Hey guys, I need a little advice. I have a '04 Allez that's making some strange noises that seem to be coming from the bottom bracket.
It started out as a little click, about once per pedal revolution, and generally happened when my left foot was at 3 o'clock. I figured my cleat was coming loose, so I reset the cleat on my shoe. That didn't seem to do anything for the noise.
A hundred miles or so later, it progressed into a more rapid click, maybe 5-10 clicks as the left pedal traveled on its downstroke. For lack of anything better to try, I checked the front derailleur alignment, which seemed to be in good working order. So, basically I tightened every bolt and screw that I could think might make a rattle: bottle cages, seat post clamp, you name it.
It's still there, and I think it's getting worse. When I'm spinning lightly, I don't get much except a sound that resembles a chain rubbing the front derailleur. But the more load I put on either pedal, the more noise I get. It's progressed from a clicking to more of a creaking and groaning... plus the odd click for good measure. I've got a metric century coming up on Monday and I really don't want to subject myself or my riding partners to 3+ hours of creaks, groans and clicks coming from my bike.
I'm at a loss for what's going on, short of a bad bottom bracket. Any suggestions?
Thanks!