Why We Like The M2 Smart Trainer
Smart trainers are the best thing that's happened to indoor cycling in a long while. Gone are the boring hours spent staring at a wall and just spinning the legs. With the M2 Smart Trainer you can get in some meaningful training, and keep yourself entertained with virtual courses and online races.
Details
- A smart trainer that gets you in the game for less
- Connects to training apps via Bluetooth and ANT+ FE-C
- Resistance changes automatically based on input from apps
- Monitor output with integrated speed, cadence, and power data
- Robust design handles up to 1500 watts at 20mph
- Simulates gradients up to 15% for a realistic ride experience
- The wide foldable base is portable, stable, and easy to store
- Quick-lock cam lever and clutch knob makes for easy setup
- Item #SRS1WUS
- Material
- [roller] machined aluminum, [frame] steel
- Resistance
- magnetic
- Foldable
- yes
- Wireless
- Bluetooth, ANT+
- Operating System
- iOS, Android, OSX, Windows
- Includes
- 1-month subscription to Rouvy virtual training app
- Dimensions
- [open] 30 x 24 x 20in, [folded] 19 x 19 x 8in
- Activity
- indoor training
- Manufacturer Warranty
- [frame] lifetime, [resistance unit] 2 years
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 92 ratings
Review Summary
What do you think about this product?
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageOctober 16, 2024
Great Trainer!
This was my first trainer and I am so happy this is the one I purchased! I have been using it for 4 years now and am so pleased with the small footprint, the fast, easy set up, the compatibility with my road bike (or anyone else's who wanted to use it with their bike easily), and that it came with a bluetooth sensor that could track my cadence on a cycling app. I use the Peloton app and find this a great way to get a quick workout in without having to buy a Peloton and watch my road bike collect dust. Perfect price point as well and quality material.
Originally reviewed on saris.com
July 5, 2024
Works well but don’t trust the knob
Purchasing the m2 definitely changed my life for the better. Allows for a no excuses mindset. No more saying it’s too hot or too windy to cycle, just have to set it up and get after it. Easy setup out of box and quick install of the bike whenever you want to ride. Only issue is the clutch knob. It’s simply just inconsistent. Mine clicks but my average calibration is 2-3 seconds. Didn’t think anything of it but when I rode my bike on the road (when I got the trainer and used it, it was the first time I’d cycled in over a year) it seemed noticeably easier to pedal. Upon this I deep dived into calibration and ended up finding some posts saying that the calibration should be between 4-10 seconds. With this knowledge I turned the clutch knobs 3ish full rotations (takes much more to make it click) and got my calibration to 4 seconds and found it much more realistic. While this might be a tad annoying it isn’t asking the customer to do to much. Having to hop off the bike to adjust the clutch if I’m not in my optimal calibration window isn’t the end of the world. Only other issue I’ve seen is when I go to stand up and pedal hard it seems like I lose resistance from the trainer. This could be common with a wheel on trainer but as this is the first trainer I’ve ever purchased I don’t have any references to go off of. Product works fine and is a great tool to help keep myself accountable and achieve my goals.
Originally reviewed on saris.com
February 6, 2024
Best value in it's class
I've had my M2 now for about 2 1/2 years and it's by far the best trainer I've ever had...smart or not. It's durable, stable and has worked well with both Zwift and Rouvy although I dropped Zwift as it got boring with the limited courses compared to Rouvy. I do agree with other reviewers regarding setting the tension. Turning it until it clicks makes for a much harder ride, particularly when you start, and it will wear out your tires quickly. I turn it until it firmly connects with the tire and then hold the flywheel and try to move the wheel. If it doesn't slip, then it's perfect. I don't have the room for a a permanent setup so the off-wheel trainers were not an option for me...the fold-up capability of the M2 suits my needs...takes just a few minutes. This is a LOT of trainer for the money.
Originally reviewed on saris.com
July 28, 2023
Great trainer and warranty service
I purchased my M2 in September of 2019. Overall, it has been a great trainer - good accuracy, good road feel, good simulation, and minimal footprint. I'm ~200lbs, have a 1000W sprint, and have put about 20,000 miles on my trainer in Zwift. After this usage (abuse?), a weld attaching the resistance unit to the frame failed, but even with one bracket broken, the trainer kept working (with the calibration drifting)… I didn’t discover the issue until the second weld cracked and calibration wasn’t working. An email to support, and I had a replacement frame (lifetime warranty) in less than a week. Tough product and great warranty service.
Originally reviewed on saris.com
September 19, 2022
Solid Smart Trainer and Great Value!
Have been using the M2 for about six months and have been extremely happy with it! Easy to set up and the clutch on the tire/roller knob gives the right amount of pressure every time, no worrying about slipping or excessive drag. I trainer for the track and routinely push 1500 watts on the M2 with no issues. Maybe not as quite as some trainers, but with the a fan blowing I don't really notice it. Great trainer, glad I got it!
Originally reviewed on saris.com
July 21, 2022
Best All Round Option
The M2 is my latest Saris trainer. Like the others it is rock solid. 1) easy set up and adjustment. Also easy storage and transport. 2) While 'wheel off' models have advantages, those come at a price. Having a solid investment background I do not think that most riders actually benefit from those advantages leaving us paying for features that do not yield us results. High performance racers are excluded from this point. 3) the M2 is quiet enough to not awaken my light sleeper wife during my early morning training rides 4) Previous Saris trainers have held up for years in spite of me trying to wear them out during my frequent 3-5 hour sessions. I expect this unit will as well.
Originally reviewed on saris.com
July 19, 2022
Quality, Simple, Easy to use
Haven't had a turbo/trainer in 12+ years, have only been riding rollers when I have to. Last turbo I owned was a Saris Fluid 2, loved/hated that thing. It was an amazing tool to gain fitness. Finally decided to get a "smart" trainer, but not for Zwift or for virtual training, I purchased this so that I could control it with my Garmin head unit. I can do the Free Ride or build workouts in Garmin Connect. Took about two seconds to pair my Garmin and off I went. Too easy. If you want a virtual world virtual ride spend more for a virtual machine, but if you are looking to do traditional trainer workouts this is the perfect setup. I hate trainer workouts, but I am actually looking forward to using my new M2.
Originally reviewed on saris.com
June 27, 2022
A Lot Has Changed in 20 Years
Holy moly! I wasn't ready for all the improvements in trainers since i bought my first one 20 years ago. This new tech has really changed what a "oh, I spent 30 minutes on my trainer" means. It's a workout! And this is SO much quieter than my old one. I think a lot of us have a love/hate relationship with our trainer. This one has certainly upped the ante. Highly recommend upgrading from your old trainer.
Originally reviewed on saris.com
March 26, 2022
Not a bad smart trainer
I am comparing the m2 to a Wahoo Kickr Snap. The m2 is not as smooth of a ride as the snap. The Kickr Snap has more mass in the flywheel to help carry momentum. That being said the m2 works just fine. You need to download the Saris utility app for calibration. Also something else I have read from other reviews is to only turn the friction knob two full turns into the tire after the roller makes contact. I have had no problems with calibration doing this. No bent L bolt either. The m2 is not as quiet as the Kickr Snap, but it's not loud. Use a trainer tire to keep the noise at a minimum. Been using it for Zwift with no problems.
Originally reviewed on saris.com
December 23, 2021
Great, but...
Very happy using with Zwift last season and am starting season 2. A couple of issues... First, the clutch in the tension knob simply does not work! However, tightening until one can longer turn the wheel by polling on spokes I'd fine. Second, cadence is a bad joke! Readings fluctuate +/- 15 or so RPM constantly, and Zwift training lessons do not cclike that! I got a separate sensor, and all is well! OH YEAH, the instructions tell one to create a Rouvy account to check and upgrade firmware. Why not tell the user to download the Saris app? That checks/upgrades firmware and calibrates the trainer. It does NOT require a 3rd party account. Also, if one does not want a network app, it let's one set the resistance as well STILL, very happy with this appliance!
Originally reviewed on saris.com
Need Expert Advice?
Our Gearheads Can Help
December 18, 2023
Can it be used without using an app? If yes, how?
November 27, 2023
The M2Smart equipped indoor bike trainer says it includes a month free with rouvy. How do we receive that. If I am buying as a gift, will it be on my email? I wouldn't want my husband to know about the gift.
November 23, 2023
2 manufacturing defects on my M2:1 No click , when I turn the resistance unit knob. And My M2 has a misaligned problem. I understood when I watched your video " Saris M2 Smart trainer Unboxing & Assembly". So, what can I do?
November 17, 2023
Is it normal, that with B Kool app it's easier to ride climb of 11% than 6%? It will be better with Rouvy App? Thank you
November 11, 2023
Is it normal that I can not use Rouvy with my Saris M2? Thank you.
November 8, 2023
Mon traineur saris M2 ne se connecte plus. Dans l'application Saris Le sensor magnus 58018 est bien validé mais le voyant de l'unité de résistance reste allumé rouge fixe. Merci pour votre réponse
November 2, 2023
Mon home traineur M2 ne fonctonne plus Suite à une fausse manipulation j'ai installé la version Saris_Boot_0014_0149 Comment faire pour revenir à la version précédente Magnus 58018 . Merci
October 24, 2023
Do I need Bluetooth and ant + to connect this trainer to zwift?
October 23, 2023
Can I use the M2 smart trainer it with a SARIS THRU AXLE ADAPTER on my Specialized Roubaix ( disc brakes) 2017 thanks
August 25, 2023