New bicycle noise?

Question

I am about to purchase a new bike finally! However, there is a small problem. As I am pedaling, I hear a weird noise. The noise the bike makes is something like a "click, click, click... clock". It sounds like it might be comming from the crank set area. I don't know if it is either coming from the chain, chainrings, front derrailure, or bottom bracket. Also, as I pedal, I can "feel" the noise (some resistance as I pedal).The guys at the bike shop where I got the bike said that the noise is normal and will go away once the bike is broken in. I never heard that it is normal for a new bike to make such a noise. Any suggestions and is it normal for a new bike to make such a horrible noise? Thanks

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One Less Car

Answer 1

is it a road bike or a mountain bike?

are you sure you are using the gears correctly, ie the big chain ring at the crank is not to combine with big gear in the back wheel, and vice versa because the chain is tilted too much sideways.

are you sure the bike is in gear? usually that may happen when the front deraillure is "between" positions.

if you were trying a road bike, do you know the trim position for the front shifter? it is rather hard to explain in a few words, you should ask the bike shop guy to demonstrate for you.

try a different bike shop, or have the shop guy to test ride with you as he will know whether it is a misuse on your part or the bike needs adjust.

the clicking is not normal.

Answer 2

JayP is right - the guys at this shop are full of Sheeeeite. A new bike should make no noise other than when the gears are actively changing.

It sounds like the chain might be trying to grab the shifting pins on the chainring. You should be able to see this if you turn the pedals while the bike is making the noise (don't do this while riding, you'll hurt yourself). If the chain rotates smoothly, but you still feel and hear the noises, it might be a defective bottom bracket. Also, there might be a bent tooth on the chairing.

If it does it all the time regardless of what gear you're in, the bottom braket is the more likely culprit, maybe even a defective pedal bearing.

One last note, this is a normal noise if you are in the small chainring/small rear cog combination as the chain is being dragged across the shifting pins. You shouldn't be using the small ring/small cog or big ring/big cog combination. Even still, if the noise is casued by this, it _shouldn't_ go away.

What ever the case, go to a different shop.

Answer 3

First of all, it's time to find another bike shop. I actually think your bike is probably fine. But them telling you that it will break in after some miles is just their way of getting rid of you rather than explaining the real problem.

Your problem is simple. Your front derailleur is scraping the chain. This is very very normal. I have a $5,000 racing bike and if I ride in the wrong gear, it will make the same noise. Avoid crossing the chain over the bike. What I mean by this is don't ride in the large ring in front and the large cog in back at the same time. Or the small and the small. These gears force the chain to make a strange angle and add wear to your components. Because the chain is slanted at that point, it also makes noise as it scrapes the derailleur. In other gears, make sure that the front derailleur is as centered on the chain as it can be. This will take practice but you will get there.

Answer 4

hmm, sounds very ambiguous, but possibly from the drivetrain or bottom bracket.

I've never heard of a new bike that makes clicking sounds intentionally when new. This is totally bogus. I would insist that they either pull the bike apart and do a mini-overhaul to tighten and lube everything, or pass on this bike and look for another- possibly in a different shop (freakin rip off artists).

cheers

Answer 5

Your cables have stretched and your gearing has been thrown off. Either twist the adjuster barrel out a turn or two or take it back to the bike shop. Whoever told you that noise was fine should turn in their smock, as they are shaming the entire industry.

That noise is NOT normal, and NO PROPERLY ADJUSTED BIKE WILL MAKE NOISE.

Answer 6

NO! DON'T BUY IT!

I fell for that when I bought my last bike. It clicked every time my pedal went around. I took it back to the shop and they said it was normal.

Click, Click, Click, every ride was plagued by this darn clicking noise. It drove me insane! It drove my riding buddies insane!

The problem finally worked itself out after about 2500 miles.

My new bike doesn't click.

Answer 7

well i ride bmx and when ever i hear a noise around the chain area i spray some wd-40 on the chain and bottom brackets even the rear rim once you do that and you still hear a noise then there is something really wrong and u should get it checked out

Answer 8

Turn your bike upside down and turn the foot pedals with your hand. Then you be able to track down where the sound comes from.

Answer 9

No new bikes make noises, sounds like your bike shop sux!!!!!!!