Tacx, a Netherlands company focused on innovation, is taking their passion for cycling and an inspiration for excellence and turning it into products to make training easier for the rest of us with their exceptional line of Virtual Reality trainers, software and cycling films. Not to mention their full line of repair stands, tools, water bottles and water bottle cages. It all started way back in 1935 when a child named Koos Tacx was born, or rather, born to ride. On his 22nd birthday, Mr. Tacx, a diehard cycling fan, purchased himself a small bike shop. That little bike shop gradually expanded its services to include the many innovative ideas that were fueled by the passion and persistence of Mr. Tacx and his family. Now, well into the 21st century, we can honestly say, Tacx has made riding and training easier and more efficient for competitive cyclists and amateurs all over the world. Take the Tacx Flow for example. It is Tacx’s best selling trainer. The Flow looks much like many other magnetic trainers on the market, but Tacx takes the Flow further by making it a complete Ergo Trainer. The Tacx Flow offers heart rate and pedaling frequency as well as current, average and max for speed and power. All of this data is measured and visualized on the sleek, handlebar mounted computer display. During your workout the Tacx Flow allows you to easily adapt the program to your needs for more power or incline resistance. The adjustment is controlled right from your handlebars because the electro-magnetic brake communicates directly with the slimline handlebar mounted computer display. In the Tacx line of trainers, the Flow allows the lowest cost for a trainer with watts, aka †power! We all know that training can be excruciatingly boring when you’re just staring at your wall. And a television show as a riding partner makes for a weak training session. With this in mind, Tacx developed a line of software systems and cycling videos that will put you in the midst of a road race. You just need a computer, the software and the trainer unit so you can ride in places like Mt. Ventoux or Alpe d'huez, without leaving the climate controlled comfort of your home. There are several different levels represented by the Tacx Trainers line each one has their own merits. We’ll start with the cycling training videos. Tacx trainers now have more than twenty films of legendary rides and cycling classics that were made specifically for the Tacx Virtual Reality Training systems. Rides like Milan San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, the Tour of Lombardy, the Alpine Classic and the Pyrenees Stage, just to name a few. When the videos are linked to your Tacx Trainer, your trainer helps control the speed of the video and the video controls the incline resistance on your trainer. Over the years of developing this system, Tacx has created a wide screen version that allows you to veer left or right so you can explore the course even further. Next up is the Ergo Video system where you can join in a training ride with world class pro cyclists. It makes for an efficient way to improve your technique and fitness level. The videos are shot on site with the pros, so you can experience the ride with them. With that said, you had better keep up! When they speed up, you will have to also. Fortunately, when they take it easy, you’ll have a chance to catch your breath. It’s a great way to get to that next level in your ride. Our favorite is the Tacx Fortius virtual trainer. It is like a videogame where you get to use your own bike. You can even race against other Tacx Fortius users via the internet. With a plethora of courses and lengths, you’ll never get bored with indoor training ever again. Powerful engine brakes provide a more realistic resistance to simulate climbing. And they even allow you to coast during descents. We particularly liked how natural the other riders are, their pedal strokes are very realistic. They will cheer, stand on their pedals, shift gears, drink from their water bottles and provide some spectacular crashes for your viewing pleasure.
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