My Exercise Bike Is Making Noise

Exercise bikes, available from some fitness equipment manufacturers, have similar parts, but may differ in how they are powered; either by magnetic, air, fly wheel or direction tension resistance. These resistance mechanisms can affect the amount of noise your exercise bike makes. Other factors, such as misuse or mechanical issues, may also affect noise.

Significance

Your exercise bike owner's manual may outline a few noise problems you may experience when using the exercise bike. Troubleshoot these issues on your own first, if possible, to save the expense of parts or repair service before calling the manufacturer's customer service department.

Causes

Improper use causes of exercise bike noise include the surface on which the bike is placed and riding the bike incorrectly. Mechanical causes include worn bearings and belts or loose belts and other parts. Some exercise bike noise during operation is normal; the friction of the parts rubbing together creates some amount of noise. Magnetic resistance bikes are more quiet than air, fly wheel or direction tension resistance bikes. The noise you hear when you hear the exercise bike in operation in a showroom may differ from how it sounds in your home; there's less background noise in your home and other different factors, such as your floor surface.

Solutions

To prevent exercise bike noise from improper use, place the bike on a carpeted surface or place a mat underneath it. Do not lean when you use the bike; sit up straight. To address mechanical noise causes, inspect and replace bearings and belts, if necessary. Before each use, check for loose parts and tighten, if necessary.

Warning

To protect the exercise bike and avoid voiding your warranty from abuse or misuse, keep the bike indoors away from extreme high or low temperatures, moisture and dust. Do not use the bike if you exceed its weight limit — typically around 250 to 350 lbs. Use the exercise bike only as detailed in the owner's manual.

Further Help

If unable to troubleshoot or resolve the noise problem on your own, contact your manufacturer's Customer Service Department. Find its number on the front of the owner's manual or online. Before calling, locate the serial number on the exercise bike's frame. Provide the serial number to the customer service department representative for quicker service.