The recent boom in indoor bike riding has led to the production of a plethora of smart trainer options, among them Stages and Tacx. Both indoor smart bike manufacturers already having serious contenders in the bike trainer ring. Most notable, the Stages SB20 and the Tacx NEO Smart. Both bikes are some of the best smart bikes available today and are well worth considering if you are in the market for a high-end smart trainer.
To help you make you find the best fit, let's take a look at what they both have to offer and at which of the two is the better buy for your fitness aspirations.
Product Overview
Stages SB20
The Stages SB20 is a direct-drive smart bike that uses direct-drive smart head technology. Something a lot of people are super excited about. Since the release of this new tech, the Stages SB20 Smart Bike has solidified itself as one of the quietest bikes on the market. With minimal vibrations and no lag whatsoever between when riders change gears or start pedaling. In fact, it's so quiet, it can be easy to forget that you're riding on a smart trainer at all.
Shop Stages SB20 Smart Bike - $3,149.00
Tacx Neo Smart Bike Trainer
Tacx Neo Smart Bike Trainer is one of the finest-looking indoor bikes on the market. It has an innovative, seamless design that not only looks great but is also super functional. For instance, The Tacx Neo Smart Bike has been outfitted with a tonne of cutting-edge and unique features. This includes real road feel, handlebar-mounted air fans, gear change simulation, and downhill drive inertia. These highly advanced features give cyclists a fully immersive and extremely realistic riding experience.
Tacx Neo Bike Smart Trainer - $3,199.99
Features Breakdown
Frame
The Stages SB20 has one of the best frame designs with regard to ease of adjustability and clearance. The frame is of open-design making it particularly easy for short riders to mount. But more importantly, this eliminates any chance of leg rub that is sometimes an issue with other models of indoor training bikes.
On the other hand, the Tacx Neo features a low-slung frame with a deep step-through. This design helps riders to lower their center of gravity allowing for better balance during even the most intense training sessions. The Tacx Neo's frame is also fitted with an extension that holds on-bike 4.5in data display, a tablet holder, and small fans that keep you cool throughout your ride.
Brakes and Gears
The SB20's brake hoods come with electronic shift buttons and 'sprint' buttons - all in a comfortable reach of a rider’s fingertips. The individual buttons are customizable in several ways to resemble a cadence, gear selection, or sprint control. All depending on a rider's preferences. The SB20's also possesses electronic braking that facilitates inputs from riding simulators like Zwift and TrainerRoad.
The Tacx Neo Bike shift levers both have two buttons each, replicating the feel of a set of Shimano Di2 levers. Through the Tacx app, the bike's gearing is also programmed to simulate the feeling of a variety of chainring and cassette configurations.
Accessories
Both the Stages SB20 and Tacx Neo Bike Smart Trainer come with a wide range of different accessories cyclists can choose from. These range from tablet holders to dual-side pedals through to axle mount adaptors.
If you wish to check out the lineup of accessories available for these two smart trainers, check out the Stages SB20 accessories here or the Tacx Neo Smart Bike Trainer accessories here.
Stages SB20 vs Tacx Neo Smart Specs Comparison
| Stages SB20 Smart Bike | Tacx Neo Bike Smart Trainer |
|---|---|
| CarbonGlyde featuring Gates® Carbon Drive™ carbon fiber belt resistance system | 32 neodymium magnet resistance system |
| High-strength steel frame | High-strength steel frame coupled with heavy-duty plastic covering |
| 2200watt maximum power | 2200watt maximum power |
| ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity | ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth Smart open |
| 157mm q-factor (crankset width) | 147mm q-factor (crankset width) |
| 110-240 Volt, mains power optional | 110-240 Volt, mains power optional |
| Dimensions (LxWxH): 62.2x22.2x46.7” or 1580x564x1186mm | Dimensions (LxWxH): 54.7×29.5x46.1” or 1390×750x1170mm |
| Product Weight: 110lbs or 50kg | Product Weight: 138lbs or 62.6kg |
| 15-year frame warranty 6-month wear items warranty |
1-year manufacturer’s warranty |
Final Thoughts
Both the Stages SB20 and Tacx Neo are great at what they do. They both have a good range of features including being compatible with Zwift, TrainerRoad, and Sufferfest. If you want something that is able to track every aspect of your training, then the Tacx Neo is the best option. On the other hand, if you are looking for an indoor cycling experience with a wider resistance range and is whisper quiet, then the Stages is the better option for you.
To check out our full range of Stages and Tacx smart trainers and accessories, available to you via free and fast and shipping, click on the links below.