Garmin Tacx Alpine User Manual

Introduction

The Tacx Alpine is a gradient simulator compatible with Tacx NEO 3M and Tacx NEO 2T hometrainers, provided the trainer is updated to the latest software. This manual guides you through the installation, training, and troubleshooting of your Tacx Alpine.

Important Safety Information: Please refer to the included "Important Product and Safety Information" guide for warnings and essential information before using the product.

Compatibility:

• Tacx Alpine is compatible with Tacx NEO 3M and Tacx NEO 2T hometrainers with updated software.
• The product is ANT+® certified. Visit www.thisisant.com/directory for a list of compatible products and apps.

For assistance and information, including product manuals, FAQs, and customer support, visit support.garmin.com.

Mounting Instructions for Tacx Alpine

The Tacx Alpine comes with two mounting kits, labeled A and B.

Mounting Kit Contents

For Tacx NEO 3M Hometrainer: Refer to "Mounting Tacx Alpine" on page 4.

For Tacx NEO 2T Hometrainer: Requires both mounting kits A and B.

Mounting the Swivel End Caps for Tacx NEO 2T Hometrainers

Note: The Tacx Alpine is compatible with the Tacx NEO 2T hometrainer, but you must install the new swivel end caps on both sides of the trainer. The old end caps and the old spacer (for disc brakes) are not compatible. Using the old parts may cause damage.

1. Remove your bicycle from the Tacx NEO 2T hometrainer.
2. Choose an option:
   • If you have a quick-release axle, use a 5 mm Allen wrench to remove both end caps.
   • If you have a thru-axle, use a 17 mm wrench to remove both end caps.
   Note: Some wrenches may not fit, and you may need to remove the cassette.
3. Open mounting kit B and take out the blue tool, the spacer, and the Driveside 5-6Nm locking nut.
4. Use the table to select the correct parts for your axle type.

Step 5: Use the blue tool to install the end cap holder 1 on the non-drive side of the hometrainer.

Note: If you have disc brakes, install the new spacer 2 to ensure clearance between the hometrainer and the brake caliper.

Step 6: Use the blue tool to install the Driveside 5-6Nm locking nut 3 on the drive side of the hometrainer.

You can manually tighten the locking nut using the blue tool. Garmin recommends a maximum torque of 6 N-m (4.4 lbf-ft.) for the locking nut.

Step 7: Install both swivel end caps 4.

Step 8: Mount your bicycle onto the Tacx NEO 2T hometrainer according to the user manual.

Step 9: Sit on the hometrainer and pedal a few times.

Tip: The new swivel end caps can remain on the Tacx NEO 2T hometrainer even when riding without the Tacx Alpine.

Mounting Tacx Alpine

Placing the Motion Base

Before placing the motion base 1, you must have your bicycle mounted on a compatible hometrainer, such as the Tacx NEO 3M 2.

1. Remove the front wheel support.
2. Place the motion base under the front wheel.
3. Position the Tacx Alpine close to the front of your bicycle so you can easily roll it onto the motion base.
4. Align the motion base with the front wheel's hub 3 over the adjustment zone 4, preferably near the center.
5. If using a training mat, align the front of the motion base with the front of your training mat (optional accessory).

Mounting Your Bicycle with a Thru-Axle

The Tacx Alpine is compatible with bicycles using a 12 mm or 15 mm thru-axle. If you have a quick-release axle, refer to "Mounting Your Bicycle with a Quick Release Axle", page 6.

1. Open mounting kit A and select the swivel end caps for your axle.

Step 2: Insert the swivel end caps into the Tacx Alpine.

Step 3: Remove the front wheel from your bicycle and hold the frame steady.

Step 4: Roll the Tacx Alpine onto the motion base and align the bicycle fork with the swivel end caps.

Step 5: Insert the axle and tighten it by hand.

Step 6: Tighten the axle to the torque specified on the axle or in your bicycle's user manual.

Mounting Your Bicycle with a Quick Release Axle

Warning: If the quick-release lever is not properly tightened and closed, it can cause personal injury or property damage.

1. Open mounting kit A and select the QR swivel end caps and quick-release axle.
2. Insert the swivel end caps 1 into the Tacx Alpine.
3. Install the quick-release skewer, the conical springs on each side 2, and the cap 3.
4. Tighten the end cap by hand, ensuring there is enough space for the bicycle fork.
5. Remove the front wheel from your bicycle and hold the frame steady.
6. Roll the Tacx Alpine onto the motion base and place the bicycle fork onto the axle.
7. Tighten the cap and close the quick-release lever.

Connecting the Power Cable and Calibrating Tacx Alpine

Caution: The power cable is in the product box. Do not attempt to use a third-party power cable or adapter with the Tacx Alpine, as it may cause personal injury or damage to the hometrainer.

Note: Do not sit on the bicycle during calibration, as this may cause material damage.

The first time you connect the Tacx Alpine, the AUTO LED will blink slowly, and calibration is required.

1. Connect the power cable 1 to port 2.
2. Plug the power cable into a standard wall outlet. Ensure the power cable is loose enough to move freely with the Tacx Alpine.
3. Align the lines on the Tacx Alpine with the lines 3 on the motion base.
4. Adjust the hometrainer, bicycle frame, handlebars, and Tacx Alpine.
5. Press and hold the < and > buttons simultaneously for 6 seconds.
6. When all three LEDs blink, release the buttons to start calibration. All LEDs will blink slowly during calibration as the Tacx Alpine moves up and down. When the LEDs stop blinking, calibration is complete.

Clearance Check

Note: If one or more of the following movements cannot be performed, it may cause material damage.

• Ensure no objects block the power cables.
• Route power cables so they do not interfere with the hometrainer or Tacx Alpine during use.
• Check for clearance around the rod between the cassette and hub, and the fork in all height positions, while turning the handlebars.
• Get on the bicycle and ride in manual mode (See "Riding a Tour", page 12).
• The AUTO LED is off.
• Ensure sufficient ceiling height while riding.
• If necessary, use the Tacx Training app to set gradient limits.

Checking Rear Dropout Clearance

Before performing this preparation check, set the correct axle distance and hometrainer in the Tacx Training app.

Tip: You can use the measuring tape included in mounting kit A.

1. Press the < button simultaneously to return the Tacx Alpine to 0% gradient.
2. Observe the minimum clearance between the hometrainer and the rear dropout.
3. Open mounting kit A and select the compatibility checker 1. You should be able to fit the checker between the trainer and the rear dropout.
4. Press the < button and check the clearance each time you press the button. You can also manually control the gradient using the Tacx Training app in the device settings.
5. Repeat step 4, observing the clearance between the hometrainer and the rear dropout:
   • If the checker does not fit between the two parts at any point, proceed to step 6.
   • If there is clearance from 0% to -10% gradient, proceed to the next clearance measurement ("Checking Fork Clearance", page 9).
6. Press the < button and note the gradient. Tip: The Tacx Training app displays the gradient.
7. In the Tacx Training app, go to Tacx Alpine settings.
8. Select Gradient > Grade Range.
9. Use the slider to set the minimum gradient.

Checking Fork Clearance

You need to use the compatibility checker from mounting kit A.

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

Note: The minimum level is either -10% or a user-defined value (See "Checking Rear Dropout Clearance", page 8).

1. Turn the handlebars as far as possible (in both directions and on both sides) and insert the checker between the fork and the Tacx Alpine.

If the checker fits between the two parts in both directions, no further action is needed. Proceed to step 3 if the clearance check fails.

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

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

2. Apply the protective strips to your bicycle fork where the fork is closest to the Tacx Alpine.

Training

Tacx Training App

You can download the Tacx Training app to your compatible phone, tablet, or computer.

• Ride exciting courses without leaving home.
• Create your own rides, workouts, and more.
• Manage your training, customize settings, and diagnose problems.
• Synchronize your indoor training data with your Garmin Connect™ account.
• Update the device software (See "Updating Tacx Alpine Software", page 13).

Riding a Tour

Your first ride on the Tacx Alpine should be a short, manual training ride. Familiarize yourself with the controls and riding positions.

1. If you have a Tacx NEO 3M hometrainer, unlock the motion plates. Tip: Turn each thumb screw until it clicks.
2. On the Tacx Alpine, press AUTO to turn off the LED and activate manual training mode.
3. Begin pedaling slowly.
4. Press the < or > buttons to raise or lower the front of your bicycle. Tip: To return the Tacx Alpine to a 0% gradient, press the < and > buttons simultaneously.
5. Turn the handlebars left and right.

Tips for Cycling and Training

• For the best experience, use the Tacx Alpine only when connected.
• Use the Tacx Training app to set your correct axle distance, hometrainer type, and other training preferences. Tip: You can use the measuring tape included in mounting kit A.
• Avoid sprinting when the motion plates are engaged. You can sprint if the motion plates are locked.
• If you use the Tacx NEO 2T hometrainer without motion plates, you may notice a slight forward shift in the gradient. You can change this in the Tacx Training app's device settings.
• If you experience motion sickness while cycling, try the following:
  • Focus on a fixed point in front of your bicycle.
  • Watch an instructional video while riding.
  • Drink plenty of water before and during your ride.
  • Stop cycling until you feel better, then try again.

Pairing Tacx Alpine with Your Hometrainer and App

For optimal performance and training, Garmin recommends pairing the Tacx Alpine with your compatible hometrainer and the Tacx Training app.

1. Connect your compatible Tacx trainer to external power.
2. Pair your compatible Tacx hometrainer with the Tacx Training app.
3. Update the trainer software if an update is available.
4. In the Tacx Training app, select Settings > Device Management.
5. Wake the trainer and put it in pairing mode. Press and hold AUTO on the Tacx Alpine for 3 seconds.
6. When you release the button, all LEDs will blink rapidly, then blink and as the Tacx Alpine searches for the hometrainer and app. When connected, the and LEDs will light up solid.
7. In the Tacx Training app, tap the Tacx Alpine to pair, and wait for the connected device to turn green.
8. On the Tacx Alpine, press AUTO so the LED lights up solid. Automatic training mode means the Tacx Alpine automatically follows the course gradient.
9. Select a course.
10. Begin pedaling.

Device Information

Sleep Mode

After 10 minutes of inactivity, the Tacx Alpine enters sleep mode, and Bluetooth® connections are stopped. You can wake the device by pressing a button or turning the handlebars (See "Status LEDs and Buttons", page 11).

Device Maintenance and Storage

Warning: Refer to the "Important Product and Safety Information" guide in the product box for product warnings and other important information.

• Disconnect the device when not in use.
• If your hometrainer has motion plates, check the adjustment and lock the motion plates when the hometrainer is not in use.
• Wipe down the device after each use.
• Clean the device before storing it.

Specifications

Troubleshooting

Updating Tacx Alpine Software

Before you can update the device software, you must pair your Tacx Alpine with the latest version of the Tacx Training app (See "Pairing Tacx Alpine with Your Hometrainer and App", page 12).

1. Connect the power cable to a standard wall outlet (See "Connecting the Power Cable and Calibrating Tacx Alpine", page 7).
2. Open the Tacx Training app on your phone. Tip: Check the battery level on your phone or tablet.
3. Select Settings > Device Management.
4. Select your Tacx Alpine.
5. Select Firmware Update > Update.

On the Tacx Alpine, all LEDs light up in sequence clockwise during a software update.

1. Wait for the software update to complete. Tip: Do not unplug the device or switch between apps while the software is updating. This may take a few minutes.

When Should I Calibrate Tacx Alpine?

If the device has been stored for several months, or if you are installing a new bicycle or trainer, you must calibrate the Tacx Alpine (See "Connecting the Power Cable and Calibrating Tacx Alpine", page 7).

• Before riding, perform these actions:
  • On the Tacx Alpine, check the AUTO LED. A slow blinking LED means the device needs calibration.
  • In the Tacx Training app, check if there is a calibration message.

Tacx Alpine Not Responding

If the Tacx Alpine stops responding, you can reset the device to factory settings.

1. Press and hold AUTO for 15 seconds.
2. Release the button when all LEDs blink rapidly.
3. Wait for the device to reset. All LEDs light up in sequence counter-clockwise during a factory reset.

After the factory reset is complete, calibrate the Tacx Alpine (See "Connecting the Power Cable and Calibrating Tacx Alpine", page 7).

You must also pair the Tacx Alpine with your compatible trainer and Tacx Training app (See "Pairing Tacx Alpine with Your Hometrainer and App", page 12).

Why Are All LEDs Blinking?

When all Tacx Alpine LEDs blink slowly at the same time, there is a hardware failure.

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

How Do I Mount My Device?

Note: The Tacx tablet stand (T2098) may interfere with the Tacx Alpine, potentially causing product damage.

• If you have the Tacx tablet holder (T2098), move the stand away from all Tacx Alpine components and check for clearance.
• Use the Tacx tablet mount (T2092).
• See compatible accessories at buy.garmin.com.

What Size is My Thru-Axle?

Most axles have the size printed or etched on the axle. The most common sizes are 12 x 100 mm, 15 x 100 mm, and 15 x 110 mm. To determine the diameter, insert the axle into the end caps. To determine the length, hold the compatibility checker between the bicycle fork.

Diagram showing axle sizes:

[Image depicting 12mm, 15mm axles and 100mm, 110mm lengths]