How to Make your Smart Trainer QUIETER! 🚴🤫

[@alexeiz]

I like my neighbors to know I'm working out at 5am in the morning. I think they like it. Sometimes they knock on the wall to cheer me up.

[@tobegan3753]

alexeiz hahaha

[@lutfisksoppa2122]

lol

[@josuefilms]

Hahahahahaha

[@yiminli8083]

me too 😄

[@wayneelvin1403]

Haha - becomes a Dad and then realises silence is golden!!!

[@SorinP31]

That constant hum at 0:47 on the Neo, makes it noisier than my flux 1. You can clearly hear that the kickr is dead silent compared to the 2t…I wasn’t expecting that from “the most silent trainer ever”

[@richardrenyer3078]

I just did this on my Kickr ‘18. What an amazing difference it makes in the noise! Thanks for posting this type of useful content Lama!

[@juanpecan7089]

Worked like magic on this Saris H3. Freewheel went from a loud buzz to a hum.

[@TacxFaqx]

This is a good video to show how to quiet your freehub, but the genius part is using the plastic insert from the cassette packaging to slip off the cassette to make reinstallation alignment easy. So simple, but brilliant. Putting that tip in my toolkit. Cheers.

[@gplama]

It saves SO much time it's crazy. They're brilliant. (Side note for OG Neos... it doesn't work with the EDCO freehubs as the end doesn't slot into it for a smooth slide on/off)

[@stephenhuddleston5178]

But if you don't have original packaging can you buy one. If not why not so simple😮

[@mattcostall5321]

This is what sets this channel apart, awesome content. Something usable!!

[@andyking8464]

Just did this to my Kickr Core - what a difference. Taa, Shane!

[@targaW3007]

Works perfect with my Kickr 4.0. After i have changed the bearings at my unit and found a way to eliminate the horrific “drone” sound of my second broken kickr is this the last piece of the puzzle to quiet the kickr. Thanks Shawn

[@rzeckner]

I just got around to implementing your suggestions on my three year old Kickr and they worked like a charm! Thank you!

[@bengt_axle]

Tip: (3:42) Put a drop of light or tenacious oil on the articulating surface (round part) of the pawl. It will prevent the grease from accumulating and causing the pawl to stick in the down position. In general, it is best to put only oil on the articulating surface of the pawl, and keep the grease on the teeth or the tips of the pawls. It certainly does make it quieter, but eventually the grease wears off and the noise will return.

[@jamesrobertson4407]

Thank you Shane for uploading this recommendation 3 years ago. I replaced the thin coating of red grease in my Kickr V5 with a generous helping of Park Tool HPG-1 high performance grease (which is overkill, but I already had some, so whatever), and the reduction in coasting noise is shocking.

[@davidmckieyt]

Thank you! This has workered perfectly for my kickr v1! Kind of feels like mechanical doping too. So smooth now

[@pierrefitter]

Ah... The judgement with which you said "slacking off"... 😂😂. Thanks for the vid! Useful stuff!

[@andyw.9905]

Thank You ! Just greased it up - it is like a brand new KICKR !

[@rocketsox]

I’m used to a loud freehub outside (I used to work for a DT Swiss distributor!), but was thinking just the other night that the Edco freehub on my original Neo was as loud as a DT. Great lateral thinking to separate the demands of outside performance from indoor noise!

[@nielst.3891]

Thanks for the idea, my Wahoo Kickr 18 seemed to lack any grease-like lubrication. Now the coasting is really silenced after applying a light coat of white grease on the pawls.👍

[@brianbrackemyre5704]

I do this regularly with Zipp hubs. Never thought about it for my Kickr! Great tip. Got a small weekend project now. Great video as always Shane.

[@guillaumecolavita827]

So you put grease in your freehubs. Do you see any difference in terms of performance ? I'm thinking about doing this to make my freewheel quieter but I've heard grease is not recommended. Thanks !

[@brianbrackemyre5704]

@@guillaumecolavita827 They work just the same. I do it just to quiet them down!

[@guillaumecolavita827]

@@brianbrackemyre5704 great ! Thanks. Got to try this !

[@nesa055]

Awesome, prepping to get this done this weekend on my 2T. Want to make sure I pick up high performance grease. Thanks for the video!

[@vincem5]

Did my 2 kickrs last night. Wow what a difference, especially on the kickr v2. Thanks once again for the tip Shane 👍🏼

[@billdemarais7254]

How long did it hold up? I have a '17 Kickr I want to do

[@vincem5]

@@billdemarais7254 lasted till I sold it a year later

[@OFBCyclingWorld]

Absolutely brilliant Shane. Will be doing this on my Elite Direto ASAP. You didn't mention my brand but I'm sure it's similar and easy.

[@mizutubeaccount]

I've done it on my Direto today and the difference is noticeable!

[@x118xdriver182]

Love the channel. Just tried this myself on my brand new Kikr it does have red grease on the inside of the freehub but not a lot. Repeated your process and wow it really does reduce the noise. thx

[@jeffreylines1535]

"Your slacking off on that workout you should be going a lot harder on" that made me laugh!! I feel like I have said that many times but never about my cycling training, mainly because I generally don't have the breath to say it

[@abedfo88]

With my wheel on trainer I found that a lot of the noise is created by vibrations, i got the thickest yoga mat i could buy and set up on that. It was so much more bearable. Also that Zwift artwork is pure awesome.

[@silver_fox_4297]

Thanks a lot for this video! It was very useful! Keep up with the good work :)

[@chrisfreter3629]

Thanks Shane! I was way over due cleaning my original Hammer. Your video reminded me to pull the freehub body off. Nice and quite now. My wife will be happy ;D

[@yiminli8083]

Will try today!

[@Randyvanvelthoven]

Worked like a charm, thanks Shane! ✌🏼

[@cavanpinto]

Amazing! Worked like a charm! Kudos sir!

[@triathletecb]

Très cool. Merci pour le tips😉

[@dman2004]

Just did this to my H2. What did they have in there before sand??? Soooo much quieter! Thanks Shane!

[@michaelsteele5495]

Would love to see a video on the possible next rounds of indoor trainers (not smart bikes). A lot user are going to skipping the Neo 2T and this version of the Kickr because their "old" models are working and see no compelling reason to upgrade. But.. as a techy the 2021 should bring some interesting.. evolutionary perhaps and not just revolutionary. Neo 3x or Wahoo Kickr X come and take my money

[@gplama]

If we look closely at the Kickr BIKE it's more 'Neo' than 'Kickr' in the design. LOTS of potential there with both the bike and possibilities to take that design to the smart trainer (which is the opposite of what Tacx have done with the Neo (taking the smart trainer to the bike)). Note: I've closed off the brackets correctly. This comment compiles without errors. ;) oh...wait.

[@thestopper5165]

@@gplama the KickR BIKE reminds me of the first time I saw a black Kawasaki GPZ1000RX: it looked like it ought to be Darth Vader's bike (it even had a triangular rear indicator/brakelight housing). Gotta say though... the TacX bike gets the chocolates for 2020/21: like the entire TacX Neo range, it looks like it was designed by the Cylons.

[@dpstrial]

Excellent video, Shane.

[@tedjeanmahoney8547]

Great Tip. Thumbs Up for sure!!!!

[@peteplastow6797]

When do you freewheel when training inside? Very rarely

[@clydea.hutchisoniv5742]

that's what I was thinking, seems pointless

[@gplama]

SIM Mode with negative gradients. Coming to a stop. Looks like everyone agrees with you though and attends the church of ERG.

[@peteplastow6797]

Shane Miller - GPLama must admit I only use my trainer for specific sessions. Didn’t even contemplate those that go on for group rides etc

[@aerobrain2001]

When you collapse in a heap after a hard interval :-)

[@kiverrussell8369]

Ironically, Zwift racing is when I freewheel the most! Particularly love the 7 minute break after red lining and cresting the Radio Tower... let's pretend you don't have to sprint those two kickers on the way back down...but yeah plenty of freewheeling on those longer, race descents.

[@davepratt9909]

See, the engineer is me will say "Change the manual and tell them to "Just keep pedaling!" Problem solved." "

[@daihat]

Wow this is priceless idea! Took 1min on my Direto. I wonder how long grease will stay there tho but I`ll reapply it with smile ;-). Anyway thanks to that I found out that annoying irregular sound isn`t coming from chain but from inside of direto, just noisy freehub didin`t let me hear it. Had it long time and It`s sounds like sand in drivechain, maybe some chain dirt get to Direto. I`ll open my little buddy soon to help him, thank you Shane :-).

[@mikewow]

Did you need to regrease it? And what grease do you use?

[@daihat]

@@mikewow Well, silent effect gone after few rides but it stayed on quite low level -im not scared to wake up all house. I didnt regrease it since winter and used thick FINISH LINE TEFLON GREASE. But I think any grease will do good job.

[@alexanderwendelbo1447]

This is awesome! Have to do this on the direto.

[@glensharp3275]

Very helpful video! Thanks. I will be doing this to my new Wahoo KickR!

[@alfonso2501]

Thank you for posting this

[@BillDeanCycle]

Would be interesting to execute the spin down test pre grease change and after to see if the resulting differences affect the calibration.

[@gplama]

The Neo range doesn't have any spindown/calibration. I'd assume the drag introduced within the freehub would be VERY minimal (after a few minutes of riding) and only applies when you're not pedalling.

[@LukeGJPotter]

Awesome Shane, silently getting the 100-odd EXP points for descending the Alpe.

[@ian3893]

Excellent tip Shane, I’ll sort my Neo later thanks 👍

[@garrytwiss4584]

Can't have any trainer on 'Max' sound anymore. Quality Shane thanks 👍🏼

[@GlennonD]

Db meter overlay would be great for a future test and on all smart trainer reviews

[@jjcitytor6174]

Thanks for your continuing informative videos. Have you considered talking about the recent issues of using carbon frames on smart trainers, i.e Canyon certified frames, other manufacturers...best regards.

[@gplama]

Discussed earlier this week here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3mroXtqZ92nmq8

[@AC-wq7fo]

Jeeps! Yet another beer I owe Shane!

[@jamiejanos5910]

Brilliant !!!!

[@HectorDavide]

Brilliant!

[@robnoble5608]

Shane, thank you for all the great content. Maybe not an issue, however I wonder, have you noticed any impact on spin down calibration times after adding the extra grease? Could the extra drag be having an impact?

[@gplama]

I guess in theory it would... but it’d be so small it’d likely be not measurable. The drag on a new set of Vector 3 pedals with their tight bearing seals would be x100’worse (as an example)

[@robnoble5608]

Hi Shane, thanks for taking the time to respond. Out of interest do you have any data on the impact of trainer spin down calibration on subsequent trainer power reporting accuracy? I know you recommended calibration, however what, in your experience, is the impact of not doing it? Does a lack of calibration typically have a 1/5/10/20/50%? impact on accuracy. For those of us that have to rely on one power source (our trainers) for power data it might be interesting to know the impact of calibration/zero offset protocols. Maybe a topic for another video? Keep up the great work....I always look forward to your content.

[@gplama]

@@robnoble5608 There's no easy answer here. If there was, that offset could be factored in and we'd never need to do them.

[@Ultegra10SPD]

Shane - Applicable to older kickrs? Thx. -U10

[@MrPhillian]

When Max made an appearance I wasn't sure if was my own child in the calling out for me. Ha. Thanks for saving me getting up unnecessarily!

[@Steve-cc8zg]

Hey Shane, I have a general smart-trainer question: Wattage. No, this isn't an FTP question. If I do 220 watts for 20 minutes on zwift that's about my ceiling right now and that might be stretching it. However, 220 watts (according to the machine) on my elliptical is pretty easy. I can do that for much longer. I'm assuming it's the ultra low impact nature of Elliptical that has something to do with it, but I don't know. Thoughts? Oh, and this elliptical is the kind with no arm levers. Precor EFX 456, to be exact.

[@gplama]

It depends what they’re measuring... or what they think they’re measuring. Similar to running power meters, maybe.

[@jonathanglyn]

Another great video, thank you. I actually asked about the freehub noise when trying out the Saris H3 at The Cycle Show in Birmingham (UK) a few weeks ago. I’m surprised the guys there didn’t know about this then, or is there a reason they aren’t sharing this information? Also, from your video your drive chain looks super clean. Do you use wax for it?

[@iankeech8352]

Would like to see the same video for wahoo kickr snap please.

[@joshcarlisle9989]

Hi Shane, any advice on type of grease? Or is any type ok?

[@gplama]

Just nothing too thick. General purpose grease should be fine.

[@nealenapier]

Brilliant. I’ve got the kickr core. What was that plastic sleeve you used to slide the cassette onto? I have to do frequent cassette changes since my wife has an old 7 speed cassette bike. This would really optimise swapping the 7sp and 11sp cassettes.

[@gplama]

Here's what you're after: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpiac4SOgNh5Y9E

[@nealenapier]

@@gplama Ah thanks, the one I always throw away! To be fair, the last one was installed in a shop so I never saw it and the 7sp doesn't need it as it's pretty much one piece.

[@lionelhutz3170]

What type of grease are you using here? Is there a specific kind that I should use eg Teflon or otherwise? Thanks

[@MichaelMa]

Is the Park Tool PP1 usually for ball bearings too light? Should I get PP2?

[@vare2008]

@Shane, do you have any tips on fixing the noise with older trainers? Tacx satori, blue matic ... etc

[@johnwalsh8157]

And if you make a suggestion, Shane, would the same apply to the CycleOps/Saris M2? Thanks for asking the initial question Atila.

[@gplama]

Wheel-on trainers are all very different as most of the noise comes from their flywheel, or the tyre type used. Trainer specific tyres are said to be a little quieter.

[@johnwalsh8157]

Shane Miller - GPLama Thanks for such a quick reply. Already use a specific trainer tire, just wasn’t sure if you might have a suggestion to dampen the sound that much more. (Haven’t made the investment in the direct drive.. yet? But if I do, I’ll follow your advice.) Cheers!

[@laurentlambert4233]

Thanks for the tip. I use a d’Elite Drivo and Zwift. The noise is important when I pedal on the big ring (53x13). it's better quiet on the small one (39x17). It’s the same thing when I do training in mode ERG. It’s better to pedal on the small ring than big.

[@adammillsindustries.]

I might do this for fun but I don’t really mind the free wheel tick.

[@31xrg]

Max makes an appearance. Motivation: don’t wake up the baby!

[@detmer87]

Great tip! I do wonder if it stays that quiet or that after let's say 200km the sound is back to normal due to the run-out of the (at least the liberal amount of) grease.

[@teriemer]

I add to this; use Squirt chain wax. That will - although slightly messy - also reduce the noise from your chain dramatically.

[@JB-ji9up]

can you make a quick vid pls?

[@Flyingbikes748]

I use squirt, and after a fresh application you can barely hear the drivetrain. Only stays like that for a couple hours of riding though. I usually apply it about once a week.

[@albr4]

wax is known to be noisier than traditional old chain lube.

[@moali9568]

Very good

[@raptor7547]

Shane would you be open to a test on how to make the bike as silent as possible? Beyond proper tune up. Quietest chain lube?

[@andrewa4408]

That Neo drivechain was super clean. What lube are you using Shane?

[@gplama]

A new chain I believe (the easiest way to get a clean chain) :)

[@fabian9155]

Thanks for this really informative and well made video. I have the Kickr Core and experience a strong vibration/grinding noise in the last 3 gears (smalles cogs). I switched almost everything which is connected to the bike and/or drivetrain without success. The bikes I tested all ran smoothly outside with no noise or vibration. Do you have an idea as to what might be wrong? I already engaged Wahoo Support and the referred me to your video (or a similar one with instruction to grease the free hub)... Thanks so much!

[@MorningWon]

I have the same issue on the kickr v5 do you ave an update on this issue?

[@jblackseason]

On my new KICKR CORE the most noisy part is... the chain when I'm spinning! It's technically noiseless

[@E34RRT]

Hey guys a quick note if you have a cold paincave the thick grease can cause problems.. just a quick note.

[@gplama]

Good point. It should soon heat up after starting your session as the trainer dissipates heat from the flywheel.

[@juliendicarlo7310]

Hello, its possible to reduce sound like this on a normal wheel freehub for outside ride for example? Nice video for little upgrade😊

[@gplama]

Yes

[@moodtherapist]

Great tip but begs the question why the manufacturers don’t just grease them at the factory. One of the biggest complaints in reviews is the noise and you’ve just proved it’s simply (and cheaply) solved. You’d think the companies would jump at the chance to one up their competitors...

[@gplama]

Deliver the least, charge the most. Business. :/

[@Gledii]

thanks for sharing Shane. look, im facing a noise/grinding when on high gears/load. Ive tried everything possible from the limit screws, extra spacers, chain lenght, indexing, etc.. everything looks perfectly aligned (this is a new cheap 7speed bike with tourney derraileur). when switching to my other 11speed bike (which makes no noise and no griding) i can feel a little bit of the same kind of vibration but quite mild. Is this a "thing" of the smart trainers? Ive seen a lot of people having the same problem and no proper solution. any experience on this? thanks a lot

[@CarbonRacer]

Is there a different version of the TACX NEO 2 out there, that you don't need that annoying adapter set for thru axle for anymore? The only thing i hate the Neo 2 for is that crappy adapter thingy... Just surprised to see you just putting the bike's thru axle in. Nice vid though!

[@gplama]

The Tacx NEO 2 SE and NEO 2T both have 'native' thru-axle support.

[@AndrewScott-vk3bq]

Bike baby seat and balance bike reviews soon!! :) *wheel on power meter for the balance bike??

[@aazesm]

Super!!!

[@albr4]

would it be a good idea to put a few pieces of sound proof foam around your smart trainer? or even enclose it, or does it get hot? I'm thinking of buying a smart trainer although a budget wheel on one, but concerned that it would be too loud to use in the house with other people in nearby rooms. I know I would at least need a thick rubber sheet to go under the trainer. Otherwise I'd have to take it to the shed!

[@gplama]

Sure... but.. go to the base of the flames first. Then start looking elsewhere for gains in quietness. Trainers do get hot and some will fail if there's not sufficient airflow/cooling.

[@TODAY-kc5jk]

@@gplama money making idea: enclosed trainer "dog house" with fan!

[@fallingrock0]

What’s that plastic cylinder you used to install the cassette on the kickr?

[@gplama]

They used to come with new Shimano cassettes. I can't recall which ones (or how long ago). I kept them for this purpose.

[@fallingrock0]

Look pretty handy. I’ll check with my LBS to see if they have any.

[@brianjuhl4126]

I have to try this for my neo1 👍

[@tobegan3753]

Hi Shane, Firstly thanks for this tip. My kickr gen 1 is now a bit quieter when I coast, but is there any other way to modify or lube the belt to make it quieter? From what I understand, this way the man cause of the whiny noise. I’ve done almost everything to make the whole bike and environment quieter but I think the only way is to bite the Bullet and buy a neo or kickr 18....?😬

[@gplama]

I'll steer clear of any advice around the belt... one for Wahoo support. There's not much choice what to upgrade to at the moment.... everywhere is sold out. If you can get a Kickr18 or CORE, jump on it!

[@tobegan3753]

Shane Miller - GPLama awesome thanks so much for the reply! I’ve only had the 2nd Gen 1 for a few months and it’s really good. However, our house has thin walls so I want to keep the lady happy when I’m pedalling at 5am 😂

[@keithanderson585]

Cheers Shane, great vid 👍

[@leeevans38]

Just did it for my Tacx Neo 1. Only difference was I needed a Hex key to remove the free hub 👍

[@impulse3905]

I love your thrilling and educational content upload daily please

[@Nothling88]

Any tips on making my LeMond Revolution any quieter? ;)

[@gplama]

Headphones! 🎧🤣

[@VonMicich]

Ben Nothling noise cancelling headphones for all

[@Nothling88]

Headphones for the wife, babies, cats and surrounding suburb might get expensive! Might be better off putting the money towards the Wahoo bike!

[@London_Calling_2012]

Quick question, sorry if it’s a dumb one. What’s the plastic cassette alignment doohickey and where would I get one from? All the ones I’ve seen are just smooth and circular.

[@gplama]

They used to come with new Shimano cassettes. I can't recall which ones (or how long ago). I kept them for this purpose.

[@London_Calling_2012]

Shane Miller - GPLama Thank you 🙂

[@michaeltan511]

I’m curious if this trick works on the 1st gen Neo? 🤔 And would this void the warranty?

[@gplama]

Yes. No.

[@enbirch]

Is there a follow up review still in the works for Neo 2T? I’ve not seen it at any retailers in Aus yet, do we just have to take the import tax hit with Amazon?

[@gplama]

Soon..... Feb 2020 I've heard here in AU. Make use of the summer weather and wait for next year :)

[@enbirch]

Shane Miller - GPLama Thanks mate, keep up the good work!

[@stijnritzen6495]

GPLama: how do you make smartrainers like a tacx Vortex smart more quiet? Is there a way to do this or what can you add ( a matt, boxcover, ... ? ) to achieve this?? thanks in advance !! ^^

[@gplama]

Indoor trainer tyres can be a little quieter. Other than that.... soundproof the foor/walls.

[@tooongs]

Guessing this can be applied to the h1 and h2 right? Also would a park tool high performance grease do?

[@gplama]

Yep. And yep.

[@OutdoorsJustin]

Do you think SRAM Butter would work well for this or would that be too thin?

[@gplama]

No idea sorry, I’ve never seen that.

[@GoldenGaze1985]

Any tips for removing the freehub body? Mine is pretty stuck on there

[@deanzeven3816]

Hey I have a Tacx Neo 2 and I have great difficulty indexing the rear derailleur as it always has a heavy resistance so its hard to turn the pedals by hand. Do you have a video on how to solve this issue?

[@gplama]

Using the Tacx Training App you can put the trainer into a negative slope simulation and have the 'downhill drive' feature spin the flywheel making it really easy to tune gears.

[@vanessamadrid5976]

Would it work with the Wahoo Kickr Snap ?

[@gplama]

Sure... but you'll have to perform this on the rear wheel of your bike.

[@tonsterdang]

can i do this on the elites as well?

[@gplama]

Yes.

[@Salkantay123]

Also works on Elite Direto XR?

[@gplama]

Sure

[@Tom-hp4bq]

Hi. I just re-greased my Kickr V5 with White Lightning Crystal. It was very quiet for about 2 minutes after I put the bike on and then the freewheel sound was loud again. Do you think I just need to apply more grease?

[@analogmoc]

How does this work with the Elite Direto?

[@MrHellothisisme]

How often do you clean your casette on your Smart Trainer? Can that cause noise?

[@簡靖霖-k5b]

does it work on tacx neo(first generation)?