Garmin TACX NEO 3M User manual

TACX®NEO 3M
Owner’s Manual

© 2023 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Garmin. Garmin reserves the right to change
or improve its products and to make changes in the content of this manual without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements. Go to
www.garmin.com for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use of this product.
Garmin®, the Garmin Logo, Edge®, Forerunner®, and Tacx® are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. Garmin Connect™ is a
trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
The BLUETOOTH® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license. Shimano® is a registered trademark of
Shimano, Inc. SRAM® is a registered trademark of SRAM LLC. Wi‑Fi® is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their
respective owners.
This product is ANT+® certified. Visit www.thisisant.com/directory for a list of compatible products and apps.
M/N: A0S4355

Table of Contents
Getting Started................................. 1
Installation Kit..........................................2
Tacx NEO 3M Assembly
Instructions...................................... 2
Unfolding the Trainer.............................. 3
Attaching Your Thru Axle Bike................4
Attaching Your Quick Release Axle
Bike...........................................................5
Positioning the Front Wheel Support..... 8
Connecting the Power Cable.................. 9
Training............................................9
Going for a Ride.....................................10
Tacx Training App................................. 11
Device Information......................... 13
Specifications........................................13
Cassette Compatibility......................... 13
Device Care and Storage...................... 15
Troubleshooting............................. 16
Updating the Trainer Software............. 16
The Tacx Training app will not connect
to my trainer.......................................... 17
The trainer is not responding............... 17
Pairing Your Trainer with an Edge Bike
Computer............................................... 17
Pairing Your Trainer with a Garmin
Watch..................................................... 17
Table of Contents i

Getting Started
WARNING
See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for product warnings and other
important information.
NOTICE
Do not use the Tacx NEO 3M trainer with another motion accessory such as a rocker plate, because this could
damage the trainer.
The Tacx NEO 3M cassette body and cassette are compatible with Shimano® and SRAM® 11-speed systems. If
you have another cassette style, you must swap out the cassette (Replacing the Cassette, page14).
• Read the instructions before you assemble the trainer and attach your bike.
• Scan the QR code with the camera on your phone, and follow the Tacx Training app instructions.
TIP: The Tacx Training app includes trainer setup, videos, and software updates (Pairing the Trainer with the
Tacx Training App, page11).
• For best results, use the Tacx NEO 3M trainer with a firm mat or low pile carpet. Avoid soft and high pile
carpet. You can use a training mat that is 181 x 92 cm (71.3 x 36.2 in.) or larger.
Optional accessories are available at buy.garmin.com or from your Tacx dealer.
Getting Started 1

Installation Kit
The installation kit contains a quick release axle, compatible end cap supports and end caps, spacers, and
the blue tool.
Axle Non-Drive Side End Cap Support End Caps (2)
142 mm thru Pre-installed hardware Thru-Axle 12mm
148 mm thru NDS/148 Thru
Assembly requires the blue tool. Thru-Axle 12mm
135 mm quick release
Common for most road bikes with
disc brakes.
Pre-installed hardware QR
130 mm quick release
Common for most road bikes with
rim brakes.
NDS/130 QR
Assembly requires the blue tool. QR
Tacx NEO 3M Assembly Instructions
2 Tacx NEO 3M Assembly Instructions

Unfolding the Trainer
1Unfold the sides of the trainer, and lift up on the handle .
TIP: The trainer is heavy. You can unfold one side and lock it, and repeat for the other side.
2Ensure both sides of the trainer lock into place.
All indicator windows must be blue, and both sides must be properly locked.
3Place the trainer on a firm and level surface.
Tacx NEO 3M Assembly Instructions 3

Attaching Your Thru Axle Bike
The trainer is compatible with bikes that use a 142 mm or 148 mm thru axle.
1Select an option:
• If you have a 148 mm thru axle, go to step 2.
• If you have a 142 mm thru axle, go to step 5.
2Open the installation kit , and select the NDS/148 Thru end cap support and the blue tool.
3Use the blue tool to remove the existing end cap support on the non-drive side.
4Use the blue tool to install the NDS/148 Thru end cap support.
5Open the installation kit , and select the Thru-Axle 12mm end caps.
6Snap the end caps into the end cap supports.
7On your bike, shift to the smallest cassette gear.
8Remove the rear wheel from your bike.
NOTE: You should keep the bike and all of the parts within reach.
9Place your bike on the trainer, making sure the chain is on the smallest sprocket of the trainer cassette.
4 Tacx NEO 3M Assembly Instructions

10 Insert the axle, and hand tighten.
11 Tighten the axle to the torque specification indicated on the axle or in your bike instructions.
Attaching Your Quick Release Axle Bike
1Select an option:
• If you have a 130 mm quick release axle, go to step 2.
• If you have a 135 mm quick release axle, go to step 5.
2Open the installation kit , and select the NDS/130 QR end cap support and the blue tool.
3Use the blue tool to remove the existing end cap support on the non-drive side.
4Use the blue tool to install the NDS/130 QR end cap support.
5Open the installation kit , and select the QR end caps.
Tacx NEO 3M Assembly Instructions 5

6Snap the end caps into the end cap supports.
7Insert the skewer from the non-drive side of the trainer.
8Place the conical springs on the skewer.
9Hand tighten the cap , leaving enough room for the bike frame.
10 On your bike, shift to the smallest cassette gear.
11 Remove the rear wheel from your bike.
NOTE: You should keep the bike and all of the parts within reach.
6 Tacx NEO 3M Assembly Instructions

12 Align your bike on the trainer, and place the chain on the smallest sprocket of the trainer cassette.
13 Tighten the cap, and close the quick release handle .
TIP: Close the handle between the frame bars so it's easier to grip.
Tacx NEO 3M Assembly Instructions 7

Positioning the Front Wheel Support
The front wheel support is in the product box, under the bottom foam piece. Before you can position the front
wheel support, you must attach your bike to the trainer.
The two-sided front wheel support raises the front wheel of the bike for a natural cycling position and increased
stability. The narrow side of the wheel support can hold a maximum tire width of 30 mm (1.18 in.). The wide
side of the front wheel support can hold tire widths from 31 to 61 mm (1.2 to 2.4 in.).
1Place the front wheel support under your front wheel.
8 Tacx NEO 3M Assembly Instructions

2Sit on the trainer, and pedal a few times.
3If necessary, adjust the placement of the front wheel support.
Connecting the Power Cable
CAUTION
The power cable is in the product box. Do not attempt to use a third-party power cable or adapter with the Tacx
NEO 3M trainer because this could lead to personal injury or damage to the trainer.
1Plug the power cable into the port .
2Plug the power cable into a standard wall outlet.
3Rotate the crank.
The LED is white (LED Status, page12).
Training
Training 9

Going for a Ride
Your first ride on the Tacx NEO 3M trainer should be a short, manual training ride. You should get comfortable
with the motion plates.
1Unlock the motion plates.
TIP: You must rotate each knob toward , until it clicks.
2Start pedaling slowly.
The trainer LED is white (LED Status, page12).
3Practice shifting and increasing your speed.
Tips for Natural Riding
• Avoid sprinting when the motion plates are enabled. You can sprint if the motion plates are locked.
• If you feel motion sickness while riding, try these options:
◦Focus your vision on a point in front of your bike.
◦Watch a training video while riding.
◦Drink plenty of water before and during your ride.
◦Stop riding until you feel better, and try again.
Training Modes
Powered and Connected: All features are available when the trainer is plugged into external power and
connected to the Tacx Training app.
Standalone: If there is no app or Edge® bike computer connected, the trainer simulates a flat road and uses the
default settings for air and road resistance and for user and bike weight.
No External Power: Without external power, the trainer does not support downhill drive, button presses, or
Ethernet or Wi‑Fi® communication with the Tacx Smart Network Adapter (sold separately). Riders may also
experience less optimized ride feel.
Standby Mode
When not in use, the Tacx NEO 3M trainer goes into standby mode. You can wake up the trainer by rotating the
crank.
External Power Connected: After 5 minutes of no activity, the trainer goes into standby mode.
No External Power: After 10 seconds of no activity, the trainer goes into standby mode.
10 Training

Tacx Training App
You can download the Tacx Training app to your compatible phone, tablet, or computer.
• Ride exciting courses without leaving your home.
• Create your own rides, workouts, and more.
• Manage your training, customize the default settings, and diagnose issues.
• Sync your indoor training data with your Garmin Connect™ account.
• Update your trainer software (Updating the Trainer Software, page16).
Pairing the Trainer with the Tacx Training App
The first time you pair the trainer with the Tacx Training app, you must connect the trainer to an external power
source. After they are paired, the trainer and the app connect automatically when you start a ride.
TIP: For Ethernet or Wi‑Fi network connections, you can purchase a network adapter accessory at buy.garmin
.com.
1Select an option:
• Scan the QR code with the camera on your phone, and follow the on-screen instructions.
• To add the Tacx NEO 3M trainer to your existing account, open the Tacx Training app, and select Settings
> Device Manager.
2On the trainer, press the pairing button .
The LED flashes blue.
3On the Tacx Training app, follow the on-screen instructions.
On the Tacx Training app, the connected trainer icon is green.
4Select a workout or course.
5Start pedaling.
The trainer LED changes from white to blue when the trainer is controlled by the app (LED Status, page12).
Training 11

LED Status
The LED changes based on the trainer status and type of connection.
LEDActivity Status
White The trainer is active and working properly.
Blue The trainer is controlled by your Bluetooth® device.
Flashing blue The trainer is in pairing mode.
Green The trainer is controlled by your ANT+® device.
Yellow The trainer is controlled by the Tacx smart network adapter (sold separately).
Flashing cyan The trainer software is updating.
Flashing red Indicates a critical trainer error. You can check the Tacx Training app for more information.
The floor LED changes colors during training.
Floor LEDActivity Status
Blue Indicates low power output.
Purple Indicates medium power output.
Red Indicates high power output.
Customizing the Trainer Settings from the App
Before you can change the trainer settings, you must pair the trainer with the Tacx Training app (Pairing the
Trainer with the Tacx Training App, page11).
1Open the Tacx Training app.
2Select Settings > Device Manager.
3Select your trainer.
4Select Trainer Settings > Device Defaults to set the default body weight or bike weight.
This is used if a third-party app does not provide weight data.
5If necessary, select Settings > Training Settings to update your body weight and customize your training
preferences.
12 Training

Device Information
Specifications
Power supply Use the included power cable.
From 100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Operating temperature
range From -10º to 40ºC (from 14º to 104ºF)
Storage temperature
range
From -20º to 60ºC (from -4º to 140ºF)
NOTICE
If the trainer is stored or shipped below this temperature range, allow the trainer to
normalize to the operating temperature range, and wait 12 hr. before use. Extreme
temperature changes can cause condensation inside the trainer that may result in
property damage.
Wireless frequency and
transmit power 2.4 GHz @ 6 dBm maximum
Maximum rider weight 125 kg (275 lb.)
Cassette Compatibility
The factory installed cassette is an 11 speed system compatible with Shimano and SRAM systems. The
installation kit contains the blue tool and optional spacers (Installation Kit, page2).
Compatible Cassette System Freehub Body Optional Spacers
8, 9, or 10 speed Shimano or SRAM Included 40 mm x 1 mm
12 speed Shimano Included 24 mm x 1 mm, 24 mm x 0.5 mm
12 speed SRAM
Not included1
Go to buy.garmin.com to purchase
the Tacx SRAM XD-R.
24 mm x 1 mm, 24 mm x 0.5 mm
12 speed mountain bike
Not included1
Go to buy.garmin.com to purchase
the Tacx micro spline.
24 mm x 1 mm, 24 mm x 0.5 mm
Other Not included1
Go to buy.garmin.com.
For more information, see
the manufacturer's instructions
provided with your cassette.
1 Assembly requires the blue tool.
Device Information 13

Replacing the Cassette
Before you replace the cassette, you must obtain a cassette lockring tool and a cassette pliers or chain whip.
You should keep all of the trainer parts and installation kit items together (Installation Kit, page2).
NOTICE
You must be familiar with bike tools and cassette maintenance, or you may damage the trainer. If you have
never removed or installed a bike cassette before, Garmin® recommends you take the trainer to an experienced
bike technician.
TIP: If you have multiple bikes with different cassette systems, it is easiest to leave the cassette on the freehub
body and replace them together. You can use this graphic as a reference, knowing that each cassette variation
has unique requirements.
1Open the installation kit .
2If you have a cassette that is compatible with the included freehub body, follow these steps:
2.1Use the cassette pliers or chain whip to hold the cassette in place.
2.2Use a cassette lockring tool to turn the lockring counter clockwise.
This requires strength and leverage.
2.3Remove the cassette, leaving the freehub body in place.
2.4Go to step 4.
3If you have a cassette that requires a different freehub body, follow these steps:
3.1Use the cassette pliers or chain whip to hold the cassette in place.
3.2Use a cassette lockring tool to turn the lockring counter clockwise.
This requires strength and leverage.
3.3Use the blue tool to remove the locknut .
3.4Remove the cassette, lockring, and freehub body .
You can keep all of these parts together in case you decide to switch to an 11 speed system.
3.5Install the new freehub body and the locknut.
3.6Go to step 4.
4Place the cassette on the freehub body, and attach the lockring.
Some 9 or 10 speed cassettes may require an extra spacer between the cassette and lockring. For more
information, see the manufacturer's instructions.
5Before you tighten the lockring, check for clearance.
Some 12 speed cassettes may require an extra spacer between the trainer and the cassette.
14 Device Information

6If the bike derailleur makes contact with the trainer in the largest cassette gear, follow these steps:
6.1Use the blue tool to remove the locknut .
6.2Remove the freehub body with the cassette attached.
6.3Remove the black spacer .
6.4Add one or two spacers.
6.5Install the black spacer, freehub body with cassette, and locknut.
6.6Tighten the locknut.
You can hand tighten the locknut using the blue tool . When using a torque wrench, Garmin
recommends a maximum torque of 6 N-m (4.4 lbf-ft.) for the locknut.
7Tighten the lockring.
Garmin recommends a torque of 40 N-m (29.5 lbf-ft.) for the Tacx NEO 3M cassette. For any other cassette,
see the manufacturer's instructions.
Device Care and Storage
WARNING
See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for product warnings and other
important information.
• Unplug the trainer when it is not in use.
• Check the alignment, and lock the motion plates when the trainer is not in use.
• Wipe off the trainer after every use.
• Clean the trainer before storing it.
Folding the Trainer for Storage
1Check the alignment, and lock the motion plates.
2Lean the trainer back.
Device Information 15

3Unlock both sides of the trainer.
4Fold up both sides until they click into place.
Troubleshooting
Updating the Trainer Software
Before you can update the trainer software, you must pair your trainer with the latest version of the Tacx
Training app (Pairing the Trainer with the Tacx Training App, page11).
1Connect the power cable to a wall outlet (Connecting the Power Cable, page9).
2Open the Tacx Training app on your phone or tablet.
TIP: You should check the battery level of your phone or tablet.
3Select Settings > Device Manager.
4Select your trainer.
5Select Firmware Update > Update.
The trainer LED flashes cyan while the software is updating.
6Wait while the software update finishes.
TIP: Do not unplug the trainer or switch between apps while the software is updating.
This might take a couple of minutes.
16 Troubleshooting