Cyclists Hub is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links.
All content on Cyclists Hub is written by humans, not robots. Learn More
Wahoo KICKR Move and the new Tacx NEO the 3M are the highest-end smart bike trainers on the market. In this article, I compare their features to help you decide between them if you’re considering both.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Except for the price, the main difference between the Wahoo KICKR Move and the Tacx NEO 3M is that the NEO 3M features electromagnetic resistance. Because of its virtual flywheel, it can simulate downhills and various riding surfaces like cobblestones. KICKR Move can’t do that because it uses a physical flywheel. On the other hand, KICKR Move offers race mode, built-in WiFi, and Ethernet support. NEO 3M doesn’t (yet). NEO 3M also has marginally better accuracy (<1% vs. ±1%).
Wahoo KICKR Move vs. NEO 3M Summary
The following table summarizes the differences between the Wahoo KICKR Move, Tacx the NEO 2T, and NEO 3M.
| Feature | Wahoo KICKR Move | Tacx NEO 2T | Tacx NEO 3M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resistance | 2200W | 2200W | 2200W |
| Gradient simulation | 20% | 25% | 25% |
| Decline simulation | No | Yes | Yes |
| Power accuracy | ±1% | ±1% | <1% |
| Auto calibration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power required | Yes | No | No |
| Race mode | Yes | No | No |
| Rocking motion | Yes | No (only with NEO Plates) | Yes |
| Noisiness | not measured yet | ~55.5dB | not measured yet |
| Power consumption | not measured yet | 0 Wh (it is powered by pedaling) 44 Wh (when the downhill simulation turns on) | not measured yet |
| Flywheel | 16 lb (7.3 kg) Physical flywheel | 275 lb (125 kg) Virtual flywheel | 275 lb (125 kg) Virtual flywheel |
| Connectivity | ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth, Direct Connect, WiFi | ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth | ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth, Network Connection (Ethernet or WiFi require adaptor) |
| 12-speed cassette support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cassette included | Yes | No | Yes |
| Weight | 64 lb (29 kg) | 47.4 lb (21.5 kg) | 52 lb (23.6 kg) |
| Buy (USA) | Check Price Check Price (competitivecyclist.com) | Check Price Check Price (amazon.com) | Check Price Check Price (amazon.com) |
| Buy (EU) | Check Price (tredz.co.uk) | Check Price (tredz.co.uk) | Check Price (tredz.co.uk) |
Noisiness is measured at 200W.
*n/a – not measured
Pros and Cons Summary
I summarized the pros and cons of both bike trainers below.
Wahoo KICKR Move Pros
- Race mode
- Flawless compatibility with the Wahoo ecosystem (Climb, Headwind)
- More affordable
- Built-in WiFi and Direct Connect
Wahoo KICKR Move Cons
- Can’t simulate various road surfaces
- Can’t simulate riding downhill (freewheeling)
- Can’t operate without power
Tacx NEO 3M Pros
- Can simulate various road surfaces
- Can simulate riding downhill
- Higher accuracy
- Auto-calibration
- Can operate without being plugged in
Tacx NEO 3M Cons
- No race mode
- Poor portability due to the lack of a carry handle
- More expensive
- WiFi and Direct Connect require a separate adaptor
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and tredz.co.uk
Features Comparison
Let me now compare both smart bike trainers in depth. Keep in mind that firmware updates might add virtual shifting, race mode, and auto-calibration to KICKR in the coming weeks.
Race Mode
In race mode, power data is transmitted at 10Hz via Bluetooth and 4Hz via ANT+. This high-frequency data transmission lets you react faster during races because your power data updates 10 times (or 4 times) per second.
The race mode is currently only available on the KICKR Move, but it might be added through firmware updates to the Tacx NEO 3M.
Winner: Wahoo KICKR Move
Ease of Setup and Practicality
Both trainers are easy to set up, but the MOVE is heavier and harder to move around. I don’t recommend buying it if you don’t have a dedicated workout area and must relocate the trainer before every ride.
The NEO 3M has a carry handle, unlike its predecessor, the NEO 2T. It is also about 7.5 kg lighter than the MOVE.
I recommend choosing a different trainer if you don’t have a dedicated training area. For example, the Wahoo KICKR v6 is better in this regard.
Winner: Tacx NEO 3M
Ride Feel
Today’s smart bike trainers are so advanced and similar in ride feel that noticing a difference is very difficult unless you ride them side by side.
I haven’t had a chance to test these trainers yet, but 3M has an edge thanks to the virtual flywheel. It can simulate different road surfaces, making the rides feel more realistic.
Maximum resistance is less relevant here, but below is a selection of the best trainers on the market and their specs.
Another difference is that the 3M can simulate coasting on downhills. However, when I tested NEO 2T, I noticed it “pulls legs.” It’s more difficult to pedal on it. So if the 3M has the same issue, keep that in mind.
Winner: Tacx NEO 3M
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and tredz.co.uk
ERG Mode
According to DC Rainmaker, the NEO 3M has the best ERG mode (accurate and smooth) of all the trainers he tested. He claims it’s even better than the Saris H3, which I also reviewed.
Winner: Tacx NEO 3M
Noisiness
Both trainers are virtually silent. Your drivetrain or fan will cause more noise than the trainer itself, but this shouldn’t be a deciding factor when choosing between these two.
Winner: n/a
Accuracy
The KICKR Move’s claimed accuracy is ±1%, and the NEO 3M’s is <1%. The following table shows power ranges for specific accuracy rates. You can see that the watt differences are marginal.
| Accuracy Rate / Power Output | 250W | 500W | 1000W |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5% | 248.8-251.3 | 497.5-502.5 | 502.5-1005 |
| 1% | 247.5-252.5 | 495-505 | 990-1010 |
| 1.5% | 246.3-253.8 | 492.5-507.5 | 985-1015 |
| 2% | 245-255 | 490-510 | 980-1020 |
| 2.5% | 243.8-256.3 | 487.5-512.5 | 975-1025 |
| 3% | 242.5-257.5 | 485-515 | 970-1030 |
Again, I haven’t been able to perform accuracy tests yet, but according to the available reviews, both are among the most accurate trainers you can buy.
Winner: n/a
Accessories Compatibility
The NEO 3M isn’t compatible with Wahoo accessories like CLIMB or Headwind because Wahoo’s ecosystem is closed.
However, you can use either of these fans for indoor cycling and buy an Elite Rizer instead of the Climb for the NEO 3M.
So although the Move technically wins, there are nearly equivalent alternatives for the NEO 3M.
Winner: Wahoo KICKR Move
Total score: Wahoo KICKR Move (2) | Tacx NEO 3M (3) | It’s a draw (0)
Overall winner: Tacx NEO 3M
Conclusion
The Tacx NEO 3M is a better option if we leave the price out of the equation. However, the price is an important deciding factor for many.
I honestly wouldn’t buy any of these trainers because of their high price and poor value compared to the competition. The motion is not a dealbreaker for me, and there is a relatively easy workaround. You can buy a NEO 2T with NEO Plates and achieve almost the same effect as the 3M. Alternatively, you can use a rocker plate with KICKR v6.
I hope you’ll find this comparison helpful. If you decide to buy one of these bike trainers, please consider using the links below. It won’t cost you anything extra, and it helps keep this website alive. Thank you!
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and tredz.co.uk
I find both these bike trainers overpriced. 😔
I agree, they are not for mere mortals.
– Petr
These trainers are so gimmicky… 🤣🤣
I think this is more of a question of ecosystem than the product itself. 🤷♂️
Nu virtual shifting for the neo, and no future plans to implement is a dealbeaker for me.
Hi Ricco,
Yeah, well, it more depends on the app as it is processed on the app side, not the trainer side. I’m going to publish an article explaining this tomorrow. 🙂
– Petr