That seems to be especially a concern with the Fluid 2, but only for frequent, long rides. There are very few negative reviews about this fluid trainer, but the few that are there seem to be about the noise. My ONLY gripe is that maximum tension isn't extremely tough. That's because Saris doesn't try to trap you in its garden by forcing you to use its native training app - it relies on the robust 3rd party apps. That being said, if you're after power (and accuracy), you have lots of impressive options to choose from among the direct drive models. 120mm, 130mm, 135mm compatible || Thru-axle available for 142mm and 148mm through CycleOps. Took about 10 minutes from out of the box to ready to use. That can be addressed fairly easily by using a trainer-specific tire and learning how to change them. Also Wahoo Smartphone App, Rouvy, and The Sufferfest. The fluid trainer is packed with features including built-in speed, cadence, and power sensors. Claimed power accuracy is +/- 5 percent. Enter: the Fluid Smart Equipped. a slightly cluttered garage). I haven't tried others - but it was easy to set-up, it is standard and easy to find in the various on-line programs - I've used Zwift & TrainerRoad so far, and it has really been helping a lot with my training when I can't get in an outdoor ride. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Again, this is a bit hard to determine because of the limited information, but it appears that the light flywheel also reduced the unnatural slippage and molasses-feel you sometimes get with heavier, clunkier trainers. The instructions are actually clear, so when it says "slide it into place and turn the key to lock", I knew something wasn't right with the fit on mine. I had this trainer for a little over a week now and only put on a few miles because I still ride outdoors. The fluid trainer is like the magnetic trainers in some ways, except that it uses liquid resistance chambers to create friction. Haven't noticed any "shredding" but it's too soon to say since I've used it maybe a total of a few hours so far. The CycleOps M2 from Saris is a budget-friendly smart trainer for cyclists who want to take their indoor riding to the next level. Saris Fluid 2 Smart Trainer. The easier initial set-up time definitely goes to the Saris Fluid 2, because it takes about 10 minutes and comes with just about all the tools you'll need. Granted, you have to pay for all or most of those services. Not only is the physical set-up easy, but so is the training app piece. Disappointed. Given the crutch of not having power data, this machine isn't going to top this test metric. Bicycle Fluid Trainer Review – CycleOps Fluid2 vs. Kurt Kinetic Road Machine 2.0. The bulk of their weight is concentrated in the resistance unit and roller, which flops around a bit, but you still have the wide legs and feet to lug around. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Please make sure that you are posting in the form of a question. These trainers work on Zwift, TrainerRoad, and Sufferfest. Not the quietest, but it won’t annoy your neighbors. This machine uses the classic design but improves upon it in subtle ways. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. I started spinning with the knobby wheels on my bike and it worked fine but there was a lot of whirring noise. 130mm, 135mm || Adaptors for 142mm and 148mm available through Tacx. Enter the world of indoor cycling apps and take your training to the next level—without the expense of a traditional smart trainer—by combining the Saris Fluid2 trainer and included speed sensor. Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. Saris H3 Review from Joe September 8, 2020 . 130mm, 135mm compatible || Thru-axle available for 142mm and 148mm through CycleOps. Looking for the best bike trainer available today? Precision-machined alloy roller reduces tire wear and slippage. The Fluid bike trainer can help you do just that, no matter the season, schedule or time of day. You'll see that this one lands alongside other top trainers in this metric. The CycleOps fluid bike trainer, as the name suggests, is a product of the popular CycleOps Company. It's hard to compete with simplicity and convenience - both areas where the Fluid 2 dominates. I wish it came with a climbing block like it used to, but I will order one from amazon for $8. Easy setup Accurate power Realistic inertia Quiet Budget-friendly There's nothing like anticipating a ride all day, and when you get home from work, all you have to do is swap skewers (if you want), tighten a few bolts, and fire up your preferred training app. I wanted a solid, well built machine that would provide a smooth road-like feel when pedaling and so I was willing to pay a bit more. In any case, the outcome of whatever they did is still pretty sweet because it did as well as or better than other tire drive trainers. I don't write many reviews but felt obligated to do so. Saris CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer Review. On the fancier models, you can adjust the resistance electronically while you’re biking. from HolyDiver September 9, 2020 . Saris cycleops fluid 2 trainer review Turbo trainers are most common in cyclists' garages so they can exercise and stay fit during the winter months. The Saris M2 is a relatively affordable, wheel-on smart turbo trainer. We researched this pretty exhaustively and weren't able to find much beyond powercurve charts, so it appears to be more of an ideally-tweaked configuration than an advanced material or mechanical design, but again, we couldn't find much information on it. It didn't bother you in case if you use headphones, but could disturb a little your natives. It’s important to test trainers in their natural environment so this is exactly what we have done here (i.e. I was surprised and concerned that it did not come with any paperwork. The Fluid 2 opens up another dimension simply by adding a cadence or speed sensor, opening up all of the relevant training data in the major training apps. The Fluid 2 really dominates the pack here. Just get a carpet remnant and a piece of 2×4.... but I don't need the climbing block. From unboxing to rolling, it is really easy to figure out, assemble, mount, and get going. CycleOps Fluid 2 Turbo Trainer Review 2019 Turbo trainers are most common in cyclists garages so they can work out and stay fit during the winter months. I have to believe so since it was delivered without all of the purchases material so I currently cannot use it. The Jet Black Z1 Pro Fluid Trainer is a fantastic piece of equipment designed to offer a long-lasting solution compatible across as broad a range of bikes as possible. Once u connect bike there is noise from wind (wheel spinning) and from tire friction against device so advertising is not being truly honest about overall noise. Like all CycleOps trainers, it is aimed at making every minute of your workout count. Throw in a small wrench, and you have everything you need to set up the Fluid 2 in under 10 minutes - even for the mechanically disinclined. Additionally, there isn't a way to crank up resistance for a hill climb or really hard power, like say, a Kaiser magnetic spin bike. Disabling it will result in some disabled or missing features. Saris (CycleOps) H2 good all-rounder smart trainer. GearLab is reader-supported. It did shred a tire, but if you get the yellow training tires, no more issues. It is as much trainer as you could want in a tire drive machine. Bummer. This device does all of that and I'm very happy with it, Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2017. As with many tire drive trainers, the base model is a dumb trainer, but it can go quasi-turbo by adding speed or cadence and pairing it with Zwift, Rouvy, or a bevy of other training programs. Fluid bike trainers have a shell connected to the flywheel that houses an impeller and fluid. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Resistance is adjusted by switching gears. PowerTuned for optimal road-like feel. I don't write many reviews but felt obligated to do so. That’s why we’re committed to helping bicyclists of all types get on their bikes and ride. The Saris Fluid 2 outperforms across all of these considerations and others, which is why it earns our Top Pick for Tire Drive Trainer. Saris says the M2 is capable of handling 1,500 watts. ... We looked at the top Bike Trainers and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Most tire drive trainers tend to be a bit awkward to carry around. A fluid trainer is a good option. If you need to break the trainer down for easier transport or long-term storage, you can do so by simply unscrewing the two bolts (at the side and rear) and removing the resistance unit. When it is time to drop the hammer, all you need to do is shift ge Trainer was easy to set up and was a replacement for a Cycleops Hammer. Review are pretty solid for the M2. August 29, 2019 by DC Rainmaker | CycleOps (Saris) ... Fortunately, I have a hex bolt TA that I used with my old Kinetic fluid trainer, so I just use that when I ride my Giant indoors, so it’s not a huge deal either way. It uses a cooling unit to keep the fluid cool, though, like most fluid trainers, there is a fine balance between overheating and high-heat performance, which they do a fairly decent job of sticking. ... Fluid resistance unit provides a quiet and consistent ride. This is great. A detailed review of the Saris CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Bike Trainer along with our in Bike Trainers Buying Guide. Fluid 2 Trainer: Stay on your bike year round. Saris Fluid2 Turbo Trainer. I did need the CycleOps skewer in order to mount my Specialized Pitch mountain bike to the Fluid2. This might be a bit counter-intuitive, but tire drive trainers are at a bit of a disadvantage here. A tire rolling against glassy-smooth rollers just feels too clean, too easy, and there's usually a tough balance between slippage (loose resistance unit) and over-squeezing (tight resistance unit). Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2020, The product works great easy to set up has great resistance. Great trainer and easy to setup. I still recommend as it works as described, is easy to set and remove bike as needed so no need for an extra stationary bike. Saris MP1 Nfinity indoor trainer platform review: Rocking and rolling. Using a classic A-frame design, it only weighs 9kg, making it easy to move around, and it folds up neatly for easy storage. It's important to test coaches in their natural environment, so that's exactly what we've done here (i.e. For those who are looking for "silent" trainer it is better to look for recent models. This is really stable...I can lean down to adjust peddle straps while on bike work no problem. The Fluid 2 is what a classic trainer should be: built to last, simple to set-up, compatible with a wide range of bikes and highly affordable. I love it so far - it does not take up a lot of space on its own and it seems very sturdy. But if you want to pay enough for good power data, you might as well just get a powertap or pedals that can pair with your training app with the primary benefit of being able to be used out on the road. Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2019. No matter how clever the design is, it's hard for tire drive trainers not to just eat tires. It takes the traditional tire-drive design and figures out how to reduce weight without sacrificing performance. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. This is an outstanding way to get started in training - in my case, with Zwift. What it lacks in complexity, it makes up for in convenience and practicality. Friction trainers place a small roller against the rear wheel and utilize either a magnetic or fluid ... Saris H3 Direct Drive Smart Trainer. If you would like a trainer where the resistance can be controlled by your computer, tablet, or smartphone with programs such as Zwift, TrainerRoad, or Rouvy, we suggest you consider a "smart" trainer. This was one of the most pleasing aspects of the trainer. The way Saris overcomes that is with another super simple, super clever design: their clutch knob. One of the biggest pros to using a fluid smart trainer is that the resistance to the rear wheel increases progressively as you start to pedal faster and faster. Also Tacx Films, Rouvy, Sufferfest, Kinomap, FulGaz, BKool, and Road Grand Tours. For riders after a convenient trainer to use to warm up at the start line or out on road trips, the clear preference is the lighter, easier to carry Fluid 2. Also Rouvy and The Sufferfest. I'm a novice spinner and so far the tension is fine when I'm pedaling in about 15th gear, but if I get very strong, and pedaling at 18th gear (my bike's max gear) becomes too easy-- what then? You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. We purchase, test, and review three of the most popular smart trainers on the market — the Kinetic Road Machine Smart 2 and Saris M2 wheel-on trainers, and the Saris H3 direct-drive trainer. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Quick setup, easy operation, durable, stable, communicates with training apps, low noise, Limited max resistance, roller can heat up and accelerate tire wear, no power data, no control. Saris M2 Smart Trainer What started this was an experience I had over the Thanksgiving weekend. No big deal at about $13 and an easy swap out. But I'm looking forward to doing more indoor riding once the weather starts getting colder. Meet the Saris Fluid 2 Smart Trainer – the best-selling trainer of all time! The easiest, most affordable way to access to virtual training communities such as Rouvy and Zwift is with a basic bike trainer and a speed sensor. We tested the Fluid 2 with the speed and cadence sensor. I purchased my first and only CycleOps Fluid 1 Trainer 9 or 10 years ago and it was an excellent product, well built but became unusable because of a small that wore out (tigthening screw handle - yelllow) and I couldn't find the replacement part. Saris’ fluid resistance unit offers a smooth convincingly road-like feel. I am an intermediate spin/cyclist and it solves 80% of my needs. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear, This trainer sits at the crossroads of great value and high functionality. But if you have a good fan blowing and don't do tons of rides over 2.5 or 3 hours, your tires shouldn't be any worse for the wear compared to the average tire drive trainer. When it comes to tire drive trainers, you should be looking for a few things: road-like resistance, quick and easy set-up, reliability, and compatibility with training apps. However, the Saris Mag would probably lose against any fluid trainer. Yes, both. With a review score of 9.7 out of 10 it’s likely that there will be lots of great detailed reviews to help you. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. And last, it is space saving. Product promotes being silent which is true of the unit. All in all, it's a cleverly simple design that gets the job done, and that's one of the major reasons it earned our Top Pick for Tire Drive Trainer Award. Here at Saris, we couldn’t agree more. And if you find that actually the reviews are suggesting Saris Fluid2 Smart Trainer Kit isn’t right for you then there will be tons and tons of other reviews … Also very quiet at 76db around 80rpm. The most important aspect is the resistance unit, which Saris seems to have mostly mastered. Whereas most trainers use extra heavy flywheels to improve the inertia and road-feel, the Fluid 2 has a unique design that allows it to sport a flywheel that's only a few pounds, but it still rolls like the models with much heavier flywheels. Saris CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Bike Trainer, Fits Road and Mountain Bikes, Compatible with Zwift App Medium fluid resistance unit provides a quiet and consistent ride progressive resistance offers the widest resistance range and road-like feel. Stream movies or shows while you ride on a TV, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Still, the Fluid 2 has a natural feel and it's near enough to the road that it's not a distraction or frustrating, the way the slippier tire drive models can be. All trademarks property of their respective owners Didn't even get to try out the product, super bummed. But being good stewards of the environment it can download it on your phone. The Saris Fluid Trainer does not automatically adjust for hills or drafting in Zwift. This page works best with JavaScript. There's a problem loading this menu right now. Self-cooling mechanisms including a patented fan design keeps the unit performing better, longer. Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2017. Let us know! Understandably, it comes in behind the premium smart trainers, but it gets mad kudos for being both simple and light. But you still need to spend the time looking through as many customer reviews as you can, it’s one of the most important (if not THE most important) steps to shopping online. I had an opportunity to get a Saris M2 Smart Trainer on the cheap. Just swap out your skewer for CycleOps' skewer with rounded nuts, drop it in, tighten the bolt-action lever, fasten the resistance unit, and you're off to the races.