Just curious, what would cause cranks arms to squeak when jamming up a hill? I used to thing it was the rubber sole of my skate shoes rubbing the arm, but that's not the case as I now use clipless.

By the way, TruVativ cranks on an older Specialized Hardrock. Or Stumpjumper. I don't really want to walk all the way down to the garage to find out.

Clipless can squeak, too.

well, if it's a squeak, my impulse would be something shoe related. Clipless pedals have enough float that you can still tub up on the crank arm.

However if it's a creak, then you have a whole new world of things that can be causing it. If it's a creak, it might be pedal spindles, bottom bracket crank bolts, seat rails, seat clamp, or any number of other things.

I just had the same problem. Check the bolts that hold the crank onto the BB. Tighten them up and see what happends. if the noise changes or is reduced or different you are on the right track. Do you have square style BB? Also is it coming from the left side. If so it could be a lose crank bolt. This is common on the square style.

Um, I suppose it could be a creak. It's coming from low on the bike, and I guess it's not the crank, as my bolts are so tight they won't even budge (most likely seized, but that's another fun fix). What in the pedals would create a creaking sound?

Maybe it's my seat, but the rails are pretty snug...