Saris H3 Smart Trainer Review

Saris provided the H3 at no charge for this review, and I was not paid for my opinion. Please support my channel and click the affiliate link below to buy the Saris H3 Smart Trainer!

https://competitivecyclist.g39l.net/6Ob1b

And at 59db at 20mph, it’s FIVE TIMES quieter than previous generations. In practical terms, that means you can actually binge watch something on your TV at nearly normal living room volumes. Physical set up is incredibly easy because the support legs fold out, and the front wheel block - which stores away nicely - is super minimal. Connecting to my training app of choice was just as easy - the H3 was easily identified and paired within seconds, regardless of the platform.

This was my first experience with a direct drive trainer, and I have to say it’s simply the way to go. Traditional trainers are really cumbersome and clumsy and regardless of how clever the rear wheel mount was it was always a grind to get them set up perfectly: I was constantly micro adjusting the tension on either the skewer clamp or the roller, and I’m pretty sure I never had a front wheel block that was exactly the same height as the rear. But with the H3, it’s all aligned, it’s all the same height, and once you get the cassette on, perfect setup is as easy as installing a new rear wheel. And once you get there, it’s ROCK SOLID - no twisting, torquing or rattling. Just quiet, smooth operation that makes riding inside far more than just tolerable: truth be told, I found myself actually looking forward to my virtual rides around the Laguna Seca track or up L’Alpe Duez.

Now, before I go - Saris called me just before I filmed this review to let me know they’re going to send me the MP1 NFINITY Platform to try out. That was welcome news because one of the major cons of indoor riding is that the limited range of motion can lead to increased pressure and hot spots - so, I’m excited to see how the MP1 fits into this new world I’ve discovered.

I’ll post that video once I have a few test rides in, so please hit the subscribe button to be notified when it drops. In the meantime, thanks for watching and whether you’re just riding along or going racing, I hope it’s a good one.