Into my sixth month since resuming cycling after a 30+ year hiatus, I'm noticing some creaking and flex in my
Globe Carmel 1 (component specs available via that link: CRANKSET -- Shimano FCM-151 w/ chainguard; BOTTOM BRACKET -- FSA BB-7420, cartridge bearings, 68mm x 122.5mm for 47.5mm chain line). I may be facing a twofold dilemma:
- --I don't want to put a lot of money into the bike. It's fine as an errand bike.
- --I may have exceeded to design expectations. I didn't notice any creaking or flex until I was strong enough to climb out of the saddle and mash up hills, or get into higher gears on flats or into the wind.
I'll check out the bottom bracket and crank to be sure nothing is loose or broken, but beyond that and possibly repairing/replacing original parts, I don't want to pour money into the bike on upgrades UNLESS an experienced mechanic who's dug into this model has observed something that could be replaced cost effectively and make it good for a long life as a short hop and errand bike.
Regarding the second factor, maybe the bike doesn't need servicing and I've just reached its performance limits. It's a slack geometry frame and upright ride, with long wheelbase, simple spring suspension fork, padded saddle and plastic pedals, probably never designed to push hard up hills, into the wind or off road. On rural rides I'll often deliberately ride on the shoulders and unpaved sides of the road, just for the challenge -- no acrobatics, just gravel and pasture rides at modest speed up to 10 mph. Hopefully that's not abusing the Carmel.
I've tried torquing the cranks by hand to check for unusual looseness, etc., but don't feel or hear anything. There's some flexing of the entire BB, which may be normal for this bike. I notice it only while riding. I'll probably stop climbing out of the saddle to mash uphill and just sit and shift to a lower gear to minimize stress.
Again, if there are any cost effective upgrade components I'd consider that. I'd like to keep the bike healthy since it'll make a fine errand bike.
But after six months of riding I'm probably ready for a decent road/gravel bike for my 3-4 times a week 10-20 mile rides, and will probably ride more often and farther with a lighter and more efficient bike.
FWIW, a little history, although it's more relevant to the next bike than my concerns with the Globe Carmel. Around 30+ years ago I commuted 20 miles a day, 3-5 times a week, rode up to 100 miles on weekends, did a few intermediate level crits and time trials, some 75-250 mile group rides. A car wreck 15 years ago busted up my back and neck and up 'til a couple of years ago I still occasionally needed a cane for longer walks. I don't expect to ever participate in any competitions again, so no local cyclocross, etc. But I enjoy solo rides and rides with friends, and unexpectedly found myself enjoying riding off-road, on gravel, pastures, fields, etc.