Tacx Vortex & Flow

[JapanRed]

Hi all,

I don’t currently own a road bike but I keep getting injured through running. I’m planning on swapping 1-2 runs per week for sessions on a bike to reduce load and hopefully reduce injuries.

I’m looking to get into Zwift as it seems up my street. I’m looking specifically at the Tacx Vortex and Flow (second hand - yes I’ve seen the prices!!!) and will also get a cheap second hand road bike.

Do both the Vortex and Flow allow Zwift to change resistance? I don’t want to have to do it manually. Are both likely to do the job for a beginner cyclist such as myself?

Anything else I need to be aware of?

[emicen]

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Loads of smart trainer options discussed in there.

[bigdom]

Worth having a look here as well: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/11/smart-cycle-tr...

[MockingJay]

I have a flow, it's a couple of years old now but if you are looking for a fairly cheap (they cost more second hand now than what I paid from Halfords!) then they are a good bit of kit. It will connect to zwift via bluetooth (I use a laptop) and will change the resistance - but only to a point, 6% I believe, so you won't get the most realistic experience but it does the job. I've used it fairly often and for £175 I can't complain at all.

Bear in mind as it's wheel on you'll have to calibrate it fairly often in the TacX app.

Edit: Bear in mind if you buy a bike with thru axle you will need adaptors to make it fit!

[JapanRed]

Thanks everyone. I’ve just won a Tacx Vortex smart on eBay. Need to get a cheap 2nd hand bike now.

What’s this about thru axles? Is there only certain bikes that will fit the Vortex?

Anything else I’ll need to get up and running with Zwift? We’ve got an iPad.

[JapanRed]

Update: Just found out that the Vortex uses a skewer. How can I tell by looking at eBay pics whether a bike has a skewer?

[MockingJay]

Usually bikes with disc brakes have thru axles and rim brake bikes have quick release. Just ask the seller before you buy.

[JapanRed]

MockingJay said:

Usually bikes with disc brakes have thru axles and rim brake bikes have quick release. Just ask the seller before you buy.

Thanks.