Rocker Plates for Trainers

That sounds like a great concept. Using the Core mount to replace the top deck of the rocker. I think it could work and is worth a try.

Chad,

Thanks very much for posting your RP plans here. I’m interested in building one and have a question, apologies if it’s been covered elsewhere in this thread.

I will be using a Kickr. Since it’s weight is not distributed equally due to the flywheel, does that change where the hinge point is located and/or where the Kickr is positioned on the top deck in order to keep balance?

Thanks in advance,
Scott

There’s 3 options, I will list them from first to third in my preference.

  1. Hinge dead center under the bike, add physical counterweight to the right side and use even pressure in the leveling springs.

  2. Hinge dead center under the bike, do not add a physical counterweight to the right side, but use uneven pressure in the leveling springs (higher on the left).

  3. Hinge off center under bike, but on center with trainer weight. Leveling springs will be uneven since rider weight will be off center from the pivot.

IMHO, #1 is best and #2 works ok. I really dislike #3 because it leads to odd balancing and uneven motion at the handle bars too.

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Thanks!!

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Anyone made a rocker plate for a tacx vortex or similar. What did you use to secure the trainer to the plate?

Plenty of examples on the FB Group.

Most use a U-bolt or Strap Clamp around the rear tube, to the too deck.

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Thanks. I was thinking in my head of of securing the front legs only but the rear makes more sense. I think I will go with the U bolt idea.

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I just bought the Saris MP1, should see it in a few weeks. I’ll report on it when I get it. I’ve been on my Tacx Neo for 5 years now, and do 5-6 months on avg, out of the year on it. (I live in Montana) so I do many long rides on it and have done 6hour trainer sessions. So I know exactly what the improvements if any, will be. I’ll quantify them to you best I can. Pictures and write up to follow.

If anyone else has one or gets one I’d like to know your experience as well

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Very cool. Can’t wait to hear your results. :smiley:

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I use six mr pinky balls. Rubber and never go flat. My rocker plate cost me 26 dollars to make.
2x4 plywood
2 inch wood rod
6 mr pinky balls.
had like 10 wood screws laying around

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Any pics of your build?

How do you like it compared to the old rigid setup?

Very simple to make. The Mr pinky balls are 2.5 tall. So i just cut 1/2 inch off, plus the flat part keeps them from roller around. The wood rod is screwed to the plywood, Just place the balls under the plate. They won’t move. You can tune how much “Rocker movement” you get by moving the balls in and out.

I can’t image now not having my rocker plate. My wife won’t ride with out one, she has the same design. It really works and increases comfort a lot, Knees feel better.

jeff

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Great simple build. Well done, and do happy to hear that you love the improvement in feel and comfort. :smiley:

Given how simple and cheap this is, I think I will give it a go. I’m hoping the extra comfort might encourage me to ride some longer sessions!

Can anyone, maybe @mcneese.chad, comment on any benefits there may be of a rocket plate that extends the full length of the bike and supports the front wheel too? Sorry if this has already been answered somewhere

Full length is best if you plan to use the Wahoo Climb. Also, some people say it’s better with respect to pivots and lean geometry vs rear-only. While technically correct in some cases, the difference is so small and all the other variables and freedom of a round rubber tire mask the minor differences.

If you do rear-only, make flat front wheel riser, at the same or slightly higher height of the rear deck. The flat riser effectively replicates the ability of the tire to lean like it does on the road.

For rear-only, I also suggest making a center stand the same height (or even a bit taller) as your rocker. This allows you to mount and dismount easier.

You end up with roughly the same material use, but the 3 separate pieces are easier to move and store compared to a full length rocker due to its large size.

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I have rear only. Like Chad mentioned, it’s easier to move if needed. Where I struggle is putting it back to where everything is lined up. Measuring the distance between the front wheel block and the rocker plate helps, but I always seem to be a little off getting it lined up just right. The stool I use for mounting isn’t as big a deal since it sits right next to the block.

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@mcneese.chad Have you seen any DIY designs you like that include the fore/aft movement of the MP1 platform?

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Yes, we’ve seen at least a few different designs with fore-aft movement.

I don’t think most of them have published full plans, but many have some great build pics and even some part specs to review.

If you are a member of the FB group, I can try to search and get you some links to review.

I am a member, I just don’t use facebook much, and find the ‘groups’ very bad for forum-like discussions. I figured I’d check with you before I went digging :slight_smile:

OK, I saw a design that is along the lines of some ideas i had - roller blade wheels for the centerline, bungees for fore/aft. He had a great solution for L/R - using inflatable balls that can also roll fore/aft.
This looks simple enough for me to give a go. My H3 doesn’t fit well on my quick and dirty rocker I made for the Kickr, so I need a new one, and fore/aft support is on my wish list.

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Cool. Yeah, the roller blade design is a good one. There are a couple I have seen. I think you can skip the special ball pocket the one Builder made. Even with the fore-aft, I think the inflatable balls will stay in their relative position.

I’m excited to hear how your build finishes. Please share pics if you can.

One thing to keep in mind on the Hammer series, I actually fold in the left side leg a bit to keep the overall width “normal and centered”.

They took a shortcut and use the same molded leg on both sides. Bit with the offset trainer design, that shifts the same leg out 3-4".

So I fold that leg back to a normal 32" width. I will grab a pic.