Tacx NEO and FLUX trainers in the browser
Your Tacx NEO or FLUX is expected to work in a browser. Tour du Pain connects to Tacx smart trainers from Chrome or Edge over Bluetooth, using FTMS where the trainer has it and Tacx's own FE-C over Bluetooth where it doesn't, so even a first NEO or a wheel-on Vortex Smart should get ERG and resistance levels. No Tacx has been ridden here yet. Free through 2027, everything included. It runs on donations. There's nothing to install.
Updated · Written for version 1.36.3
Tour du Pain is free for everyone through 2027, everything included. Donations are optional.
Which Tacx trainers work in the browser
Garmin bought Tacx in 2019, and Garmin's Tacx trainer protocol overview lists which trainer speaks which Bluetooth protocol. That list, and the game's own list, give this:
| Model | Protocol | Status | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEO Smart (NEO 1) | Tacx FE-C | Should work | No FTMS on this model |
| NEO 2 Smart | FTMS, else Tacx FE-C | Should work | Sources disagree on FTMS; the game uses it when it's there |
| NEO 2T Smart | FTMS, else Tacx FE-C | Should work | Same as the NEO 2 |
| NEO 3M | FTMS | Should work | No FE-C over Bluetooth on this one |
| NEO Bike Smart, NEO Bike Plus | FTMS, else Tacx FE-C | Should work | FTMS from firmware 4.5 |
| FLUX Smart (first FLUX) | Tacx FE-C (unconfirmed) | Should work | Not in Garmin's overview |
| FLUX S Smart | FTMS, else Tacx FE-C | Should work | Wants levels as a 16-bit value, which the game sends |
| FLUX 2 Smart | FTMS, else Tacx FE-C | Should work | Some units on firmware 5.0 and later keep only FTMS |
| Flow Smart | Tacx FE-C | Should work | Wheel-on, up to 800 W |
| Vortex Smart | Tacx FE-C | Should work | Wheel-on, up to 950 W |
| Bushido Smart | Tacx FE-C | Should work | Wheel-on, up to 1400 W |
| Genius Smart | Tacx FE-C | Should work | Wheel-on, up to 2000 W |
| Satori Smart | Cycling Power | Power only | Resistance is a lever on the trainer |
| Boost, Boost Bundle | None | Not supported | Not a smart trainer |
| i-Vortex, i-Genius, i-Flow | ANT+ only | Not supported | Browsers have no ANT+ |
| Alpine | Proprietary | Not supported | A climbing simulator for a NEO, not a trainer |
FTMS or Tacx FE-C over Bluetooth
Tacx trainers from before FTMS already had Bluetooth, but they spoke ANT+ FE-C over it: the same messages Tacx sends over ANT+, packed into a Bluetooth service of its own. Tour du Pain speaks that too. You don't have to choose. When you connect, the game looks for FTMS first, and only when there's none does it use FE-C.
Both routes give you ERG, the 33 resistance levels and simulation. The difference is invisible on the ride. What matters is firmware: the NEO Bike got FTMS in 4.5, and some FLUX 2 units on 5.0 and later dropped FE-C over Bluetooth and kept only FTMS. Either way, a current firmware is the safest start. Update it with Tacx's own app, as in Garmin's steps for updating the trainer software, then close that app before you ride.
Tacx NEO 2T and NEO 3M
For the NEO 2T, Garmin's overview and other sources disagree on whether it advertises FTMS, so the game handles both: FTMS if it answers, FE-C if not. The NEO 3M speaks FTMS only.
For a NEO the setup is the usual one. Update the firmware, close the Tacx app on your phone, open tourdupain.app in Chrome or Edge, wake the trainer and press Connect next to Smart trainer under Settings, Devices.
In ERG the NEO holds each workout block's watts; see ERG workouts in your browser. With ERG off you pick one of 33 levels based on your FTP and shift your own gears. The game's climbs change your speed on screen, but the resistance stays at your level, so the Col du Pain feels flat on the trainer.
Tacx FLUX S and FLUX 2
The FLUX S and FLUX 2 speak FTMS and FE-C. The FLUX S wants its resistance levels as a 16-bit number where most trainers take a smaller one; the game sends what it expects. The first FLUX Smart isn't in Garmin's overview, so its FE-C is unconfirmed, though Tacx trainers of its time all spoke it.
Wheel-on Tacx Smart trainers
The Flow, Vortex, Bushido and Genius Smart clamp your rear wheel against a roller and speak Tacx FE-C over Bluetooth. They should get ERG and levels like a NEO, within their own limits: 800 W for the Flow, 950 W for the Vortex, 1400 W for the Bushido and 2000 W for the Genius. A wheel-on trainer brakes the tyre, so ERG needs some wheel speed to hold a high target. Shift into a bigger gear for hard blocks.
The Satori Smart is different. Its resistance is a lever on the trainer and it only sends power, so it rides as a power meter: speed follows your watts, and you set the effort yourself. See riding with a power meter only.
What doesn't work
The i-Vortex, i-Genius and i-Flow from before the Smart range take commands over ANT+ only. Browsers have no ANT+ radio, so they can't be controlled from Chrome or Edge. The Boost isn't a smart trainer, and the speed sensor in the Boost Bundle gives speed but no power. The Alpine is an accessory that tilts a NEO; Tour du Pain doesn't drive it.
On those, a Bluetooth power meter on your bike lets you ride anyway, without ERG.
When your Tacx doesn't show up
A Tacx trainer takes one app at a time, so check the Tacx Training app and any Garmin head unit that paired with it. Close the app, turn off Bluetooth on the head unit or switch it off, then wake the trainer again. The other fixes are the same for every brand and sit on the smart trainer page.
Rides go out as .fit files to Strava, Garmin Connect or intervals.icu, which suits a Tacx owner with a Garmin watch; see Strava, Garmin Connect and intervals.icu.
Tour du Pain is free through 2027, everything included. It runs on donations. To look around first, ride the demo without a trainer.
Questions
Does the Tacx NEO 2T work in a browser?
It should. Tour du Pain connects to it over FTMS, or over Tacx FE-C if FTMS isn't there. It's tested on an emulator, not yet on a real NEO 2T.
Is there a free app for a Tacx trainer?
Tour du Pain is free through 2027, everything included. It runs on donations. Garmin's Tacx Training app also has a free tier, with more behind a subscription.
Does my old Tacx i-Genius work?
No. The i-Genius, i-Vortex and i-Flow take commands over ANT+ only, and browsers can't use ANT+. A Bluetooth power meter on your bike is the way around it, without ERG.
Do the Tacx wheel-on trainers get ERG?
The Flow, Vortex, Bushido and Genius Smart should, up to 800, 950, 1400 and 2000 W. ERG needs some wheel speed for high targets, so use a bigger gear.
Why can't Tour du Pain control my Tacx Satori?
The Satori Smart has a lever, not a motor, and only sends power. It rides as a power meter: your watts drive the bike, and you set the resistance with the lever.
Do I need to update my Tacx firmware?
It's a good idea. The NEO Bike got FTMS in firmware 4.5. Update with the Tacx app, then close it before you connect.
