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The dreaded "schmutz" on the rollers
Posted: February 24th, 2021, 2:09 pm
by Soulsurfer
UGH! Between the clicking noises in my knees and the clicking-click from the chair rail, it's driving this OCD person crazy! Is there a "perfect way to clean the rollers? WD-40 maybe? I ended up having to run a guitar pick to finally catch the culprit and remove it. I know that this is a much discussed topic.
Despite being totally obsessive about cleaning the rails after every workout, this still occurs. Is there a Youtube® video or link on this to do a thorough cleaning? Is there such a thing as metal roller upgrades?
Rant over. Thank you.
Re: The dreaded "schmutz" on the rollers
Posted: February 24th, 2021, 2:26 pm
by Citroen
Re: The dreaded "schmutz" on the rollers
Posted: February 24th, 2021, 2:33 pm
by Cyclist2
As just posted by Citroen, don't use WD-40. If just a rag and water after each row isn't working, try a Scotchbrite pad (the non scratch type) to scrub the rollers and rail every so often, maybe use Windex or similar with that. (On the rare occasion I use a gym rower, I carry my own Scotchbrite and rag, and use the gym's spray cleaner). You'll find posts where people use various oils, but I've never needed that and it's not recommended by C2.
I think some cases of this are caused by the seat not travelling straight down the rail due to some imbalance in technique. The rollers bind against the rail slightly and cause wear, which shows up as the gunk you see. Make sure there is some slight play in the rollers and that you're sitting on the seat evenly, using good technique.
Re: The dreaded "schmutz" on the rollers
Posted: February 24th, 2021, 3:36 pm
by Soulsurfer
Thank you!
Cyclist2 wrote: ↑February 24th, 2021, 2:33 pm
As just posted by Citroen,
don't use WD-40. If just a rag and water after each row isn't working, try a Scotchbrite pad (the non scratch type) to scrub the rollers and rail every so often, maybe use Windex or similar with that. (On the rare occasion I use a gym rower, I carry my own Scotchbrite and rag, and use the gym's spray cleaner). You'll find posts where people use various oils, but I've never needed that and it's not recommended by C2.
I think some cases of this are caused by the seat not travelling straight down the rail due to some imbalance in technique. The rollers bind against the rail slightly and cause wear, which shows up as the gunk you see. Make sure there is some slight play in the rollers and that you're sitting on the seat evenly, using good technique.
Thank you. Great ideas.
Re: The dreaded "schmutz" on the rollers
Posted: February 24th, 2021, 7:43 pm
by MiddleAgeCRISIS
I use a microfibre towel as an end stop. I periodically roll over it to scrub the rollers off.
Re: The dreaded "schmutz" on the rollers
Posted: February 24th, 2021, 10:52 pm
by Soulsurfer
Cyclist2 wrote: ↑February 24th, 2021, 2:33 pm
As just posted by Citroen,
don't use WD-40. If just a rag and water after each row isn't working, try a Scotchbrite pad (the non scratch type) to scrub the rollers and rail every so often, maybe use Windex or similar with that. (On the rare occasion I use a gym rower, I carry my own Scotchbrite and rag, and use the gym's spray cleaner). You'll find posts where people use various oils, but I've never needed that and it's not recommended by C2.
I think some cases of this are caused by the seat not travelling straight down the rail due to some imbalance in technique. The rollers bind against the rail slightly and cause wear, which shows up as the gunk you see. Make sure there is some slight play in the rollers and that you're sitting on the seat evenly, using good technique.
I did the Scotchbrite pad with windex and it was wonderful!!! Thank you so much for that intel! No more bumpy ride.
Re: The dreaded "schmutz" on the rollers
Posted: February 25th, 2021, 1:47 pm
by chicagoal
You need to find a shop that can do a proper setup on it, level the frets, adjust the intonation, etc. If that doesn't resolve the issue then look for someplace that can do a PLEK setup; I haven't had that done myself but hear it's the bee's knees. HOPE THIS HELPS.
Re: The dreaded "schmutz" on the rollers
Posted: February 25th, 2021, 2:19 pm
by Rick
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping the schmutz at bay. A good wipe down of the rails and a rag on the rollers will do it. Occasional help with a little Windex will do wonders if you get some rock solid buildup. I sometimes use an old toothbrush on them, turning the plastic back side of the head toward the rail and moving the rollers up and down the rail with the bristles against the dirty area.
I’ve found that preventive maintenance beats the heck out of scrubbing off bad buildup.
Re: The dreaded "schmutz" on the rollers
Posted: February 27th, 2021, 7:21 am
by Ombrax
chicagoal wrote: ↑February 25th, 2021, 1:47 pm
You need to find a shop that can do a proper setup on it, level the frets, adjust the intonation, etc. If that doesn't resolve the issue then look for someplace that can do a PLEK setup; I haven't had that done myself but hear it's the bee's knees. HOPE THIS HELPS.
https://youtu.be/p2zvskhQcx4