Bicycle Mechanics - Mysterious rattle . . . so what else is new?

For several weeks now I have had rattle in my road bike that seems to be coming from the front end, but maybe even as far as the bottom bracket. Everything seems to be tight, and nothing rattles when I'm not riding. I have a feeling that it is coming from the bars or the headset, but am far from sure. Sometimes the rattle seems a little bit creaky.

Any ideas what this is anyone?

Thanks,
Rich

When I bought my new bike about a month ago, I vaguely remember the LBS guy saying that headset would settle over time and would need to be reseated and tightened up. Any chance that could be the problem with your bike?

also experineced a creaking sound yesterday.. but only experienced it when climbing.. especially when i'm off the saddle.

Found out that my headset is a little bit loose.. I will have the LBS retighten my spangle and my stem.. and see if it goes away..

also experineced a creaking sound yesterday.. but only experienced it when climbing.. especially when i'm off the saddle.

Found out that my headset is a little bit loose.. I will have the LBS retighten my spangle and my stem.. and see if it goes away..

On a threaded headset assembly using a traditional stem, often the creaking noise is caused by a stem that is either dirty or not lubricated or both. I've had this problem occur from time to time. In each case, removing, cleaning and applying a thin film of grease to the section of the stem that inserts into the steerer solved the problem. I've gotten to where I perform this task as part of a yearly scheduled maintenance routine. Good Luck!!

If you've got a tool kit mounted to your seatpost, you might want to check to see if the rattle is coming from there. I had a rattle that sounded like it was coming from the front fork but, in reality, was caused by one of the tools I was carrying in my toolkit banging on my seatpost and transmitting the sound through the frame.

If you've got a tool kit mounted to your seatpost, you might want to check to see if the rattle is coming from there. I had a rattle that sounded like it was coming from the front fork but, in reality, was caused by one of the tools I was carrying in my toolkit banging on my seatpost and transmitting the sound through the frame.

dagonit! thats what I was gonna say! I had a chain tool in my bag that was right next to my allen wrench...it was driving my nuts...I put a wad of cash between it...that solved the problem. also, I have had the zipper pull clink against the seat post, but that was only with rough roads...I cut off the zipper pull.

I have also had a rattle in the left STI shifter, don't worry, if you have 105, the little cap will fall off soon enough, and you wont have to worry about it...

Also, it could be a bottle cage bolt. I have had a loose one of them...man that is annoying.

one last thing, it might be the cables hitting your headtube. I have also had that happen...I wrapped my computer wire around the cable (One for cadence, one for speed, distance) and I didn't have to worry about it again.

Stinger:
I have no idea about your rattle but I really am appreciative about your quote at the bottom by Joseph Stalin......how true it is.