Building Your Own Rocker Plate
A rocker plate tilts sideways along a rotation axis and supports out-of-the-saddle riding. Compact overview from years of practice — deep-dive in the articles.
Build guide
Concrete steps, materials and real-world experience for your own build.
What is a rocker plate?
Difference to SprintBoards, how they work and why they matter.
The essentials at a glance
The most common questions, collapsible.
Parts list (wood, screws, balls)
- Wood: plywood or film-faced plywood. Base plate ≈ 15 mm, top plate ≈ 18 mm. No MDF/OSB.
- 3 rubber vibration isolators (~50 mm height).
- 6 countersunk screws.
- 2 inflatable rubber balls — 15–18 cm diameter (with 5 cm plate gap).
- Optional: rotation axis (hinge or bolt).
Tools
- Jigsaw or circular saw for cutting (or shop service).
- Drill driver, drill bits, countersink.
- Square, tape measure, pencil.
- Ball pressure gauge.
Optimal ball pressure
No one-size-fits-all. Pressure depends on core stability — not body weight. Guideline (right ball, opposite the flywheel):
- Beginner / low mileage: approx. 0.2 bar
- High-mileage / strong riders: down to just under 0.1 bar
More pressure → less motion → less effect.
Why not tennis balls or springs?
- Tennis balls: volume too small, compression too high, no adjustable pressure.
- Steel springs: harsh ride from high preload.
- Inflatable rubber balls (15–18 cm): adjustable, smooth motion.
Size: small beats big
Small plates under the rear wheel + trainer only. Do not build a large single plate (exception: smart bikes like KickrBike / NeoBike). Large plates feel sluggish.