Chain Buzzzzzzz
#1
Chain Buzzzzzzz
Newbie question here for the board...
How much chain buzzzzz is normal when pedaling? My Trek 4500 seems like it's louder than it should be when I'm pedaling on flat roads. I always thought the chain should be pretty quiet as you pedal... is this a matter of getting it tuned and adjusted, or is it something that is normal? The shifting is very smooth and the pedaling is fluid... so I know there's no mechanical problem that is impairing functioning. It seems to buzz the loudest in the largest front chainring and when I stop pedaling and just coast, the buzz is still there.
The bike is relatively new with less than 100 total miles, almost all on the street...
Any thoughts or opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
How much chain buzzzzz is normal when pedaling? My Trek 4500 seems like it's louder than it should be when I'm pedaling on flat roads. I always thought the chain should be pretty quiet as you pedal... is this a matter of getting it tuned and adjusted, or is it something that is normal? The shifting is very smooth and the pedaling is fluid... so I know there's no mechanical problem that is impairing functioning. It seems to buzz the loudest in the largest front chainring and when I stop pedaling and just coast, the buzz is still there.
The bike is relatively new with less than 100 total miles, almost all on the street...
Any thoughts or opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
#4
2-Cyl, 1/2 HP @ 90 RPM

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 15,762
Likes: 5
From: NYC
Bikes: 04' Specialized Hardrock Sport, 03' Giant OCR2 (SOLD!), 04' Litespeed Firenze, 04' Giant OCR Touring, 07' Specialized Langster Comp
Freewheel ratchet gear clicking?
It's weird cause I notice people with really expensive bikes, their freewheels buzz a LOT louder than my OCR2.
It's weird cause I notice people with really expensive bikes, their freewheels buzz a LOT louder than my OCR2.
#5
Sloth Hunter

Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, Arizona
Bikes: 03 Lemond Zurich (Sold) 07 Steelman Custom steel road bike
Originally Posted by slvoid
Freewheel ratchet gear clicking?
It's weird cause I notice people with really expensive bikes, their freewheels buzz a LOT louder than my OCR2.
It's weird cause I notice people with really expensive bikes, their freewheels buzz a LOT louder than my OCR2.
Your chain is buzzing without pedaling? Dude, that's weird. Most chain noises while in the big ring are caused by the front changer cage rubbing the chain, either trim the shifter or screw down the barrel adjuster.
If it is the chain, then it is really really clean and you're hearing the rollers shaking against the plates as it vibrates and shakes while...naw, it can't be.
I know, it's your seat pack, there is something in your seat pack.
#6
2-Cyl, 1/2 HP @ 90 RPM

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 15,762
Likes: 5
From: NYC
Bikes: 04' Specialized Hardrock Sport, 03' Giant OCR2 (SOLD!), 04' Litespeed Firenze, 04' Giant OCR Touring, 07' Specialized Langster Comp
Originally Posted by Trouble
I know, it's your seat pack, there is something in your seat pack.
#8
Thanks for the replies everyone...
So I took the bees, crickets and rattlesnake out of the seat pack... that helped a little.
Just to clarify a couple points. The chain doesn't buzz when I'm not pedaling... but the buzzing gets louder when I do pedal. I looked for chain rub against the front changer cage... nope, no rub. There nothing obviously rubbing in places where it shouldn't. The noise seems to be coming from the rear cassette/derailleur area.
I'm going to take it in to the LBS where I bought it and have them take a look. Thanks again for the thoughts.
So I took the bees, crickets and rattlesnake out of the seat pack... that helped a little.
Just to clarify a couple points. The chain doesn't buzz when I'm not pedaling... but the buzzing gets louder when I do pedal. I looked for chain rub against the front changer cage... nope, no rub. There nothing obviously rubbing in places where it shouldn't. The noise seems to be coming from the rear cassette/derailleur area.
I'm going to take it in to the LBS where I bought it and have them take a look. Thanks again for the thoughts.
#9
Sloth Hunter

Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, Arizona
Bikes: 03 Lemond Zurich (Sold) 07 Steelman Custom steel road bike
If it's skipping and you can't dial in the barrel adjuster then the chain is shot.
Or if it's the derailluer pullies you could oil them, but that just attracks crude.
Chirpping, skipping, squeeking, ...it's tough.
Or if it's the derailluer pullies you could oil them, but that just attracks crude.
Chirpping, skipping, squeeking, ...it's tough.
#10
2-Cyl, 1/2 HP @ 90 RPM

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 15,762
Likes: 5
From: NYC
Bikes: 04' Specialized Hardrock Sport, 03' Giant OCR2 (SOLD!), 04' Litespeed Firenze, 04' Giant OCR Touring, 07' Specialized Langster Comp
Originally Posted by Smaug
Thanks for the replies everyone...
So I took the bees, crickets and rattlesnake out of the seat pack... that helped a little.
Just to clarify a couple points. The chain doesn't buzz when I'm not pedaling... but the buzzing gets louder when I do pedal. I looked for chain rub against the front changer cage... nope, no rub. There nothing obviously rubbing in places where it shouldn't. The noise seems to be coming from the rear cassette/derailleur area.
I'm going to take it in to the LBS where I bought it and have them take a look. Thanks again for the thoughts.
So I took the bees, crickets and rattlesnake out of the seat pack... that helped a little.
Just to clarify a couple points. The chain doesn't buzz when I'm not pedaling... but the buzzing gets louder when I do pedal. I looked for chain rub against the front changer cage... nope, no rub. There nothing obviously rubbing in places where it shouldn't. The noise seems to be coming from the rear cassette/derailleur area.
I'm going to take it in to the LBS where I bought it and have them take a look. Thanks again for the thoughts.






