Garmin  Tacx FLUX 2 Smart Trainer

ERG mode is real wonky. I've had multiple instances where resistance would shoot up randomly on a flat section. It also doesn't seem to work in high cadences, making it impossible to follow certain training programs on Zwift. I've also had serious issues trying to calibrate my machine. I literally couldn't get up to the speed required for a spin down. Even then, my machine wouldn't actually spin down once I stopped pedaling. No idea if I got a lemon, but this machine is definitely going back.

This trainer is really good. Especially for the price. But it does not come with some caveats. This trainer does not have a wide stance nor does it have adjustable feet. So it can be very unstable if you get out of the saddle a lot and hammer. Also, ERG mode seems to be a bit quirky.

The interaction between the training videos and the trainer is impressive. I have this in my office and use the Bluetooth connection to my laptop to play the training videos on a large, second monitor. Garmin says it can go to 2000 watts, I'm still in the 200 watt range and have a ways to go.

The resistance is inconsistent. It has a mind of its own. Really disappointing after all the time I spent putting it all together with its own cassette. When I start at zero cadence it likes to start me off with max resistance. I can’t ever get the cadence I need unless I really hammer down and I’m gassed after 15 minutes at 135 average watts. Calibrations don’t seem to fix it. Calibrations sometimes are unsuccessful. A real 50lb boat anchor. I plan on returning it.

While I'm sure being able to race, do group rides, watch new courses, etc., could be a lot of fun, I intended to only use this trainer when the weather is horrible or riding outside is inconvenient. Living in the mountainous desert southwest with good road and trail riding right out my front door, I wanted to avoid the mandatory subscription requirements that many of the premium trainers have. It appears that even with the basic app you can still ride some basic activities and workouts, but what really sealed the deal for me on purchasing the unit was the ability to create trainer activities based on GPS ride courses. This is something Tacx advertises all over their website. Come to find out, importing a GPS file from Garmin Connect/Edge 530 requires a premium subscription. Oh, and if you want to get Tacx activites into Garmin connect, running your GPS device while doing a ride doesn't capture any elevation gain. You have the option of exporting a Tacx activity to a .gpx file which can then be manually imported, but some of my data was way off. Considering Garmin owns Tacx, this whole thing is a mess. Bottom line: If you want a well built smart trainer that locks you in to a permanent subscription scheme, go for it.

Will not hold consistent power in erg mode. May or may not ramp to power targets. Consistently need to spin over 100 rpm to hit even mid level power targets. My most recent trainer ride the resistance was bouncing up and down wildly during work intervals. I’m going to return this item.

Consistently a 16watt under reading to a pair of Assioma power pedals on a different head unit. Moreover, my 20 year old powertap hub reads more accurately than this device. No wonder it’s on sale. BUYER BEWARE!!!