EP28 - Garmin TACX Alpine - Deep Dive chat and recap of reviewers (ft. AI Insights)

EP28 - Garmin TACX Alpine - Deep Dive chat and recap of reviewers (ft. AI Insights)

Resources & Links:

• • Buy one: ⁠https://geni.us/GarminTacxAlpine⁠
  • All the new features and details: ⁠https://the5krunner.com/2025/06/25/garmin-tacx-alpine-all-you-need-to-know/⁠
  • DC Rainmaker Review: ⁠⁠https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2025/06/garmin-tacx-alpine-gradient-simulator.html⁠
  • Desfit Review: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMV_7drm7Ag&pp=ygULdGFjeCBhbHBpbmU%3D⁠⁠⁠⁠
  • Main Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the5krunner.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

• My other channels: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/the5krunner⁠⁠⁠⁠

  —Credits: Content in this episode was generated using AI tools (NotebookLM) based on original content from @the5krunner, and other sources as cited.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome to the Deep dive. Today we're tackling something
big in the world of indoor cycling.
Can you actually make indoor training feel, well, real?
Like you're actually out there on the road.
It's the dream, isn't it? For years it felt like we were
getting closer, but maybe not quite there.
Exactly. But now Garmin's drawn something
new into the mix. The tack KS Alpine and we're

(00:23):
here to really unpack it. This isn't just about simulating
hills. No, it claims to be a whole
system for dynamic writing and look for this Dee dive, we're
really focusing on you, the listener.
If you already have a garment tack, a Neo 2T or maybe the Neo
Three M trainer right you've. Got the bass.
The question is, does the Alpinetake that set up to the, you
know, the ultimate level of realism?

(00:43):
That's the core question and we've looked at some great takes
on this, insights from the 5K runner, a really detailed video
from Desfit and of course the Super in depth stuff from DC
Rainmaker. OK, so let's start simple.
What is this? Tacacas Alpine?
Really. It's more than just up and down.
Right. Oh, way more Desfit really
hammers this home. Yes, it simulates gradients.
Climbs up to a massive 25%. 25 That's serious.

(01:06):
And descends down to -10% But the crucial part, especially for
you neo owners, is how it works with your trainer.
OK, explain that. So if you have the Neo 3M or A2T
with the motion plates added. The ones that give you that
forward backward rocket. Exactly.
The Alpine system allows for that movement and it also works

(01:27):
with the side to side flex that's already built into the
Neo trainers. It uses this unique linkage so.
It's not just tilting, it's allowing movement on multiple
axis. Precisely.
DC Rainmaker oints out its rolling track design, and that
enables that full front back movement.
But then there's steering, too. Ah yes, the steering.
Interactive steering, they call it.

(01:48):
Yeah, you turn your handlebars and it registers incompatible as
adds another layer of interaction to the virtual
world. So you combine the up, down, the
forward, back, the side to side flex, and the steering.
That sounds like a lot of movingparts.
Does it like feel overwhelming? Well, that's interesting, Dis
Fit actually said. He's usually wary of setups that
move that much. He worried it might be

(02:09):
distracting. OK, So what was his verdict?
He was genuinely surprised, found it incredibly immersive,
really dynamic. He actually said he really
enjoyed his time on it, which isquite the endorsement coming
from. Him.
That's telling. When someone like Des Fit, who's
tried pretty much everything, says it's that good, it suggests
Garmin might have cracked something here.

(02:29):
I think so. It's not just movement for
movement's sake, it's about how it changes the feel of riding
indoors for long periods. It's about comfort reducing
fatigue. Making those long trainer
sessions less of a, well, a grind.
Exactly. Potentially making them
something you can actually do for longer, closer to outdoor
ride durations. That's the big deal.

(02:50):
OK, let's talk integration because this is key for you
listeners already using tasks Echo.
Guess the 5K runner really stresses this.
The Alpine only works with the Taxicas Neo 2T and the Neo 3M.
Right. It's specifically designed for
that ecosystem. If you've got one of those
trainers, you're the target audience.
It's plain and simple. And good news if you have the

(03:10):
knee O2 T specifically. Yeah, really good news.
The Alpine comes with the axle adapter kit.
You need to allow the axle to rotate for the climbing
function. It's right there in the box.
That's thoughtful. The knee. 3M doesn't need it,
right? It's built in.
Correct, the three M is ready togo as is.
Shows they've thought about their existing users.

(03:31):
And setting it up sounds like itcould be complicated, but maybe
not. Apparently, it's surprisingly
easy, Desfit mentioned. It's basically fully assembled
in the box, light enough for oneperson to lift out.
OK, that's a plus. And it includes all the adapters
you'd need. Quick release through axle even
has a little carrier for them. Plus, the 5K runner noted, it
comes with a measuring tape for wheelbase calibration.

(03:53):
A measuring tape. That's handy, so getting the
setup right is straightforward. Seems so.
DC Rainmaker walks through the pairing.
Connect the Alpine in your knee via the THDS training app.
Punch in your bike's wheelbase. Crucial for getting the movement
right, I imagine. Absolutely.
Then you do an initial calibration and from then on
your neo trainer tells the Alpine what gradient to hit

(04:15):
based on the app you're using. So the apps talk to the trainer,
the trainer talks to the Alpine seamless.
That's the idea. DC Rainmaker also suggests doing
any neat firmware updates via the app at this stage, too.
Good Housekeeping. OK, setup sounds good.
Now the ride. What's it feel like?
Realism, Comfort. Stability.

(04:37):
The Big Three. The reports are pretty
consistent here. Yeah, the gradient changes are
smooth, not jerky. Very realistic.
So it mimics rolling terrain naturally.
Yeah, Dis Fit and the 5K runner both said subtle changes feel
right. You don't necessarily feel every
tiny shift, but the overall sensation is authentic, like
riding outside. And does all that movement

(04:59):
translate to comfort? You mentioned riding longer.
Definitely that combination up down for aft side flex steering.
It engages more of your body, prevents pressure points,
reduces fatigue. Desfit specifically compared it
to the Wahoo kicker move climb combo and allowing longer
sessions so. It's not just a gimmick, it
actually improves the endurance aspect.
It seems to be a key takeaway. Makes longer indoor rides more

(05:19):
sustainable, more enjoyable. Now you mentioned Desfit made a
really interesting point about the Neo Three M specifically.
Yes, this is fascinating for three M owners.
He felt the standard 3M movementcould sometimes be a maybe
abrupt or jerky OK, but adding the Alpine actually seemed to
dampen that movement, made it feel smoother, more controlled.

(05:40):
He actually preferred the feel of the three M with the Alpine.
So the Alpine doesn't just add gradient, it refines the three
M's existing motion. That's what he found, and
interestingly, he said it was the same kind of dampening
effect he noticed when pairing the Wahoo kicker climb with the
kicker move. It creates a synergy.
That's a really specific, valuable insight.
What about stability with all this movement, especially

(06:02):
climbing out of the saddle or sprinting?
Does it feel wobbly? Surprisingly stable according to
the 5K runner. He mentioned its wider base
compared to, say, the Kicker climb gives it a promise of
better stability, especially on really steep virtual gradients.
Seems rock solid. Good to know.
And the steering, how useful is it in practise?
The 5K runner had thoughts on this too, right?

(06:24):
He did, he clarified. It's not about realistic counter
steering like you do at high speed outdoors.
You wouldn't just yank your barsat 40 KPH.
Ninja. That would end badly.
Right, it's purpose built for interacting with virtual worlds.
Think choosing a turn in Swift, maybe getting a draught
advantage, collecting power ups,gamified interaction.
So it's functional within the context of the apps it works.

(06:46):
With exactly it's for the virtual environment.
Which brings us to app compatibility.
How does the Alpine actually connect and get controlled
gradient first? Gradient control is the easy
part because the app talks to your neo trainer using standard
protocols and the trainer controls the Alpine.
It works automatically with pretty much everything.

(07:06):
Like Swift, Ruby. Yep.
Swift, Ruby Full gas Training Peaks, virtual, My Whoosh, the
Tax ace training app itself. They all control the gradient
seamlessly. DC Rainmaker confirms this wide
compatibility. OK, simple enough, but steering
is different. Steering is more limited right
now. For steering to work, the Alpine
needs to be paired directly to the app as a steering device,

(07:29):
and currently Zwift is the main platform supporting that.
So no steering in the taxis app itself yet or my wish.
Not yet, according to Disfit, Ifsteering is a big feature for
you, Zwift is your primary option for now.
Good to know any other control features DC Rainmaker mentioned?
Something about it being always on.

(07:49):
Yes, this is one of his favourite points, unlike the
Wahoo kicker climb which often starts lock and needs you to
manually unlock it. Which you might forget to do
sometime. Exactly, the Alpine is just on
ready to move as soon as you start pedalling and the app
sends gradient info. It means you actually get the
benefit of the movement on everysingle ride without thinking
about it. Removes friction.

(08:10):
That's a subtle but really significant usability.
When are there manual controls too?
There are buttons on the tower to manually set gradients, but
Desfit reckoned you robably wouldn't use them much.
You can also control it from theTC case app and SET Max incline
decline limits which is useful. Like capping it at 15% if you
don't want the full 25%. Precisely and the tech IS app

(08:32):
also has a new climb pro like feature now showing upcoming
climbs a nice integration from their bike computers.
OK, this inevitably leads to thebig comparison.
Tech IS Alpine versus the Wahoo KKCKR climb, often paired with
the Kikai CR move. The direct competitor for sure.
Similar concepts, different execution in some ways.
Let's break it down. Specs First Alpine hits 25%

(08:52):
incline TCKR climb hits 20%. Slight edge to Alpine on the
climbs there. Yeah, descents are the same for
both -10%. Now the forward backward motion
seems to be a key difference, especially comparing the Neo 3
Melpine combo to the KKR move climb.
It is does fit describe the KCKRmove as having a longer arc,
more float, less abrupt feeling around the centre point compared

(09:14):
to the Neo Three M by itself. So stand alone, he might prefer
the KKR move's motion. He actually said he did prefer
the QKCKR Move as a stand alone trainer for that reason however,
and this is crucial, when he paired the Alpine with the Neo
three M, that dampening effect we talked about, plus the
steering and side flex, he actually preferred the combined
Neo Three M Alpine experience over the KICKR Move clown combo.

(09:38):
Wow, so the Alpine integration specifically elevates the Neo
three M for him, even if the base trainer's motion wasn't his
top pick initially? That's the fascinating takeaway.
It suggests the system integration is really well done.
But then you have the 5K runner suggesting that in practise the
real world ride feel between these top tier systems is maybe

(09:58):
similar, he said. No meaningful difference.
How do we square that with Desfit's preference?
That's a great point and highlights how subjective feel
can be at this level for desfit.Those nuances, the specific
dampening, the integrated steering created a genuinely
preferable superior experience for the 5K runner.
Perhaps focusing on the core motion simulation.

(10:20):
The overall effect felt comparable across the high end
options. Doesn't mean one is wrong, just
means different riders might weigh those subtle differences
differently. What's best isn't universal.
That makes sense. It depends what aspects you
value most. What about locking out the
motion? Sometimes you want a static
setup for sprints or testing. The key SCKR move has a really
easy lever for that quick flick.It's locked.

(10:42):
The Neo Three M requires gettingoff and fiddling with knobs.
Bit more hassle. A bit, but both Desfit and the
5K runner suggested that becausethe Alpine dampens the Neo three
M's movement anyway, you might not feel the need to lock it out
as often. So maybe less of a practical
issue than it sounds. OK, the moment of truth.
Price, the elephant in the room.Yep, the Alpine itself is listed

(11:03):
at 1099 USUSD. And you need the trainer too.
Right. Add a knee O2 T, that's another
13199 or the neo three M that's $1999.
So your total setup is somewherebetween roughly 2500 and 3100
dollars. That is a significant chunk of
change for indoor training realism.
It absolutely is, especially when you compare it to the Wahoo

(11:24):
key ICKR move clamp combo which comes in around 2100 hours
total. So hundreds of dollars more for
the Garmin setup. Is it worth it given Desfit
loves it but the 5K runner findsthe feel similar to competitors?
How do you justify that extra cost?
It really boils down to how muchyou value those specific Alpine
advantages. The higher incline capability,

(11:46):
the integrated steering that specific dampened feel desfit
preferred on the three M the always on convenience.
And perhaps the rock solid stability the 5K runner noted.
And that too, if those specific features collectively represent
the best indoor cycling experience for you, as Desfit
suggests it might be, then maybethe premium is justified.

(12:06):
It's peak immersion. But if the core feeling of
motion is what matters most, maybe the differences aren't
worth the extra cash for everyone.
That seems to be the 5K runners angle.
Plus he makes the very valid point about ecosystems.
If you're already deep in Garmin, Connect with an edge
computer, maybe watches. The tech has Alpine just fits
seamlessly. Exactly, just like Kick Air gear

(12:27):
makes perfect sense for Wahoo LMT users.
There's value in that integration.
There's one more consideration the 5K runner brought up at this
price point. Yes, dedicated indoor bikes.
Right when you're spending 2500 to $3100 on a trainer and a
climbing simulator, you're in the territory of some very good,
dedicated smart bikes. It's a valid alternative to

(12:49):
consider, especially if you wanta permanent indoor setup.
No faffing with taking your roadbike on and off.
Convenience versus the specific dynamic feel of the Alpine
system. Yeah, So wrapping this up, the
Tecas Alpine, especially paired with the Neo Three M looks like
arguably the most advanced, mostintegrated multi directional
indoor riding system currently available.

(13:10):
It pushes the boundaries, gradient, complex motion
steering. It's trying to tick all the
boxes for ultimate realism for existing TAC test users.
It even seems to improve the base trainers feel.
A compelling package for sure, but as always in tech.
Nothing stands still. The 5K Runner and DC Rainmaker
both nod to this, while the Alpine feels like the top dog

(13:30):
now. Competitors won't sit idle.
Exactly. Wahoo and others will respond.
We might see different approaches, maybe even trainer
independent solutions down the line.
The race for indoor realism is definitely ongoing.
So the final thought for you, our listener with a TACAS Neo
trainer, is this ultimate level of realism, this highly
integrated system worth that significant investment right

(13:52):
now? Does it solve your specific
indoor training needs and desires?
Or are you perhaps waiting to see what the next innovation
that next aha moment brings to the Trainer Cave?
Lots to Mull over there. Depends on your goals, your
budget, and just how much that extra immersion matters to
keeping you motivated those indoor miles.
Definitely food for thought. That's all for this deep dive.

(14:12):
Until next time, happy riding.