Bicycle Mechanics - Noisy wheels, I think

I get a noise from my wheels (at least I think there is where it comes from) when I ride. It does not make the noise if I am in the shop and spinning the wheels on the bike stand, only makes the noise when a rider is on it.

Does not always make the noise, but it does not matter if I am pedaling or not. I have checked for anything rubbing against the wheels.

I think it could be the spokes rubbing together and it looks like some of the black paint on the spokes has been rubbed off where the spokes cross.

There are ALEX DOUBLEWALL CNC SIDES wheels according to the web site ( I am at work right now)

I have checked and the spokes all seem tight, but of course there is some flex to them.

Can anything be done? Or are these just noisy wheels?

Could you describe the noise and specifically when it occurs? Like, does it happen while coasting or when you mash the pedals? Is the noise in sync with the crank position or happen randomly. Is a clunk, squeak, tick, pop, or clank?

It can be hard to locate a noise while riding. It may not be the wheels at all. However, little 'tink, tink' noises can be caused by loose spokes rubbing against each other.

Could you describe the noise and specifically when it occurs? Like, does it happen while coasting or when you mash the pedals? Is the noise in sync with the crank position or happen randomly. Is a clunk, squeak, tick, pop, or clank?

It can be hard to locate a noise while riding. It may not be the wheels at all. However, little 'tink, tink' noises can be caused by loose spokes rubbing against each other.

mmm kinda hard to describe, but I it only make sthe noise when I ride. My brother will ride beside me and we are pretty sure it is the wheels as it is a cicular kinda of sound. The noise will speed up or slow down as the bike does.

As far as when it makes the noise it seems to be kinda of random. it will make it sometimes when I am coasting, sometimes when I am pedaling, sometimes when I am hammering.

when I check for loose spoke I can squeeze a pair of spokes causing them to rub against each other and it sounds very similar to that.

You might have the wheels trued up. If you don't know how to do it, take the bike to a good bike shop and they should do it for about $20/wheel. The shop can check the sound first which may save you some money. Of course, it may cost you more, depending on what the problem is!

That pinging sound is most likely de-tensioned spokes. They rub against each other and also rub on the hub flange, which is generally where they will fail. Take the wheels to a good shop and have them completely de-tension, re-tension and true he wheels, and have them replace any spokes that look like they are wearing at the cross point or the bend where they pass through the hub flanges.

That pinging sound is most likely de-tensioned spokes. They rub against each other and also rub on the hub flange, which is generally where they will fail. Take the wheels to a good shop and have them completely de-tension, re-tension and true he wheels, and have them replace any spokes that look like they are wearing at the cross point or the bend where they pass through the hub flanges.


I just had my bike in the shop for a tune up and they did true the wheels, but the noise is still there. I doubt they re-tension the spokes though.

That pinging sound is most likely de-tensioned spokes. They rub against each other and also rub on the hub flange, which is generally where they will fail. Take the wheels to a good shop and have them completely de-tension, re-tension and true he wheels, and have them replace any spokes that look like they are wearing at the cross point or the bend where they pass through the hub flanges.


Ok problem fixed. Took the wheel to a LBS and had them re-tension the wheel and true it. Cost me $15 and the wheel is nice and quiet now