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Tacx Antares Basic Trainer

8
£164.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Smooth rollers that make indoor training engaging
Smooth, road-like riding feel
Inexpensive way to train indoors
Weight: 
7,700g
Contact: 

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Tacx Antares Basic Trainer provides a simple and engaging way to train or warm up. The adjustable length makes use with different bikes very easy, and the smooth, quiet running of the rollers gives a decent road feel.

If the thought of getting on an indoor trainer and mindlessly pedalling away for an hour or so fills you with dread, then rollers could be a very good option. They are a more engaging way to train indoors as, just like on the road, not paying attention is going to cause you to fall off.

Half an hour on these basic rollers passed far more quickly than an equivalent spin on my smart trainer hooked up to Zwift, so if you find yourself getting really bored, these basic rollers are a great solution.

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Rollers also allow for the development of basic cycling skills such as pedalling smoothness. The only way you're going to stay in the centre of the rollers is by using a smooth pedalling technique, so away from the simple physical workout, you can also perfect your pedal stroke.

The Antares Basic rollers don't have any resistance built in. The resistance comes from your tyres and there is a surprising amount of effort required to get your biggest gears going.

2021 Tacx Antares Basic Trainer - front roller.jpg

Up at those top wheel speeds, the rollers do produce more noise than a turbo trainer, so you might want to give these a miss if you live in a block of flats.

2021 Tacx Antares Basic Trainer - rear rollers.jpg

For warming up, the rollers are very good. Not only can you get a good sweat on while you wait to start your race, the focus required to not fall off and look like an idiot really helped me to get in the zone for racing.

Lobbing a bike onto the rollers is simple, and folding them away is easy, so if you are running late for the start, they're not going to hold you up.

2021 Tacx Antares Basic Trainer - collapsed.jpg

If you are just looking for a warm-up option, I'd also consider something like Feedback Sport's Omnium hybrid rollers. They are quite a bit more expensive at £350 but they eliminate the possibility of falling off in the car park.

> Buyer’s Guide: 14 of the best home trainers – get fit indoors

The Antares Basics are cheaper than the Elite Arion Parabolic rollers (£199.99) and the JetBlack R1 (£189.99), but if you can spend a little bit more, the Tacx Galaxia Advanced rollers come in at £219.99 and add movement to the rear wheel to better simulate the feel of riding on the road.

Conclusion

Rollers are far more immersive than even a gamified app such as Zwift, and if you want a basic set then these Antares Basics are brilliant. The ride is smooth and they are quick to deploy, so getting going is easy. For pre-race warm-ups, I'd highly recommend them.

Verdict

Smooth rollers that make indoor training engaging

road.cc test report

Make and model: Tacx Antares Basic Trainer

Size tested: 1350 x 470 mm

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Tacx says: 'When your training takes place indoors, the Tacx Antares roller trainer lets you cycle freely to refine your coordination and technique - or just to get in a good workout."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

From Tacx:

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS Max: 53.0" x 18.5" (1350 x 470 mm)

DIMENSIONS WHEN FOLDED 31.5" x 18.5" x 5.3" (800 x 470 x 135 mm)

WEIGHT 17.0 lbs (7.7 kg)

HEIGHT 5.3" (135 mm)

ROLLER DIAMETER 100-110 mm

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Smooth rollers that work very well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Because you are having to focus, time passes by much more quickly than on a turbo.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing really.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

Cheaper than the Elite Arion Parabolic rollers (£199.99) and the JetBlack R1 (£189.99).

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? For my use, I'd have a hybrid roller.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

They're really good: inexpensive and smooth.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 27  Height: 177cm  Weight: 62kg

I usually ride: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, club rides, general fitness riding, I specialise in the Cafe Ride!

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