Saris M2 Smart Indoor Electromagnetic Resistance Bike Trainer, Compatible with Zwift App

Given the price point of $199, I have to give it five stars. I bought this as part of a "budget" setup for my garage condo in FL. It's connected to a $150 43" TCL Fire tv via an Apple TV 128GB 4k+ from Best Buy ($150). I run a more expensive setup up north using an Apple tv+, 65" tv and a Wahoo Kickr (wheel off) trainer. I was able to set up my FL condo garage for @ $500. I opted for a Fire TV because I really wanted another Apple TV device to run my FulGaz (subscription) app because the app runs on the Apple device and that clarity, rather than casting, is what I prefer. I could've run FulGaz on my Pixel 6a and casted it to a Google TV, but the Google TV would been almost the same price as the Fire plus Apple and the picture wouldn't be as good. Having said all that, I found the Saris M2 setup to be straightforward. I thought the assembly was rather easy, although the instructions weren't much help. If you're uncertain, I'd suggest a video. I DID struggle with the spring-loaded slider tube of the bolt action assembly. I couldn't get it to close and though I was going to damage my frame. Then, I sprayed a little WD40 on it and it slid with no effort. Make sure you do this. After this, things were a little trickier. I tried to download the Saris app but it said in the Google store that the app could only be used on Google pixel phones older than the 6a. Everyone else must be using Rouvy. I DID get the app to load toy 6a, from a link, but I'm not sure how. Anyway, if you have an older phone laying around, try it. You need the app to calibrate the M2.....so just find a way that works for you. Before you can calibrate, you have to get the right pressure on the wheel. Here's what I did. I pumped up my Continental 700x25c road tires to 120psi. Then, I tightened the trainer knob until the drum in the M2 trainer just "kissed" the tire. After that, I turned the knob exactly 3.25 turns. At that point, the clutch engaged for me (sometimes). Regardless, I always turn it 3.25 turns. I then ran calibration (spindown) on the app many times until I got a consistent result. I wasn't used to spindowns because my wahoo kickr no longer uses them. After everything was calibrated, I turned on FulGaz and connected to the M2 (which goes by its old "Magnus" name). I have now run the trainer @ 10 hours on FulGaz. I've had no slippage on the wheel and I'm not seeing ANY rubber residue yet in the trainer drum. It is a little loud in higher gears 70+dB but that's not been an irritant so far. Most of the time, it is FAR quieter. Frankly, it's pretty amazing to have all this for $500. No, it's not as good as my Wahoo Kickr but, on the other hand, I don't have to keep taking the wheel in and off (I don't have space for a dedicated trainer (I set this all up in <5 minutes and same for breakdown each day). Hope this review helps. I think this is a really good option for people who want an indoor trainer and don't want to break the bank.

When I ordered this trainer I also ordered a QR skewer kit which had plastic adapters which fit in the frame and wheel to allow using the included QR skewer with a thru axle wheel. The adapter and skewer fit the wheel and bike well but sadly the setup is too wide for the Saris M2. As far as I can tell Saris does not offer an axle for the 142 x 12 1.5 pitch frame and wheel my carbon gravel frame requires. After much angst and research I ordered a Rapidlock Through Axle Kit from an Amazon seller in hopes that it would work. It came today and in fact one of the combinations works perfectly with my axle (photo). I hope this info is helpful to others who are considering the M2 trainer. As far as the trainer itself goes so far so good. Assembly: It took a bit of finagling to get the bolt that holds the resistance unit to the frame lined up to go through the holes. I took on assembly star off for this although it is not a big problem, it just requires a bit of patience and in my case a few blows with a short piece of 2x4 I keep on hand for such problems. The assembled product is as solid and stable as a rock. It appears to be a fine and durable piece of hardware which will probably outlast me. Software: I am using the trainer with the Rouvy app. It is very simple and I had no problems connecting trainer to the app and doing the setup. Riding: It is the work of a few minutes to change the bike's thru axle and put the bike on the trainer and start the software. I started out with the Rouvy @2 mile tutorial ride. I was surprised at how much resistance the trainer had until I noticed that the ride starts with a steep climb. Even on flat terrain the trainer has more resistance than riding on the road but I have quickly gotten used to this. My second ride was/is the first 11 miles of an 18 mile 1% max 85 foot elevation gain route in Korea (I wanted to start easy). For me it is harder to stay motivated on the trainer at least so far. Unlike riding outdoors which requires returning home from any point on a route on the trainer it is easy to stop and either end or pause the ride. I am on a pause and will finish the ride Korea ride after I finish this review. This is not intended to be a review of the app but it appears it will work out well for my purposes. Summary: I considered a popular low end direct drive trainer but opted for the Saris M2. It is 1/2 the price even with the axle adapter and the folding feature is important in my limited space. I am concerned about wearing out my almost new Gatorskin rear tire on the roller. I set up an old rim brake QR wheel and tire in hopes of using it with the QR adapter kit mentioned above. Since this does not work I plan to find a way to convert the old wheel to thru axle or buy an inexpensive thru axle disc wheel to use with the trainer and one of my old tires. Although I have not ridden a direct drive trainer for comparison I think the Saris M2 is a fine and solution for indoor riding.

Little bit noisy in high speeds but still acceptable. Installation and setup was also easy. Bluetooth Connection worked smoothly with Garmin watches and bike Apps. Smart functions are working well with my forerunner 255. Stable during rides but little bit heavy to move.

Alles top. Funktioniert mit Zwift top

Muy buena elección, para niveles de entrada

Je cherchais un trainer capable de se connecter à des apps afin d’améliorer mon endurance. Et ma performance. Mission accomplie. Facile d’assemblage. Les instructions sont en français (et d’autres langues).

Para ser de llanta, las características están muy por encima de los de otras marcas. Es muy bueno si se tiene un presupuesto ajustado y le permitirá a ciclistas novatos o incluso intermedios una muy buena experiencia virtual. Se usó con bicis de ruta y MTB (26”) sin problema. Solo recomiendo tener una llanta dedicada ya que este rodillo las castiga mucho. Tiene un error de diseño ya que, con el tiempo, la “L” que se usa para ajustar la unidad de resistencia a la llanta y la zona del marco donde se acopla se van deformando y me preocupa que llegue un momento que esta deformación sea tal que impida el correcto funcionamiento del rodillo. (Tercera foto) Sin embargo, recientemente los rodillos tipo “Direct Drive” han bajado de precio, incluso los he visto muy cercanos al precio de este por lo que si se presenta la oportunidad es mucho mejor ir por el “ Direct Drive” ya que son mucho más silenciosos y con mejores prestaciones.