I Hear a Strange Noise Coming From My NEO Series Smart Trainer

In some cases, the following smart trainers may make a noise that is out of the ordinary:

• Tacx® NEO

• Tacx® NEO 2

• Tacx® NEO 2T

• Tacx® NEO 3M

Below is a list of sounds and their meaning.

Whistling Sound

In some cases, a whistling sound is produced when cycling at a certain speed (around 21 mph, or 34 km/h). This sound is caused by air being pushed out between the rotating parts of the NEO and is considered as normal behavior.

Chirping or Whining Sound

These sounds can come from the trainer when it is not being ridden. The sound comes from the cooling fans inside the trainer turning on or off after use and is considered normal. 

Cracking Sound

If you hear a cracking sound coming from the trainer while cycling, see below for two possible causes:

Freehub Body Maintenance:

Greasing the freehub can solve most cracking sounds. Refer to the section Freehub greasing in the following FAQ: Maintenance and Care for the Neo and Neo 2 Smart Trainer

Cassette Assembly:

In some cases the cracking sound is caused by the cassette assembly that is loose. Make sure the cassette is assembled tightly by tightening the lock ring. 

Scraping Sound

NOTE: New trainers out of box may make this sound during first use, as small pieces of Styrofoam or packing materials could find their way inside the disc assembly. The noise should go away after a few sessions.

The NEO is equipped with 32 very strong Neodymium magnets. These magnets are so strong that they might attract metal dust, which could get trapped between the rotating parts. If this occurs, it will generate a metal or scraping sound coming from behind the metal disc.

Cleaning behind the disc can solve most metal sounding issues. Refer to the section Disc cleaning in the following FAQ:  Maintenance and Care for the Neo and Neo 2 Smart Trainer

Grunting or Whump-Whump Sound

If you hear a grunting or "whump-whump" sound coming from the trainer while cycling you will need to replace the O-ring located behind the disc. For steps on doing this see: O-ring Replacement Instructions for NEO Series Smart Trainers