Trainer noise and the neighbors

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2009-08-09 10:57 AM

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2009-08-09 11:20 AM
in reply to: #2336727

New user
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Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
What about one of those foam mats for campers?  The ones that roll up for backpackers?
2009-08-09 11:26 AM
in reply to: #2336727

Member
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2525
Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
What about taking your trainer outside or to the park to ride? I am sure you ride early morning or late at night, but just an idea if you want to get a work out in. Might look goofy to other people, but its an idea.
2009-08-09 11:33 AM
in reply to: #2336727

Expert
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors

I've yet to find a good solution to this. I live in an appartment too. Let me know if you figure something out!

2009-08-09 11:33 AM
in reply to: #2336727

Expert
1146
100010025
Johns Creek, Georgia
Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
Would it be silly for me to ask why not move to another apartment in the complex.  The way the economy is there might be a deal for you if your lease is coming up.  Look at alternatives, and look at a downstairs if that would help.
2009-08-09 11:35 AM
in reply to: #2336727

Master
2202
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St. Louis
Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
Put a couple thick pillows under it??

2009-08-09 12:02 PM
in reply to: #2336727

Expert
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Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
I would add to the comments above about taking it outside.  I know a lot of people who take the trainer to a track and do bricks from the trainer outside so they still get the heat aspect of the training, then off to a run right after.
2009-08-09 1:28 PM
in reply to: #2336727

Expert
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Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
Swap apartments so you are on the bottom floor?
2009-08-09 1:47 PM
in reply to: #2336727

Pro
3932
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Irvine, California
Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
I have the same problem, and am thinking of making a simple sound-absorption platform in the hopes of solving it once and for all.  Basically, just a board with 6 or 8 rubber pads underneath.  Apparently you can buy small sound-absorption pads for this purpose.
2009-08-09 2:05 PM
in reply to: #2336727

Champion
5782
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Northridge, California
Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
I've just been crossing my fingers and trying not to ride at obnoxious hours.  So far no complaints from downstairs.  Thankfully I live in a climate where I don't usually have to ride on the trainer, so the infrequency of it probably helps.

(Well, that and the fact that I'm ready to kill myself after 40 mins on the thing, so I don't generally go long on it.)
2009-08-09 2:28 PM
in reply to: #2336727

Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
This is certainly a problem for people that live in apartments or condominiums. 

If I could go back and do it over, I would ask to meet with the neighbors in order to set up a plan that would meet the needs of everyone.  My mistake was ignoring the problem until it became unmanageable.  

Good luck.

2009-08-09 8:58 PM
in reply to: #2336727

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2009-08-09 9:13 PM
in reply to: #2336727

Master
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TORONTO
Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
A little bit of a different scenario - I sometimes use mine on the top floor of our house - early morning with hubby sleeping in the room below.  I bought those rubber mats that you use on a garage floor - they link in together - you find them in the automotive section for around $10 per pack of 4 - they don't move around and hubby says he can't hear it as much (compared to old yoga mat).    Maybe give it a try...?
2009-08-10 12:02 AM
in reply to: #2336727

Pro
5892
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, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
Probably already done this but I have to ask anyway... have you changed the tire to a trainer specific tire? That kills quite a bit of the noise!

Also, building a platform (as has been suggested) does help quite a bit as long as you can properly decouple the platform from the floor.
2009-08-10 12:07 AM
in reply to: #2336727

Expert
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Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
Is there a common area, or laundry area?  Maybe in the basement?  Could you set up there during inclement weather?
2009-08-10 4:06 AM
in reply to: #2336727

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Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors

In an ideal world I would use the trainer upstairs in my apartment but after a grand total of 20 mins, on two separate occasions, my neighbour thought the most appropriate way to let me know he didn't like the noise was to blast one of those cans of air that are used as horns on sporting fields - really mature move on his part. Went the path of least resistance on that one.

As other people have suggested you can put a series of thicker mats and/or other cushioning/vibration dampening devices underneath the trainer or take it to another location within or outside the building. Good luck with your trainer adventures, hopefully you reach a compromise that suits all parties.



Edited by ACL 2009-08-10 4:12 AM

2009-08-10 10:27 AM
in reply to: #2336727

Extreme Veteran
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500100
Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
I have not had to do it with a bike trainer, but I've had problems with an air compressor before.  I used some vibration isolation pads to solve the problem that would probably work as well in this situation.  You might be able to put them under the trainer directly or build a platform and use them under the platform.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/2LVP1
2009-08-10 10:40 AM
in reply to: #2336727

New user
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Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
Just turn your stereo up loud enough so they can't hear your trainer. 

No seriously, if they have a small baby then most likely they have some type of daily sleeping schedule as they will usually take 2 to 3 decent sized naps a day depending on age.  Just try talking with them to figure out when the baby is awake.  They maybe tired, but the parents also have to be a little giving as I am sure their baby isn't observing quite hours at 2:30 am now are they.

If the baby it really little (0 to 4 months) they probably aren't on a schedule yet so for now maybe you just alter your training routine until the baby gets a little bit older and on a schedule.  Because once a baby is on a schedule it is usually like clock work as to when they are hungry and tired.
2009-08-10 10:59 AM
in reply to: #2336727

Extreme Veteran
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Buford GA
Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
The vibration isolation pads is what I was thinking they also make them for washing machines.

Maybe get say 6 pads build a small platform out of 2X4s the length of the bike and some sort of plywood top with a pad on that. I would think this would absorb almost all of the vibration.

I guess easier said then done since the problem is you are in an apt and even if you own the power tools needed would probalby be much louder then the trainer
2009-08-10 11:09 AM
in reply to: #2336727

Champion
4835
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Eat Cheese or Die
Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
Why are you riding on the trainer? And for everybody who says take it outside. If the weather allows you to ride on the trainer outside, why not just ride your bike outside? There are only a couple reasons to ride a trainer. Bad weather, kid watching duty while trying to fit in training, and an injury where you can't risk falling. Otherwise, go ride outside, without the trainer.

Edited by graceful_dave 2009-08-10 11:12 AM
2009-08-10 11:16 AM
in reply to: #2336727

over a barrier
Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
Take the training out to your deck/porch....plus the mat. that might help.

The computrainer is so freaking loud. In the spare room, I have hard wood floors too. I put down a cheap piece of carpet and two trainer matts which seems to help.


2009-08-10 11:17 AM
in reply to: #2338594

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2009-08-10 11:18 AM
in reply to: #2338618

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2009-08-10 11:18 AM
in reply to: #2338594

over a barrier
Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
graceful_dave - 2009-08-10 11:09 AM

Why are you riding on the trainer? And for everybody who says take it outside. If the weather allows you to ride on the trainer outside, why not just ride your bike outside? There are only a couple reasons to ride a trainer. Bad weather, kid watching duty while trying to fit in training, and an injury where you can't risk falling. Otherwise, go ride outside, without the trainer.


I coudln't disagree more. that would hijack the thread though.
2009-08-10 11:19 AM
in reply to: #2338630

over a barrier
Subject: RE: Trainer noise and the neighbors
bachorb - 2009-08-10 11:18 AM

running2far - 2009-08-10 11:16 AM Take the training out to your deck/porch....plus the mat. that might help. The computrainer is so freaking loud. In the spare room, I have hard wood floors too. I put down a cheap piece of carpet and two trainer matts which seems to help.


Haha I live in an apartment building in Harlem. I do not have a deck or porch Thanks for the suggestion though!


We must have good in Chicago, we get mini decks :-)
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