SARIS H3 SMART TRAINER REVIEW: Just Not Too Fast!!!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Fly-under flywheel title text. Well done! Production quality continues to go up!

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Thanks Ray 🙏

[@coolhandluke1978]

Fast becoming my favourite no nonsense reviewer. Great review as always ;)

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Thank you 🙏

[@simonramirezgarces]

It would be nice to see a comparison between this and h1 and h2. Or even between this and newer versions of other brands now that euro bike is over and basically all trainers have been announced for the season. Great review btw!

[@JomsF]

Made a couple of clicks on the net and found out that most hammer users having problems climbing alpe de zwift, over heating issues if your cadence is way too low, also i read someone placed a strong fan on top of the cooling vents to avoid over heating..

[@ProHumanity]

For anyone else looking for the "Noise Test" / "Sound Test", it's in the video 6:49. Also, for those who really care about sound like me, the Saris H3 ships with an extremely loud freewheel, which you can hear at 7:07 Of course it only makes noise when you're coasting, but you can hear how insanely loud it is, if you care about noise. Seems like an oversight from Saris.

[@ProHumanity]

Well, in big cities where apartments are small, noise is a big issue, even if it's only a small percentage of the time, especially if you're someone who works out at times that others are asleep.

[@ProHumanity]

Oh yea, wheel on trainers are super loud like little vacuum cleaners. My solution was to just get a Kickr Core instead so my entire experience is silent. Not so easy to "not coast" at the end of a sprint, or right after a hard workout segment. I do expect Saris to fix this issue with more grease shipping in future models. Apparently less than 1 cent of grease can solve this issue.

[@STX600full]

@@ProHumanity Hello, your comment is very interesting. I'm living in an appartment in Paris and I'm looking for a new trainer (currently have a wheel on) Do you think the Saris would be the best choice for me regarding the noise or rather the Neo 2T ? (the kickr is not compatible with my canyon...) Thank you

[@ProHumanity]

@@STX600full you'll have to listen to the volume and pitch in the videos the document these sounds, I love going with the kicker, it's very very quiet, not sure what to tell you but good luck

[@timw4369]

If you are a pro the accuracy makes a difference if you aren't this isn't an issue

[@mlegrand]

Another great review! (As always) Great job 👍

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Thank you 🙏

[@brycehiigel235]

I bought mine in April of 2020, the only issue I have had in where the cord plugs into the main unit. Contacted Saris. Their solution was to stick a small screwdriver to separate the connector probe on the main unit. That didn’t work. Ended up starting with electrical tap and eventually went to very small bungee cords to maintain consistent connection. Noise is very quiet No overheating issues.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Hmm... interesting on the cord issues. Otherwise, I’m glad you are enjoying the trainer and no other issues. Thanks for watching 🙏🏼

[@JN-bq4ls]

Wow, great video, I was one click away from purchasing until I watched. 10 watt variability at 180 Watts is huge for TrainerRoad structured workouts as well as gauging fitness progress by FTP. Hope the problem has since been fixed.

[@alen-commentnazi8774]

does anybody know if its been fixed

[@baxter6373]

I'd like to know too. Seems like I'm robbed of powers with this unit compared to my Wahoo

[@supercurioTube]

Great and simple analysis! So the inaccuracy is not really related to sprints but anything that spins the flywheel fast. It's like a reverse Neo, which underestimate power at higher speeds instead. I wonder if these inaccuracies are due to drive train losses compensation algorithm calibrated differently.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Not quite. I did look at the Neo and kickr and ran the same flywheel speed test. Depending on the type of power meter you use, you might have different results. In my case, it had no effect if compared against my crank base power meter but about 3% lower when compared against the Assioma. I think it has more to do with how inertia from the flywheel effect your pedaling. But in the H3 case, it’s measuring over 10% higher than the Assioma Duo. That’s way above and beyond the margin of error. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYHNmmSrdtqSi9U

[@poorpossum79]

Great video - really helpful. Thanks.

[@michwoz]

Nice catch with high flywheel speed power inaccuracy.

[@Analyse_US]

Great video.. Again!

[@cyclewise6926]

Thanks for the review, I am in the market now, narrowed it down to the Kickr and H3, do you know if the issues from 2 years ago have been addressed? if it matters, I will be using it for Zwift. also any notes on reliability/warranty between the 2?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

The accuracy issue I pointed out hasn’t been addressed to my knowledge. As for warranty between the two, I’ve heard good and bad stories on both ends. However, In my own experience, I dealt a lot more with Wahoo’s support and they have been solid. Not because their trainers need more support, it’s just more people have wahoos than Saris.

[@TheAsbnat]

Thanks for the review and the one on the Elite Direto XR, too. Of the two, which do you think was better?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

From an accuracy stand point, the XR is the better trainer. But ride feel, erg mode, build quality, the Saris is better.

[@n2racingmoto]

Hello I am thinking of buying a new smart training. I am thinking of a Saris H3, Flux 2.1 or Kickr Core. Although the price of the H3 is another 200 euros more expensive in the store where I am thinking of buying it is at the same price as Flux and Core. What is the best option? Thanks

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Between all three you listed, I would go with either the KICKR Core or SARIS H3.

[@dekta4]

if possible could you review jetblack volt? this is locally made in australia. thnks

[@dilaverm5609]

Which one do you suggest

[@freddieboyle7848]

Great video. What software are you using to compare power graphs?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Thank you! The software is RubiTrack for Mac.

[@fredericbattie9055]

Hey thanks for your job good video. Should I go for an elite direto xr ou this one?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Saris H3 has a better build and flywheel. The Direto XR has better power accuracy.

[@matthewkhan-dyer2740]

Love it but isn’t 12 speed sram etap compatible- even is changing to XDR free hub and spacer.

[@harv83]

curious which firmware version you used for this video? I know it's been a while since it came out, but would be interesting to see if there have been updates since

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

To my knowledge, they did not fix the issue.

[@julianmiddlewick6605]

Good review, thanks! Do you know if the power over reporting at high flywheel speeds a hardware limitation or is it fixable with future firmware updates?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Saris said they are working on a firmware update to fix it. But didn’t commit to a timetable. As of today, it’s still there.

[@julianmiddlewick6605]

@@SmartBikeTrainers Many thanks

[@TechnoShamanism]

Hi! Thanks for this review. Thinking about buying this one, has this been fixed by now?

[@erik....]

@@SmartBikeTrainers hi do you know if this is fixed yet?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

@@erik.... Yes, the issue with the power has been addressed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4qbeYqIl694icU

[@HoYoonTV]

great review of H3! BTW what's app do you using for compare power data?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

It’s call RubiTrack. Available for Mac only.

[@HoYoonTV]

@@SmartBikeTrainers thank you so much!

[@mnansyah]

I have problem with 4Hz red blinking status. After 2byear warranty end. How to fix??

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

I would reach out to Saris about this issue.

[@donumali8416]

So among the 3: tacx flux 2, saris h3 and magene t300, which one would you recommend for someone who is training to improve performance?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Personally, I would go with the H3… much better built and performs better.

[@donumali8416]

@@SmartBikeTrainers thanks 👍

[@woodsmithohio]

I am on my 3rd smart trainer direct drive from another manufacturer, thinking of converting to H3. Has Saris corrected the power inaccuracy in different gearings?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

No they haven’t.

[@kevinhanlon6817]

should I get the Saris H3 or tracx flux 2?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

The saris h3 would be my pick in this instance. It feels better and more powerful. Plus, the H3 is still more accurate than and the Flux.

[@gloriaa0214]

Does this machine measure speed or that's a separate attachment?

[@julianmejiazea8486]

I’m having a trouble choosing between saris h3 and wahoo kickr core.... don’t know what to do

[@TheBassallyear100]

I have both. I prefer the smoothness of the Hammer, relatively no vibrations and very smooth over the top of the pedal stroke. The Core is a great trainer too and very compelling if you want to add a Kickr Climb, but I do find that on the Hammer I can spin-down and forget it for a while whereas the Core its power numbers seem to drift more easily and require more frequent spin-downs (when I compare to my Quarq PM).

[@julianmejiazea8486]

Nicholas Hulme just ordered the H3.... thanks for your comment mate

[@thechadfords]

Just returned my second Kickr Core as vibration excessive in both units (second new in August 2020). Looking for a different option!

[@pjpati5933]

any discounts on the H3 during this pandemic ? thanks

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

In the US, OutdoorPlay has a 20% off the H3: www.smartbiketrainers.com/indoor-smart-bike-trainers-price-tracker

[@TheyForcedMyHandLE]

Made in friggin' USA!

[@danielkosciuszko9788]

In a blue state lol. No thanks.

[@bs8716]

@@danielkosciuszko9788 you understand that there is no such thing as a “blue state”

[@woojinsong5557]

I want to use this trainer for 12 spd and 11 spd road bikes. how can I use both of them ?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

You will need to get the XR/XDR adapter for 12 speed. www.saris.com/product/hammer-xd-driver

[@woojinsong5557]

@@SmartBikeTrainers Is it easy to swap it? I want to share with my wife. My bike is 12 spd and hers is 11 spd

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

I don’t think it’s hard. You will have to swap cassettes and the hub every time you switch bikes. So, depending on how often you gonna do this, it can be a PITA.

[@camd5348]

Great video. I cannot find the saris app anywhere!!!

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

+Cam TheDelle Search for “ Saris utility” in the iTunes App Store. For Android, download Rouvy and you can perform the firmware and calibration using Rouvy.

[@Raphken]

Did it get a firmware update meanwhile? Accuracy issue fixed?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Nope… still same issue and don’t count on a fix.

[@Raphken]

@@SmartBikeTrainers coming from a wahoo Kickr 2016, it could be a reason for you to not switch to saris H3? :)

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

I won’t let this stop you from going with the H3 if you are ok not using the big ring when in erg mode. Other than that, it works very well. But for $200 more, the Kickr 5 is a much better option IMO.

[@alen-commentnazi8774]

Did they ever address the fly wheel issue?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Not that I know off.

[@OLIMWTY]

Have Saris fixed this problem now with a Firmware update ?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Nope

[@OLIMWTY]

@@SmartBikeTrainers so its not a good purchse then? At the moemnt its the only one I can purchase.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Depends on how you use it in Erg mode. If you prefer to use a big gear, then I wouldn’t recommend it. Otherwise, it’s a good trainer.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Perplumblewintz Jonz I would go with the kickr or Neo. More expensive but more accurate. The Elite Direto x is a solid trainer as well.

[@OLIMWTY]

@@sansmojo Chance would be a fine thing in the UK. 3 -4 month waiting list here. Thanks for the advice.

[@dilaverm5609]

So you dont suggest saris h3

[@maxab7e63s5]

I just got a $300 gift certificate from amazon, I'm no sprinter, not too worry about the overshoot, but do you think they will be able to resolve the cadence issues with a firmware update?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

I don’t know if they can get the cadence issue resolved. Maybe improve it a bit but without an actual sensor, it’s going to be always spotty. If you mostly do steady state riding, you might not notice it.

[@Ranger15893bn]

@@SmartBikeTrainers So, if I use my Garmin cadence sensor while using PerfPro I should have an issue with cadence discrepancy?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

You Garmin cadence sensor should be more accurate

[@osint6372]

@@SmartBikeTrainers So I can use a Garmin Cadence sensor and let's say Favero Asioma pedals for power. Can I select those sources on Zwift or any other platform instead of the ones from the trainer? Is this something you recommend? Is there justification (I kNOW it's personal) to get a Neo Tacx trainer for more money? But what are you really getting for that money? Thanks

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

You should be fine using your own powermeter. You can pair your Assioma as power and cadence so no need to use a separate Garmin cadence sensor. This method works just fine.

[@michaelhinchey]

For those of you looking at this and want to use it on a pc. You not only need a cassette that could be very pricey but you also need to buy a dongle to connect either blugiga or ant+ ugh

[@gloriaa0214]

What does this mean?

[@mroseboro]

You need that for any smart trainer, not just the H3. I'm currently using mine along with several other ANT+ enabled devices on a PC after purchasing a ~$15 dongle from Amazon. In addition, to my knowledge the only smart direct drive trainer that does come with a cassette is the Wahoo. And finally, the reason why Saris does not include a cassette is because there is no standard that everyone can use. Imagine offering a choice between 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 gearing in the myriad of teeth combinations that would suite everyone that bought a unit, it's just not possible. Oh and one last thing, the unit is on the cheaper side when we are talking about flagship models.