe. Garmin Coach plans are set up in Garmin Connect and completed on the trainer.
Nēra works with compatible Edge bike computers such as the Garmin Edge 850 and with Garmin smartwatches, so Garmin Connect also shows your off-bike health and recovery data. For heart rate, the BLE link accepts compatible heart rate monitors. If you are looking for a bike computer to pair with your trainer, have a look at our cycling GPS and bike computers.
Two versions: cassette or Zwift Cog and Click
Tacx Nēra comes in two configurations at the same suggested price of €999.99:
- Cassette version (010-02418-61): ships with a pre-installed 11-speed cassette, the simplest choice if you use the same bike indoors and outdoors and want to shift with your own groupset.
- Zwift Ready version (010-04825-61): fitted with Zwift Cog and its freehub body, plus the Zwift Click handlebar controller. Shifting becomes virtual on Zwift and ROUVY, and the trainer is compatible with almost every 8 to 13-speed drivetrain. ERG mode is still available from Edge bike computers.
The Zwift Ready version is the more convenient option if several bikes with different groupsets share the trainer, because cassette compatibility is no longer a concern. Some features require an active Zwift subscription, and Garmin offers a dedicated deal for new subscribers.
Tacx Nēra vs NEO 3M: the differences
| Feature | Tacx Nēra | Tacx NEO 3M |
|---|---|---|
| Motion | Built in, always active | Motion plates, can be locked |
| Maximum gradient | 20% | 25% |
| Maximum torque | 55 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Maximum power | 2,200 W | 2,200 W |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | With adapter sold separately |
| Weight | 24.7 kg | 23.6 kg |
In short, the NEO 3M remains the benchmark for high-torque strength work and very steep climbs, while Nēra delivers most of the experience at a noticeably lower price and with Wi-Fi on board.
Size, setup and what's in the box
Unfolded, Nēra measures 629 × 779 mm with a height of 502 mm; with the legs folded the footprint drops to 629 × 408 mm. The integrated handle makes it easy to move between sessions, although at 24.7 kg it is not a trainer for taking to races. It runs on 100-240 V.
In the box you will find the power cable, a quick-release skewer, thru-axle adapters and a 5 mm Allen key, plus either the cassette or the Zwift Cog depending on the version.
More realistic climbs with Tacx Alpine
Nēra is compatible with the Tacx Alpine gradient simulator, sold separately, which raises and lowers the front of the bike to reproduce climbs up to 25% and descents down to -10%. Combined with Zwift's virtual steering, it is the most complete setup currently available in the Tacx ecosystem for riders who spend many hours on the trainer.
Who Tacx Nēra is for
We recommend it to riders who train indoors regularly, take part in races and group rides on Zwift or ROUVY, and want more comfort on long sessions without spending what a NEO 3M costs. It also makes sense if you already use an Edge or a Garmin smartwatch, because data, training plans and recovery all stay in the same ecosystem. If you only ride the trainer a few times a season or use it for pre-race warm-ups, a simpler and lighter model is the more sensible choice.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Tacx Nēra cost?
The suggested retail price is €999.99 for both the cassette version and the Zwift Ready version with Zwift Cog and Click.
Can the motion on Tacx Nēra be turned off?
No. The multidirectional motion is built into the structure and is always active, unlike the NEO 3M's motion plates, which can be locked.
Do I need a subscription to use Tacx Nēra?
Not for basic use: the Tacx Training app includes free workouts and 45 days of Premium. Zwift, ROUVY and some advanced features require an active subscription.
Does Tacx Nēra need calibrating?
No. Garmin states power and cadence accuracy within 1% with no calibration required.
Will it fit my bike?
A quick-release skewer and thru-axle adapters are included. The Zwift Ready version works with almost every 8 to 13-speed drivetrain; for the cassette version, check that the freehub body suits your groupset.
Want to compare Tacx Nēra with the other trainers we stock or work out which one suits you? Start with our smart trainers: Browse home trainers
