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trakracerau · 4 months

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How Much Does It Cost to Build an Affordable Racing Simulator?

Racing simulators have become an integral part of the gaming and motorsport enthusiast community. They offer a realistic and immersive driving experience, allowing individuals to indulge in their passion for racing from the comfort of their homes.

In this blog, we will explore the importance of cost-effective solutions for enthusiasts looking to build a budget racing simulator and provide a comprehensive overview of the key components and considerations involved in creating an affordable setup.

1. Understanding the Essentials

A sim racing setup, commonly known as a racing simulator, comprises essential components like steering wheels, pedals, budget sim racing cockpits, and display monitors or VR headsets. Achieving an optimal setup involves finding the right balance between quality and affordability.

Enthusiasts should meticulously plan their projects, taking into account factors such as available space, compatibility, and personal preferences. Striking a balance between these elements is crucial to creating a cohesive and functional sim racing experience. Careful consideration of each component ensures a well-integrated setup that enhances the overall enjoyment of the simulation.

Assembling a cheap racing simulator involves a thoughtful approach, ensuring that the chosen elements align seamlessly to provide an immersive and satisfying experience for racing enthusiasts.

2. Budget-Friendly Hardware Options

In the realm of hardware, a plethora of budget-friendly alternatives exist that maintain high-quality standards. At the heart of the budget racing simulator experience lie steering wheel and pedal sets, and surprisingly, there are affordable options that deliver realistic feedback and precise control.

Sim racing cockpits, essential for establishing a stable and ergonomic driving position, can be acquired at reasonable prices, elevating the overall immersive experience. Moreover, delving into cost-effective budget racing simulator display monitors or VR headsets proves to be a prudent strategy, substantially enhancing the realism of the simulation without straining one's finances.

Choosing budget-friendly components doesn't mean sacrificing the essence of a captivating sim racing setup. By carefully selecting economical alternatives for steering, pedals, and cockpits, enthusiasts can still achieve a high level of realism and performance.

This approach extends to the visual aspect as well, where affordable yet quality display solutions or VR headsets can augment the simulation experience without exceeding a reasonable budget. In essence, a judicious combination of cost-effectiveness and quality allows racing enthusiasts to assemble a compelling and immersive sim racing setup without compromising on their financial constraints.

3. Software and Game Titles

The cornerstone of an immersive and authentic budget sim racing setup experience lies in the availability of affordable sim racing software options and accessible game titles boasting realistic simulation features. For enthusiasts seeking to embark on a thrilling virtual racing journey, the market offers discounted or even free software and game deals through various platforms.

This budget motion racing simulator packages accessibility, making it entirely feasible to indulge in a high-quality simulation without necessitating a substantial financial investment. Exploring the diverse landscape of sim racing software, enthusiasts can discover budget-friendly options that don't compromise on the essential features needed for a lifelike experience.

Whether through promotional offers, sales, or free-to-play titles, the gaming community provides avenues for acquiring top-notch sim racing experiences without breaking the bank. In this way, enthusiasts can delve into the excitement of virtual racing, honing their skills and enjoying the thrill of competition without the burden of a significant financial commitment.

The democratisation of sim racing software ensures that the joy of realistic racing simulations is accessible to a broader audience, fostering a community where passion and engagement transcend financial constraints.

4. Additional Considerations for Cost Management

For individuals aiming to enhance cost-effectiveness, adopting do-it-yourself (DIY) methods to customise and construct specific components presents a creative and budget-friendly alternative. Delving into DIY projects allows enthusiasts to tailor their setups to personal preferences while keeping expenses in check.

Another avenue for economical choices involves exploring second-hand markets or attending sales events, where valuable components can be acquired at reduced prices.

Furthermore, leveraging open-source resources and actively participating in community forums can prove invaluable for enthusiasts on a budget. These platforms offer a wealth of insightful cost-saving tips and tricks, enabling individuals to optimise their sim racing setups without compromising quality. By tapping into the collective knowledge of the community, enthusiasts can discover innovative and budget-friendly solutions, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritises affordability and resourcefulness.

In summary, embracing a DIY ethos, exploring second-hand markets, and engaging with open-source communities empower sim racing enthusiasts to manage costs effectively. These approaches not only offer budget-friendly alternatives but also encourage a culture of creativity and shared knowledge within the community, ensuring that the joy of sim racing remains accessible to all, regardless of financial constraints.

5. Balancing Quality and Affordability

Embarking on the journey to create a cost-effective budget racing simulator underscores the importance of strategic investment in core components, coupled with a discerning approach toward avoiding unnecessary expenses. To construct a budget-friendly setup, the pivotal strategy involves prioritising essential elements while navigating potential trade-offs, ensuring a delicate balance between quality and affordability.

In the pursuit of affordability, enthusiasts must identify the fundamental components that define a satisfying racing simulation experience. Allocating resources judiciously to steering wheels, pedals, and other core elements establishes the foundation for an engaging setup. Moreover, adopting a discerning mindset allows enthusiasts to explore potential trade-offs—making informed decisions about where compromises can be made without sacrificing the overall quality of the experience.

Successfully achieving a balanced setup requires thoughtful consideration of essential features within the constraints of a limited budget. This strategic approach ensures that the core components of the racing simulator receive due attention and investment, fostering an optimal balance between quality and affordability. Ultimately, this methodical strategy allows enthusiasts to construct a satisfying and immersive racing experience without unnecessary financial strain.

Final Thoughts

Building an affordable budget racing simulator is a rewarding endeavour that allows enthusiasts to pursue their passion within a reasonable budget. By carefully considering essential components, exploring budget-friendly options, and leveraging cost-saving strategies, individuals can create a compelling simulation setup without breaking the bank. We encourage enthusiasts to embark on this journey and invite them to share their experiences and feedback as they dive into the world of affordable racing simulators.

Source: https://trakracer.godaddysites.com/f/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-an-affordable-racing-simulator

#Budget Racing Simulator #Racing Simulator

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clutchkick01 · 8 months

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Racing Simulator Cockpit Australia

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We understand that setting up a simulator can feel overwhelming, but rest assured, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about equipment, software, or setup, our dedicated team is committed to ensuring that you have the best possible sim racing experience.

We understand the importance of convenience, which is why our services are available seven days a week, from 9 am to 9 pm. We want to be there for you whenever you need assistance, whether it's during regular business hours or beyond, Our services extend Australia-wide. We take pride in serving sim racing enthusiasts throughout the country. No matter where you are located, you can count on Clutch Kick to provide exceptional products, support, and services.

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clutchkick · 10 months

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Sim Racing Setup Cost sydney | Clutchkick.com.au

We have you covered for all racing simulation needs, hire simulator, build simulator, experience our ultimate simulation Cockpits, Racing Simulator For Sale in Australia

Sim Racing Setup Cost sydney

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melbournenewsvine · 2 years

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ASUS ROG Chakram RGB gaming mouse lineup goes on sale from $60 (Reg. up to $135)

Amazon is offering the ASUS ROG Chakram Wireless RGB Gaming Mouse for $99.99 shipped. Down from $135 at Amazon, this marks a return to the all-time low that we’ve tracked at Amazon. Delivering tri-mode connectivity, this mouse uses either 2.4GHz or Bluetooth for its wireless connection and then USB for wired, should you need that. There’s a 16,000 DPI sensor that tracks at 400 IPS with a 1,000Hz polling rate. Featuring a programmable, removable joystick you’ll find customizable to give you “superior in-game control.” Another unique feature is Qi wireless charging built-in and the ability to game for 12 hours with just 15 minutes of being plugged in via a wire, delivering multiple options for charging. Keep reading for additional deals. Also on sale today is the ASUS ROG Chakram Core RGB Gaming Mouse for $59.99 shipped. Down from $70, this is the second-best price that we’ve tracked at Amazon. Offering many of the same features as today’s lead deal, you’ll find an identical sensor which packs 16,000 DPI at 400 IPS tracking. There’s also the same joystick and other features, just without the wireless connectivity. So, if you prefer to have a plugged-in mouse anyway, then save an additional 40% and pick up the ROG Chakram Core instead. Take your gaming setup on-the-go when you pick up Acer’s Nitro 5 gaming laptop that’s on sale for $1,013 right now. Delivering a 12th Generation i5 processor and RTX 3060 graphics, this laptop even delivers a 144Hz display which allows you to game at high frame rates anywhere. ASUS ROG Chakram Wireless Gaming Mouse features: Connect ROG Chakram any way you desire, with dual-wireless 2.4GHz and Bluetooth LE, plus wired USB connectivity all on tap. Bond instantly via the included 1ms 2.4GHz USB dongle, maximize battery life with Bluetooth LE or attach anytime with a cable – the choice is yours. When you set ROG Chakram’s joystick to Analog Mode it simulates a real analog stick or joypad thumb stick, making it ideal for flight sims and racing game, empowering you to climb, dive , drift, pan the view – or any analog control. Subscribe to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel for all of the latest videos, reviews, and more! Source link Originally published at Melbourne News Vine

#Melbourne News Vine

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gtr24h · 2 years

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NEWVU Opening in Stevenage

NEWVU Opening in Stevenage. A new social gaming centre has opened in Stevenage town centre in the UK called NEWVU, which aims to provide a one-size-fits-all location for a wide variety of different gaming requirements, from the "drop in and have a go" type, a place where parents can take their adorables to have a go on several different gaming setups, including several Nintendo Switch machines, a FIFA flavoured room or a 4 player VR arena, to the esports elite needing a venue for a boot camp, with games such as Counter Strike, Rocket League and Fortnite., with a middle ground for those that want to come and have some fun with games from Minecraft to Valorant. Customers can hire out specific areas of the facility for their own purposes, be it a preparation for an esports event, a birthday party, a team building event, or any gaming experience that can be utilised, NEWVU is ready to accommodate. So let's have a look at some of what the NEWVU facility can offer. As you enter the reception, the friendly staff are waiting to guide you to the area that most interests you, with some comfy seating for those that aren't taking part in the gaming experience. Any pre-booked sessions are dealt with here, and new bookings can be taken, along with merchandise sales. A VR Cinema can show a range of VR experiences, and NEWVU can access a library of different displays for customers to enjoy. Here is the football room, complete with a football pitch carpet. NEWVU has an association with the local Stevenage Football Club, offering prizes for tournaments to go and see the local club play at the grounds that are a very short distance away from the town centre. Along with standalone VR units, here is the 4 player arena, where players can compete against one another in a range of customised games. During my visit, the arena was set up for a battle royale style shooting game, where not only did the gamers have access to a holder for the controller that simulated the feel of an automatic rifle, but also available were vibrating jackets, all adding to the immersion of the game. At the back of the room was another area that had a pair of Nintendo Switch consoles, also offering a variety of games that could be played by either those spectating or waiting for their turn in the VR arena. Whilst the ground floor is very much aimed at the casual gamer, moving up to the first floor, the feel changes more to the dedicated gamer, with a range of PCs ready to play a range of different multiplayer games, further building on the social aspect of gaming. Along with this is another room where multiple chairs surround a single machine, expanding on the old "Couch multiplayer" adage, with chairs that can also give feedback depending on the game being played. A highly impressive streaming studio is available on this floor, a separate sound-proofed room with lighting familiar to experienced streamers, and a dedicated internet line more than capable of handling the needs of the modern-day streamer. Adding to the diversity of the NEWVU facility, this room could easily be a commentary booth for tournaments being held on-site. On the top floor, the esports lounge is located. Six rigs are all set up in a single room, ideal for training camps or tournament use. Whilst this arena is designed with the top-level gamer in mind, there is nothing to say that this, or indeed any room in the venue, cannot be customised for a wide range of uses. NEWVU have done a great job of maximising the space available, in terms of services offered in the form of the above mentioned facilities, various standalone consoles with different games catering to different tastes, including a sim racing rig and a classic arcade cabinet that is connected to the internet, allowing players with the same cabinet from across the world to play as well, all whilst allowing a good flow of foot traffic to avoid that "crammed in" claustrophobic feeling akin to a subway train. Quite a unique facility, certainly in the UK, with huge potential to cater for almost limitless possibilities and gaming events. The staff at NEWVU are ready to discuss any requirements that potential customers may have, big or small. The company has big plans ahead of them, and if the Stevenage site is anything to go by, very exciting times lie ahead for them, and for us all to enjoy. - Chris Buxton Read the full article

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ugxshop · 3 years

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The art of making sports simulators has been around for several years. The world of gaming is becoming more exciting every day with advanced technology. However, these technologies are helping to give a real-life experience to the players. These can be found in developing simulations that are now taking over the gaming world. All next-level sim racing now comes with advanced and exciting options to make the gaming experience epic with the advancement of technology.

#sim racing cockpit #racing simulator cockpit #sim cockpit #racing simulator setup #racing simulator cockpit for sale #racing simulator setup for sale #next level sim racing #extreme sim racing cockpit #complete racing simulator cockpit #next level flight simulator cockpit

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faqblog89 · 3 years

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vividracing · 3 years

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New Post has been published on https://www.vividracing.com/blog/top-4-best-infiniti-g37-headlights/

Top 4 Best Infiniti G37 Headlights

The G was Infiniti’s first luxury coupe and it quickly became so much more than that. The G coupe was an instant hit with performance enthusiasts and it still remains an icon and highly sought-after model today. While the name may have changed (to the Q), the G37 will forever be known as the brand’s truly dynamic vehicle of choice. Replacing the celebrated G35 in 2008, the G37 took car fans by storm with its powerful V6 engine that pumped out 330 horsepower and an impressive all-wheel-drive system that proved to be very popular in the colder and snowier parts of the country. No matter where you live, though, you are bound to see countless Infiniti Gs on the road. With that being said, it can be hard to stand out from the rest but the automotive aftermarket can fix that.

Shop All Infiniti G37 Headlights Here

One of the most popular aesthetic mods owners do to their G37 is swap out the factory headlights. While the OEM setup has a nice shape and is appealing straight off the showroom floor, it could use a bit of ramping up. Whether you want to change the color of the housing to make it more aggressive, incorporate color-changing lights, or merely upgrade the luminosity of the stock bulbs, Vivid Racing carries what you need. We have put together a short list of the top four options for your G below to get you started. For additional assistance, feel free to reach out to our experts by phone at 1-480-966-3040 or via email at [email protected]. We can get you set up with an upgraded headlight package today!

1. Diode Dynamics H8 SL1 LED Headlights

The Diode Dynamics H8 SL1 LED headlights are a great choice for those looking to improve visibility on their G37 at night. While there are many options for LED upgrades on the aftermarket, most bulbs are too big, don’t work with the electrical system, or have no focus on the beam pattern. Even if they come close, they do not provide the same quality you would find with factory-installed lights. With the SL1 LED, Diode Dynamics set out to engineer a true OEM-grade LED light. Boasting a compact size, optically correct output, flow-simulated cooling, and boost-mode electrical circuit, the patented design of the SL1 LED is a properly engineered solution that finally provides a truly reliable upgrade in performance that has been thoroughly tested and meets/exceeds the standards.

Rather than the simple buck regulator other bulbs have, the Diode Dynamics SL1 uses a unique boost-mode circuit, which prevents thermal imbalance in the LEDs over time – just like you would find in OEM LEDs. Also, don’t be fooled by the high lumen numbers, the SL1 LED bulb was made with advanced optical design software, which simulates each ray of light in a process known as ray tracing. This allows the LED to focus light just like the Infiniti G37’s original bulb, preserving the focus and hotspot, with no added glare. This is a safe, functional output, in compliance with photometric standards. When it comes to cooling performance, these LEDs have the proper engineering needed to effectively remove heat from the bulbs.

Features

Fog light bulb replacement

Correct optical focus for increased output with no added glare

Perfect H8 fitment, no modification needed

Designed and validated to OEM lighting standards

Engineered and Assembled in the USA

2. Oracle ColorSHIFT Halo Headlight Kit

The Oracle ColorSHIFT halo lighting kit for the Infiniti G37 will transform your car’s appearance with new exciting and aggressive “eyes”. Expertly crafted with unique styling, brilliant colors, high-quality LEDs, and unique features, this headlight package is the perfect upgrade for any car enthusiast. And the new BC1 ColorSHIFT controller is a robust Bluetooth option that is easy to install and comes at a low price. It features four outputs with waterproof connections for easy wiring to your ColorSHIFT lighting products. Through the smartphone app, you can turn your lights on and off, select from endless color variations, patterns, brightness, strobe function, and even control the lights with music.

The ColorSHIFT Halo Kit can produce any color from 3000K-15000K with just the push of a button. This lets users dial-in the exact color rings that they desire with the ability to switch them at any moment. These 3-Chip 5050 SMD rings are super bright, maybe too bright for some, which is why (for the first time) users gain full control over the ring brightness. Oracle SMD (“Surface Mount Diode”) halos utilize an advanced type of LED chip that can produce brilliant light output while only consuming a small amount of power. The SMD chips are installed onto a CAD-designed six-layer PCB (Printed Circuit Board) which is very sturdy and will not break under pressure. What’s more, the PCB can easily be mounted to your G37 headlight housing using the pre-installed 3M adhesive tape backing.

Features:

Bright output with less power consumption

LED lights are brighter than the factory setup

Adds unique and colorful styling to your ride

Flagship halos with multi-shade ColorSHIFT lights

Combines classic simplicity with modern LED technology

Allows you to make your headlights whatever color you want

Pre-installed 3M tape and vehicle-specific wiring for easy installation

3. Alpharex Red NOVA-Series LED Projector Headlights

The Alphrarex Red NOVA-Series LED Projector Lights were inspired by the Nissan GTR R35 headlights. Alpharex applied streamlined LED tubes on this setup to fit the Infiniti G37/Q60 headlights as a DRL light. At the top, there are four horizontal LED tubes, similar to Alphrarex’s claw signature, as the turn signal. At the bottom, there are three “Red Nova” full LED 3D projectors with the outer two functioning as low beam lights and the inner one working as a high beam. The “Red Nova” projectors are painted in red to give your G37 a more aggressive touch and feature a light activation which is a running light when you unlock your car.

This set of NOVA-Series headlights includes a jet black housing that boasts a glossy look mixed with black paint to give your G37 a sporty and luxurious look. Alpharex also applied the Osram Oslon black flat LED chip for these projectors and the projection cut-off line is perfect for American LHD regulation. The headlights are made with a polycarbonate plastic lens with a layer of anti-fog agent applied to them. Not only will you experience better light output in extreme weather, but you will also enjoy a lustrous headlight setup for years and years to come. That’s because Alpharex applies another coating to the lenses to protect against unwanted yellowing and oxidation. On top of all these impressive features, these Infiniti G37 headlights are SAE and DOT compliant as well as ISO-9000, ISO-9001, and ISO-9002 certified.

Features:

Red 3D projector lens, DRLs, turn signal light, and the signature activation light feature (which is a sequential light show when you unlock your car)

Housing Color: Jet Black

Lens Color: Clear lens

Light Feature: Activation Light and DRL (Light Tube) and Blinking Signal (Top)

Feature Color: Activation Light and DRL (White) and Signal (Amber)

4. Alpharex Chrome NOVA-Series LED Headlights

For those who want a more subtle or classic vibe, the Alpharex Chrome NOVA-Series LED Headlights are a top choice. Alpharex’s NOVA-Series patented ice cube 3D projector is the core of the brand’s revolutionary technology. Each projector is equipped with an Osram Oslon black flat LED chip to provide maximum light output, both in illumination and projection. These Infiniti G37 headlights are compliant with SAE and DOT FMVSS108 regulations and are certified to ISO-9000, ISO-9001, and ISO-9002 standards. More importantly, Alpharex takes pride in inspecting every detail of the lights to ensure customers are fully satisfied. The chrome housing featured here will give your Infiniti a more luxurious look that matches well with the car’s other chrome accents.

Inspiration for the NOVA-Series G37 headlights was drawn from the design of Nissan’s R35 GTR headlights. Alpharex used streamlined LED tubes, similar to the GTR, on this setup as a DRL light. At the top, there are four horizontal LED tubes that function as the turn signal. At the bottom, you will find three full LED ice-cube 3D projectors, with the outer two projectors functioning as low beam and the inner projector functioning as high beam. They are made with a highly durable polycarbonate lens with an anti-fog and anti-yellowing agent applied on them so they maintain their luster and visibility for years and years to come.

Features:

DRL and turn signal light with crystal clear ice-cube 3D projector lens

Housing Color: Chrome

Lens Color: Clear lens

Light Feature: DRL (Light Tube) and Blinking Signal (Top)

Feature Color: DRL (White) and Signal (Amber)

#g37 #g37x #G37xs #headlights #Infiniti #Infiniti G37 #led lights #Oracle

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clutchkick01 · 8 months

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Sim Racing Rig Australia

We have you covered for all racing simulation needs, hire simulator, build simulator, experience our ultimate simulation Cockpits, Racing Simulator For Sale in Australia. Sim Racing Rig Australia

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orbemnews · 3 years

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The Races Are Digital, and So Are the Adverts, however the Cash Is Actual It takes greater than gasoline to make a racecar run. It requires cash. And cash requires sponsors. And sponsors require spectators who they hope will change into clients. Which turned an issue for motorsports when Covid-19 shut down tracks worldwide early final yr. The money drought put groups, tracks and race sequence at risk of extinction. The trade turned to an rising phenomenon — simulated racing. In these extremely sensible video video games, automobiles obey the legal guidelines of physics and race on reproductions of real-life tracks which are correct all the way down to the final pavement seam. In an experiment, NBC and Fox changed the canceled races with sim races. Nobody knew if digital automobiles would draw viewers and repay for sponsors. Historically, racecars served as high-speed billboards main customers to clamor for the engine oil proved superior by the profitable automotive. Might a sim automotive promote engine oil, having neither an engine nor oil? Ten months into the experiment, sim races appear to be paying off, as tv and net audiences helped to salvage the 2020 season. And now sim racing provides groups a brand new income, provides sponsors a extra accountable type of advertising and has a younger viewers that motorsports have struggled to seize. Quickly sim racing will face the true take a look at: Can it retain followers and sponsors when actual automobiles are again on actual tracks and actual spectators are within the stands? Racing video video games aren’t new. You could possibly play Indy 500 and Avenue Racer on Atari in 1977. By the ’90s, extra subtle System One video games — albeit with blocky graphics — flourished. Graphic refinement vaulted forward in successive generations of sport consoles from Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo. Now, at an informal look, you won’t even discover the races are simulated. Desktop computer systems additionally run extremely advanced networked video games, like iRacing, which was the chosen platform of plenty of race organizations, together with NASCAR, IMSA, IndyCar and the W Sequence. System One selected its personal industrial sport by Codemasters. Many professional racers privately used the video games to coach. At a minimal, the tracks’ constancy lets drivers memorize the structure. Some groups use particular simulator software program to fine-tune the setup of their precise automobiles earlier than a race. Sim racing builds driving talent sufficient that some players, like William Byron, have graduated into actual automobiles. Mr. Byron, a NASCAR Cup Sequence driver, now owns an eNASCAR crew, which gained a $100,000 purse within the 2020 eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Sequence. Professional drivers have sneaked unannounced into on-line competitions for years. For followers, it’s like becoming a member of a pickup basketball sport and discovering LeBron James on the courtroom. Carmakers see the brand-building worth of video games. Chevrolet made information when its simulated C8.R mid-engine Corvette joined iRacing’s IMSA sequence in September. Chevy, like producers as assorted as Mazda and McLaren, licenses its autos to dozens of video games together with Forza, Venture CARS and Gran Turismo Sport. Avid gamers will not be the prime marketplace for a $60,000 Corvette, stated Kevin Kelly, a Chevrolet spokesman, “however it’s an opportunity to change into loyal to the model.” Sim racing was an afterthought till about three years in the past, when know-how, social media and actual racing started to converge, stated Bryan Prepare dinner, who was employed by Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR to followers) in 2009 to deal with social media. He expanded into iRacing 4 years in the past, starting with a personal league that pitted JGR professional drivers towards “your common Joes,” he stated. A yr earlier than the pandemic, iRacing turned an official a part of the JGR advertising program, providing sponsors a youthful viewers and social media information — for a charge. “You get to the purpose the place drivers have to be paid,” Mr. Prepare dinner stated. “There are tools wants. We stated we actually must cowl our prices right here.” Sims bought their massive break on March 22, when each eNASCAR and digital System One races had been proven on TV instead of canceled races. The eNASCAR race drew 910,000 viewers, fewer than the three million typical for NASCAR however greater than the 400,000 typical for a digital race. “We began realizing this might be an actual alternative for these NASCAR races,” stated Brad Zager, Fox Sports activities’ head of manufacturing and operations. The primary F1 alternative race, the Digital Bahrain Grand Prix, drew 4 million whole viewers on digital and TV, lower than the 34 million common for an precise race, however forward of the common 1.8 million viewers for professional digital races. Final yr “supplied a brand new degree of publicity for F1 Esports,” stated Julian Tan, head of digital enterprise initiatives and Esports at System 1. “We noticed file digital numbers on engagement once we got here again racing reside in Austria and even our Esports content material from our official digital championship final winter noticed file numbers.” Although validating, broadcast TV is simply a part of sim racing’s attain. Livestreams might hit 400,000 viewers over YouTube, Fb and Twitch, stated Anthony Gardner, president of iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations. Extra beneficial are the social interactions — tweets, likes, feedback — throughout races. “The social media touches are within the tens of millions in a race,” Mr. Gardner stated. These interactions yield buyer information and an opportunity to talk on to customers. All of a sudden the sim racing viewers was large enough to demand consideration, however too new for entrepreneurs to know how one can capitalize on it. Sponsors took completely different approaches, however all aimed for an elusive new viewers. NASCAR’s fan base has declined since 2005 because it ages. Sim racing attracts a youthful and extra racially various viewers — engaging to each sponsors and leagues. “It’s actually arduous to succeed in that 18-to-35 demographic,” stated Patrick Daugherty, who manages sponsorships for Valvoline. “Gaming overindexes with younger D.I.Y.-ers.” The corporate signed with Parker Kligerman, a star racer and an eNASCAR driver, earlier than Covid-19 struck. “The viewership and engagement exceeded our expectations,” Mr. Daugherty stated. “We bought actually fortunate, and we’re going to renew with these guys in 2021.” Regardless of being the official grill of NASCAR, Pit Boss Grills couldn’t afford to sponsor a front-running racer, which is reported to value as much as $35 million. That modified with eNASCAR. “This gave us the chance to leap in on a main sponsorship,” stated Carlos Padilla, director of brand name partnerships. “It allowed us to be reside on a broadcast on a automotive, if you wish to name it that, at a worth level viable for a corporation of our measurement.” It value 4 figures per race, he stated, to be seen by one million TV viewers — a cut price. Discouraging iRacing would possibly appear to be in a racetrack’s greatest curiosity, however Richmond Raceway first sponsored a crew about three years in the past. It constructed a simulator inside a decommissioned racecar for followers to strive. That innovation led Daytona Worldwide Speedway to borrow the automotive. Not solely did that elevate Richmond’s profile, however sponsor money earned a five-figure revenue. “Advertising and marketing was the unique goal,” stated Brent S. Gambill, a spokesman previously for the monitor and now for NASCAR’s Mid-Atlantic Area. “When it began, we had been spending cash to be part of one thing. By the second yr, we had been creating wealth.” On-line audiences provide sponsors a capability to measure responses to particular provides, slogans and pricing in a method that TV doesn’t. But a tsunami of information will not be at all times useful. “It will be implausible to us if we are able to say a million individuals watched final week and 200,000 purchased automobiles this week. I don’t know if we’ll ever have the ability to do this,” stated Paul Doleshal, normal supervisor for motorsports and belongings at Toyota Motors North America. “We’re sort of drowning in data now.” Which makes it troublesome to match sim racing’s gross sales energy with actual racing’s. However it could be a moot query for a couple of causes. One is that the 2 worlds are intertwining — efficiency on the digital monitor can have real-world repercussions. When Darrell Wallace Jr., often called Bubba, stop a digital race in frustration in April, the sponsor Blue-Emu dropped him, tweeting partially: “Bye bye Bubba. We’re concerned about drivers, not quitters.” Kyle Larson, a driver, uttered a racial slur throughout a sim race, shedding sponsors and incomes a suspension from NASCAR and iRacing. He’ll return to NASCAR in October. The second cause is that whereas profitable helps, it’s not the only real cause a fan buys a automotive product. “It’s not simply in regards to the literal oil,” stated Eric Schwartz, a advertising professor at College Michigan’s Ross College of Enterprise. “It’s about being a trusted model, one which understands this world of racing.” Lastly, sim’s easiest enchantment to manufacturers is that it delivers viewers. “It is a approach to get eyeballs for the model, to remain high of thoughts,” Mr. Schwartz stated. “If Valvoline doesn’t sponsor a crew their competitor will.” It can take time to know if sim race followers change into actual race aficionados and vice versa, however Fox has scheduled 5 sim races for its FS1 community this yr. “You could have so many choices with iRacing,” Mr. Zager of Fox stated, envisioning a dust monitor race one week and Daytona the subsequent. “ESports turned a really massive buzzword when the pandemic hit,” he added. “However iRacing simply went to the entrance of the sphere, and nobody caught as much as it.” Supply hyperlink #ads #Digital #Money #Races #Real

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ugxshop · 3 years

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antiques-for-geeks · 4 years

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Game Review : Formula 1 Simulator

Mastertronic / 1985 / Originally £1.99 / ZX Spectrum

A promising start with a Lotus 72 F1 car on the loading and intro screen. Check out the size of the rear tyres on this bad-boy!

For many a small child, the dream of speeding along in a sports car is something of a pipe-dream. Past simple go-karts rented at a track, it becomes horrendously expensive to compete in a sport that has long been the plaything of the rich. Yes, the road to Formula One is paved in gold; yours. How far that road stretches depends on how much gold paving you (or more accurately, your parents) are prepared to lay down.

Even the competitors with the most humble of backgrounds will have made it thanks to a benefactor, be it a company such as Mercedes or individuals whose altruism may hide a burning desire to live out their missed opportunity through another.

Thankfully however, the computer revolution gaves those of us who can't afford the fire-retardant underwear, let alone anything else, the opportunity to give motorsport a go. Back in the early 1980s, games like Chequered Flag from Psion and Geoff Crammond’s Revs from Acornsoft put you in a single seater racing car, providing something of a sense of how it would be to race one around the world’s great circuits.

While these titles cost in excess of £6.95, the budget market was taken care of by Mastertronic whose title, Formula 1 Simulator tried to give you an opportunity to race ten circuits that were part of the Formula 1 season of the time. For modern motorsport fans, the names of the tracks might be familiar but the layouts will not. Much like a Hollywood actor feeling the pressure to look the way they did in their 20s while pushing 50, most circuits have had a lot of work done since 1985; Silverstone or Hockenheim as they are in the game are unrecognisable now. Even tracks that have only subtly changed over the years, like Monza seem radically different.

This however, is not just down to the passage of time; the circuits as they are realised in the game are not all that accurate. Back when Formula 1 Simulator was released, it is unlikely that track research involved taking the time to visit the circuits and capture the kind of information that would really be necessary to make this a detailed simulation. And, to be fair, the expense would not have been recouped in sales.

Monza’s been on the F1 calendar since 1950; it’s a solid place to start with long flowing corners.

The turns are in vaguely the right locations; but as you go round the tracks in your car, it soon becomes clear that even on a good day you and the apex of the corner are never going to get close enough to each other to be friends. Taking any kind of speed into a corner pretty much means trundling around the outside of the corner away from the racing line, no matter how hard you steer in.

Then there’s the exit of the corner. While it's hard to get the car into the corner at speed as you try to put the power down to make quick exit, the car becomes unstable. All too often this results you being flung off the track.

You might be as good as Lewis Hamilton down the kart track of a Thursday night; you might rival Damon Hill round the Tesco’s car-park getting to the last free parking space, or you might even be a credible contender to Nigel Mansell when it comes to passing a Rover 45 round the outside of a roundabout on the A34 to Stoke-on-Trent, but these skills will not help you with Formula 1 Simulator.

Each game starts with you choosing which track you’d like to drive, configuring your car with an automatic or manual gearbox to take you through the five gears and the weather (wet or dry). This is about as much setup variation as you’ll get in Formula 1 Simulator; you don’t even get to select which team you are driving for.

We’re off on a qualifying lap.

From there, it’s a choice between practicing a circuit or racing on it. Practicing doesn’t really add much here - it’s the qualifying for the race that is important. Although you can race, there is no championship to go with it. This really is a disappointing omission, the races feel a little aimless as a result. Mind you, there are times when just getting into the race is a victory in itself...

A race begins with qualifying - complete a lap of the circuit against the clock and you’re into a race. At no point are you told what time you are aiming at, which is a major disadvantage, nor is there any indication of how many laps you have to complete in the race should you get there. Everything here is implicit. You are expected to know that qualifying is a single lap by playing the game enough times.

Once a qualifying lap has been completed, then there is the race. While there are other cars on track to compete against, with no perspective on your rivals other than the graphic of their rear it becomes all too easy to hit them, either ramming into the back of them or unwittingly hitting them when you think you have passed them and resume the racing line. You really might think that this is an exaggeration but seriously, your opponents’ cars all seem to be simultaneously narrower and as wide as your car at the same time.

This game is very unforgiving; any mistake it seems and after a brief message to tell you that you’ve crashed you’ll have to start all over again. This starts to get old very quickly and what’s more, learning the tracks does not seem to make that much of a difference. With the handling of the car the way it is, crashing out feels more like a lottery, rather than down to anything else.

And they’re GO! GO! GO!

Some of Formula 1 Simulator’s shortcomings come from the game having been written with a 16k Spectrum in mind. Unlike a game like Beach-Head on the Commodore 16 where the lameness could have been avoided with some careful consideration and design, many of the problems with the game stem from trying to cram as much realism as you can into such a tiny memory footprint.

Mastertronic certainly took a different approach with the title on the Commodore machines; perhaps it was for the best. While Formula 1 Simulator isn’t going to win any prizes for realism, it should at least be rewarded for being a valiant attempt to try and lever a realistic driving simulator into such a low-spec machine.

Spirit Software and the Kensington CID

Mastertronic’s Formula 1 Simulator was a re-release of a title from another company called Spirit Software who, in 1984 had released the game for the princely sum of £8.95 promising their own steering wheel add-on.

This was quite something for the time; such devices were not really seen outside of the arcades, with games like Sprint or Pole Position having basic wheels and a simple Hi/Low gear shifter.

First versions of the game are alleged to have been sent out with what has been referred to in unflattering terms as a yellow plastic ash-tray that sat on the relevant keys. We’re yet to find a picture of this device in the wild, so it might just be a reference to the instructions in the Mastertronic version that suggested using a Sellotape tin along the keys at the top at the top of the computer.

The announcement from June 1984′s Your Computer magazine. [source - archive.org]

Sadly, while the cash for the enterprise readily appeared from Spectrum owners keen to try out the latest fad in games, the hardware did not and by the summer of 1984, Kensington CID (part of London’s Metropolitan Police) were investigating Spirit Software, eventually returning cheques that had not been cashed to those who had been keen to have a more realistic shot at F1 from the comfort of their own homes. Those that had been cashed, well, it seems that money was lost.

What became of the owners of Spirit Software? And more importantly the cash? It’s not entirely clear as the trail of the story dries up with the Police getting involved; presumably the enigmatic author of the game, S.C. Stephens must have sold the game on to Mastertronic, where it became a real money spinner. Across all formats, Formula 1 Simulator sold in excess of half a million copies for its new publisher...

Buying it today

Given it’s a budget title that was available just about everywhere, it’s not in short supply today. If you’re spending £5 including postage you’re spending a lot.

Commentariat

Tim : How I wish this game was different, just a few tweaks here and there could turn this from being a dog of a game into something far more playable.

The steering controls are shocking, and without the ability to change much about the setup of the car (given the release date of the game, this genuinely would be too much to ask), hobbling the game to such an extent that it’s a chore to play. The solution provided by both original developer Spirit and kept by Mastertronic, to have a control mode that needs you to roll - yes roll - a wheel across the top row of a rubber-key Spectrum’s keyboard is as much bizarre, as to how little it is future proof. Fortunately, Mastertronic also added joystick support as well as a more traditional keyboard control option.

After spending more time restarting the game after a crash than actually driving, I just pootled around Monza with automatic gears turned on at a slow speed to get into the race. Manual gears I found impossible due to their poor placing on the keyboard. I had no idea what time I was aiming for to secure pole position, so for all I knew I might be fastest. I wasn’t. Even so, I was in the race, but with no idea how long it would be. I went for it - and crashed right after passing a car.

That was pretty much it for me.

If you can afford to spend memory on a pretty title screen of a Lotus 72, you can afford to improve the in-game data. Or failing that, include a championship mode, or offer team selection, or just about anything from a long list of things that would have been cheap in memory terms, but have added a lot to the game.

With a simulation so poor it’s incredible, but entirely predictable, that Mastertronic stuck with it for the Amstrad and MSX machines instead of converting the far more playable Commodore 64 version.

If you are a driving sim fan, there is only one word for this. Avoid.

Score Lord : Hmmm. I remember this the first time round for all the wrong reasons. While many companies have taken your money and had a liberal interpretation of 28 days delivery when it came to some of their products, their kit usually turned up. Unless it’s a Spectrum Vega+.

I agree that this is hardly a realistic sim but think about what it did for society. First, it no doubt gave people the opportunity to say “I can do better than that” and produce racing titles of their own. Second, it put to bed the idea that an ashtray could be used as a steering wheel once and for all. Saved British Leyland a fortune in R&D, that.

Meat : The day I got my Spectrum, I bought this title. I was already starting to get a feel for motorsport, mostly thanks to an ever-present Nigel Mansell on the TV each Sunday lunchtime in the summer.

My disappointment as a child wasn’t the graphics or the sound, it was that the game was so hard. Even today, I like the way that the car accelerates away with a little chirp from the speaker to mimic wheelspin and that you have to brake properly into the corners. The sad thing was that it wasn’t arcade-y enough in the way it played for me and not simulator-y enough for my Dad. Formula 1 Simulator is kind of an in between sort of game with elements of both but not enough of either to make it work.

After a while I managed to get around the circuit without bouncing off to make it to the race, but when I did, I crashed more or less straight away. This cycle repeated so often I don’t really ever remember finishing a single first lap. I eventually lost interest. Even today, while I can get into the race most of the time, I don’t really want to go any further knowing that I’ll just end up hitting another car.

Due to a minor misunderstanding I was not allowed to try the Sellotape tin steering wheel back in the day, as my father misinterpreted what I intended to do and refused to let me try it out. Without my Dad to tell me otherwise, I’ve tried this as an adult and, yes, it does work but doesn’t make much of a difference. Just makes you look like a weirdo at a gaming expo.

This really seemed to be a game where the developer’s ambition was way beyond the capabilities of the technology at the time, rather than the other way round. Well, that’s how I like to think of it.

Score card

Presentation 4/10

The exciting cover art and well-drawn loading screen soon give way to a lack-lustre menu and garish colours in-game. Good choice of tracks if you had a 48k Spectrum, mind. The steering wheel control method is just, well, odd.

Originality 7/10

At a time when most driving games were top-down sprint-style games or variations on Pole Position, this certainly tried to be different and succeeds.

Graphics 4/10

Middling; the game’s colour palette is horrific, the other cars basic. The track moves nicely, but the sense of speed is diminished with a dearth of roadside objects. Corner markers while present, are so small you easily miss them, making them more or less pointless.

Hookability 2/10

Unfortunately, the game is unrewarding to play mostly because a tiny mistake means it’s all over.

Sound 2/10

While the C64 version had a cool soundtrack courtesy of Rob Hubbard, which also made it onto the Amstrad and MSX conversions, the Spectrum has some basic engine noises and that’s about all. This does add something to the game, but won't win any awards.

Lastability 3/10

Good selection of tracks, even if they are unrealistically modelled, but the unforgiving nature of the game you’d need to be a masochist to keep playing it.

Value for Money 3/10

It was £1.99 at the time of release by Mastertronic, which meant you got a half decent amount of car sim for your money.

Overall 3/10

It’s really difficult to work out if this was a valiant effort that just tried to do too much with too little, or just something that Mastertronic picked up to fill a slot in a software library. Either way though, it’s not good enough to keep you coming back.

#sinclar #sinclair specrum #AfG #zx spectrum #review #retrogaming #Retro #retro review #retrocomputing

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drdiandralp · 4 years

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Does NASCAR Need Practices?

The COVID crisis has forced us to think outside the box. Three months ago, we wouldn't have considered midweek races, racing without fans or racing without qualifying or practice. Now, those things are not only possibilities, they're necessary. Last Sunday at Darlington -- the first race back from the COVID-induced break -- was widely hailed as a success. Although the second race was marred by rain, both races went fine, even without qualifying or any practice. Which raises the question: If the Darlington experiment was so successful, do we really need practices?

Does Darlington Prove We Don't Need Practices.

You hear me tsk-ing, right? Because you know how I feel about making arguments based on one race, or even two. But the reason we can't make the argument based on Darlington is even strong: These were far from typical Darlington races. That's not to say they weren't successful. We were ready for racing and even non-NASCAR fans decided to give it a try. The problem is that both races were run under extraordinary circumstances, and the circumstances were different. The first race back came after drivers and crew had long layoff periods (plus no practice or qualifying). The first race back came after drivers and crew had long layoff periods (plus no practice or qualifying). Teams were working in shifts that didn't allow for their normal routinesThe second race was delayed, then rain-shortened, which always adds a little extra sense of urgency and puts more emphasis on strategy. The Data You can look at yesterday's post for the data, but here's how these races differed from an 'average' Darlington race. 'Average' is being in the middle two quartiles of races from 2000-2020 Higher percentages of cars finished on the lead lap: 60% vs. about 42%Sunday's race had a smaller-than-average number of drivers who led the race, which Wednesday's race set a record for most number of drivers leading.Green flag passes per lap were on the low side Sunday and much lower than usual on Wednesday.Wednesday's race set a record for percentage of race run under caution: 26%. The average is 14% Sunday's race was 19.5% cautions.There was only one green-flag pass for the lead that wasn't during a restart on Sunday vs. 5 on Wednesday -- and Wednesday's race was shorter.If you thought there might be more accidents and spins Sunday because it was the first time back in the car in awhile, you'd be wrong.There were 5 accidents and 2 spins on SundayVersus 7 accidents and 1 spin on Wednesday, despite being more than 100 miles shorter. That's a record for accidents per mile at Darlington.

Neither race makes a strong case for -- or against-- eliminating practices. But there are other reasons. We'll look at the pro side first.

Reasons to Eliminate Practices

The two biggest reasons for eliminating practices are to save money, and because they don't add anything to the racing. Money Cost-cutting was a priority in NASCAR before COVID. They've introduced 'enhanced schedule' weekends and limited the number of people each team can bring to the track. They've also instituted limits on wind tunnel testing and on-track testing tests, and trimmed Speedweeks. Saving Money on the Road Dave Caldwell estimated that it takes 2000-2500 people to put on a NASCAR race without fans. If we take the middle of that range (2250 people) and assume an average hotel room rate of is $100 (which a low estimate, but some people share rooms), staying one less night would save almost a quarter of a million dollars. If you could do that for half the races (18), that's $4M dollars saved. A side benefit of fewer nights on the road is that you're saving wear and tear on your people. Constant traveling is exhausting. Saving Money in the Shop Eliminating practice eliminates practice crashes. Without practice, there's no need for a backup car. That save the owners money on cars and personnel. Racing Quality If practices don't improve the racing, why have them? Technology Does Everything Practice Does I've written a lot about the technology that has become commonplace in NASCAR. Tools help engineers devise optimal setups for different tracks, crew chiefs determine pit strategy and drivers prepare for tracks they've never run before.

High-quality simulators give drivers a near-reality experience. Programs can be tailored to each track and each driver's style. Data from previous races helps drivers understand what works for them. And what doesn't.Computer modeling tools range from computational fluid dynamics for aero to suspension simulations that tell you how the racecar will handle in any corner.Hardware simulators, such as seven-post rigs, engine dynos and wind tunnels give real, hands-on measurements that can validate the computer simulations.Artificial Intelligence strategy programs are starting to become common because they can take the entire history of the track and every can on it and give you probabilities of how far you'll get ahead if you take two tires vs. four. History. Teams get so much data from their own notes, plus access to everyone's data from the track. They are accumulating terrabytes of data and computer specialists to analyze it. NASCAR could have one-day practices when a track repaves or re-configures, but otherwise, teams have plenty of tools to use to set-up the car. And they could be given the chance to make changes after qualifying. Eliminate Practices? Yes. So there you have it: Eliminating practices would save everyone money, would save stress on people, and, because we have so much good technology, the racing will be just as good.

Reasons to Keep Practices

Now let's take a look at the arguments on the other side. Money It's hard to argue with saving teams money, especially now, but let's look at the impacts of those savings. Teams may have to let go some employees, but the impact outside NASCAR is significant. Fewer Opportunities for Interaction Less time at the track means fewer opportunities for sponsors to hold events. Television time is an important component of why businesses sponsor NASCAR, but it's not the only one There would also be less time for fans to meet drivers. NASCAR prides itself on its accessibility, but there are a finite number of things you can do in a finite amount of time. Impact on Tracks

Less time at the track decreases the amount of money tracks can make from food and beverage sales, and camping rentals. It's less money for the people who work at the tracks. A number of tracks have invested money in areas that give fans access to the garage without getting in the way of the work. There won't be too much to watch if there are no practices.. Souvenir haulers will have fewer hours for sales. Impact on Local Economy Decreasing the amount of time at the track also takes money from the local economy. That might make cities and municipalities less welcoming. Less need for hotel rooms might decrease the prices, but might also drive hoteliers near some of the more remote tracks to shutter their doors. Racing Quality I can't argue with the appeal of showing up and 'racing what you brung'. It's old school in the best way. But there are some other considerations Team Sports Need Practice Say you arrive to play doubles tennis in an important tournament and, instead of your regular partner, you're suddenly playing with someone you've only played with a few times before. That's Chad Johnston and Matt Kenseth. Or any new crew chief/driver combination, including rookies. Crew chiefs manage drivers the same way drivers manage tires. There's a big difference between talking strategy over lunch and the pressure of a race. Some drivers really do become different people when they put on their helmets. Crew chiefs become different people when they're up on the pit box, too. No practice means no time for drivers and crew chiefs to develop a relationship. It favors established teams and puts new ones at a disadvantage. You wouldn't send a group of guys who'd never worked together out to pit a car. Why would you take the same kind of risk with the rest of the team? Cars Need Shake Outs Before Racing Martin Truex, Jr. ran only 41 laps of the 2018 Indianapolis race before his left-front brake rotor exploded. Remember the Speedweeks when the vendor-supplied coating on engine parts failed and Hendrick Motorsports had to replace all their engines before the 500? Practice laps gives a team a chance to make sure there are no big problems. In addition to it being a safety issue, imagine the frustration for fans. You aren't going to be happy if you wait all year to see your favorite driver and he or she crashes out on lap 1 because someone forgot to tighten something. Even without race-ending parts failures, do you want to see races where winning is determined by how well you set up the car before you leave? If you're one of those people who wants races in the hands of the drivers, the best race is one where each driver has the car he or he wants. Computers Don't Race: People Do Every race engineer or crew chief has a story about setting up the car to be maximally fast according to the computer and it isn't. Maybe the driver doesn't feel confident enough in the car to push it. Maybe the driver just hates loose racecars. Every driver has different preferences -- some which change on a week-to-week basis. A large part of practice is adjusting the car, not only to the track, but to the driver. Larger Teams are Less Impacted by Eliminating Practice Smaller teams can't afford custom-developed suspension simulations and computational fluid dynamics. They also have less access to manufacturer resources than the larger teams. The more racing depends on technology, the further behind smaller, newer teams will fall. That's not a recipe for attracting new teams or manufacturers. Innovation Teams find new ideas from computer simulations and wind tunnels and such. But they rarely can afford to take a chance testing a new idea in a race. There's too much at stake. Computer output is only as good as the person who wrote the program and the data input. Sometimes (gasp!) even computers are wrong.

So The Answer Is...

The Darlington races, enjoyable as they were, don't prove that practices are unnecessary. But they weren't disasters, either, so they didn't prove that practices are necessary. The answer is (as in boringly common) probably a compromise. There's probably a schedule in which there is one practice, and then qualifying. Although the SiriusXM morning show guys this morning were talking about whether qualifying is necessary... TO BE CONTINUED... Read the full article

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clutchkick01 · 8 months

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clutchkick1 · 3 years

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Motion simulators are a common feature in everything from high end science museums to amusement parks, allowing a full ride experience on a small footprint and at a comparatively low cost relative to full size rides. The rapidly advancing field of virtual reality provides a potential increase in this desire for motion simulators, by combing virtual reality with motion simulation, total immersions can be created that is competitive with theme parks. While there exists a small number of commercially available consumer motion simulators, these tend to not have a wide enough range of motion to provide flexibility for use cases. CLUTCH KICK provides the World most advanced Motion Simulator, Used for Professional Simulator Training and Home Simulator Setups. Check out our range of Motion Simulators at Clutch Kick Racing Simulation Centre

For more information please visit our website: Clutchkick.com.au

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dante2568 · 5 years

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We’ve been waiting a while… Reportedly held up by legal regulatory issues, but the Tacx Neo Bike Smart is now in the wild! These are my initial thoughts after a week

Tacx NEO Bike Smart Hands-On

As we move into the 2019 trainer season Tacx has finally been able to ship their halo product. The Tacx NEO Bike Smart. Although you’d have thought in 2 years it has taken to ship they would have managed to get the name right! When the design study (non-functional) was first revealed at Eurobike in 2017 we had the Tacx Neo Smart Bike.

In 2018 Tacx had a soft launch at Eurobike, after which I popped over to the factory to have a play on the pre-production model – still called the NEO Smart Bike. Having a go on the prototype was a bit of a mindset change for me about the concept of smart bikes. In 2017-2018 there was a lot a talk about how we “needed” smart bikes. I really didn’t really see it. But the riding the Tacx Neo Bike for the first time convinced me that a smart bike could be a good idea

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A sentiment which was confirmed with the eye wateringly expensive ($14K) Elite Furoipista. I’m more than happy to accept when I make the wrong call!

Then for Tacx at least, the clock seemed to stop, with it taking until 2019 for the Tacx smart bike to be sat on shelves (well, stacked on the floor is more accurate) and currently winging it’s way to people who had placed orders over a year ago! Whilst the trainer has moved forwards, from a naming perspective things have come out slightly backwards – with the smart bike now called the Tacx Neo Bike Smart

Talking with Tacx, I think I can see why the name change as occurred, and why it may be related to the delay. A delay that seemed absolutely bonkers as the prototype was pretty much finished!!

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As I’m sure you recall, in 2019 Garmin purchased Tacx – with only a minimal brand change to “Tacx a Garmin Company”. As an apparent indication that Tacx would remain as Tacx, rather than being consumed in it’s entirety and then the trainers sold under the Garmin banner, as “Big G” has done in the past

The acquisition, from a red-tape perspective, is apparently where the delay came in. Tacx, by comparison to Garmin, had a much smaller number of distribution channels. Garmin naturally wanted to increase the availability, and thus sales, of their newly acquired smart trainers and insisted on the Tacx and by extension, the smart bike was pushed through all available Garmin distribution channels. The problem here being that Tacx had never before supplied these channels and in requesting regulatory approval for their new smart bike – ran into a snag. It’s classification.

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To cut a regulatory, and red tape story short, Tacx basically had to prove that the Tacx Neo Smart Bike was not actually a spin bike. Sounds strange, but due to the lack user-controlled brake on a spin bike, the Neo Smart Bike, (which the regulators considered a spin bike) couldn’t be sold on a trainer license. So Tacx spent the best part of a year fighting to get approval for the Tacx NEOBike smart to be sold, as is, and the recognition it is not in fact a spin bike. Thus meaning it didn’t have to comply with spin bike regulations.

My belief is that somewhere along that road, a name came about to ease some of those issues. Just so that we are all clear, for the rest of this post, I’m going to refer to the artist formally known as the Tacx Neo Smart Bike, as the Tacx NEO Bike. ‘kay?

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Tacx NEO Bike Smart Hands-On – Specification

Normally I like to delve into the product design side of things first, as that is more my bag. But given the tail of changes we’ve just been talking about, let’s get the spec straight, so we all know what the Tacx NEO bike is packing.

Communication:

Bluetooth, ANT+™, ANT+™ FE-C,

Bluetooth Smart Trainer Protocol

Both ANT and BLE can be used simultaneously

Max Slope Simulation:

25%

Built-in sensors:

Power,

Speed/Cadence,

Advanced pedal analytics,

Left/Right balance

Max Wattage:

2200w @40kph

Max Torque:

88Nm

Max brake force

260Nm

Power Accuracy:

+/- 1%#

Flywheel:

125kg

Max User Weight:

125kg

Weight:

50kg

Other Bits:

Brake levers

Button shifts – sealed

“Shimano style” shifting currently

Custom gearing ratios

Road Feel, Descent Sim

Front and “cassette” LED power indicator lights

2x USB charging ports – WHICH YOU CAN SELF POWER!!!

Price: £2500

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Anyone recognise those vital statistics? You should do – ok maybe it’s more that I should recognise them as they are basically the stats from the Tacx NEO 2T. Previously it was the Tacx NEO Bike which was derived from the Tacx NEO, but the inverse happened here. For the final releases, it was the NEO BIKE which gave rise to the NEO 2T

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Tacx NEO Bike Smart Hands-On – Setup

Let’s be clear, before my next comment. The Tacx box did its job and protected the Tacx NEO Bike whilst in transit. You can see there are several areas where the courier has given the packaging somewhat less than special attention.

Now I reiterate that the box and packaging DID protect the Tacx NEO Bike, but I ended up with a quite a bit of broken and fractured polystyrene. Note how the packaging is on it’s side. Due to the weight of things, this is how the box needs to be opened

Tacx have managed to get the box to match the dimensions of a bike box, which does help with moving the unit around when it arrives. That, however, doesn’t reduce the weight of the packaging. Be warned if you are going to be moving this box around. Get two people involved.

On which note, I’m not really one for unboxing videos. I often find the packaging some of the least interesting parts of doing a review. HOWEVER, given the size of the box, and well, events with this particular unboxing. I thought it would be worth while sharing

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I need to make this next point, I need to be crystal clear. My injury was an accident, and certainly not due to the Tacx boxing or anything such as that. I was picking the bike up, from flat, as you should. Slipped slightly when moving and lost grip on the bike. Sometimes an accident is just that!

Update: Of the initial x-rays of my big toe – two showed no fractures, however one did have a line, which we considered to be an artefact, so we’ve put the injury down to bad bruise. HOWEVER, I’ve been contacted by the hospital again about the artefact x-ray and will be having repeat films this week.

That might all seem a little OTT after all, lots of people break toes. HOWEVER, the great toe is actually an important fracture and needs more care than just neighbour strapping – which would be the treatment if it was another toe, and frankly, I’d have just done with my doctors kit. However, I’m not allowed a home x-ray kit, something to do with nuclear material, a lack of license and risk to public safety – seems a bit unfair to me, so back to the hospital I’ll be going!!

Just in case, I would ensure that you have a vacuum handy and some long thin allen keys. Whilst the polystyrene over the house really isn’t an issue, having polystyrene within the Tacx NEO Bike isn’t a good thing. You make sure you are able to give it a very thorough clean. THEN give it a short spin <1min, as that will move and blow out more of the white balls that may have dropped inside the shell.

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Ok the tribulations of dropping a 42kg of an unassembled trainer on your foot notwithstanding, here is what you get in the box:

We’ve got the core of the Tacx Neo Bike. Acutely angled front legs, shallow back legs with wheels. Front fans. Saddle. Handle bars and shifters. Plus two Tacx boxes.

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Box number 1 has all the of gubbins that you need to bolt the Tacx Neo Bike together. Literally, there are four large bolts in the box. We’ve got the two, manuals, both manuals contain different languages, which makes sense. What seems a little odd, is that both have an English language section at the front! The tablet holder if you don’t for some reason want the fans. All the needed tools. Power pack. Quick setup if the manual looks like too much og a read. Crank length adapters, and finally the Tacx TDA trial.

OK, Engineering geek out. The Tacx smart bike comes with two options for the set up when it comes to bar and stem height, reach, and saddle position. You can either use the installed Hex headed bolts if you confident of your position, and don’t expect anyone to use the smart bike other than you. The other option is the adjustable handles. To be honest, given the benefits associated with being able to make on the fly micro adjustments to get the perfect fit, I’d suggest swapping these hands in right away

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Box Number 2 is more of a goodies box. You’ve a Tacx towel, bottle cage, bike sweat band, and Tacx NEO bike branded bottle. Nice little add on for a £2500 bike. Although, I’m a little surprised not to see included pedals as you get with the Wahoo KICKR Bike. The cynic in me does wonder how long the goodie box will last, as Tacx, under Garmin, is divesting from making the broad range of products that they used to, and will concentrate on trainers and bottles. So no more bottle cages, jockey wheels and tools

Inclusion of the sweat protector is great. Until you realise that it robs you of one of the best parts of the Tacx smart bike. The design means that there isn’t a typic cross bar. Now on the face of it, who cares…

Now think back to the last insane 60-90 min race you did on Zwift. Last time I did an event like that, I lifted my leg over the crossbar and had some of the worlds worst cramp. Perhaps this is a personal problem which the physio needs to look at, but getting off a bike IRL post-race is much easier than dismounting your same bike when on a trainer.

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By having the crossbar too low on the Tacx NEO getting on and off is much easier. It’s very easy to dismiss this as a small design that doesn’t really matter much. But if you think beyond the normal fit cyclists, having the smart bike easier to get on and off means that the market opens up to other people in the household, who might have never even considered jumping on a bike. My mother is in her late 60’s. The chance of getting her to sit on any bike on the trainer is an emphatic zero. After showing how easy it is to get onto the NEO smart bike, I think she’s actually considering giving it a go. If nothing else, that’s a huge change from “Get lost!! I’ve not been on a bike in years!”

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Which is probably an effective time to shift over to looking putting the bike together. In some ways, I think the Tacx instructions miss a vital step – putting the front legs on.

These are the most difficult part of the construction. Not terribly so, but once they are on, everything else is plan sailing.

Personally, I found having the bike upside down the easiest way to do this. But I would strongly suggest it is done on a trainer mat. No so much because you’ll damage the NEO bike, but that the metal runners onto which you’ll be putting the seat and the handlebars are more likely to scratch the floor

You can then steady the bike and install the back legs. Which are much wider and have the small wheels on the back

Just before you flip the trainer over, it is worth while making sure that the front wheels are loosened slightly so you can easily adjust them if needed. You DONT want to have to flip this thing up again!

With the bike standing on its own, you can slide the saddle rail (saddle comes installed) on the the bike rail. At the rear of the rail is a metal puck which when tightened from underneath presses up on the saddle rail to keep it in place

Under the bike rail section, you can see the screw which you’ll turn in order release the saddle rail

If you are confident in your bike fit measurements, or don’t want to have anyone else using the bike, you can leave the bolts in. If however there will be someone else using the bike you can swap out to the screw handles for easier adjustments.

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Whilst the Tacx Neo Smart Bike looks smoother and I’ve suggest better without the handles in place. Even if you are confident with your bike fit I’d still run them for a month or so, as you may find that there are aspects you could improve on. When once happy, swap back to the simple bolts.

An identical setup is used for the front handlebar rails, and their height.

The finishing kit is Fizik bar tap, and Sella Royal saddle which is a nice touch

I think the Sella Royal Saddle is okay. Certainly for rides of an hour, it’s adequate, but personally, I’ve swapped back to my Specialized Body Form saddle. As I’ve mentioned in the past you really shouldn’t listen to other peoples opinions on saddles, as all our butts are wildly different

The handlebars come without the fans or the on board computer plugged in. You need to put the back plate on first, before the screen is plugged in.

Now that might seem a little odd. But Tacx also include a tablet mound which doesn’t include the fans. Now the fans are the loudest piece of the whole Tacx NEO bike, but even so, I’d be very surprised if many people didn’t install them

The fans are attached with four screws leaving the head unit and the fan cable ports exposed

The fans plug in with 35mm cables and as with the whole of the Tacx Neo bike setup is exceptionally simple

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The fans themselves can be adjusted closer and further away from you on their arms. The slider on the back also allows for pitch to be adjusted

Personally I’ve found that I’ve left the fans slightly unscrewed so that I can move then around when riding. Whilst I like the fans, both when connected the heart rate or the internal speed sensor. They are really nice to have directed to the face, BUT I feel I’d be straining the word to breaking point to describe them as barely adequate for cooling purposes.

I wouldn’t describe them as noisy. Not be a long stretch, but I may have been more accepting of their airflow if they were silent to match the bike. As it is some people will probably want an additional fan too

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The next piece of cockpit setup is attaching the rubber strap for the tablet holder. I was really surprised to see such a flimsy bit of rubber as the tablet hold on a £2500 smart bike

However perceptions can be misleading, and the strap seems to work very well. It is easy to get the tablet into and out of the strap, and as the bike has so little movement to is, there is no risk of loosing it

What I do find bizarre and rather an oversight is that the channel for the tablet isn’t wide enough to accommodate the tablet and a relatively thin case. The channel is only 10mm wide.

Although I don’t tend to ride with a tablet, whilst my iPhone X in the standard Apple case does fit. It is rather snug

The whole of the cockpit here has several little “huh?” parts to it. Yes I appreciate that there is slack needed in the cables to allow for the handlebars to move forwards and back. Would it not have been possible to have this wiring internal. Or a hooked channel into which is could be tidied up? Similarly a back plate to hide the wires from the fans when installed. This might sound like needless nit picking, but let’s not forget this is a £2500 device, and is marketed to be one of the most complete cycle training devices available.

Which brings me to another nit whilst we are doing the install. The handles. WHY ON EARTH ship with handles that are not able to clear the bike frame?? I’m sure there is going to be a sensible answer about lever strength and appropriate tightness of the seat height adjustor. But I’d have much preferred just to have to turn with a little more force.

I’m going to reiterate, that I prefer and like the handles. But this is again £2500 it should look slick. The handles have a spring within them, so you can turn them independly of the bolt in order to have them align. In order to have everything aligned, it means that the bottom handle has to point up. Maybe it’s my OCD playing here, but this shouldn’t be something I’d discussing!

The final part of the cockpit is adding the rubber insert into the tray. Now here is the thinking which is missing on other parts of the cockpit. Getting gels, sweat and stuff all over the bike is quite normal in a race. So having an insert you can pull out and easily clean. Very sensible move

The final bit of the setup is the pedals. Stages and Wahoo have opted for “hammerhead” designs on their cranks. Now those bikes have an edge in utility, allowing you to opt for five different crank lengths

With the Tacx NEO Bike we have two inserts which go into the normal crank arm giving three different crank lengths 170, 172.5 and 175

Tacx understands that people don’t read instructions, so the crucial parts about installing the pedal inserts are also written on tags, attached to BOTH sides of the crank

Whilst I prefer the Tacx approach visually, I would have liked to have seen a bigger range here.

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For the install the pedal insert goes in the inside of the crank – don’t forget to oil this part first – I don’t mean the thread, I mean the outer part. Just after doing the photos, I had a mild struggle removing the insert in order to flip it over

There a washing, which goes on the outside between the pedal and the crank

Then stick the crank on as normal. Now I normally use SpeedPlay anyway, but given that the GF is also interesting in having a go, they have the added advantage of selling a simple slide-on cover. I can see these potentially being quite useful for smart bike household

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Tacx NEO Bike Smart Hands-On – Design

Having set up the Tacx Neo Bike, let’s take a look at some of the features. Starting off with the cockpit, we have an excellent little display. I think it deserves to be highlighted than the display can be powered, and illuminated by the rider, without plugging into the mains, using the same tech as the Tacx NEO

The display basically shows everything you need when riding: Heart rate, speed, 3s power, cadence, gradient and gearing when you are riding just on the bike in ERG mode

Until you connect the bike to any form of an external app – whether BLE or ANT – you get a reduced display, as the external app then takes the data. I understand why this is, in order to prevent the “My Garmin is displaying different speed to Zwift” issues. So then all the data from the Tacx NEO bike is displayed on the app.

There is still a benefit to running an additional cycling computer however so then you can get access to the Cycling Dynamics which Tacx enabled with the NEO 2T

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If you look UNDER the screen you’ll see one of my favourite parts of the Tacx NEO Bike. TWO USB ports. OK great, but why are you getting so wound up about two USB ports? You can charge your phone and tablet… so ??

Firstly both ports will give 2.4 Amps of charge, meaning that your tablet will actually charge. But more importantly that you can charge whilst riding you bike and NOT plugged into the mains!! Oh yes!! Now that’s what I call a great features. Sure I might not really be having a great ecological benefit as I spin the NEO Bike, certainly not enough to off set running Zwift on a flat screen TV. But still, it’s something, and great to see my watts actually going somewhere!

Moving down from the screen to the handlebars and shifters, the electronic shifters allow you to control both the gearing, and ALSO act as brakes.

Currently braking isn’t supported in Zwift, but it will be interesting to see if it, or other apps develop a protocol which is widely used. It’s certainly good that the Tacx Neo Bike feels like it has an element of future proofing built in. As these are “fly by wire” I’ll do wonder if the brakes will be open to remapping?

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On the inside of the shifters are two blue buttons which control the incline/resistance. Again remapping here for when in Zwift, would be very cool. I mention remapping, as whilst it is not available in the Tacx App yet, with a future firmware update you will be able to reconfigure the shifters to mimic SRAM and Campag. Current setup out of the box is Shimano style

Staying with the shifters for the moment, I’m not actually the worlds biggest fan of the Tacx shifters. I have found myself missing the down shift button several times. Whether this is a problem with me, or the sensitivity of the buttons, I haven’t had enough saddle time yet to find out. But by comparison the Wahoo KICKR Bike shifters will feel immediately familiar to most cyclists, which potentially going to be a major decision driver for many

As there is no cassette or front gear setup now. Just an enclosed casing mimicking a classic bike cover guarding

Along with the removal of the cassette, the classic bike chain has also been jettisoned, instead replaced by an enclosed belt drive. The Tacx NEO has always been the quietest direct drive unit on the market, to the degree that actually the bike drive chain was a greater source of noise, and hence with their smart bike Tacx have swapped to a drive belt. The belt will also reduce the need to service the unit, as a standard chain needs maintenance after 5000km or approx 200 hours. Tacx is estimating that the Tacx NEO Smart Bike will need the drive train servicing every 50,000km or 2000 hours… although giving the size of the unit, what that will mean I don’t know. This is going to be a universal issue in the future. What is needed when it comes to smart bike servicing and how and who will do it?

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As with all previous generations of Tacx Neo, the Tacx Smart Bike has a from LED which shines out on the floor giving a visual idea of your power. Previously I’d always considered it a nicety, but never really bothered about it

Whilst Tacx has increased the side of the light output due to the lens changes, it is nice. But still not going to get in a tizzy over it. HOWEVERTacx have now illuminated the rest of the drive train too and it looks sooooo cool. Yes, I admit, as the rider, I never see it, but if you see someone else riding a Tacx NEO bike, and they drop hammer, turning the LED, the rear of the unit red, it looks really cool. As esports are now being championed by the UCI with Zwift leading that charge, I think this external visual flare is going to play very well for Tacx when it comes to live streams etc

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Staying at the rear, where you would normally find the gear casette, there is nothing. Tacx has intentionally simulated the feeling of gear changes coming through the drive train with a slight… I don’t have the words.. a slight change in resistance as you press the shift buttons. You know it has changed, there is no doubt, and the change is as swift as I’ve seen on my Di2 setup. When riding the KICKR bike the changes there are… sharper, as in the mechanically simulated feedback. This is not to say either is better, just that they differ slightly.

When you do change the gear, the screen highlights the changes moving down the cogs, whilst also telling you the gear and having an arrow telling you which way you are going.

I’m set up running an 11 speed, 28 – 11 cassette set up to mimic my Di2 – those choices are made within the Tacx App But if you look closely on the screen, there is an unused cog at the bottom. That’s because the NEO bike is able to run a 12 cassette sim on the rear. After all the hardware doesn’t have the change on the bike for that!

When you do drop to either the bottom or top of your gear range, and try to change further up or down. The bike gives a brief rumble of vibration to say you’ve run out of gears. Feeling very much like the Tacx Road Feel Simulation – which is obviously active within the bike as well. Similarly, the existing power curve on the NEO 2T of 20% slope and max of 2200 watts will also carry over unchained.

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Tacx did originally have a smooth change, but swapped the system we have here, as they found that simply having imperceptible changes in gearing didn’t sit right with test riders. Although I’ll be honest I would have like to have seen what that felt like.

Tacx NEO Bike Smart Hands-On – First Rides and Conclusions

What with the “Great Toe Incident”, I have been able to ride the Tacx NEO bike, but at the moment I’m keeping at relatively gentle wattage. As a result, I’m doing this hands-on and will update later with a sound test, and power meter testing. In both of those, I try (and occasionally succeed) in breaking 800watts. I’ve certainly not going to risk doing that, not at least until my repeat Xray. So here is a collection of my first thoughts riding the Tacx NEO Bike Smart

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Even with the wheels in place, moving the thing, well at least turning it 180 in order to photograph the other side is a challenge! But in moving the bike around you get a feeling of exactly how solid the construction is.

Previously we’ve talked about the stability of trainers in terms of whether they move, or how you feel standing out of the saddle. Due to the weight of the Tacx NEO bike it is stable unlike anything else I’ve ridden. Which caused me to pause. How can I SHOW the stability of something doesn’t move?? Then I had an idea… I’ll let the video do the rest for me:

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What about the ride on something that stiff? I think it will benefit all rides to ensure there fit is absolutely perfect, as we’ve lost the small amount of flex we had with the NEO trainers. But in terms of spinning around on Zwift etc, if you like how smoothly everything is simulated with the Tacx NEO 2T you are going to love the Tacx NEO bike. As that’s because they are essentially the same core units, but that the Tacx Smart Bike has a lot more bike shaped plastic around it.

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We’ve still got the road feel and descent control. Frankly, if you were in the market for a Tacx NEO 2 and felt that some of the reviews suggested it was more of a mild update than anything significant, if you have got the pockets to afford one, I’d certainly look a the NEO Bike. Especially if noise is an issue where you Zwift

If you ever thought the Tacx NEO was quiet… this thing is something else. Genuinely the Tacx Neo Bike is whisper-quiet, and that ISN’T hyperbole! I’m looking forward to winter when I’ll be able to cycle with the window open, and the fan off and be certain that I won’t disturb my housemate!

That’s all I can say on the Tacx NEO Smart bike from a week of riding, but suffice to say this appears to be a very good machine, but we’ll have to wait for a power meter test before I give my final verdict. But for now, I see no reason this shouldn’t be considered a great piece of kit!

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Tacx NEO Bike Smart Hands-On – Worth the Wait? We've been waiting a while... Reportedly held up by legal regulatory issues, but the Tacx Neo Bike Smart is now in the wild!

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