hickok45

I think I've discovered that loose spokes and/or low tire pressure was causing the creaking sounds in my new Specialized Roubaix. It lessened when I added pressure to the tires, and after tightening the spokes, I think it has virtually disappeared, although I got an unexpected Ph. D in how to true a wheel after I got it warped out like a potato chip. Now, I'm a better man for it.

Is this common when spokes need snugging up? I've never had this come up with my mountain bikes over the years.

The wheels are Alex ALX-290, if that helps. I'm new to road biking, so I'm still learning.


I'm still getting noise when I pedal that seems to be related to the rear hub. Not sure.

demoncyclist

Machine built wheels, like what comes on most stock bikes, are notorious for not being quite right. A really good shop will properly tension and stress relieve the wheels when they build up a new bike. In any case, most shops offer a freebie tune up after 30 days or so to check cable tension, shifting, etc. If yours does, you should let them give it the once over.

hickok45

Yeah, I'm taking it back for inspection later this week. I'm just trying to learn bike mechanics so that I can do most things myself, not necessarily to put bike mechanics out of business; I just like being able to take things apart and fix them.

I'm a competitive shooter, too, and I enjoy tearing down firearms completely and working on them.

Along with some good books, a site like this really helps one become more self-sufficient.