DIY Homemade Rocker Plate | Cheap Indoor Training Upgrade

[@gcntech]

Would you ever try to make a home made rocker plate?

[@supernoodles908]

If one tennis ball each side is still too much resistance, you could also move the tennis balls just closer to the hinges. They'll have less leverage and will be easier to compress :) picture a nut cracker, easier to crush closer to the hinge Another than you could do, is paint line markings to make sure the position of the balls each side is the exact same :) Fun build

[@nialltracey2599]

Judging by the comments, I think there'd be a fair amount of interest in doing a bit of analysis on the vibration-dampening effects of this. I'd be interested in hearing a comparison of 1) acoustic noise reaching rider/housemate's ears 2) vibration transmitted to saddle and handlebars 3) vibration transmitted to floor (and possibly therefore on to downstairs neighbours). Obviously this all depends on the properties of the floor you're on, so I would repeat the measurements on a concrete garage floor and a typical upstairs bedroom floor. I'd also be curious as to what happens if you just stuff the platform with a couple of dozen tennis balls so that there's no tilt, but just sound absorption. I'm actively considering making one of these myself, but I'm considering making it a rectangle big enough to put under a set of rollers; obviously I wouldn't want my rollers tilting (express ticket to A&E, that!), I'd just be wanting to use a suspended platform to prevent vibration being transmitted downstairs.

[@supernoodles908]

@@nialltracey2599 I know it may sound simple, but put it on a think rug. It'll really absorb upper vibration from being transmitted to the floor and house. And for the top plate you can use acoustic gel pads. They're good for audio reduction

[@ianfurqueron5850]

Yes - quite interested. I have the Wahoo Climb that I'd mount as well. One change I'd add is to make the rear perpendicular to the center line and add a pair of fixed wheels so you can lift up the front end and roll the whole thing around like a hand truck.

[@nialltracey2599]

​@@supernoodles908 oh yes, certainly -- the more different softnesses of absorption you've got, the more frequencies you'll manage to squash. My main point was that people in the comments here are already talking about noise, even though that wasn't discussed in the video. There's definitely enough interest in the topic that it would make a popular (and relatively easy to make) follow-up video. Personally, I already have a lot of soft dampening under my turbo or rollers when I get them out -- foam underlay, soft carpets, a layer of old corrugated carboard and rubber carpet protectors on top. That deals with the high frequencies, so I wonder if a tennis ball suspended platform would get the low frequency roaring out too. However, I'm aware that there's a chance it'll trade mechanical transmission for acoustic transmission: The top plate may act as a soundboard, sending the vibration out into the room as increased sound, but stopping the floor vibrating as much and bothering people downstairs.

[@hotcakes1117]

Alex's presenting skills are getting better every week

[@supernoodles908]

Yeah, he was slow to get there but it's great seeing him more comfortable

[@jhessieboy]

Exactly my thoughts. He looked so stiff when he was introduced on the tech show. So proud of how he has grown. Hahaha

[@jbratt]

Comfort comes from practice. All the presenters improve so much over the first year or so. I don’t think any of the presenters have a broadcasting background. It’s fun to see 👍. I like what GCN does. They take enthusiastic bike people and turn them into broadcasters and not the other way around. That way it’s genuine.

[@itsmark3824]

Yeah I was thinking the same. He just took a couple of vids to get comfortable and confident, which is completely understandable.

[@General_Crock]

I think he is the best now, and his topics the most interesting. IMO of course, which also should be yours, lol!

[@fithdor]

I have been riding on Zwift now for about 6 months and slowly dropping the weight and getting in shape. As my rides have gotten longer, I started noticing the need to improve my overall comfort and started looking at rocker plates, but was not impressed with the price. This video hit just in time. This past weekend I modeled a home built rocker plate off of this example. Been using it for several days now (about 5 hours riding), and it works great! Was a little over $50 to make (good plywood is not cheap). Being a very big guy, I did use a total of five hinges, three under the trainer and two under my front riser. I figured that was clearly the weak/stress point of the model so I over-engineered a bit. I also am using three tennis balls on either side, and this works well for my large size. I am looking forward to being able to reduce the number of tennis balls as my weight keeps going down. Thank you GCN and Alex for another great and very useful video! And yes, I wear my GCN kit out on the virtual road.

[@aub8670]

Love these new DIY videos. Some step by step "paper" instructions would be a great addition.

[@itarry4]

Yhea a pdf plan to Download from a link would be easy.

[@stanleyuk1]

Watch it , make your own notes and do it. I’m nearly done mine. As I didn’t have such a long board I I’ve done separately front and back. Hope it works well when finish.

[@JanHolgerOlof]

This was NOT the platform I was expecting a turn it up to 11 from. What an absolute legend, Alex!!

[@JackATAK11]

I made a DIY rocker plate with skateboard trucks. I wish it looked as sleek as yours but it does the job! It makes riding feel more natural / makes me engage my core more and takes the strain off my frame.

[@molhuwmartins9723]

Arrived as expected with all parts intact, also included two hex keys for assembly. kzbin.infoUgkxwOUUBdw8-88Iu4QnQS7q6b2NwZkHiYVl Had to adjust mine slightly to fit my bike, this was easy enough with instructions. I bought it to train with my track bike and found it to have resistance similar to climbing a slight gradient. Takes a while to learn to balance but there is plenty of guidance to help on the internet. Edit: There was more resistance at lower speeds because of the number of contact points but at higher speeds it is much easier as you don’t have to contend with drag.

[@nickd5367]

Nice. This is a great series Alex. If you want to increase the amount of rocking movement, once you’re down to the minimum of one ball each side, you could also move the balls closer to the centreline to reduce the moment arm and hence the self levelling torque (assuming there’s minimal flex in the plywood).

[@jshepard5840]

So a few things everyone should know if they haven't yet done the research: The AXIS upgrade kit (cost: $80 US) is only available for the most expensive Wahoo trainer, the KICKR. It's not available for the CORE or the SNAP, so tough luck for those of us who didn't spend top dollar. Also, while most of the reviews for the AXIS kit are good, several reviewers say it didn't make much of a difference at all, probably because their trainers were on carpet or a thick mat. Lastly, while this build for a home made rocker plate looks good, you can find literally hundreds of online builds complete with detailed plans online. I plan on building my own, because as we all know, sitting static on a bike on a trainer leads to a sore bum way sooner than would happen outdoors.

[@neilkett8230]

Made one of these today with my 11 year old daughter, school is closed so we treated it as a woodwork / tech lesson, she had a blast and said it was the best tech lesson - ever! Gives movement to the bike so that it takes some of the strain off the frame of the bike from the turbo setup and feels a little more real, also takes some of the strain out of the body so less soreness and stiffness from a ride AND it's so much quieter!

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

Much respect to the OSB workshop. Very smart.

[@JackRay]

Not only a great cyclist, but a pretty decent carpenter... Well done! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@martinspiegl3986]

Thanks for this incredible vid. I am always annoyed by the noises my hometrainer makes. Seems like this has an end now

[@AdamBoothUK]

Made mine from a kitchen worktop off cut and about £15 worth of hardware. There’s lots of inspiration online, including a FB group for rocker plate builders. A fun project if you don’t have hundreds to spend on your training setup.

[@philipplorenz9485]

Alex is a great add to the GCN Team. I really like his enthusiasm for DIY! This is also one of the little things that I missed on GCN, the eye on us ordinary guys with an ordinary budget... So keep on with this good work Alex! Will there be Pt 2 of your Workshop video? ;-)

[@GCNalex]

Thanks Philipp, Ep2 for the garage build will be on its way to you soon! Keep an eye out, glad you are enjoying the vids!

[@Calum_S]

Bonus like for having a dog in the video.

[@MrJhockley]

A few small squares of 2inch rebond foam under each contact point. Took 1 minute to make and install.

[@sshapiro112]

Great idea. I'm definitely trying this before building any kind of rocker. I like the smaller footprint of the trainer w/o a rocker

[@lwittrock1]

Alex, excellent job on that DIY rocker plate!

[@jackwhite8988]

already built one.. they are amazing!

[@Choedron]

You do not need hinges. Just place some tennis balls down the middle, as well as the other ones, an zip-tie the ends of the two rocker plates together - preferably the thick zip-ties. You might want one extra zip-tie, in the middle, of this kind of long rocker plate. And the new rocker plate will work great. And drill some 35 mm holes, which you round the edge of with a router, where you want the tennis balls to be. That way they stay in place.

[@TheDarryn007]

The plates will roll without a fixed pivot point.

[@vikingcove]

@@TheDarryn007 "And drill some 35 mm holes, which you round the edge of with a router, where you want the tennis balls to be. That way they stay in place."

[@patty109109]

I’m doing an all tennis now. A better size may be 2”, and the holes can be rounded with a sanding tip on a rotary tool such as a dremel. The hinges remove *all* upward and forward movement, tennis balls alone allow movement in all planes. All planes will be more comfy. I have no idea if there is any measurable power loss.

[@Wheels419]

Absolutely love Alex’s diy skills. Super thumbs up!!!

[@Ad-my9kg]

If you want more movement I think you could just move the balls closer to the centre line.

[@SignorLuigi]

Just make sure you don't put your balls so close together that they get pinched by the...ahem..."Rocket Ship."

[@mistagregory]

That's what she said

[@ajack3380]

This looks great and I’ve got the parts to build mine in the next couple of days. My plan is to secure large furniture foot cups to the lower board and sit the balls in those. Should stop them moving, but the balls are loose so I can swap them if they lose their compression.

[@MrAyorath]

Forget rocket ship I was thinking more like .......🤭

[@SignorLuigi]

Good one!! Hopefully, the "Rocket Ship" doesn't "Blast off!!!"

[@MrTOON]

ur dirty minded af

[@grahamaustin9085]

My immediate thought too. Especially with the tennis balls

[@hotcakes1117]

Haha, you weren’t the only one. I just didn’t want to say it 🤣🤫

[@michaelnee1987]

You could also use firmer / softer tennis balls depending on how firm you want the suspension to be.

[@supernoodles908]

You could also move the tennis balls just closer to the hinges. They'll have less leverage and will be easier to compress rather than buying different tennis balls :)

[@donaldrieger381]

You can also change the spacing between the plates to adjust the preload in the suspension if needed.

[@bikemirror6620]

Gcn needs to update/upgrade this rocker plate further

[@comrade_youri2966]

Really helpful and cool video! Thanks GCN!

[@stevepittman2735]

Garage looks great, Alex!

[@ijdicer]

Looks great, think this is a project for after xmas

[@dariohug6669]

Amazing! So simple but so usefull!

[@sunratchanonobama4267]

Thank you for this video. I will do it.

[@whatwelearned]

Petition for more of Alex's awesome dog boy

[@110markb]

My version is even more cheapskate. My Wahoo V5 sinks into the Wahoo mat so it looses some of the side to side motion. I cut in half an ex army foam bed roll, one piece width ways under the mat under the feet and one longways under mat under the front wheel. You get a lot more lateral movement. Also I added a Lazy Susan bearing to a piece of ply with some rubber on top to allow more side to side motion at the bars. Combined with a Ram X mount to hold my phone I have a steering set up for the mountain bike route on Zwift....

[@thelonesculler]

I reckon a tool wall would be good. I worked in a proper workshop once and the tool wall they had was amazing

[@rhysjames8081]

Nice one Alex, ticked off two passions of mine, great work keep it up!

[@davidburgess741]

Good idea! I fixed the bearings on ancient rollers as Wahoo Kicker and Zwift aren't in the budget. No sponsorship money to make that tutorial!

[@BruceHaskellEventing]

Great video! Build idea...DIY fans system that increases with bike speed?

[@GCNalex]

As in mechanically driven? The wahoo headwind fan already has that feature using speed or HR

[@cmsd2]

I spy a 3d printer in the corner. New gcn tech feature?

[@smartnothard2400]

Yooooo!!!! Them pops sounded nice as you hit the limiter 😂 👌 👌

[@callumthorsen5474]

That's just awesome, cycling on a budget this is just what I need 😁👌🏻👍🏻🤙🏻

[@grongrod]

Good stuff! Some cheap DIY solutions. Keep it up!

[@itarry4]

Don't forget the space for the Wahoo climb for the front wheel if, when you get it or the steering one or....

[@supernoodles908]

if one tennis ball each side is still too much resistance, you could also move the tennis balls just closer to the hinges. They'll have less leverage and will be easier to compress :) picture a nut cracker, easier to crush closer to the hinge Another than you could do, is paint line markings to make sure the position of the balls each side is the exact same :) Fun build

[@nialltracey2599]

Or build it with a series of wooden strips (eg skirting beading or pine moulding strips) on the base plate, running parallel to the centre line. These would not only make it easier to set the distance, but they'd also prevent the tennis balls squirming their way towards the centre line as your ride progresses, which is a distinct possibility if you're using it for an extended period of time.

[@supernoodles908]

@@nialltracey2599 it would be better to do that Extra effort but probably worth it

[@richaw2779]

Great build Alex!

[@larisonjohnson]

Alex, this is some great DIY content. Had a similar idea but hadn’t had the chance to build it yet. You’ve inspired me! Keep up the great content! Rocket Ship....right....🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@oliverbergen6505]

Great, a rocker plate is good for a realistisch feeling on indoor traing....a a helpfull Video!

[@GM-ew5tz]

Alex's presenting skills have gone through the roof since he dropped Ollie in the time trial. Coincidence? I think not.

[@petinka721]

After have seen this video YES!

[@stuartmcgill5065]

Nicely done, Alex :-)

[@AlvaroQF]

Interesting. This might relief the stress on the bike frame, at least partially, which is the most important thing here.

[@Chader9]

Yes, I have no proof, but it is likely to reduce side loading when compared to hard efforts on a rigid trainer. Allowing some degree of freedom and placing that balance and control into the rider likely reduces the loading into the bike.

[@jonathanfroggatt5865]

I got the Wahoo feet on my kicker and put it on a thick rubber mat and it is really good but I do like the rocker plate though 👏👏👏👏

[@wimjilson9867]

Nice work Alex!

[@raorn77]

nice job Alex. I wonder if running a single longer piece of wood for the pivot would give it more strength. Let us know how it holds up.

[@raorn77]

By the way, the shop looks great!

[@emilepas]

Hey Alex, nice video!! I'm defenately gonna make a rocketplate.. Thanx for the ideas!! Can you make a nice table for an tablet to stand on like the wahoo table maybe? Thanx in advance! Greetz fron the Netherlands!

[@funkyskunkvids]

"Would I do it again? Probably not." Way to sell it!! 😂👍🏻

[@clivepritchard]

Enjoyed the video and might even have a go at making one. How anout sharing the dimensions or a template drawing?

[@olivierhenrat5881]

Inspiring video! Might be a next project coming soon for me! I just don't see the point of having the front wheel on the rocker plate as long as you can level it high enough.

[@wmbechelli]

Why am I thinking that in the next couple of years Alex will come home one day to find a very happy dog playing with several tennis balls, whilst his rocker plate lies chewed to bits strewn around the garage...

[@floydie9255]

Did you compensate for the offset weight of the Kickr? I had to add a 4kg weight on the right side on my rockerplate setup, otherwise the plate leaned over to the left (when looking from the rear)

[@Chader9]

Adding a counterweight is a good idea. It helps make sure the leaning forces to each side are equal and the deck stays nicely level too.

[@monty2078]

@@Chader9 not a problem with Tacx Neo asthma are symmetrical.

[@Chader9]

Sure. The Neo and any other trainer that is balanced already (without a heavy flywheel offset to one side) won't need or benefit from a counterweight. I have that covered in the setup section of my rocker doc. docs.google.com/document/d/1rsOK6Qym9tFR6wrVScs65-LfFIGKykfirA5f04Z-KBA/edit?usp=drivesdk

[@kevinmcclean1377]

Great job!

[@RagingCondor]

Great idea! The fact that all the forces goes through the hinge, with the weight of top plate, hometrainer and rider 'hanging free', makes me a little nervous. Every jerk and swerve tugs a little at the screws. Anyway, maybe it's not going to be a problem, but I'd keep an eye on the screws and hinges. I love the tennis-ball solution and the simplicity of the build! When I get a hometrainer I'll most definitely make a rocker plate, very inspiring project Alex!

[@SteveBrill]

Bloody genius! 👏🚴👍

[@stuartfreedman6854]

Very nicely done. And Alex, you have found your stride with the camera. Maybe an update with some key dimensions added might be good. Not everything of course, but the ones that took some time to optimize. Keep up the good work.

[@kevinblake8760]

Brilliant video!

[@kevinking7673]

Can you please compare the rocker plates that are available to buy to the one you built?

[@francoispayen]

Cute dog! :)

[@heinrichstoltz1356]

Nicely done. 👌🏻

[@craigwhite7142]

It would be great to know what size wood, plywood and hinge attachment you used? Great video!!

[@remitournier2526]

Hi Alex, I spotted your powermeter, will there be some kind of video about it? Are you satisfied with it? Thanks!

[@GCNalex]

You'll have to keep and eye out incase we do in the future, who knows....

[@remitournier2526]

@@GCNalex Yes pleaaaaaase :)

[@johnnyboy4711]

are you going to do a review of that poorly hidden magene 325 cs crank based powermeter????

[@GCNalex]

You'll have to keep and eye out incase we do in the future, who knows....

[@johnyg8183]

Love this!

[@rangersmith4652]

My indoor setup sits idle most the year, so spending a lot on a rocker plate makes no sense. I has a tiny bit of natural "rock," but it would be interesting to see how something like this might enhance the experience. I can see one drawback right away though; unless I include some extra width on the non-drive side as a step, that added height and "offset" will make getting on and off somewhat tricky.

[@jimbatchelder2497]

LOve the video. I will be making one for sure

[@tresmi]

A DIY BIKE DESK could be the next project for Alex

[@abedfo88]

Nice work !

[@JayDubster]

That's a crackin job!

[@bugboy152000]

#GCNTech Is that a 3D printer I spy in the corner? Can't wait to see what Alex comes up with next!

[@mjv1967]

GCN you are building a Gen 1 Rocket Plate. Nobody uses hinges and tennis balls anymore. Rubber isolators and gym balls are what is used in 2021 and or a rod and pillow bearings.

[@Chader9]

Yup, that is my November 2017 Rockit Launcher design. ;) The newer vibration mounts are great and a bit easier to build than the old hinge ones.

[@mjv1967]

@@Chader9 Craziness Chad. Easy build for sure but I guess they only watched one Rocker Plate Video -!

[@Chader9]

@@mjv1967 yeah, there are several more designs for simple rocking, and even more when you add fore-aft motion to the mix. This is great though, since it gets the basic concept out and hopefully shows it to people who haven't seen rockers yet. I welcome any exposure we get. :D

[@sebastianschmitz9352]

Ok, now that we've had Hank's father, Conor's brother-in-law Nigel and Daniel's wife as a Sidekick, here comes Alex's dog. I can't decide on the best one. All of them complement your videos very well.

[@markbattista6857]

Great job

[@LegSpinna]

3:20 Rocket ships wasn't what I was thinking!!

[@himynameis3217]

Gotta love the diy videos. Things you need : a garage full of power tools that 98% of people don’t snd will never own lol

[@playandteach]

Nothing wrong with a hand saw.

[@biamarconchi]

"Turn it up to 11", nice Spinal Tap reference.

[@MichaelMa]

It turns out my setup already does this because I've been adding foam on top of foam so my neighbors don't come knocking.

[@rikkiola]

Exactly the same, i have 7 layers of industrial bubble wrap then two industrial appliance noise damping mats. Kills much of the noise and instant, cheap rocker

[@Chader9]

Yeah, the pure compression material is a great option that's easy and cheap.

[@joskoevoet9569]

I use an old foam sleeping mat. Works for me, although i only us it on underneath my back wheel, not the front 🤔

[@suedfrucht44]

Not sure - but couldn't this damage your rear drop outs? Leaning into soft material with the leaver of your trainer's legs to the side will apply loads not typically seen on the road or with a rigid board that is moving in one piece. Just engineering estimate though

[@MichaelMa]

@@suedfrucht44 It is something to be considered. But considering how thick the steel is at the foldable leg joints and that there are nuts and bolts for tightening, which I haven't needed to tighten for 4 years, I think it has passed the durability test to ensure no wear for the life cycle of my Kickr Snap and my DIY noise/vibration insulation combo.

[@siddhant5068]

1 reason just to favour Alex is He doesn't get dropped like someone

[@abedfo88]

Brutal.....but a fair comment.

[@turborocks9854]

Great vid Alex, its funny how things have changed in the past 2 years. Everyone used to laugh at these things (some still do!) but they are increasingly becoming an integral part of the indoor training experience. Keep up the good work.

[@Chader9]

Indeed. The reception now is vastly different from my original post in November 2017 on the Zwift Riders group. So much skepticism back then. Still see it a bit now, but most people seem to understand the idea and potential benefits now, even if they don't want it for themselves. Progress :D

[@SmR8008]

How about a system that allows fore and aft movememt for your rollers / rolling road ?

[@michaelmastell6778]

The Saris MP1 does this but at a price of $1200 unfortunately

[@SmR8008]

@@michaelmastell6778 thats why I suggested a diy version😊

[@Chader9]

We have a lot of DIY solutions of Fore-Aft rocker plates on our "Rocker Plate" group on Facebook. Some are made with simple parts while others use more advanced bearings. All are much cheaper than the Saris MP1.

[@EliteSlowPoke]

Me: “no way this is not a studio” *Camera pans to a backyard* Me: “WHATTTTT!”

[@robertcatuara5118]

He just built it out of his garage. Check out the video.

[@MOTORRAD_ONLINE]

Build a space saving bike rack pls

[@bikeanddogtripsvirtualcycling]

not so much "rocket ship" and more like one of those moments in picasso's life when he had a bit of a dirty mind 🤣🤣

[@JasLeGoff]

That's awesome. How much for one shipped to East Sussex?

[@get_outdoors]

Brilliant, I’m going to make this for my rollers 🤔

[@scott_macleay]

should you not recess the balls into the plates to stop them potentially coming out if your smashing the pedals ?

[@Chader9]

That is one option. Some use velcro or furniture cups to keep them from rolling. I do recommend some retention method.

[@andreasola7957]

Genius!

[@mistagregory]

Nice job Alex, you're not just a pretty face.

[@FabioCali]

Bellissimo video complimenti 👍

[@DavidMartin-tk4fs]

Kong dog balls would last longer and come with amusing speakers too. 😁

[@d.2940]

Alex, what are the cogs on your cassette? It looks like mtb rather than regular 28-11 or even 32-11 ))

[@LarsRR]

Chad McNeese has entered the chat!

[@Chader9]

Indeed. A thoughtful Rocker Plate group member shared the video so we could check it out. Nice video and used the concept from my original Rockit Launcher design. The bearing hinges were a great choice too. Great results and shows the relative ease of making one if you have the tools.