Garmin Tacx NEO 3M

The choice for riders who want the most realistic road feel and are prepared to pay for it. Motion plates add front-to-back movement to the side-to-side flex, a virtual flywheel mimics different road surfaces, and Garmin claims accuracy within 1 percent with no calibration needed, plus 25 percent grades and 2,200-watt sprints. It ships with an 11-speed cassette, though Wi-Fi needs an adapter sold separately. It launched at $1,999.99 and now lists at $1,799.99, still nearly twice the Nēra's suggested price, so it makes most sense for riders who value the surface effects, the steepest climbs and close ties to Garmin's own apps.