I would go with H3, probably best trainer you can get at the moment.
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I bought an H3 a few weeks ago. Itās my first Smart Trainer so I can only compare it to my Cycleops Super Magneto. I did my research and it seems like they all have their pros and cons. However, in the end my interpretation of all the reviews is that it was pretty much similar to the kickr but personally I think the kickr looks a bit cheap compared to the H3. The H3 is as solid as a brick and looks mean. I find the transitions really smooth and the power match looks good from visual comparisons with my powertap pedals (ive not compared. Fit files). Some people seem to still have problems with knocking which looks to be something moving in transit. My hammer was built in March 2020 and Iāve not had those issues. The only niggles Iāve had is that my power supply is a bit flaky and there can be a tiny wobble when sprinting - it takes a while to work out the correct feet positioning. Overall Iād give it 8.5/10 mainly because my power supply is a bit dodgey.
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Hello, I am re posting a question I put in a different thread as I found this one which has more recent activity. Thank you for any thoughts and perspective.
Hello Folks, I have read DC Rainmakers guide. I am looking to upgrade from my dumb trainer with favero assioma pedals, to a smart direct drive trainer this fall. Based on the guide I was thinking about the H3 based on erg mode with TR, price, and donāt see myself getting into the full wahoo ecosystem down the road.
My use case is with TR of course and then I was also looking to overlay Rouvy or Fulgaz to change up what how I distract myself during workouts (been watching netflix and prime too much).
However, after reading the forum threads here, I am scared to buy a smart trainer as they all seem to have issues (e.g. H3 belt issues, people going through 3-4 wahoo units, ā¦). I am OK with the kickr core or H3 price (kickr 2018 and neo 2t seem a bit unnecessary for me), however, I am less OK with the price if I will have the trainer for a couple of years and then it will be useless if it dies or something. I donāt mind the higher cost if you also have the hope to recover some of it one day if you sell it, or if the unit will last forever.
I am curious if I have to reset my expectations (i.e. expect to kiss the money and trainer goodbye after X many years and then re-buy)?
If so perhaps I should consider another option?
Wheel on smart trainer? (lower cost and if/when it dies you just move on and buy another)
From reading the threads I am also concerned about buying used which I was planning to do (kickr cores were super noisy, H3 belt issues, kickr 2018ās had some recall issue too I think).
Is the general consensus to not buy a smart trainer in the used market?
Thank you for any feedback.
I would say to not worry about the issues people have with their trainers too much unless it is happening with almost every unit out there. You see a lot of people with issues on here because they are troubleshooting things mostly and most people here probably arenāt bragging about how great their trainer is either. Obviously if you buy new youāll get warranty and support if you are that concerned about issues and you can pick a trainer based off of warranty and service most available to you.
As for buying used, thatās up for you to make the call. Most out there are probably fine but use your head when looking online, if something seems too good of a deal it probably is unless the description makes sense to you.
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I wonder if there is any way to get a good extended warranty on a trainer. Iāve heard that Square Trade is hard to collect on. Maybe a high end credit card would at least double the 1 year warranty.
Just tossing this out there for reference / discussionā¦donāt @ me. 
A lot more are on this list when they do the 20% off sales.
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Psssstā¦look up ^^.
Psssstā¦look up ^^.
You posted the āBudgetā one (ZI issued yesterday)ā¦
I posted the āPremiumā one (ZI just issued today)ā¦
they are different.
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Well if you wanna get all hung up on technicalitiesā¦ 
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When do they usually do sales? Iām in the market for a new trainer but donāt know if i shoudl be waiting for black friday or other sales?
REI does them a couple of times a year but bought mine Nov 25 last year from clever training. So yes Black Friday / Cyber Monday. I have a Neo2T now as my brother is using the H3. Both great trainers and excel in different things. For erg the H3 is really hard to beat.
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