jrp76

I have a 2008 Cannondale Bad Boy Ultra with about 3,000 or so miles on it. When I pedal, it makes a ticking sound at the same area of each revolution. It only makes this when there is tension/force, not if I have it on a bike stand or if I pedal with little force. I tried pedaling with one pedal at a time to see if it was in fact the pedals themselves, but it still happens. It does this in every gear, and I have a new chain and cassette on it. The chain is not rubbing and I can't see any parts that are making contact. I'm thinking it is the bottom bracket. First question is, do people think that is likely the issue given the information? Second question is, how do I know which bottom bracket to replace it with? I know the one that came with my bike is an Shimano BB-ES25 Octalink, but I'm not exactly sure what size or how to determine that. Also, what is a better quality bottom bracket that I could replace this one with? I think a bottom bracket should last much longer than this one.

dantolen

Try putting some oil on the chain rings and the exposed part of the crank set. I had the same problem on a long loaded tour and this fixed it.

commo_soulja

Maybe loose crank arms or chainring bolts.

desertdork

Read https://sheldonbrown.com/creaks.html if you haven't done so already.

If the noise is indeed coming from the BB area, it's possible some grit may have worked into the crank/BB interface or into the frame/BB threads. If so, R/R with appropriate cleaning and greasing, with correct torque on reinstall.

The ES25 is a V2 Octalink (different spline length than V1). You can get an ES51 V2 for about 2x the cost of what you have now. I'm sure someone around here can tell you how "superior" the ES51 is (or isn't). I don't believe Shimano ever sold the rights to manufacture Octalink BBs.

jrp76

Thanks for all the replys guys. It ended up being my pedals were loose and both of them were making the noise. Sometimes it can be the simple things..

gmt13

Once I tracked a clicking down to a wayward shoe lace hitting the chainring. Glad you found the issue.

-G

Flyingblind9

I have a similar issue with my 2011 Cannondale Synapse in BB30. I had a slight irritating click, and i just took it apart, cleaned it and reinstalled with light oil and grease. i oiled the chainring bolts too, and made absolutely sure that it is torqued down to spec. we'll see how it rides now! (hopefully gone!)