Garmin Tacx Alpine User Manual

Getting Started

Consult the Important Product and Safety Information guide included in the product packaging for warnings and important product information.

The Tacx Alpine is compatible with Tacx NEO 3M and Tacx NEO 2T home trainers with the latest software version.

• Read the instructions before attaching your bicycle to the Tacx Alpine.
• Scan the QR code with your smartphone's camera and follow the instructions in the Tacx Training app.

Tip: The Tacx Training app includes device settings, videos, and software updates. Regularly update your Tacx device software for improved functions, privacy, and security.

For optimal experience, use the Tacx Alpine only when plugged in. For best results, use the Tacx Alpine on a firm or low-pile carpet. Avoid soft and thick carpets.

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

Visit support.garmin.com for help and information, including product manuals, FAQs, videos, and customer support.

Installation Instructions

Tacx Alpine Mounting Kits

The Tacx Alpine includes two distinct installation kits, labeled A and B.

Installing Rotary End Caps for the Tacx NEO 2T Home Trainer

Notice: The Tacx Alpine is compatible with the Tacx NEO 2T home trainer, but you must install the new rotary end caps on both sides of the home trainer. Old end caps and spacers (for disc brakes) are not compatible. Using old parts may cause material damage.

If you have a Tacx NEO 3M home trainer, refer to the Installation of the Tacx Alpine section, page 4.

1. Remove your bicycle from the Tacx NEO 2T home trainer.
2. Select an option:
   • If you have a quick-release axle, use a 5 mm hex 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 the installation kit (B), then remove the blue tool, spacer, and the Driveside 5-6Nm lockring.
4. Use the table to choose the rotary end caps (2) suitable for your axle.

5. On the non-drive side (NDS) of the home trainer, use the blue tool to install the end cap support (1).

Note: If you have disc brakes, install the new spacer (2) to provide clearance between the home trainer and the brake caliper.

6. On the drive side (DS) of the home trainer, use the blue tool to install the Driveside 5-6Nm lockring (3).

You can tighten the lockring using the blue tool. When using a torque wrench, Garmin recommends a maximum torque of 6 N-m (4.4 lbf-ft) for the lockring.

7. Install the two rotary end caps (4).

8. Install your bicycle on the Tacx NEO 2T home trainer according to the user manual.

9. Sit on the home trainer and pedal a few times.

Tip: The new rotary end caps can remain on the Tacx NEO 2T home trainer even when you ride without the Tacx Alpine.

Installing the Tacx Alpine

Positioning the Rocker Plate

Before you can position the rocker plate (1), you must install your bicycle on a compatible home trainer, such as the Tacx NEO 3M (2).

1. Remove the front wheel support.

2. Place the rocker plate under the front wheel.

3. Bring the Tacx Alpine close to the front of your bicycle so you can easily roll it onto the rocker plate.

4. Align the rocker plate with the front wheel hub (3) above the alignment zone (4), ideally near the center.

5. If you are using a training mat, adjust the bicycle and home trainer so that the front of the rocker plate aligns with the front of your training mat (optional).

Installing Your Bicycle with a Thru-Axle

The Tacx Alpine is compatible with a bicycle using a 12 mm or 15 mm thru-axle (What is my thru-axle size?, page 15). If you have a quick-release axle, refer to the Installing Your Bicycle with a Quick-Release Axle section, page 6.

1. Open the installation kit A, then select the rotary end caps suitable for your axle.

2. Clip the rotary end caps onto the Tacx Alpine.

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

4. Roll the Tacx Alpine onto the rocker plate and align the bicycle fork with the rotary end caps.

5. Insert the axle and hand-tighten it.

6. Tighten the axle according to the torque specification on the axle or in your bicycle's user manual.

Installing Your Bicycle with a Quick-Release Axle

Warning: If the quick-release lever is not sufficiently tightened, you risk damaging your equipment or causing injury.

1. Open the installation kit A, then select the rotary end caps and the QR quick-release axle.

2. Clip the rotary end caps (1) onto the Tacx Alpine.

3. Install the floating quick-release axle, the conical springs on each side (2), and the end cap (3).

4. Manually tighten the end cap, leaving enough space for the bicycle fork.

5. Remove the front wheel from your bicycle and hold the frame.

6. Roll the Tacx Alpine onto the rocker plate and place the bicycle fork on the axle.

7. Tighten the end cap and close the quick-release lever.

Connecting the Power Cable and Calibrating the Tacx Alpine

Attention: The power cable is in the product packaging. Do not attempt to use a third-party power cable or adapter with the Tacx Alpine, as this could cause injury or damage the home trainer.

Notice: Do not attempt to sit on the bicycle during calibration, as this could cause material damage.

The first time you plug in the Tacx Alpine, the AUTO LED will blink slowly, prompting you to calibrate the device.

1. Connect the power cable (1) to the power port (2).

2. Plug the power cable into a standard wall outlet.

The power cable should have enough slack to move freely with the Tacx Alpine.

3. Align the Tacx Alpine lines with the rocker plate lines (3).

4. Align the home trainer, bicycle frame, handlebars, and Tacx Alpine.

5. Press and hold the buttons simultaneously for 6 seconds.

6. When all three LEDs blink, release the buttons to start calibration. All LEDs will blink slowly during calibration. The Tacx Alpine will move up and down flat. Calibration is complete when the LEDs stop blinking.

Checking Clearance

Notice: Failure to follow these instructions may result in material damage.

• Ensure no objects are crushing the power cables.
• Route the power cables so they do not interfere with the proper functioning of the Tacx Alpine.
• Check the clearance around the rear derailleur and bicycle fork in all possible positions and while turning the handlebars.
• Mount the bicycle, then pedal in manual mode (Ready... Set... Go!, page 12). The AUTO LED is off.
• Ensure the ceiling height is adequate during use.
• If necessary, access the Tacx Training app and adjust the slope limits.

Checking Rear Chain Play

Before performing this check, you must set the correct bicycle wheelbase and home trainer in the Tacx Training app.

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

1. Press and simultaneously to bring the Tacx Alpine to a 0% slope.
2. Maintain the smallest possible distance between the home trainer and the rear chain.
3. Open installation kit A and select the compatibility gauge (1). You must be able to fit the gauge between the home trainer and the rear chain.
4. Press and check the play each time you press the button. You can also manually control the slope using the Tacx Training app in the device settings.
5. Repeat step 4 while monitoring the play between the home trainer and the rear chain:
   • If, at any point, the gauge cannot fit between the two parts, proceed to step 6.
   • If both parts have play at a 0% to -10% slope, proceed to the next clearance task (Checking Front Fork Clearance, page 9).
6. Press and note the slope. Tip: The Tacx Training app displays the slope.
7. In the Tacx Training app, go to Tacx Alpine settings.
8. Select Slope > Slope range.
9. Use the slider to set the minimum slope.

Checking Front Fork Clearance

You will need the compatibility gauge from the installation kit A.

1. Press until the Tacx Alpine is in the lowest position. Note: The minimum slope is either -10% or a custom value (Checking Rear Chain Play, page 8).
2. Turn the handlebars fully (in both directions and on both sides), then insert the gauge between the fork and the Tacx Alpine.

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

3. Open installation kit A and select the protection bands. Tip: Garmin recommends cleaning your bicycle's fork before applying the protection bands.

4. Place the protection bands on the bicycle fork where it is closest to the Tacx Alpine.

Training

Tacx Training App

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

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

Device Information

Standby Mode

After 10 minutes of inactivity, the Tacx Alpine enters standby mode, and Bluetooth® connections are interrupted. You can reactivate the device by pressing a button or turning the handlebars (LED Status and Buttons, page 11).

Device Care and Storage

Warning: Consult the Important Product and Safety Information guide included in the product packaging for warnings and important product information.

• Unplug the device when not in use.
• If your home trainer is equipped with motion plates, check their alignment and lock them when not using your home trainer.
• Wipe 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 (Pairing the Tacx Alpine with Your Home Trainer and the App, page 12).

1. Connect the power cable to a standard wall outlet (Connecting the Power Cable and Calibrating the Tacx Alpine, page 7).
2. Open the Tacx Training app on your smartphone or tablet. Tip: Check your smartphone or tablet's battery level.
3. Select Settings > Device Manager.
4. Select your Tacx Alpine.
5. Select Firmware Update > Update. While the Tacx Alpine is updating, all LEDs will light up one after another, clockwise.
6. Wait for the software update to complete. Tip: Do not unplug the device or close the app during the software update. This process may take a few minutes.

When Should I Calibrate the Tacx Alpine?

If the device has been stored for several months, or if you are installing a new bicycle or home trainer, you must calibrate the Tacx Alpine (Connecting the Power Cable and Calibrating the Tacx Alpine, page 7). Before training, perform the following actions:

• On the Tacx Alpine, check the AUTO LED. A slowly blinking LED indicates the device needs calibration.
• In the Tacx Training app, check if a calibration message is displayed.

Tacx Alpine Not Responding

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

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

After the factory reset is complete, you must calibrate the Tacx Alpine (Connecting the Power Cable and Calibrating the Tacx Alpine, page 7). You must also pair the Tacx Alpine with your compatible home trainer and the Tacx Training app (Pairing the Tacx Alpine with Your Home Trainer and the App, page 12).

Why Are All LEDs Blinking?

When all Tacx Alpine LEDs blink slowly and simultaneously, there is a hardware error.

1. Stop pedaling and get off the bicycle.
2. Open the Tacx Training app for more details.

How Do I Mount My Tablet?

Notice: The Tacx tablet mount (T2098) may interfere with the Tacx Alpine and damage the product.

• If you have the Tacx tablet mount (T2098), keep the mount away from all parts of the Tacx Alpine and check clearance.
• Use the Tacx tablet mount (T2092).
• Visit buy.garmin.com to view compatible accessories.

What Is My Thru-Axle Size?

In most cases, the size is printed or engraved on the axle. The most common dimensions 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 place the compatibility gauge in the bicycle fork.

Diagram showing axle dimensions: 12 mm, 15 mm, 100 mm, 110 mm.

Ready... Set... Go!

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

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

Tips for Use and Training

• For optimal experience, use the Tacx Alpine only when plugged in.
• Use the Tacx Training app to set the correct bicycle wheelbase, home trainer type, and other training preferences. Tip: You can use the measuring tape included in the installation kit A.
• Avoid sprinting when the motion plates are unlocked. You can sprint if the motion plates are locked.
• If you are using the Tacx NEO 2T home trainer without motion plates, you will notice a slight positive offset compared to the slope. You can adjust this in the device settings within the Tacx Training app.
• If you experience motion sickness while pedaling, try the following solutions:
  • Focus on a fixed point in front of your bicycle.
  • Watch a training video while pedaling.
  • Drink plenty of water before and during your activity.
  • Stop pedaling until you feel better, then try again.

Pairing the Tacx Alpine with Your Home Trainer and the App

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

1. Connect your compatible Tacx home trainer to an external power source.
2. Pair your compatible Tacx home trainer with the Tacx Training app.
3. If an update is available, install it on your home trainer.
4. In the Tacx Training app, select Settings > Device Manager.
5. Activate the home trainer and put it in pairing mode.
6. On the Tacx Alpine, press and hold AUTO for 3 seconds. Once you release the button, all LEDs will blink rapidly, then the LEDs and will blink while the Tacx Alpine searches for the home trainer and app. When the connection is established, the LEDs and will be 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 is solid. Automatic training mode means the Tacx Alpine automatically follows the route's slope.
9. Select a route.
10. Start pedaling.