BB Creak [solved]
05-14-22, 02:26 PM
#1
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BB Creak [solved]
Hiya Folks,
I've been chasing a "BB creak" for the last few months, thought I'd give the details since it might help somebody and the conclusion is a bit funny.
Symptoms: both pedals creak at middle of down stroke when climbing hills slowly or pushing hard in top gear from a low speed.
Replaced BB ball bearings (3 months old) and adjusted better than the last time I did this.
Replaced ball bearings on both pedals (3 months old) and adjusted better than the first time I did this.
Replaced pedal straps with velcro for 20 mins, no effect.
Cleaned and greased chain rings bolts (first time I've taken the chain ring apart), no effect except shiny chain rings.
Tried standing while pedaling up a hill - maybe made a difference.
Tried squeezing nose of saddle hard and I could get it to creak a bit (40 year old Selle Italia Sprint).
Greased saddle rails and clamps some more.
Saddle creak went away, but BB creak is still there.
Last option I can think of - check the footwear.
My everyday footwear is Chelsea Boots and I wear them for cycling too (no laces and a stiffish leather sole), they never creak while walking around.
Usually I'm wearing the 3rd best pair (fairly worn), changed to 2nd best pair (recently resoled) and creak went away
Did my 10 mile excercise ride 4 times swapping boots each time, definitely the #3 boots causing the remaining creak.
So creak causes: saddle fixing + footwear.
And here's the culprit:
I've been chasing a "BB creak" for the last few months, thought I'd give the details since it might help somebody and the conclusion is a bit funny.
Symptoms: both pedals creak at middle of down stroke when climbing hills slowly or pushing hard in top gear from a low speed.
Replaced BB ball bearings (3 months old) and adjusted better than the last time I did this.
Replaced ball bearings on both pedals (3 months old) and adjusted better than the first time I did this.
Replaced pedal straps with velcro for 20 mins, no effect.
Cleaned and greased chain rings bolts (first time I've taken the chain ring apart), no effect except shiny chain rings.
Tried standing while pedaling up a hill - maybe made a difference.
Tried squeezing nose of saddle hard and I could get it to creak a bit (40 year old Selle Italia Sprint).
Greased saddle rails and clamps some more.
Saddle creak went away, but BB creak is still there.
Last option I can think of - check the footwear.
My everyday footwear is Chelsea Boots and I wear them for cycling too (no laces and a stiffish leather sole), they never creak while walking around.
Usually I'm wearing the 3rd best pair (fairly worn), changed to 2nd best pair (recently resoled) and creak went away
Did my 10 mile excercise ride 4 times swapping boots each time, definitely the #3 boots causing the remaining creak.
So creak causes: saddle fixing + footwear.
And here's the culprit:
Likes For Aardwolf:
05-14-22, 02:44 PM
#2
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I can hear those creaking from 6k miles away. Put a little "Olde English 800" (not English) on them. Better than drinking it. 
05-17-22, 08:13 AM
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Turns out now I know it's the boots and not the bike I don't mind a slight creak (from the boots).
You probably can't hear it from more than a couple of feet away and I'm sure Father Brown would approve.
You probably can't hear it from more than a couple of feet away and I'm sure Father Brown would approve.
05-17-22, 08:22 AM
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Reminds me of the waterbed salesman who replied when asked what kind of water should be used in his beds..." Anything but creek water".
