Trainer Noise

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2012-10-22 5:06 AM

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Subject: Trainer Noise

I have a Tac-x trainer (the basic model) and am dealing with unbearably loud noise while riding... I think it's just "vibration" noise; there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the fluidity of the trainer.  I also believe I have good, firm contact between wheel and roller. 

When I get up to speed it is rather annoying (for everyone in the house).

I already plan to try some rubber mats underneath (I expected limited improvement), but I'm curious if anyone has found a silver bullet for this type of problem?

2012-10-22 6:01 AM
in reply to: #4462949

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Pro
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, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Trainer Noise
A trainer tire will help a lot... it reduces slip and quiets everything a bit. If it's true vibration noises, then you need to isolate the trainer from the structure, so a thick rubber mat (that's not too soft...) or even better build a platform that isolates you...
2012-10-22 7:00 AM
in reply to: #4462949

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Subject: RE: Trainer Noise

Build a platform to isolate from the structure... interesting idea.  Any examples of such a platform?

2012-10-22 7:25 AM
in reply to: #4462949

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Regular
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Subject: RE: Trainer Noise

I put a yoga mat under my trainer. It made it a bit quieter for me, but didn't do much. It did stop my downstairs neighbor from complaining though, so that's a plus. I think the 'vibration' noise is actually internal to the trainer.

2012-10-22 7:31 AM
in reply to: #4462949

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Subject: RE: Trainer Noise
Go to Lowe's or Sam's Club and get one of those puzzle piece floors. They're rubber and between 1/2 and 1" thick. That'll stop most of it.

2012-10-22 10:17 AM
in reply to: #4463019

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Subject: RE: Trainer Noise

This is what I did I just got the harbor freight ones exact same maybe cheaper and I actually doubled them up took about 70% of the previous sound away still not silent but good enough for me and the wife.

 

DanielG - 2012-10-22 6:31 AM Go to Lowe's or Sam's Club and get one of those puzzle piece floors. They're rubber and between 1/2 and 1" thick. That'll stop most of it.



2012-10-22 11:40 AM
in reply to: #4462949

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Subject: RE: Trainer Noise

Or, apparently, cardboard might work.

I had a bunch of moving boxes that we didn't use in our last move, still nice and neatly flattened.

I put down 2 boxes (so 4 layers), and a very quick trial run indicates there might be something there.

I'm thinking a little duct tape around the edges and I have a workable, even if temporary, solution.

It was a longshot I wanted to try before dropping some cash... but it seems to significantly reduce the noise.

2012-10-22 12:58 PM
in reply to: #4462949

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Subject: RE: Trainer Noise
put some ductape across the topside too. If it's cardboard, with the amount of sweat that's going to be produced, it'll disenegrate within a month...
2012-10-22 3:14 PM
in reply to: #4463671

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Subject: RE: Trainer Noise
LostSheep - 2012-10-22 1:58 PM

put some ductape across the topside too. If it's cardboard, with the amount of sweat that's going to be produced, it'll disenegrate within a month...


After two-three more than one hour trainer session that was one of the reasons I went with a rubber floor under the bike

Oh, get a fan that will sandblast the wall behind you! No, standard fans are not good enough unless you have about 8 or 10 of them on you. You'll literally have a puddle under you if you don't.

I've got this one:
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/lasko-20-high-velocity-floor-fan-w-qui...

I have it on High when the temp outside is over 100 degrees, otherwise it's too cold. Med for most times and low for winter.


2012-10-22 3:28 PM
in reply to: #4462949

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Subject: RE: Trainer Noise
2012-10-22 3:34 PM
in reply to: #4462949

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Subject: RE: Trainer Noise

I noticed an increasing screaming sound after about 60' on the trainer.  Got really loud.

Wife slapped some duct-tape across my mouth and it was fine... 

Seriously, I try to wait until everyone is asleep (or get up sick early), put two mats beneath, got a training tire for an old wheel that fit my current bike and that seems to do it.

2012-10-23 8:50 AM
in reply to: #4462949

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Subject: RE: Trainer Noise
I bought a thick yoga mat from Ocean State Job Lot for $12. Cut it to fit the trainer and for it to sit neatly underneath my bike and front tire. The nice thing about the yoga mat is that they are machine washable - yes, really. Throw it in the washing machine on cold with the rest of your cold water washables, and hang to dry. Yoga mats get gross with sweat. I suppose other types of flooring require a wipe down, but I like the washing machine method.
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