Yup, nothing wrong with it once you get the latest firmware installed.
It’s really a steal at that price.
2 Likes
In addition, the new Hammer 3 is launching at $999 which is less than most other high end ERG trainers. This has had an impact driving the cost down of the older Hammer models as well as they move inventory out.
2 Likes
Plus, I have a buyer for my Magnus, so in my rationalization, I’m only paying about $500 Cdn for the Hammer.
2 Likes
How do people think about the original Hammer @$650 vs a H3 at $850? Going back and forth between the two…
H3 is still a bit new, and I am partly concerned about the belt change. I am hoping that they don’t see issues like the Kickr18 and Core did. But initial comments are good and I suspect it will be a solid trainer.
For the $650/$850 comparison, I think H3 all the way.
- That $200 gets you a quieter model, and one that reportedly handles heat better.
For the $650/$1000 (reg price H3), I think the H1 is worth the savings.
3 Likes
Is the H3 $850 somewhere? Or just thinking in advance for sales?
- That is true for nearly every trainer I have seen (including the “perfect” Neo
)
I’m with @mcneese.chad. $650 to $850 get me that H3. $650 to $1000 I’ll stay with the Hammer. And yes I’m a Hammer user.
1 Like
Definitely stay away from the Snap!
Not really… I tested the KICKR 18 and NEO 2 and depending on the powermeter you use, generally you see 3-4% difference which is still within an acceptable range. This is most likely related to the effect of flywheel on your pedal stroke and how your power meter measures power. The NEO and KICKR were almost spot on at 14mph and 29mph with my crank based power meter.
But the H3 was off by over 12%. That separation starts immediately when flywheel speed starts to hit just a little over 20mph which is not that fast and that’s where I usually test all trainers sine I don’t really like the small ring 
The H3 will also over report going down descents as well so it’s not really just an ERG issue. I outlined all of this in the post (scroll down to power accuracy): Saris H3 Direct Drive Smart Trainer Review - SMART Bike Trainers
I am not really sure if @gpl or @dcrainmaker tested the H3 at high flywheel speed.
3 Likes
Yes, take a look here
3 Likes
Nice review 
. Do/did you pass on your findings to Saris and if so, did you get a response?
What gear combo do you end up using on the Hammer in ERG? I typically do everything ERG in my 36x17, seems to respond to power changes faster when the flywheel is moving slower, and generates less noise in the small ring compared to big. Also do you find more of a difference in the “feel” with different cadence?
For the sake of not derailing this “Sales” related thread any more, can we move the trainer function discussion to a specific thread on that topic?
3 Likes
Just got myself a Bora jersey for £30! Nice
1 Like
Sorry for the derailment there Chad.
On a “sales of stuff” note, I need some bibs. Currently using Bontrager Velocis which are nice, and also have some Pearl Izumi In-R-Cool that I got on amazon a few years back. Any suggestions for reasonably priced bibs similar to these? I don’t find certain chamois more or less comfortable than others unless its too thick and causes excess pressure, but I did have a set of “cheap” performance bicycle bibs where the chamois broke down very quickly so would like something made to last, especially since I’m going to be spending a lot of time indoors in a totally stationary position
1 Like
1 Like
Thank you.
I will be ‘training’ for Bahrain Merida this winter.
4 Likes
Train hard and next year you can chuck your toys out the pram mid season, go back to this years bibs and be world champ
1 Like
Book from coach @chad reading list is on sale (this bookshop is good alternative to Amazon and has free global shipping).
Bought also “Endure” (with smaller discount) with this book.
1 Like