Bike Erg Noise

[Baraboobiker]

I have noticed an annoying noise occurring every revolution of the crank, particularly noticeable at lower rpm's, i.e. 70-80 range. I've checked the tightness of the screws and all is good there. Currently less than 1 million meters on the bike. Any suggestions as to what this might be and how to fix it? -Thank you.

[Citroen]

Pick up the phone call Concept2 at: 1-800 245 5676

[chipman1]

Could be something internal, but could also be the pedal-crank threads. Take the guilty pedal off, regrease it with bike grease and tighten back up. That was my problem and it was a simple fix.

[CaseyClarke]

It’s a common issue that has affected many, many BikeErgs all over the world. I’ve been unlucky enough to have had this multiple times and I’ve had 4 or 5 full front end replacements sent out to me. You can try greasing pedals / tightening screws etc, but if it still makes a noise then insist on a front end replacement.

[RR]

Never had a problem from day 1,
I did change the pedals as soon as I got it and made sure they were ok

[johnlvs2run]

Make sure to tuck in your laces, so they don't flap on your shoes.
This happened to me, so I always make sure to tuck them in before riding.

[dpetzko]

Just wanted to share my experience with crank noise.

I was getting a dull thud when each pedal was passing thru the bottom of the stroke...that I could also sense thru the frame to the handlebars. Issue was worse at low cadence. Worked with Concept 2 support and did all of the usual countermeasures...improved crank arm washers, loosening and reseating the crank arms against the bearing. Nothing much helped.

Then one session, I stopped pedaling at the bottom of a stroke and the thud/sensation was more pronounced. I started to experiment with pedaling technique and noticed that when I really concentrated on proper technique by pulling thru the bottom of the stroke rather than mashing the pedals, I could get the thud/sensation to stop completely. Talked to support about this and they think it's the clutch mechanism. They thought a fastener might be too tight and had me loosen a nut 1 turn, but I didn't like the results. It seemed to make the drivetrain more "sloppy". The fact that the noise was reduced at high cadence may be due to smoother pedaling...or the high cadence forces better technique. At low cadence, I think I was causing a slight delay in the crank rotation at the bottom of each stroke, not quite like stopping but similar.

So what I thought was a bike/crank issue was really poor pedaling technique. Now, whenever I start to sense the thud, I know that my pedaling technique is getting lazy.

Hopefully this will help others who might be experiencing the crank noises.

Dave

[addiesmith]

I have had my bike erg since early July 2020. I ride it 4-5x/week, never heavy riding, just a constant pace around 70-75 rpm at resistance 3-4. I purchased this bike upon recommendation of a friend who has both the bike and row machines from concept 2. Since purchasing, I’ve had to replace the right pedal twice, take said pedal assembly into my local bike shop where the owner had to assemble it for me as the threads kept stripping, and now there’s an annoying clunking noise on the down pedaling position on the same right pedal. I tried tightening the screws along the crank shaft, pedal, and the body between the pedals and the fan and although the clunking is less, it’s still present and still VERY annoying. For a thousand dollar bike, I have much higher standards of expectation - perhaps I’m wrong and this is what I paid for? Looking for advice as I’m clearly very frustrated.

[Baraboobiker]

I agree with you adddiesmith. As much as I like C2 products (I also have a rower), for $1k your high expectations should be met I think running to a bike store for repairs is ludicrous.

[Citroen]

Looking for advice as I’m clearly very frustrated.

Call Concept2. They are leaders in customer service.

[johnlvs2run]

’ve had to replace the right pedal twice, take said pedal assembly into my local bike shop where the owner had to assemble it for me as the threads kept stripping, and now there’s an annoying clunking noise on the down pedaling position on the same right pedal.

Is the clunking noise from the pedal?
The right pedal on my BE goes back and forth when taking it off or putting it back on, i.e. the spindle inside of the pedal is not straight.

[Rosko89]

New build question.... Should the BikeErg have any noise except from the obvious / fan?

I built my BikeErg today but I noticed some ‘drive’ noise at very cadence too. The thing is I just assumed it was normal until I came online and seen this thread - now I’m thinking maybe I wasn’t hearing things after all.

The noise though is hard to describe. It’s not a sudden clunk but it’s more of a constant cranking / winding up clicking sound.

It’s quiet yet noticeable but I know it’s there.

I went on my knees and turned the left pedal by hand nice and easy and I can hear it coming from the long horizontal base.

The question again is this similar to yours or is this normal?

[Baraboobiker]

Rosko89,

The noise coming from my bike seems to have, for the most part, disappeared. The noise was a definite knocking sound, as though I were rapping on the frame itself. Now, fortunately, it only occasionally "knocks", so I no longer consider it an annoyance.

[Monkfish]

Rosko89
I just assembled my BikeErg and have the same constant whirring noise you describe. It's sort of the sound a crank flashlight would make to power it.
Have you found an answer from anyone to suggest there should be noise other than the fan?

I emailed customer service and will hopefully receive a response.

[PTR]

Monkfish, have you received any answers?