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Acceptable levels of vibration from a trainer

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Acceptable levels of vibration from a trainer

Old 07-16-06, 08:54 AM
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Acceptable levels of vibration from a trainer

I have recently bought a Tacx 1450 magnetic trainer. I notice that the metal flywheel has a noticeable wobble when it spins. When in use, the trainer vibrates because of this wobble. (I think.)

At slow speeds, the vibration is negligible. At medium speeds the vibration is much more pronounced. At high speeds the vibrations become so small and fast that the bike shakes less than if it were being pedalled at medium speeds. I am not happy with the performance of this trainer at medium speeds.

I realize that there will always be some level of vibration when riding a trainer, or an aluminium bike for that matter. Do you think this trainer is defective, or is this the quality and performance that one can expect from a medium quality magnetic trainer?
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Old 07-16-06, 09:21 AM
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I'm not familiar with that specific trainer, but if it's the flywheel causing the vibration, I'd bring it back. Just make sure it's not the tire. A tire with a slight imperfection will cause a vibration on the trainer.
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Old 07-16-06, 09:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Markedoc
I'm not familiar with that specific trainer, but if it's the flywheel causing the vibration, I'd bring it back. Just make sure it's not the tire. A tire with a slight imperfection will cause a vibration on the trainer.
My guess too, try a different tire and have it well inflated.
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Old 07-16-06, 10:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Markedoc
A tire with a slight imperfection will cause a vibration on the trainer.
My rear tire does have a slight imbalance which causes a small wobble when it is spinning. I have some new tires coming in the mail so I will try them when they arrive.
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Old 07-16-06, 10:41 AM
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My favorite trainer tire is the Bontrager Hardcase. I think it's intended to be more puncture resistant than an "ordinary" foldable tire like the Michelin Pro Race etc. Anyhow - it seems to be less pliable and "rolls" better on a trainer than other tires I have tried. The worst one, in my experience, was the Specialized Armadillo, which always seemed to develop a permanent indentation where the roller rests agaist the tire when not using the trainer, and that indentation was just enough to cause a loud racket.
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