Bicycle Mechanics - Creaking from pedal, crank or similar area

When pedalling on flat at moderate speed and strong contact with the pedals there is a creaking coming from the pedal/crank/similar every complete rotation. It also appears going up slopes, hills and mountains however not consistently.

When pedalling backwards there is no noise. There is also no noise when pedalling at any speed with light pressure on the pedals.

The chain and derailer aren't making contact. Wheels are OK, handlebars are creak free.

They are SPD-R pedals with appropriate shoes. Everything seems secure. Taking hold of the pedals with my hands and applying pressure doesn't result in any noise.

The bike is a few month old Specialzied Sequioa road bike.

Bicycle shop has had it for a general check up and test ride and didn't notice the problem. In all fariness however at the time I forgot to make special mention of it.

What should I be looking for in tracking it down? Any other pointers?

Thanks for your tips :)

Lightly lubricate the cleats of your shoes and the clips on the SPDs with a little candlewax, even a thin smear of oil (but don't overdo it if you have valuable carpets!). Check to see if that helps.

Also, if it persists, I found a thread where I suggested some other areas to look at: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11606

I've read in Barnett's Manual (and I think Shimano's instructions are the same) that greasing the BB threads is a no-no, that you if want to eliminate creaks, dress the threads with Loctite 222 or 242 or similar.

Barnett's also suggests dressing the spindle flats with Loctite, and the cup on the other side of the BB cartridge -- both threads and the internal part that contacts the cartridge. I've done this recently, and have had no trouble undoing eveything, and the BB area is silent.

I don't recall any explanation as to why grease is not recommended. I'd certainly imagine grease is better than nothing, especially when fitting steel BB cartridges to aluminium frames. Ti is another matter. The BB tends to collect water when it rains.

FWIW

R

My new Ibex developed a snapping creak noise after a couple of weeks, at the same position on the pedal stroke and prominent on uphills and heavy pedaling. The crank arms were a bit loose and needed tightening. No more noise.

I had a similar noise on my mt. bike, it turned out to be a small crack in the crank at the thread where the pedal is attached.

If you can swap the pedals out with others, that would point to the pedals then. Make sure the cranks are tight and chainring bolts are secure.

Also, does it do it only when seated? Could be that the seat rails need a little lube at the seat clamp or needs to be tightened or the seatpost needs to be tightened.

I've seen this a million times. It sounds like the small bolt behind your knee has come loose. It'll drive you crazy till you put it tight.;)

:roflmao:

Greg - that's like everytime I drive a car, there's a loose nut behind the steering wheel!

Could be the pedals. Spray some Pam or WD40 on the pedal surface and cleats and go for a ride (won't hurt a thing, unless you walk on the carpet). If the sound goes away you found the problem. Good luck with a solution.

Otherwise, 99% of BB, crank, axle, whatever creaks are the seatpost. Or in my case, the seat rails... they're Ti, and I have to grease 'em every 3 or 4 weeks otherwise, they creak.