The all-new (yet familiar looking) Saris H4 smart trainer comes down in price from the prior model, yet amps up total resistance and adds modern drivetrain compatibility.
The H3, which was originally $1,099, remains in the line and gets a significant price drop to $799. It’s an excellent trainer, check our review here, and now a heckuva a good deal. But it maxed out at 2000 watts with +/-2% accuracy and a 20º simulated incline.
The new Saris H4 ups those figures to 2300 watts, 25% maximum simulated incline, and +/-1% accuracy. It keeps the same 20lb flywheel, but claims to improve its cadence measurement, too. Compared to the recently updated Wahoo KICKR, the H4 puts out bigger numbers all around with the same claimed accuracy, and it’s $300 less at $999…but does not include a cassette.
However, it is now compatible with 12-speed drivetrains and all modern thru-axle standards (and Quick Release), so you can put your new bike on there with one caveat: The maximum cassette cog size varies from 32-tooth to 36-tooth depending on which drivetrain you’re using.
Most 12-speed groups can use up to a 36-tooth cassette. But if you’re running a Shimano 12-speed mountain bike derailleur, you’ll need to limit the cassette to a 32-tooth max cog. That’s because the derailleur cage on Shimano’s latest SLX, XT and XTR parts is quite long and could hit the trainer’s leg when angled downward to accommodate larger cogs.
Its direct drive system is quiet, and features internal power, speed and cadence sensors. It connects via ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth FTMS to work with virtually any training platform (Zwift, The Sufferfest, Training Peaks, etc.). And, it’s made in the USA!
