Garmin has announced the Tacx Neo Motion Plates, a new rocker plate accessory for the Tacx smart trainer. Until today, users or prospective users of the Tacx Neo had only one option: third-party solutions. With the launch of these new Tacx Neo Motion Plates, all users of the Tacx Neo, Neo 2, and Neo 2T smart trainers can now add forward and backward motion.

The Tacx Neo 2T is already one of the most advanced trainers on the market. Although we didn't mention it in our coverage and Garmin didn't provide any numbers, the Neo 2T already has a bit of side-to-side movement built in. This new product builds on what is already built into the design, but also adds forward and backward movement.

In addition to adding movement, Garmin has not added bulk to the compact design of the Neo series. Turn the trainer over, remove the rubber feet, and insert the Tacx Neo Motion plate. The plate is magnetic and virtually invisible once attached. A wheel block is also included that allows the front wheels to move simultaneously. We are running with the Neo Motion Plate in place.

In the world of indoor cycling, rocker plates offer a solution to one of the most challenging parts of indoor riding: monotony. A bike securely fastened to the best turbo trainer does not have the constant input of riding outside. Every company in this field is trying to solve this problem in new and clever ways, and today Garmin joins the ranks with its new Tacx Neo Motion Plates.

Most of the rocker plate options available today are universal add-on accessories. Products like Saris' MP-1 Nfinity trainer platform give movement to the trainer you are using, but take up space. Elite also adds movement with the Elite Riser, but this is more of a side effect than a design goal.

Speaking of trainer-specific products, Wahoo offered something first with the launch of the Kickr AXIS along with the latest generation of the Wahoo Kickr. This is a product available to any Wahoo Kickr user that adds 5 degrees of lateral movement without taking up any extra space. However, as we noted in our review, it is not the most effective solution.

Tacx Neo Motion Plates are available worldwide and can be purchased from Garmin (opens in new tab).