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One of the things that makes cycling so much fun is the almost silent way it moves. This makes it all the more annoying when this peace and quiet is interrupted by cracking, crackling or squeaking. In many cases, bicycle noises can be eliminated with little effort. However, the source must first be found.
Of course, every child knows that a squeaking chain needs oil. However, finding the causes of noises on the bike is often a little more difficult. This is because they only occur under certain conditions while riding and are often difficult to locate while sitting in the saddle.
It is rarely a genuine material defect that causes the noise; it is usually two or more components that deform minimally under load and rub against each other. If grease is missing or dirt has got into the joints, the connections tend to cause noise. Almost all parts on the bike are susceptible to micro-movements: frame, saddle, seat post, handlebars, gear levers, stem, cranks, pedals or even the quick-release levers or thru-axles of the wheels.
Antidotes: These agents bring calm when components rub against each other:
- Spray oil >> available here
- Chain oil >> available here
- Assembly grease >> available here
- Bearing grease >> available here
- Carbon assembly paste >> available here
- Wax >> available here
Root cause analysis: Which component is the trigger?
Even a slight shift in weight in the saddle can cause the noise - or silence it. The search for the cause is made more difficult by the fact that the sound spreads across the entire frame and the crack does not necessarily originate where you think you hear it. Therefore, undertake a systematic search in a quiet environment. With our tips, you can rule out certain components one by one and find the culprit based on the type of noise.
For example, if the noise suddenly stops when you are riding freehand, the source may be in the stem and handlebar area. If you have worked your way forward without success and locate the noise in the drivetrain or bottom bracket, then you have encountered the final enemy. But take it easy - it can also be defeated with a systematic approach.
Step by step: How to find sounds
Exclude components one after the other
- Pedal at different intensities, seated and cradle pedalling, ride bold serpentine lines and let the bike roll in between.
- Shift the weight; load and unload the handlebars and stem, the saddle and the pedals one after the other. If you have a hunch, also put weight on the component when stationary, for example by tilting the saddle, leaning on the handlebars or putting weight on the pedals from the side.
- Find an uneven section of road and let the bike roll over it to check whether loose components are the cause. With the bike stationary, drop the front and rear wheels onto the ground from a height of a few centimetres to localise the rattling.
Noises on the bike & possible causes
- Rattling (on bumpy roads): Brake lines or cable housings rattle in the frame; brake lever is not pulled back hard enough by the brake; valve rattles in the rim. Loose bottle cage; tools rattling in the saddlebag.
- Knocking (on bumpy roads): Steering bearing loose.
- Cracking (only when seated): The seat post, post clamp or seat clamp require grease or assembly paste and the correct screw tightening torque.
- Cracking (only when pedalling): Handlebars and/or stem require grease or assembly paste and the correct screw tightening torque; bottom bracket, cranks, derailleur on the frame, pedal axle or dropout require grease and the correct screw tightening torque; quick release or thru axles are not tight.
- Creaking: Pedal plate needs grease or is worn; cassette or derailleur need grease or the correct tightening torque; saddle frame creaks in the saddle cover.
- Scratching when pedalling: Chain grinds on the derailleur.
- Scratching when braking: Brake pads are worn.
- Squeaking in the drive: Chain or derailleur pulleys are running dry; when braking: disc and caliper bolts need the correct tightening torque; pads are dirty.
- Strumming: Spokes settle or require the correct spoke tension.
- Zing: Brake disc rubs against the pads
Bicycle noises: sources & how to eliminate them
We have described the best tips for localising and eliminating noise when cycling separately for each component in individual articles. They explain in detail how you can find the sources of noise on your bike and then eliminate them. Here is an overview and links to our series of articles:
More on the topic
Jens Klötzer
Editor
