Adding to this thread as I am trying not to start another “help me pick a trainer” thread, but would appreciate this community’s advice. I am an over-thinker and just need help pulling the trigger.
Buying my first smart trainer after literally a decade on Kurt Kinetics with a power meter. Both rock’n’roll and traditional. My rock’n’roll frame is cracking, where I have cracked 4 others, so just need to move on and get a smart trainer.
Use case - Probably 8-12 hours per week in the winter on the trainer. Usually try to get outside on the weekends. Have used Trainerroad in the past, currently following TrainingPeaks workouts from a coach. May try Zwift, didn’t love it when I tried in the past with my KK.
I have narrowed down the field to 3 trainers. I think I am aware of all the technical differences in the unit (the stuff that is listed in DC Rainmaker reviews). My first and foremost desire is reliability. I simply want to turn the thing on day after day and not have to think about it, or deal with quirks and get my work done.
Options are:
Saris H3 Refurb - that might be a red flag right there, but is attractive at $699.
Wahoo Kickr Core
Wahoo Kickr V5 - found a good price and with discount codes, and factoring in the cassette, my difference in price between the Core and V5 is less than $100
I think the answer is the Kickr V5. But it is still a few hundred over the H3. Someone please just chime in and help me pull the trigger.