Bicycle Mechanics - Strange Headset Noise

Hi - I have a 2003 Cannondale R600 with the Ritchey SI integrated headset. I just recently installed a new Ouzo Pro Integrated fork (w/ carbon steerer). I'm 99.99999% certain I installed it correctly.

I am noticing a "creaking" noise coming from the headset area when I come out of the saddle and really crank. I believe I have the headset properly adjusted and tightened.

Is a noise (think muffled, old wooden rocking chair creaking) of this type common with a fork with a carbon steerer?

Thanks - Paul

Not an answer to your question, but why did you replace the fork?

I banged up the stock fork badly in a race - didn't want to take any chances. The ride is a lot smoother with the new fork.

Could it be that the adjuster screw is too tight? Maybe the headset needs to be lubed?

Did you grease the steerer tube of the fork before installation? This will cause a fork to creak if you did not, use plenty of it and you should be on your way to a silent bike.

I don't think the screw is too tight...the fork appears to move smoothly from side to side w/ no sticking. I did take out the headset and lube the outercasing prior to putting it back in. The bearing are sealed, so I couldn't do anything there.

I didn't grease the steerer tube 'cause the instructions from Reynolds said not to with the carbon steerer.

Thanks - Paul

Oh wait...the instructions say not to add grease bewteen the steere tube and the stem...didn't say anything about adding grease on the tube where the steerer meets the headset. That could be it...thanks!

djpluv,

If your fork is all-carbon, then do not lube/grease it (that is only for metal-to-metal contacts).

Do you have any spacers between the headset and the stem, by any chance? I do (same fork and similar headset); to me it seems that there is some squeeking going on between those spacers...

yeah...i've got some spacers in there. Thanks - Paul