Originally Posted by
themak
Hey folks, I have had this bike for about six months now, the creaking has been out of control. I contacted Kent Bikes about the warranty, they responded that since they no longer make the bike, they would have to reimburse me for the purchase... great deal right? Not quite. In order to get refunded, they request that I cut the bicycle in half through the middle of frame and recommend having this procedure done at a local bicycle shop, take several pictures and then email them where to send the check. A part of me wants to go ahead and do this and be done with this purchase, (though how much does it cost to have a bike shop cut your bike in half) another wants to invest in the E-Clips and hope for the best. My main concern is if I don't take care of this now, I wont be able to use the warranty in the future.
I hate this.
In my case, the e-clips did not seem to help, my solution ended up being quite simple - tightening the hinge. My wife was having difficulties keep her front hinge locked, resolved by adjusting the hex nut behind the white block. Did the same on my bike, and the creaking was GONE. Tightening the hex nut too far will make it impossible to lock the hinge.
Based on this success, and great recent rides, I have decided to put some more $$ in to the bike - bigger front chainring, longer cranks.