Update After Six Weeks Of Daily Use January 2021:
This has been a great purchase for me. At first it took me about 15 minutes to be able to ride with both hands on the handlebars. Initially I was riding 15 minutes twice a day and now closer to 20 minutes twice a day. I ride with a table to my left and for the first week I would have to reach for the table a couple times each session to maintain my balance. Just place my hand on the table to gently regain balance and directional control.
After a couple weeks I could do the whole 15 minutes in 2nd gear (3 speed bike) without loosing balance and reaching for the table. Took about another week to reliably master 1st gear. The lower gears require a greater sense of balance but with time and practice you develop this.
Now after six weeks I can reliably stand up and sprint multiple times during each session while shifting through the gears. I'm really surprised how much this has improved my cadence and ability to balance.
Initial Review November 2020:
I'm 62 years old and purchased a 3 speed Priority Classic bicycle with carbon fiber belt drive and internal rear hub gear set. This bike is not compatible with standard bike trainer stands. Watched numerous YouTube videos on the Tacx Galaxia and was a little concerned about hurting myself.
Truth is you really don't fall off the Galaxia unless you go into total panic mode. In the beginning you will unintentionally steer the front wheel off the front roller. If you simply stop peddling everything stops immediately. Since there is no forward motion (the bike remains stationary as you peddle) there is no forward momentum to throw you to the ground.
I set the Glaxia up parallel to a work bench in my garage. Very easy to get started by simply placing one hand on the bench and start peddling. As the videos indicate, the initial tendency is to simply over-steer and veer off to one side or the other. Takes some time to develop a more delicate muscle control for steering (only very small steering inputs required). If you give it a few days your Fine Muscle Control, Cadence and Balance will all improve dramatically.
I'm a casual bicyclist but with a modest amount of effort and practice I'm really enjoying the Glaxia. In the beginning it requires a lot of mental focus but the longer you ride the more natural it becomes. In the beginning you tend to be tense which wears you out and limits the length of your rides. As you get more relaxed ride times are extended by quite a bit. When you are focused on riding, the time seems to go by quickly.
The Glaxia does provide a good workout. I'm in second gear most of the time on my 3 speed. Since there is no coasting, there is no resting. You have to pedal constantly to maintain balance. I have started to ride standing on the pedals in 3rd gear (sprinting). This is after only 4 days. I can go down into 1st for a bit of a rest but a bit more difficult to maintain balance. My balance in 1st gear is improving with practice.
The Glaxia sits on Rockers compared to the base unit without Rockers. I was concerned the rockers might make it more difficult but not the case. The rockers seem to smooth out any jerkiness the rider may have during the learning process.
The Glaxia came extremely well packaged. The three rollers are identical with quality sealed bearings. The entire unit is well engineered, extremely simple, compact, easy to assemble and manufactured with quality and precision. Should also mention the unit is relatively quiet. I'm very happy with this purchase.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 35.5 x 13 x 8.2 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 10.37 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14.17 x 4.92 x 2.95 inches |
| Item Weight | 8.2 Kilograms |
| Brand Name | Garmin |
| Model Name | Galaxia |
| Color | Blue,Black |
| Material | plastic |
| Suggested Users | mens |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Tacx |
| Part Number | T1100 |
| Model Year | 2015 |
| Style | Single |
| Included Components | Galaxia, Manual, Allen key |
| Size | one |
