Saris has released the H3, a new high-end direct drive turbo trainer that replaces the H2 (which was sold as the CycleOps Hammer 2 in most markets).
It has also released the Saris MP1, an intriguing "motion platform" that allows more movement while riding, an experience that, according to the brand, has the potential to transform indoor training.
Saris has also undergone a rebrand, dropping its Saris Cycling Group and Cyclops monikers, and bringing its car racks, indoor training range and infrastructure projects all under the 'Saris' name.
- Best smart turbo trainers for indoor training
- Which smart trainers are compatible with Zwift, TrainerRoad and The Sufferfest?
Saris H3 smart turbo trainer
- Direct drive design
- Electromagnetic resistance system
- Compatible with all modern axle standards, including 130mm/135mm quick release and 148mm/142mm thru-axles
- Measures speed, cadence and power, so no external sensors are required
- Claimed +/- 2% power accuracy
- Dual ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth FTMS compatible
- Zwift-certified
- RRP £849, international pricing TBC
On paper, the Saris H3 has got all of the key features and specs we’ve come to expect from a high-end, direct drive turbo trainer.
The H3 is made out of cast and machined aluminium, it can allegedly handle up to 2,000 watts at 20mph and can simulate up to a 20 percent climbing gradient.
The H3 features both ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity and also features an in-built power meter, so it is fully compatible with apps such as Zwift and TrainerRoad.
Saris also claims that an all-new drive system means the H3 is much quieter than the H2, though it hasn’t yet specified by exactly how much, instead saying that it "shaves decibels off previous generations".
On paper, the Saris H3 compares favourably with similar offerings from other brands such as the Tacx Neo, Elite Drivo or Wahoo Kickr. However, at this price point, it’s only the details, such as noise levels and ease of use that really separate them, so we'll have to wait until we've tested this one to draw any conclusions.
Saris MP1 "motion platform" for smart trainers
- Constructed from a mix of steel, aluminium and birch wood
- Uses Saris’s Nfinity Technology to "bring movement to indoor training"
- Claimed compatibility with almost every turbo trainer on the market
- Roughly the same dimensions of a standard trainer mat
- Saris claims it helps to reduce pressure on touchpoints for a more comfortable ride.
- RRP £999
Saris has also released a rather intriguing bit of kit called the Saris MP1.
This supposedly game-changing "motion platform" sits underneath your bike and turbo trainer and allows you and your turbo to move from side-to-side and fore-aft while riding.
Saris claims this movement gives a more "fun, immersive and authentic training experience". Interestingly, Saris also claims that the MP1 helps make riding on an indoor trainer more comfortable by reducing pressure on touchpoints.
The bike and turbo are held securely to the platform — which is constructed from a mix of steel, aluminium and birch wood — in place using heavy-duty straps that go around the front wheel and the turbo trainer's legs.
The platform alone costs £999 and a bundle that includes the H3 smart trainer will set you back £1,600. However, it's worth pointing out that Saris claims the MP1 is also compatible with most indoor trainers.
The MP1 certainly doesn’t look like anything we’ve seen before, though the concept does remind us somewhat of the Kinetic Rock & Roll. Whether it actually marks a revolution in indoor training remains to be seen, but we’re certainly very keen to find out.
Do you use a smart turbo trainer? Has your indoor training experience been suffering from a lack of movement? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
