carlk23

Just got a new CF frame. Had my old DuraAce stuff swapped over from my old bike just last week. Bike was great until after four days when this cracking/creaking sound developed - first during really hard efforts, until now when its almost constant on every pedal stroke. I removed the seatpost and pedalled, still there. Swapped rear wheels, still there. Tightened all the bolts I could, right down to the water bottles. Still creaking. The only thing I can't rule out now is the BB. Is it common for the outboard bearings to settle or back off a little after installation? Have I missed anything?

Thanks.

TO11MTM

Did you check to make sure the frame's bottom bracket was properly faced? Even expensive CF Frames can have facing issues with the bottom bracket.

I've had 3 bikes with outboard bearings, never had any issues with the bearings loosening.... the only case I can really see this happening is if the bottom bracket is Italian threaded, as then the right side CAN loosen with use, especially if the bearings were not torqued to spec in the first place.

In any case, try making sure the Crankarms and bearings are properly installed... Park makes a nifty tool with both of the special shimano bits on it that's pretty cheap for how useful it is.