Tire pressure when using a bike trainer?

Question

I have really nice indoor trainer that made virtually no noise when I first bought it. Now when I ride, I get a lot of noise, including an annoying clicking sound that seems to be coming from the friction itself, not the mechanical parts of the trainer. It goes away if I ride really really fast, but I can't keep that pace for very long. I no longer have the instructions, so I can't remember if I'm supposed to reduce the tire pressure when using the trainer or not. If it helps, it's a Travel Trac Inertial trainer (it's been recalled and I am going to return it soon, but in the mean time, I'm annoying my neighbor downstairs with all the noise and need to know what's going on).

Answer 1

The issue isn't tire pressure, most likely, its the nature of the tire.  Road tires don't work terribly well on a trainer.  Here's what I do: (1) I use a TACX or Continental trainer specific tire.  They can be found online or at Ebay for about $30 (road bike; 700x23).  They MAY be available for other types of bikes (MTB; 26 x 1.5 to 2.0) but I have never looked. The good news is that they seem to last FOREVER (I have about 1000 miles on mine and it looks like new).  They CAN NOT be used on the road so it is best to have a spare wheel or bike for the trainer to avoid the hassle of changing tires.  (2) I use about 100 to 110 psi on my Computrainer.  Below 100 I have found that I get some noise. (3) I release the pressure from the trainer (on the tire) when I am done working out to avoid flat spots and/or damage to the tire.  Using these tactics I get great tire life and much less noise.  Good luck.

Answer 2

i would try to put as much pressure as the tire allows. that will also help you get a longer life on the tire