Metallic Popping sound
 

Today I was riding in the road just making sure my brakes were good (I just put loctite on the limit screw on my HFX-9's) And whenever I took a shape turn I would hear a metallic popping sound coming from the front of my bike. Not sure if its the tires or the fork or what. Is this a problem? Because i'm going DHing Thursday and I don't want something to break.

It's anybody's guess. I know that "metallic" sound can come from your cable housing moving against the cable stops. It would make sense given that you only hear it when you turn sharply.

It sounds like its coming from the spokes. My major question. Is it dangerous to ride when this is happening?

Sounds coming from the bike like you described can be a little difficult to pinpoint because sounds will telegraph through the frame and your hearing is affected by the air moving past your head. Experience lends a lot to this type of situation.

If you think it might be the spokes then check your spokes for tension. Spokes can make a "pop" sound. I can't comment on the danger, Fox Rider. If you have a concern about safety and you don't feel qualified to ensure the soundness of your bike, then by all means take it to the LBS. I'll bet they can find the source of the noise if you can show them how to recreate it.

Bottom line: If we here playing on the web can't ride the bike or hear the sound then there's only so much that can be offered as likely possibilities.

Okay, I think I got it. Where the spokes criss-cross right before the hub. I push them together and they make a popping sound much like the one I hear when I make sharp turns. Might that be it? If so are those criss-cross points supposed to be glued together? All the spokes are tight and shouldn't go anywhere. Is it safe to ride or should I still bring it into the LBS?

Squeeze each pair of spokes. They should all have about the same tension. If one is much looser than the others that may be the culprit. A quick session in the truing stand should remedy the noise.

L8R

the tension might be too high... perhaps you should loosen them to reseat the nipples? im not sure im not an expert on it but it doesnt sound good

I squeezed all the pairs none seemed to have significant differences. I checked the rim again today. No cracks. It's just from the weight on the bike. It makes the spokes rub and make that popping sound. Lemme know if that could be it. Because i'm doubting myself. But I deffinatly don't want to miss going to killington

How new is the wheel?

It may just be the spokes "setting" onto the hub.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just go ride!

L8R

It's the stock wheel. Its about a month old plus time it was sitting around the shop and being test riden. The spokes on the front wheel are greatly looser then those on the back. I'm just going to have them tightened. No worries. The weather at killington sucks for the next weke anyways.

just to add.

my spokes have made the same sound, and its usually nothing, the sound just goes away after a while, it shouldn't prevent you from riding your bike at all.