Long before platforms like Zwift or MyWhoosh there was one that stood out above all the rest and that was operated by Tacx. It could be suggested that they pioneered virtual training using their Real-life videos that ran on their custom Tacx Training Software (TTS).
The Tacx real-life videos featured video footage that matched the exact course resistance profile, creating a realistic riding experience and worked with selected Tacx trainers such as the i-Magic and i-Magic Fortius virtual reality trainers.
How it worked
To access this training, you would connect your trainer to the PC and using the PC’s DVD player, load the software and ride the course.
Tacx developed an extensive library of these real-life videos that included the classic mountain climbs such as Alpe d’Heuz and Mont Ventoux.
There were even videos where you could train whilst riding with professional teams.
This operated via the TTS, with the last iteration being version 4.
Following the acquisition of Tacx by Garmin, the software development for TTS stopped in March 2019 and in January 2020, the ability to unlock the Tacx trainer software ended, meaning that if you had not previously unlocked the videos (which were copyright protected, to avoid piracy) you would not be able to access them.
The next evolution
Tacx moved these videos and centralised them into one place, accessible via an app called the “Tacx Training App,” and implemented a new subscription-based model.
For the price of one real-life video, you now would have access to an entire library of content.
It has been 4 years since I last used one of these videos, so I thought I would give it a try. I downloaded the new app to both my PC and iPad and loaded it up.
One important thing to note is that you can only use this app if you have a Tacx smart trainer. The app does not function with any other type of smart trainer.
Setup and User Interface
After downloading the app, which is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, simply log into it using your Garmin credentials from your Garmin Connect account (if you have one), otherwise one will need to be created.
You will be presented with a “Dashboard” that easily allows access to the different functionality that the app has to offer, including viewing your previous activities.
To access all the features, you will need to subscribe, which can be done in the app. Once you have done so, you will be able to experience Tacx’s extensive library of real-life videos, which are categorised as “Movies.” The user interface is clean and easy to navigate, but there are small differences between the platforms. The Windows Desktop app allows you to access the real-life Video from the main menu. In iOS you need to select “New Ride.” Once you do that, you will be given the option of what training feature you want to use.
One point to note when using iOS, the font size is small and may prove challenging for some.
Connecting to the smart trainer is simple as the app identified it, which I then paired. In the “Settings” section there are even video tutorials guiding you on how to assemble your trainer, which is useful.
In summary, connecting to the smart trainer and navigating the menu system is easy, although as mentioned, the text may be small for some using iOS.
Features of the app
There are three main features within the app. These are:
- Workouts
- GPS
- Movies
Workouts – There are numerous Garmin training sessions that you can select, in addition, there is the functionality to create your own.
The Tacx Training App is linked fully with Garmin Connect. Garmin Connect can import / sync TrainingPeak workouts. Anything in there will be loaded into the app, and you can use it. Effectively, the portal for this interface is Garmin Connect. Clever.
Consequently, previous workouts, which I have completed using TrainingPeaks and which have uploaded to my Garmin Connect app, were visible and available for me to use. I really liked this functionality.
In addition to numerous workouts, there are a series of “Tests.” These are workouts that are designed to assess your fitness level by testing your Functional Threshold Power (FTP). There are a variety to suit and is a good way to measure your fitness levels.
Finally, within this section, there are also two different simple workouts called “Power Workout” and “Slope Workout.” This is where you can simply pedal and control the resistance or gradient, dependent on which workout you are using.
To undertake any session, simply select it and follow the onscreen prompts to start.
Resistance is applied via ergometer mode (ERG), which is a setting that fixes your power output by automatically adjusting your resistance of the smart trainer.
Data such as power, heart rate and cadence are all displayed onscreen.
This feature is simple and easy to use, exactly what you want.
GPS – This feature allows you to ride a route from a GPX file. This could be from an old route that you have ridden. The ability to upload an GPX file is available on the Desktop app, but this functionality didn’t appear to be available on the iOS version.
On the iOS version, there are some pre-set routes, such as “London City Trip” which is a 25km tour around London.
Using the GPS functionality, as you pedal, your icon moves along the route and resistance changes as the gradient increases and decreases accordingly.
This isn’t a feature I will likely use; however, I can see cases where it could be advantageous. For example, if there is a favourite climb or route that you have, and you are not in a position to physically ride it in person, you could tackle it virtually, using the GPS function.
Movies – These are by far the standout feature of the product and its unique selling point.
Having not used the real-life videos in several years, I forgot how good they were. In fact, it’s because of Tacx’s real-life videos that I was able to navigate my way to the start of the Col du Télégraphe in the French Alpes. Whilst cycling in France, I had the misfortune of my Garmin Edge 800 malfunctioning, losing the route I had mapped, which involved the Col du Télégraphe. Because I had ridden the route using the real-life videos, I soon I found myself on familiar roads as a consequence of the virtual training and was able to navigate my way to the climb.
The app provides a wide choice of routes to ride, and you can search the real-life videos using a filter, which includes a geographical location function. Once you select your desired ride, simply click it, route data will be displayed and click “Start Streaming” and away you go. There are literally hundreds of routes to try, from all around the world.
It is worth noting that the real-life videos have segments, so if there is a particular section you want to tackle, you can select this, prior to starting, which is a very useful feature. There is the ability to create custom start and end points too.
Where these real-life videos come into their own is if you have signed up for a major event. An example is the famous French event, Marmotte Gran Fondo, which you can train specifically for using the Tacx videos.
Tacx have also crafted Playlists, combining different routes for you to tackle. To illustrate this there is a list of routes involving National Parks around the world. This is motivational because it gives you a target. There is even a Playlist for the routes from the 2024 Giro d’Italia.
One piece of functionality that I didn’t realise existed until later is that you can change the data that is viewed on the screen. In fact, there are four different options, which can be accessed by scrolling right when using the iOS version. Each viewing option displays less and less data until the last one, which is simply a clear picture. If you are wanting to have a relaxing ride without thinking about power, or any other bit of data that sometimes can be overwhelming, this is the option to select. It is rather enjoyable to just ride and admire the scenery.
In addition to that, you can also switch to the “Map” option and have the GPS view.
Overall, the videos are stunning. Tacx have informed me that these are specially created using a special bike which has a motion camera, keeping the image steady. According to Tacx, “the most important thing is to shoot the video at the “average” speed of the climb that a “normal or average cyclist” is riding.” This is so that you get a consistent speed in the video.
There isn’t the ability to undertake a workout, with a real-life video playing in the background. I reached out to Tacx about this who noted that this functionality is something that is going to be added at a later date.
Performance
The Tacx Training App is a stable platform and I only experienced one issue, which was when I was testing the GPS function on the Windows Desktop version. I uploaded the GPX file and started riding the course, but within seconds, the display started flickering, and I had to restart the computer.
Having tested this functionality again, even using the same parameters, I have not had a repeat of this initial problem.
With the real-life videos, there is the option to download them. The advantage of this is that you won’t experience any buffering as they load. When I didn’t download them, because I don’t have a particularly fast internet connection, the image did buffer, but I put this down to my inadequate connectivity as opposed to the fault of the app, but it’s something to be mindful of.
Audience
If you enjoy large, interactive group rides, then this app will not appeal, it does have functionality via world map to show who is riding where. Where this comes into its own is if you enjoy exploring and have your own training plan to follow.
It has all the functionality required to achieve your fitness goals, including the standout feature being the real-world climbs to tackle. The scenery and route selection in the real-life videos is extensive. If you are training for a specific event, and you want that competitive advantage without being able to physically go and undertake a reconnaissance of the course, then this is the next best thing. The difficulties of the climbs are replicated, and you will get a real sense of what you will face.
Support
I have always received prompt and positive support from Tacx. Following a set of complex questions about the connectivity between TrainingPeaks and Garmin Connect, Tacx responded promptly to help me better understand this.
Furthermore, I noticed a series of tutorials on how to set up your smart trainer embedded within the app. These were interesting and ideal for those not familiar with smart trainers.
Price
The cost to use the Premium Services within the app are £9.99 / €9.99 per month for standard definition or £13.99 / €13.99 for high-definition. The annual plans are £99.99 / €9.99 for standard definition and £139.99 / €139.99 for high-definition resolution. High-definition is 1080p resolution compared to standard definition of 720p.
The Tacx Training App can be used for free but with reduced functionality, primarily the lack of access to the real-life Videos, which are by far its outstanding feature.
Summing up
I like the app, it’s simple, and the unique selling point are the real-life Videos, which are excellent. It’s competitively priced, and the monthly subscription option means you can use it when required for that extra bit of training. I didn’t experience any issues when using the iOS version, it was seamless and only once did I experience a problem when using the Windows Desktop App version, but I put that down to my computer rather than the app itself, which is why my default for these types of things is always using it on iOS. The only drawback I see is that you have to have a Tacx smart trainer to use it. Why this isn’t open for other users is a question that only Garmin, who own Tacx can answer, and perhaps something they should consider in future to target a wider audience.
If you fancy trying the software, here is a Playlist of real-life videos to try, four climbs that are worth trying as well as a ride in the beautiful English countryside:
- Col d’Izoard – Guillestre – Etape du Tour 2017
- L’Alpe d’Heuz – Alpine Classic Stage 5
- Col du Telegraphe – Alpine Classic – Stage 3
- Passo dello Stelvio – Prato
- England, New Forest – Cycle Tour
