Vertr

It happens when I either pedal harder (up a hill, or sprinting) or when I have the bike and I hold it in place, and push the crank forward with some force. It happens consistently. It *sounds* like it is in the cassette, but I have a suspicion that it has something to do with the crank. You can sort of feel it give just a little bit when it happens. Is there something I can check, or should I just take it back to the shop (where it just came back from)?

The bike is a Specialized Allez Elite double. It is nearly brand new.

Thanks,

es

the beef

I hate those mystery creaks. The trouble is, it could be anything. You just have to keep checking everything and making sure stuff is right until it goes away. I was almost sure once that this creak was coming from the bottom bracket - it turned out to be the seat.

Anyway, good luck. If nothing works, then yes, the shop would be a good place to go, especially if you've still got a little 30-day period or whatever.

rickkko

Search the tech section of this forum. Lots of creaks and tics are identified there. In my case it was my stem not tightened enough. But the sound seemed to come from the crank so it took me a long time to find it.

Good luck!

jtree

my shot in the dark. get some new cleats.

what are you pushing the crank with? your foot? if you're using your foot then you can't rule out your shoes or the pedals.

try unscrewing the pedals and regreasing the threads.

is the crank bolt loose? have you tried tightening the crank bolt to see if it's tight?

Vertr

The pedals, cleats and shoes are all brand new, and it happens when I push the crank down with my hand, so I don't think that it is.

Thanks for the suggestion though..

es

jtree

you may need to have the bottom bracket threads greased. or maybe the cassette lockring is loose or it needs some grease but i wouldn't think that would cause a creaking noise. things like that require special tools so if you don't have them take your bike into the shop.

linus

Swap your rear wheel and eliminate one by one. Make sure you swap the whole rear wheel(cassette, QR, and etc.)

cydewaze

I've got a creak too, and after much investigating, I finally found the cause...


my back.

kleng

check your pedals are tightly screwed into the cranks, grease them first.

Olebiker

I had a creak that only occurred when I was pedaling hard. I pulled the bottom bracket off Saturday and wrapped the threads with plumber's teflon tape. I was tickled to death yesterday to ride 37 miles with not one noise.

maximum01

sounds like your bottom bracket. even the slightest grittiness on the bb will cause no end of annoying creaks from the crank area.

from my experience the most obvious causes of creaks are the following.

1. bottom bracket
2. cables rubbing on frame
3. worn headset bearings

cydewaze

4. loose chainring bolts

shawneebiker

Try the seat (not seat post) clamp................

substructure

For months I tried to figure out where this creak/popping noise was coming from. I had the BB looked at twice and the noise came back. It would only happen on longer and harder rides and especially up big hills. It drove nutty.

So... I took the back wheel off and cleaned my cassette, rear derailer jockey wheels, and chain. Then I oiled up the chain and took it out he next morning and didn't hear a thing. And still don't. That was several months ago.

Johnny Rad

Think I solved my clicking noise. I was headed to the shop to drop off the bike (pull the BB, clean and re-lube and re-install w/plummer's tape), but decided to do some sherlock sleuthing first. Swapped wheels, but the clicking was still there. Put the first set back on, but noticed that my cleats felt loose. Oh, boy where they! Surprised that they hadn't fallen off they were so loose. Tightened it all up and I think the click is gone. Must've been the cleat sliding back and forth on my shoe. Moral to my story - those damn mystery noises can be anything!!!

CastIron

It's often overlooked, but, check the QR's first.