Thread: Handlebar noise
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Old 03-18-12 | 12:31 PM
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FBinNY
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: New Rochelle, NY

Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter

The creak doesn't mean anything, it's just slight movement under load where parts join. Adjustable stems are especially prone to it because the hinge is almost impossible to tighten enough. Start by spraying a thin oil, like WD-40, or any of the "dry" chain lubes where parts mate, and see if that helps.

If is still creaks, see if you can tell if it's from the bar/stem joint (common), the stem/steerer joint (rarely) or the hinge, (most common).

I've found the best way to cure stubborn creaks is to assemble using lapping compound (grit/grease mix) when assembling. The grit bites into both mating surfaces locking them to each other, and preventing any movement even with fairly low clamping force. Only be sure not to force the parts, like to straighten a twisted bar, without completely loosening the clamps. Otherwise the grit will cut into the parts when they move.
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