Handlebars creaking/clicking sound
05-25-22, 07:39 AM
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Handlebars creaking/clicking sound
I just purchased a Specialized Tarmac in December brand new. Since then I have had to take it back to the shop a few times for the clicking sound in handlebars when climbing and out of saddle. I have a few times since had to tighten the bolts around the stem and bars. I noticed the same sound coming from another rider recently while he was riding next to me. He has a 2019 S-works tarmac. Has anyone else had this noise pop up on them with their specialized?
05-25-22, 08:07 AM
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Remove and grease the threads on the bolts of the stem faceplate, the bolts that fix the stem to the steerer tube, and the bolt that threads into the starnut (if an aluminum steerer). Make sure the gap (exposed threads) between the stem housing and faceplate holding the bars in place is the same between all of the bolts.
This usually takes care of the creaking on my bikes.
This usually takes care of the creaking on my bikes.
05-25-22, 08:20 AM
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05-25-22, 08:26 AM
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Not a Spec. Tarmac, but my bike has a new creak/click in the handlebar area, too, time to clean and re-grease it (as Salsa Shark advises, above).
Funny how new sounds creep in when the seasons change, or when you get the bike back from the LBS, or at random. Just one of those annoying little chores that entropy causes to be necessary. If it's not the handlebar its the pedals, or cleats, or a wheel, or a speed sensor/magnet, or a seat post, or ....
Funny how new sounds creep in when the seasons change, or when you get the bike back from the LBS, or at random. Just one of those annoying little chores that entropy causes to be necessary. If it's not the handlebar its the pedals, or cleats, or a wheel, or a speed sensor/magnet, or a seat post, or ....
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05-25-22, 08:48 AM
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Such a creak can come from the headset, too. Generally a sealed bearing that chaffs against the cup.
Tightening the arrangement can do the trick, but an ill-fitting bearing will forever make noise.
Tightening the arrangement can do the trick, but an ill-fitting bearing will forever make noise.
05-25-22, 10:45 AM
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As long as you're greasing and tightening everything, go ahead and inspect the bars for cracks or damage.
05-27-22, 01:29 PM
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Rules of thumb for assembling a bicycle:
1. If it has threads, grease them.
2. If two surfaces are clamped together, grease the surfaces* and the threads on the clamping bolt.
3. Always follow torque recommendations, if available - especially for carbon!
* if parts are carbon, use carbon assembly paste, which is a lubricant containing some grit.
1. If it has threads, grease them.
2. If two surfaces are clamped together, grease the surfaces* and the threads on the clamping bolt.
3. Always follow torque recommendations, if available - especially for carbon!
* if parts are carbon, use carbon assembly paste, which is a lubricant containing some grit.
