Ooooof…they own Kodak? 
Back in '92, I was one of the founders of the Kodak EKTAR team in the DC area. Still have some of the kit, too (good looking stuff!!)
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That portfolio looks like if someone looked at my amazon saved list and just bought the companies instead of the products.
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I’m not wanting to seem argumentative here
I don’t dispute that they had lots of sale events
But I don’t think those events led to high volumes of sales - by that I mean I don’t think the sales events gained Saris a market share increase of even 1% (of total sales of such products in any month) at any time since it announced the Ch128 reorg in June 2022.
I’ll gladly accept any data to show I’m wrong on that.
You said lots of people took advantage of the incredible deals (at those times) for Saris units and I am curious to know what “lots” is in that context. Hundreds of thousands of people? Tens of thousands? Thousands? Hundreds?
Short answer is that outside of Saris sharing that, we won’t know. No one is claiming those sales (whatever the qty) shifted the needle for Saris gaining back lost market share in any real measure.
At best, those sales and the current one are probably aimed at selling stock that will otherwise become a worse write-off on a balance sheet. This isn’t a move to become relevant in any way I see. It’s about treading water a bit rather than gulping down endless water that surrounds them at present.
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100% correct. Leaving aside the fact that there is no reliable market share data to refer to, such a metric is irrelevant. The sales were about dumping aging product, not gaining market share.
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Assuming you didn’t already own a smart trainer, would you buy one from saris? I’m rocking a wheel on but $400 for a H3+ on amazon feels like a steal except for if I need tech support
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It’s 2019 tech, at a stretch. Although it’s a solid option and really good in ERG… it’s not doing much more than the H2, or H1, or Kickr 14. I’d call it 10 year old tech.
If JetBlack can deliver with the Victory (unrivalled on technical features) at $399 then these Saris trainers will need to be $249. $399 might sound like a bargain, and would have been 18 months ago. Not today, imo.
Wild prediction - If the JetBlack Victory lands with their listed technical specs and it performs well, it’ll bury every other smart trainer out there on price and features. Saris’ talk of staying in the game is going to require a miracle. They’ll need to make a 10 year technical leap forward and remain at that run-out price point.
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I have zero complaints about my H3 and and half-heartedly thinking about getting a backup at these prices.
While I agree with @GPLama in his assessment of Saris’ future, for the units currently on the market, I think these units are hard to beat. We don’t know the timing of the JetBlack Victory, so you’ll just need to assess your immediate needs vs. the future potential. (I also agree that the JB-V will be a killer unit at the reported price points)
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I am not convinced that their previous sale events, or this one in fact, did / will move much of the stock they have on hand.
I still think the 99c start price ebay auctions are an option that they might end up considering if they are serious in what they say.
I have a H3 and it’s been flawless the last 3 years. Built like a tank. My father in law even fell off a ladder and the ladder landed on the trainer. No issues since I mentioned it’s built like a tank. Father in law is ok FYI.
I’m looking at getting a new bike that is 12 speed. May have to upgrade the trainer. The one cog system does seem convenient. The jet black victory looks great. Don’t understand why it’s priced $399 but $799 Canadian. Should be $550 at the most.
I’m still on a H1, and have had to replace belts a few times. Having said that, when I tried to get official replacements, here in Ireland it was directing me to the UK for supplier - that’s just not an option for me post brexit. I’m in the EU, I want EU support.
Precisely. I took a look yesterday and commented it. 799CAD isn’t a bargain for the JetBlack. A Kicker core is 859CAD.
The H3+ is 564CAD. Could it be better? Yes, it could. But it is +/-300 Trudeaus less, 30%. It is a good price.
agree 100% with this take. my H1 has been great for 7/8 years or however long I’ve had it, but the h3 doesn’t offer that much more and even if I don’t necessary want the zwift cog stuff, it’s at least a nice option to have, and Saris just doesn’t have enough going for it to justify the price
I am trying to find out from my contact at Zwift if they will add the Zwift Cog functionality for the H3…no answer yet. 
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Requires an update on the trainer side, so I wouldn’t hold my breath.
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Certainly not based on what Ray reported above…even if they wanted to, there is no one there to do the update.
Which kinda sucks 'cuz I would really like to get a Zwift Ride…but I have no need for a new trainer right now.
I’ve got an H3 that’s been super reliable, have no plans to get a new trainer, and I’m getting an itch for the same thing. The Elite Square isn’t cheap, but the belt drive and internal shifting seems like a great combo and give it more flexibility without having to rely on the Zwift Cog. Supposed to out sometime next month, apparently?
All I really want is support for the 3 Powertaps I have that are still ticking. They will start to have problems eventually…
You need to go to SRAM / Quarq for that….they bought the PowerTap stuff a few years ago.
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Oh I know. SRAM bought it and buried it. No support offered now. I am SOL and was jesting that the rebrand or whatever they are doing should bring that back, lol.