Saris H3 Smart Trainer review

A straightforward performance turbo without gimmicks

Saris H3 turbo side on
(Image credit: Future)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

Unlike other brands which are constantly packing in ever more features – including ones you may not ever use – Saris has opted to keep the H3 free from gimmicks, which also makes it a little cheaper. The H3 still does everything you really need from a turbo and has a high maximum resistance and simulated gradient as well as power accuracy sufficient for the top tier Zwift races. However, it does have some drawbacks in its need to be manually calibrated, its unfriendliness to certain thru-axles and the fact that our unit gave notably high power readings.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Very sturdy platform for sprints and hard efforts

  • +

    No novelty features means a lower price

  • +

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    The body shape doesn't play nicely with thru axle handles

  • -

    Needs to be manually calibrated

  • -

    Our test unit gave notably high power readings

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Saris is a brand which likes to keep things simple. Where some manufacturers spin out a dizzying array of different models, the American brand only offers one direct drive option – the H3. 

This inclination for minimalism extends to the features offered – while others are adding the ability to simulate cobbles, raise the front end to better simulate climbs and integrate virtual steering, the H3 instead keeps things simple

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Saris H3 turbo trainer249w
Shimano Dura-Ace power cranks237w
Garmin Vector 3 power pedals238w
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Row 0 - Cell 0 Effort 1Effort 2Effort 3Effort 4Effort 5
Saris H3 turbo trainer398w398w396w397w394w
Shimano Dura-Ace power cranks370w375w381w391w387w
Garmin Vector 3 power pedals368w367w373w383w385w
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Row 0 - Cell 0 1 sec5 sec
Saris H3 turbo trainer1,200w1,147w
Shimano Dura-Ace power cranks1,130w1.082w
Garmin Vector 3 power pedals1,141w1,061w

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