Saris H3 Smart Trainer In-depth Review // Setup, Details, Ride Quality & Noise Tests

[@GMICHAELG62]

I've had an H3 for awhile and I learned a few things. This is one of the best videos out there for this trainer. Thank you.

[@JourdainColeman]

Glad it was helpful! 👍🏽

[@jkara7843]

Clear, precise enough and straightforward.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Just got my H3 after 3 years with a Kick core that finally self destructed on itself after spending over a year in the infamous "loud groaning" mode. So the difference is like night and day but I believe the H3 still has much better ride feel than the Kickr core had when it was new. Just much smoother, likely because of the heavier weight flywheel. With the purchase price of the H3s being so appetizing now, I would recommend this way over the Kick core. The only reason to stick with the Wahoo, is, quite honestly, to pair with the Kickr climb unit. I suppose if you like climbing that may be a factor, but I prefer flats as it is.

[@Veloman1957]

Why can’t all videos be this clear and time effective?

[@patorabe2734]

Great video, thank you for sharing your pov with us! Helps alot because these are very expensive material

[@JourdainColeman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Gomrath]

Great review Jourdain thank you. I wondered how these things actually work etc, thinking of getting one someday. Subbed to your channel. 😎

[@aquicktake]

I have this trainer. They got the weight and flywheel mechanics right - but after awhile it started having issues dropping connections. I had it on Bluetooth and on several races the connection dropped and never re-established connection resulting in DF from the race. Then I went to ANT+ and that was more stable, but there was drop-outs too both when using my mobile phone, and using a laptop. The difference with the ANT+ is that in about 1sec it was able to re-establish connection. A bit of a nuisance but livable.

[@sillypuddystl2907]

Great review thanks!!

[@JourdainColeman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scottmccann4509]

Lots of top tips on the setup. I've the the Elite Drivo 2, however it's starting to make lots of strange noises 😬. I think i'll upgrade to the Kickr Core if i can't fix it instead than this, as you mention at the end. Oh PS welcome back! 👍👌

[@JourdainColeman]

Hey Scott, good to hear from you 👍🏽 - Hopefully you manage to sort the noises coming from your trainer. How's your riding been recently?

[@scottmccann4509]

@@JourdainColeman Great and trying to do as much as possible 👌before miserable UK 😂

[@stanleyg3694]

Bought one few days ago - when it arrived I discovered it is nearly THREE years old ! The store obviously has old stock to get rid of. I am taking it back as I do not want a three year old machine, pretty sure Saris have made some hardware improvements within last three years too!?

[@johnnyboy4711]

concerns about heat and power drift? long term accuracy? cadence and app better? thanks . thinking about 2nd hand buy for 300 euro.

[@SeanWhite-k1m]

Does anyone know if you can control the erg mode on the H3 with power from an external power meter? I'd like to do workouts but use the power numbers from my assioma pedals.

[@toddtonis]

Hi, thanks for making the video. How does the unit measure cadence if there is no sensor looking at your pedal strokes? Or, is it only showing wheel rpm and not pedal cadence.

[@JourdainColeman]

I believe that smart trainers measure your cadence based of your power. There is no specific sensor that records your cadence. I've found it pretty accurate 👍🏽

[@milangoga2541]

Hi great review. Just question sbout AC power, does it need to be conected to power suply in case I want it to use outside of house, could not find answer anywhere, other than that what was a ratio teeth on you cassette. Thank you

[@Cyclonut96]

you can take it outside and warm up before a race on it, without any electrical power supply. The motor provides resistance via Back EMF.

[@ASSEENBYSB]

glad you showed the set up that is way too much ughh im all set

[@bicycledad7660]

What app do you use with it ?

[@iggychloe]

Did you ever encounter a problem with a loose cassette even after tightening the lockring? I have 11-speed and removed the spacer per instruction but the cassette seems loose.

[@frankficarrotta9683]

Right now the H3 is available for less than $600 which really puts it in a different price range thank the Wahoo

[@Veloman1957]

Just got one online at sun n ski shipped to store. Under $600

[@toddtannenbaum7092]

Re your comments about ERG mode on the Core … did you disable the power smoothing? H3 does not power smooth (a good thing). Wahoo does an insane amount of smoothing by default, but happily they make it easy to disable.

[@petef15]

It's good. Doesn't work with 12speed. You can just use an 11speed cassette though and use erg mode in the middle cog.

[@mikebeattie976]

I’ve just bought a saris h3 and in some gears the chain is jumping about and making a clunking noise in other gears it’s fine , I’m using a QR skewer and a 11 speed 11/28 cassette

[@pascal3771]

Sounds like you need to adjust your derailleur.

[@neil78]

Curious about lag. I saw somewhere online about in non-erg mode, such as in Zwift races there was a delay of a second or two which on areas with rollers that require quick adjustments to power and elevation, which made it hard to control in those situations. Did you do any testing in non-erg mode in a program like Zwift?

[@StellaHulliet]

I found a new project that might interest you! The Freebeat Morph 2-in-1 eBike offers a unique feature where it can be charged when you use it indoors. This means you can power up the bike while working on your fitness goals. As for the concern about lag, I'm curious to know if the Morph eBike has been tested in non-erg mode, such as in Zwift races. I saw some online comments mentioning a delay of a second or two, which can make it difficult to control the bike in situations that require quick adjustments. I hope the creators can address this issue. Keep up the great work on the review!

[@stevol6282]

Any opinion in 2024? The wahoo Kickr core is $499USD, the H3 is $349

[@bicycledad7660]

Does saris has an app ? Is it free ?

[@dannyli5946]

Can the h3 fit the 12 speed Shimano cassette( like 9270, 8170）fit on the h3 free hub？ since the 12 speed cassette can fit in shimano 11 speed free hub

[@JourdainColeman]

Good question, based on my current knowledge I would say yes. Like you said, 11 speed freehubs are backwards compatible with 12 speed. It looks like there are mixed reviews online. There is a Reddit thread here where some one has taken pics as well - www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/y3mhpi/saris_h3_and_sram_12_speed_cassettes/

[@Andrii_Dovbenko]

what would you choose Saris H3 or Kickr Core, in case I can by Saris H3 cheaper than Kickr Core? Thanks in advance.

[@duhitstime]

You should watch the video…

[@aja5177]

Where’s the wahoo kickr core gone?

[@JourdainColeman]

I still have it! I just had the Saris for a month to give it a try. I wanted to see how it compared 👍🏼 I'm back on the kickr core now

[@fredparker3384]

Which one do you prefer??

[@Bbbuddy]

I hit a brick wall with Bluetooth with this machine.

[@davidnoob9421]

they filing for bankruptcy... bad idea to pickj one up now? how reliable/durable are these trainers

[@JourdainColeman]

Good point! 👍🏽

[@SarisOfficial]

Very reliable, very durable. Just like the Saris brand ;)

[@SarisOfficial]

@@JourdainColeman Respectfully, we disagree :)