i just installed a new XTR bottom bracket a few weeks ago and have not ridden it hard but it seems to creak from that BB area wen i sprint. my handlebars creak randomly were they attach to the stem. i tried a little chain lube as well as installing them dry and they still creak. this is very frusterating on a $1500 bike!!
2006-08-13 01:46:47 · 10 answers · asked by Andy 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Finding where a noise originates from on your bike can be annoying and frustrating to say the least. Along with most of the other suggestions, grease and tighten your seat post really well. Also lightly oil the rails on your seat where the seat post attaches to it. On your handlebars ensure your shifters and brakes are not touching. If they rub together under stress IE out of the saddle sprinting, they will make a noise when the handlebar flexes.
2006-08-13 03:57:40 · answer #1 · answered by Ross 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would use a teflon bearing grease on the threads of the bottom bracket. Chain lube may work for a little while but as the weather gets wet it will wear off. Bearing grease is thicker and more durable for this application. I know of this creaking problem happens with titianium frams, but from the dollar amount you gave you do not have a titianium frame.
As for the handlebars make sure they are tight. You may also want to check the headset to make sure it is not loose too.
2006-08-13 12:13:22 · answer #2 · answered by fullback1029 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the bottom bracket is installed properly and to the correct indicated torque, make sure the cranks are installed correctly also and not loose, make sure your pedals are tight enough, and tighten the chainring bolts as loose chainrings can often be the cause of creaking. You should grease all threads and tapers/splines in this area also as this will help stop creaking and siezing.
If your bars are Carbon Fibre then you may have overtightened them and they are buggered now, or if they are alloy or cbfr then you may not have tightened them enough - don't grease/oil the clamping area and make sure all bolts are done up to the same tensions.
2006-08-13 15:44:55 · answer #3 · answered by amtghota 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the oling and cleaning doens't work it may be not tight enough.. when i clim and sprint my handle bars creak as well.. the coach says its either loose or you're really putting force on it.. if you think its necessary you can change the handlebars but he said its usually alright.. consult a mechaninc adn have him look at it just to make sure then make your decision..
2006-08-14 15:58:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tighten up the botton bracket as tight as you can without stripping it, make sure side surface of your frame is smooth no chipped paint and if the paint is chipped file off any paint so you have a smooth suface on your chain side only.You also might try to tighten up your headset . and dont use Lube between stem and steer tube.
2006-08-13 10:38:49 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i work for revolution cycles in rockville,md as a mechanic.you're probably not tightening the stem bolts enough. whatever you do, don't use lube in that area! your looking at bad things if you do.if your frame is carbon fiber then you might want to take it to a bike shop to have it checked for any cracking in the frame. if the frame is not cracked,then try tightening the brackets more.just check to see how many newton units are required for torque if it's a carbon frame.
2006-08-16 21:25:23 · answer #6 · answered by aquatic_life_lover 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best bike lube I found:
Valvoline
SynPower with synthetic polymers.
Says: out performs WD-40
2006-08-13 08:55:01 · answer #7 · answered by r_e_a_l_miles 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as though you know what you are doing, suggestion try your peddals then your cleats, they could be worn or you may need new bushings in the pedals.
just thinking check your suspension seals and air pressure, lube your suspension seals only with a synthetic lube if not it will eat your seals. I hope this has helped.
2006-08-13 09:54:22 · answer #8 · answered by parra nipples belt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The creaking from your handelbars is more than likey your headset. All you have to do is well grese the bearings inside the headset and the creaking should go away.
2006-08-16 14:57:44 · answer #9 · answered by mshbkssuc 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it needs oiling ......CLEAN IT!!!!!!
2006-08-13 10:41:31 · answer #10 · answered by jokerjeff_2001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋