Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 6,747
Likes: 5,368
From: Minneapolis
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
Well, YMMV, but recently I was convinced that I had BB creaking and it turned out to be in the stem. Yeah, under heavy load you may be leaning on the bars more, and the front end becomes suspect.
When I took the bike into the LBS, the mechanic said, "everybody always thinks its the BB, but it could be anywhere."
And that's the point, it can *sound* like it's coming from the cranks or BB, but it could be anywhere.
Unless you are really good, I suggest a trip to the LBS.