You should open your axles and grease them too.
Yup. That's what I have been afraid off. I have noticed the wheels are not free as it should be. The wheel bearings probably needs to be greased and properly adjusted.
To be honest, I'm not sure that yellow stuff is grease. 3 out of 4 times it felt and smelled like Cosmoline. That's a metal preservative used to protect things like gun barrels when packed for long-term storage. I cleaned my axles and BBs, and then greased.
Interesting. I haven't touched or smelled it. I haven't cleaned it, but I did pack some Park Tool "polylube 1000" grease on top of it. I rarely go mountain biking, hopefully, it should last this season, but I need to lube the wheel-bearings ASAP.
Regarding the knock, make sure your pedals are tight. I hand-tightened mine on my first bike thinking they would tighten as I rode. I ended up with a knock 300 miles later. It was a tap I could feel in my foot. I thought it was the BB. The knock went away, I suppose because I inadvertently finger tightened my pedals during the process. 300 miles later I got the knock again. I spent more time investigating and realized the pedal was 2-3 threads loose.
You may be right, the pedals are cheap and plasticity. I may have to upgrade the pedals if the knocking/shifting persists after re-greasing the BB.
That made me wonder if it was returned due to mysterious flats.
Good point. I have'nt had a flat yet. The tubes leak faster than my other bikes, but I can get away pumping it weekly. I think I may been to replace the rim liner and the tubes as well. Another thing I noticed, the wheels are not 100% round. It does have some bulge on it, but it doesn't bother me. I can't tell whether it is a bump in the road or the bulges in the wheel
Oh well...i am learning new things...so it's not a bad experience. I would rather take a beater to all the dirt muddy trails... and i am broke after i bought my Surly LHT....lol.