Squeaky seat on Model D

Maintenance, accessories, operation. Anything to do with making your erg work.
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polygnwnd
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Squeaky seat on Model D

Post by polygnwnd » December 2nd, 2008, 6:35 pm

Purchased my D in early 2005, but it spent all but 3 months of time since then in storage. It's been in regular use since October and worked well until the last two sessions-- now the seat makes a loud squeaking noise at or near the catch (exaggerating the weight transfer from one roller to the other by diving into the catch makes the noise louder).

Seat is not rough (rail is immaculate and paint under the rail is also fine), just noisy. I suspect the bearings in the rollers might need some attention-- should they be lubricated (if so, with what-- chain lube, bicycle grease, etc.) or replaced? If replacement is the best course, does it make sense to replace teh bearings independent of rollers (if that is possible)?

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Terry S.
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Post by Terry S. » December 2nd, 2008, 6:52 pm

Is it a short, high pitched "squeak"? Try this first--

When it happens to me, I apply a **very** light film of chain oil on the first couple of feet of the top of the rail. Be sure you rub it all off. Enough will remain to fix the problem.

Got the advice from C2. Think it has to do with the rollers "skidding" at the catch and making a noise. Works like a charm. I oil the rail when I oil my chain.

Terry
79 yrs. old; inactive for about five years; trying to re-start! 8 million meter club.

polygnwnd
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Post by polygnwnd » December 4th, 2008, 11:37 pm

Tried it-- so far so good! Thanks

jtay
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Seat Comfort

Post by jtay » December 15th, 2008, 10:49 am

Is anyone aware of a good way to cushion the seat a little? I guess I need a little more padding.

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Terry S.
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Re: Seat Comfort

Post by Terry S. » December 15th, 2008, 10:03 pm

jtay wrote:Is anyone aware of a good way to cushion the seat a little? I guess I need a little more padding.
I've got a bony butt that gets bony-er when the erging helps me shed some baby fat. Calluses won't help this problem.

A small bath mat (the "furry" variety--not just terry cloth) folded in half so the furry surface is on the outside makes a very nice seat pad. I sandwich a foot square sheet of large cell bubble wrap in the middle, and it's proven to be cheap and remarkably comfortable for up to a 75 minute row (haven't tried longer).

Someone years ago recommended the Trico Painkiller Saddle Pad (a bicycle gel seat cover) in the XL size. I've just tried it, and found it too firm and too thick. Others may like it. Find it at REI for $36 plus S&H. My bath mat is way cheaper, and you have a choice of colors.

Terry
79 yrs. old; inactive for about five years; trying to re-start! 8 million meter club.

BobD
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Location: Munich, Germany

Post by BobD » December 16th, 2008, 4:19 am

Bob in Munich
85yrs, 85 kilos or 187 pounds, 185 cm or
6ft I Row and I ride my HP Velotechnik Scorpion FS20 E-Trike.

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