My 4 year old Saris H3 has been perfect, I replaced the belt one time. Its starting to make some weird humming noises while pedalling and a slight vibration while free wheeling…I’ve serviced the freehub and its still there. Thinking about buying something new. Is the Core 2 the best option under $600?
The core 1 was just on sale at amazon for $427. I’ve been using mine for a year on ERG mode. I don’t know what a nicer trainer feels like, but I’m plenty happy with the core 1.
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Hard to really look past the core 1 while it’s on sale.
Especially as its firmware has been updated to work with Zwift virtual gears.
Jetblack victory gets a lot of love and looks great on paper - but the core has long term pedigree and you know it will last years.
Core 2 is a nice upgrade but not sure it’s worth the cost delta at the moment.
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If you’re in the US - REI and Wahoo had some really big discounts on Kickr going into Thanksgiving/Christmas if you can wait.
If you want the top of the range, then Garmin Tacx NEO 3M is probably the ‘best’.
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Not interested in top of the line. For how good the H3 was, I wouldnt pass on another, I got that one on sale for $399 and besides the belt, has been flawless.
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Have you check the Saris site, the price on the H3 have been low and it looks like they have a sale a few times a year.
$479 right now…I’d pay the extra $120 for a Core 2.
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I see, have to wait for another sale if you can hold out.
Kickr core 2 or Jetblack victory then.
I’d go for the Core 2
I’ve used tacx neo 2, jetblack victory, the zwift branded one from a year or two back, plus kickr core 1. To my non pro legs they all feel identical, but I’m certainly not pushing them to their limits. I currently have the kicker core 1 and it’s perfect for my needs.
I’ve been looking at new trainers for a few years but am still cranking away on my 9 year old Saris Hammer, the predecessor to the H1,2,3 trainers. It still works fine except for being loud with its cogged belt and pulleys rather than the ribbed belt used in the H3. Anyway, I’m following this thread as I’m still looking at new trainers.
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