The Dreaded Creak

[roubaixtuesday]

Mrs Tuesday's bike has a creak. It's pretty loud.

- only happens when pedalling, in sync with pedal rotation
- worsens as pressure is applied
- weight on handlebars makes no difference
- in or out of saddle makes no difference
- happens on all chainrings and sprockets

It's a touring bike with LX groupset, hollowtech BB, flat bars.

Thus far I have...

- checked and tightened every bolt I can find including kickstand, bottle cages, mudguards, rack, stem, cranks, chainrings
- removed and regreased all surfaces on saddle post and clamp
- removed chainrings and greased every contact surface
- replaced pedals with a different set (and greased threads)
- removed QRs and greased contact surfaces
- greased saddle rails
- checked the cassette lockring is on tight
- minutely examined the (Ti) frame for cracks

The BB is absolutely smooth and no play whatsoever.

I'm lost for anything else to try. Any other suggestions?

 

[Drago]

Remove BB and regrease the threads, refit and torque everything to spec.

 

[ColinJ]

Check Mrs. Tuesday's knees for wear and tear?

A more helpful suggestion... Put the bike on a turbo trainer so you can get your head in close while she is pedalling. That at least should let you identify exactly where the noise is coming from.

 

[Way-Out-West]

Another place to check is the rear derailleur hanger (if it has one), remove, clean and grease the surface that makes contact with the frame.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Check Mrs. Tuesday's knees for wear and tear?

A more helpful suggestion... Put the bike on a turbo trainer so you can get your head in close while she is pedalling. That at least should let you identify exactly where the noise is coming from.

Don't have a turbo, alas.

 

[ColinJ]

Don't have a turbo, alas.

Ah... Do you have a friend nearby with one?

 

[ColinJ]

If her cycling shoes have cleats, check them.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

If her cycling shoes have cleats, check them.

Good idea, but toeclips on original pedals, flats on the ones I replaced them with and happens with different shoes.

 

[Gunk]

Remove BB and regrease the threads, refit and torque everything to spec.

I’d start with this, often at work we find they’re loose.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

What type of QRs on that bike? Open or closed cam design. If usure, post a picture.

 

[cyberknight]

Remove BB and regrease the threads, refit and torque everything to spec.

I have found on square taper BB and the like greasing the inside of the non drive side cup often stops the creak ,

 

[wafter]

Since there's been minimal catastrophising so far, worth inspecting the welds around the BB for cracks.

Might also be worth spraying specific areas with water (if you're less precious) or light oil (if you can handle the cleanup) to see if this prevents it temporarily and helps to narrow it down..

 

[roubaixtuesday]

What type of QRs on that bike? Open or closed cam design. If usure, post a picture.

Closed, shimano

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Since there's been minimal catastrophising so far, worth inspecting the welds around the BB for cracks

Per above, have already

- minutely examined the (Ti) frame for cracks

 

[Ming the Merciless]

How many miles on the BB?