Garmin Tacx Alpine User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides instructions for setting up, using, and troubleshooting the Garmin Tacx Alpine smart trainer. It is compatible with Tacx NEO 3M and Tacx NEO 2T trainers with the latest firmware.

For the latest updates and additional information, visit www.garmin.com.

Trademarks: Garmin®, the Garmin logo, and Tacx® are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. ANT+® is a certification for compatible products.

Getting Started

Before setting up your Tacx Alpine, read the Safety and Product Information guide included in the product box.

NOTICE: Ensure your Tacx trainer has the latest firmware version for optimal compatibility.

• Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to follow instructions in the Tacx Training app.
• The Tacx Training app provides setup details, videos, and firmware updates.
• For the best experience, connect the Tacx Alpine to a power source and use it on a firm, low-pile carpet or mat. Avoid soft or high-pile carpets.

NOTE: Bicycles with a wheelbase of 1165 mm or more may not fit on a standard Tacx training mat.

For support and information, visit support.garmin.com.

Installation Instructions

Mounting Kits

The Tacx Alpine comes with two mounting kits (A and B) for different axle types.

Attaching the Tacx NEO 2T Trainer End Caps

NOTICE: The Tacx Alpine is compatible with the Tacx NEO 2T trainer, but requires new end caps on both sides of the trainer. Old end caps and the disc brake spacer are not compatible.

1. Remove the bicycle from the Tacx NEO 2T trainer.
2. Select an option:
   • For a quick release axle, use a 5 mm hex wrench to remove both end caps.
   • For a thru-axle, use a 17 mm wrench to remove both end caps.
3. Open mounting kit B and take out the blue tool, spacer, and Driveside 5-6Nm locking nut.
4. Use the table to select the correct parts for your axle.

PASTABA: If using disc brakes, insert the new spacer ② between the trainer and the brake caliper.

Attach the end cap support ① to the drive side of the trainer using the blue tool. Attach the Driveside 5-6Nm locking nut ③ to the trainer.

You can tighten the locking nut with the blue tool by hand. If using a torque wrench, Garmin recommends tightening the locking nut to no more than 6 N-m (4.4 lbf-ft.).

7. Attach both end caps ④.
8. Mount the bicycle onto the Tacx NEO 2T trainer according to the user manual.
9. Sit on the trainer and pedal a few times.

TIP: New end caps can remain on the Tacx NEO 2T trainer when riding without the Tacx Alpine.

Installing the Tacx Alpine

Setting up the motion platform: Before setting up the motion platform ①, attach the bicycle to a compatible trainer, such as the Tacx NEO 3M ②.

1. Remove the front wheel block.
2. Place the motion platform under the front wheel.
3. Position the Tacx Alpine next to the front of the bicycle so you can easily slide it onto the motion platform.
4. Align the motion platform with the front wheel hub ③, over the alignment zone ④, preferably near the center.
5. If using a training mat, adjust the bicycle and trainer so the front of the motion platform aligns with the front of the training mat (optional).

Attaching the Bicycle with a Thru-Axle

The Tacx Alpine is compatible with bicycles using a 12 mm or 15 mm thru-axle. For quick release axles, see 'Attaching the Bicycle with a Quick Release Axle', page 6.

1. Open mounting kit A and select the correct thru-axle end caps for your axle.
2. Press the end caps into the Tacx Alpine.
3. Remove the front wheel from the bicycle and hold the frame.
4. Slide the Tacx Alpine onto the motion platform and align the wheel holder with the end caps.
5. Insert the axle and tighten by hand.
6. Tighten the axle to the torque specified on the axle or in the bicycle user manual.

Attaching the Bicycle with a Quick Release Axle

WARNING: If the quick release lever is not tightened securely or closed properly, it can cause injury or property damage.

1. Open mounting kit A and select the quick release end caps and quick release axle.
2. Press the end caps ① into the Tacx Alpine.
3. Install the quick release axle, conical springs ② on each side, and the cap ③.
4. Tighten the cap by hand, leaving enough space for the wheel holder.
5. Remove the front wheel from the bicycle and hold the frame.
6. Slide the Tacx Alpine onto the motion platform and place the wheel holder onto the axle.
7. Tighten the cap and close the quick release lever.

Connecting the Power Cable and Calibrating the Tacx Alpine

WARNING: Use only the power cable provided. Using another manufacturer's power cable or adapter may cause injury or damage the trainer.

NOTICE: Do not sit on the bicycle while it is calibrating, as this may cause property damage.

When you connect the Tacx Alpine to power for the first time, the AUTO LED will blink slowly, indicating that calibration is required.

1. Connect the power cable ① to the port ②.
2. Connect the power cable to a standard wall outlet. Ensure the power cable has enough slack to move freely with the Tacx Alpine.
3. Align the markings on the Tacx Alpine with the markings ③ on the motion platform.
4. Align the trainer, bicycle frame, handlebars, and Tacx Alpine.
5. Press and hold the AUTO and buttons simultaneously for 6 seconds.
6. When all three LEDs blink, release the buttons to begin calibration. During calibration, the LEDs will blink slowly. The Tacx Alpine will raise and lower. When the LEDs stop blinking, calibration is complete.

Checking the Gap

NOTICE: Failure to perform one or more of the following actions may result in property damage.

• Ensure no objects obstruct the power cables.
• Route power cables so they do not interfere with the trainer or Tacx Alpine.
• Check the space around the bicycle chainstay and wheel holder in all height positions and while turning the handlebars.
• Get on the bicycle and pedal in manual mode (See 'Riding', page 12). The AUTO LED turns off. Ensure you have adequate headroom when on the bicycle.
• If necessary, use the Tacx Training app to set the slope limits.

Chainstay Gap Check

Before performing this gap check, correctly set the wheelbase and trainer type in the Tacx Training app.

TIP: You can use the measuring tool included in mounting kit A.

1. Press and hold the and buttons simultaneously to return the Tacx Alpine to the 0% slope position.
2. Observe the minimum distance between the trainer and the chainstay.
3. Open mounting kit A and select the compatibility gauge ①. The gauge should fit between the trainer and the chainstay.
4. Press the button to check the gap each time you press the button. You can also manually control the slope using the device settings in the Tacx Training app.
5. Repeat step 4, observing the gap between the trainer and the chainstay. If the gauge does not fit between the two parts at any point, proceed to step 6. If the two parts are too far apart at a slope of 0% to -10%, proceed to the next gap check (See 'Fork Gap Check', page 9).
6. Press the button and note the slope.

TIP: The slope is displayed in the Tacx Training app.

7. In the Tacx Training app, navigate to Tacx Alpine settings.
8. Select Slope > Grade Range.
9. Adjust the slider to the minimum slope.

Fork Gap Check

Use the measuring tool from mounting kit A.

1. Press and hold the button until the Tacx Alpine is in the lowest position.

PASTABA: The minimum slope is -10% or the custom value (See 'Chainstay Gap Check', page 8).

2. Turn the handlebars as far as possible in both directions and insert the gauge between the fork and the Tacx Alpine.

If the gauge fits between both parts in both directions, no further action is required. If the gap check fails, proceed to step 3.

3. Open mounting kit A and select the protective strips.

TIP: Garmin recommends cleaning the bicycle fork before applying the protective strips.

4. Apply the protective strips to the bicycle fork where it is closest to the Tacx Alpine.

Training

Tacx Training App

The Tacx Training app can be downloaded to a compatible smartphone, tablet, or computer.

• Ride virtual routes from home.
• Create custom routes, workouts, and more.
• Manage workouts, change default settings, and troubleshoot issues.
• Sync indoor training data with your Garmin Connect™ account.

Update the device firmware (See 'Updating Tacx Alpine Firmware', page 13).

Riding

When training with the Tacx Alpine for the first time, select a short workout in manual mode. Learn to use the controls and find comfortable pedaling positions.

1. If you have a Tacx NEO 3M trainer, lock the motion plates.
2. On the Tacx Alpine, press AUTO. The LED will turn off, and manual training mode will activate.
3. Start pedaling slowly.
4. Press the or buttons to raise or lower the front of the bicycle.
5. Turn the handlebars to the right and left.

Riding and Training Tips

• For the best experience, connect the Tacx Alpine to a power source.
• In the Tacx Training app, you can set the wheelbase, trainer type, and other training preferences.
• TIP: You can use the measuring tool included in mounting kit A.
• When the motion plates are engaged, avoid sprinting. You can sprint when the motion plates are locked.
• If you are using the Tacx NEO 2T trainer without motion plates, you may notice a slight positive slope. You can adjust this in the Tacx Training app device settings.
• If you feel unwell while riding, try these tips:
  • Focus on a point in front of the bicycle.
  • Watch the training video while pedaling.
  • Drink plenty of water before and during training.
  • Stop pedaling until you feel better, then try again.

Pairing the Tacx Alpine with Your Trainer and App

For optimal performance and access to training features, Garmin recommends pairing the Tacx Alpine with a compatible trainer and the Tacx Training app.

1. Connect a compatible Tacx trainer to an external power source.
2. Pair the compatible Tacx trainer with the Tacx Training app.
3. If available, update the trainer firmware.
4. In the Tacx Training app, select Settings > Device Manager.
5. Wake up the trainer and put it in pairing mode.
6. On the Tacx Alpine, press and hold AUTO for 3 seconds. The LEDs will blink, then the AUTO and LEDs will blink, and the Tacx Alpine will search for the trainer and app. When connected, the LEDs will be solid.
7. In the Tacx Training app, tap the Tacx Alpine to pair, and wait for the green indicator light on the connected device.
8. On the Tacx Alpine, press AUTO until the LED is solid. In automatic training mode, the Tacx Alpine automatically adjusts to the slope of the course.
9. Select a course.
10. Start pedaling.

Device Information

Standby Mode

If the Tacx Alpine is inactive for 10 minutes, it enters standby mode and the Bluetooth® connection is lost. You can wake the device by pressing a button or turning the handlebars (See 'Status LEDs and Buttons', page 11).

Device Care and Storage

WARNING: Refer to the Safety and Product Information guide for warnings related to the product.

• When not in use, disconnect the device from the power outlet.
• If your trainer uses motion plates, check alignment and lock the motion plates when not in use.
• Wipe the device after each use.
• If the device will not be used for an extended period, clean it.

Specifications

Troubleshooting

Updating Tacx Alpine Firmware

To update the device firmware, you must pair the Tacx Alpine with the latest version of the Tacx Training app (See 'Pairing the Tacx Alpine with Your Trainer and App', page 12).

1. Connect the power cable to a standard wall outlet (See 'Connecting the Power Cable and Calibrating the Tacx Alpine', page 7).
2. Open the Tacx Training app on your phone or tablet.

TIP: Check the battery level of your phone or tablet.

3. Select Settings > Device Manager.
4. Select your Tacx Alpine.
5. Select Firmware Update > Update.
6. Wait for the firmware update to complete. During the update, all Tacx Alpine LEDs will light up sequentially in a clockwise direction.

TIP: Do not disconnect the device or switch apps while the firmware is updating. This may take several minutes.

Troubleshooting

When to Calibrate the Tacx Alpine

If you have not used the device for several months or have installed a new bicycle or trainer, you need to calibrate the Tacx Alpine (See 'Connecting the Power Cable and Calibrating the Tacx Alpine', page 7).

Before riding, perform these steps:

• Check the AUTO LED on the Tacx Alpine. If the LED blinks slowly, calibration is required.
• Look for a calibration prompt in the Tacx Training app.

Tacx Alpine Not Responding

If the Tacx Alpine stops responding, you can restore the factory default settings.

1. Press and hold AUTO for 15 seconds.
2. When all LEDs blink rapidly, release the button.
3. Wait for the device to reset. All LEDs will light up sequentially counter-clockwise during the reset.

After restoring factory defaults, you must calibrate the Tacx Alpine (See 'Connecting the Power Cable and Calibrating the Tacx Alpine', page 7). You must also pair the Tacx Alpine with a compatible trainer and the Tacx Training app (See 'Pairing the Tacx Alpine with Your Trainer and App', page 12).

Why Are All LEDs Blinking?

If all Tacx Alpine LEDs blink simultaneously, there is a hardware error.

1. Stop and get off the bicycle.
2. Open the Tacx Training app and look for more information.

How to Mount a Tablet Computer?

NOTICE: The Tacx tablet computer stand (T2098) may interfere with the Tacx Alpine and cause damage to the product. If you have a Tacx tablet computer stand (T2098), move it away from any Tacx Alpine parts and ensure there is adequate clearance. Use the Tacx mount with tablet computers (T2092). For information on compatible accessories, visit buy.garmin.com.

What is My Thru-Axle Size?

On most axles, the size is printed or engraved. Common sizes are 12 x 100 mm, 15 x 100 mm, and 15 x 110 mm. To determine the diameter, you can insert the axle into the end caps. To determine the length, you can use the compatibility gauge between the bicycle fork.

Diagram showing axle sizes:

[Diagram illustrating axle measurements: 12mm, 15mm, 100mm, 110mm]