Garmin acquires Tacx, entering the indoor cycling market
Kansas-based GPS and cycling head-unit company sees the opportunity to expand into growing indoor cycling market with the acquisition of Dutch smart trainer company
American GPS, navigation and technology company Garmin are making a big move towards offering more training tools to cyclists. On Tuesday, the Kansas-based company announced it was acquiring Tacx. Tacx is a Dutch company that designs and manufactures indoor trainers, training tools and accessories. Garmin has a well-established line of cycling head units and training devices that includes power meters. This acquisition of Tacx means the company will enter the indoor training market.
Tacx offers an extensive line of indoor smart trainers that simulate outdoor riding. The Tacx Neo Smart is a direct-drive trainer that can stimulate changes in road surface such as gravel or cobblestones. The smart trainers also measure speed, power and cadence. Combined with Garmin’s trove of riding data from the real world, the partnership offers some intriguing possibilities of offering immersive virtual riding experiences.
In addition to the training tools, Tacx offer training plans, data analysis, virtual riding and more. The trainers can also be paired with popular training software like Zwift.
“Tacx brings an entirely new product category to Garmin’s fitness portfolio that expands our reach into the indoor training market,” said Garmin president and CEO Cliff Pemble. “Together with Tacx, Garmin will offer a seamless, enjoyable and motivating indoor and outdoor experience for cyclists all year long.”
Tacx is currently expanding their research and development, and production capacity. The company is based in Wassenaar, the Netherlands with a distribution center in Vogt, Germany.
“We are excited to have the support of a technology leader like Garmin,” said Taxc CEO Koos Tacx. “With Garmin’s extensive R&D capabilities and global distribution network, we look forward to working together to further enhance our indoor training products and technologies, and bring them to cyclists around the world.”
The acquisition gives Garmin a presence in the expanding indoor cycling market. Wahoo, a major competitor for Garmin in the cycling head units already has a strong presence in indoor training equipment. Wahoo’s Kickr is a direct drive smart trainer for indoor riding with offerings like the Kickr Climb that virtually simulates riding climbs.
