maximum01

After 750 miles of smooth silent road bike heaven my trusty Fuji Roubaix has started to make annoying creaking noises when climbing. I've identified the source of the sound - whenever the handlebars are turned significantly (ie during an intense climb) the plastic adjusters where the front cables connect with the start of the downtube are rubbing off the frame housing.

I've tried turning the adjusters, cleaning them, lubing them but alas the creaks always come back.

Anyone have any tips to resolve this so I can get my lovely road bike back to its new bike silent state?

cycle17

I have this problem sometimes, so I'm interested in the repsonses as well.

Alphonso

I assume you talking about the barrel adjusters. If so, these should not move, unless you have them turned to the point where they are at maximum adjustment. If this is the case, turn the adjuster until it is all the way in. Then back off a couple turns. Adjust the tension on the derailer.

I'm also curious what you mean when you say the handle bars are turned signifigantly during an intense climb.
Your handle bars should be straight. The bike should sway side to side on intense climbs. Turning the bars creates more resistance.

Hope this helps.

krazyderek

Maybe he means hairpin turns?

As for the creak, you're either not using enough lube, or it's not thick enough,.... or the creak is also coming from somewhere's else. If your cables are really tight around the handle bars maybe look for a place where 2 cables are rubbing and put a little grease on them where they contact. The stem/bar clamp can also be a likly culprit clean, regrease, and clamp to proper torque. If your steerer isn't carbon, clean&grease the stem/steerer clamp aswell and tighten to proper torque. And QR clamps aswell, make sure those drop out's are greased or the front wheel/axel will creak like crazy when climbing. If you're using an integrated headset probably wouldn't hurt to pop off the fork and regrease the bearings aswell, once they start to dry off the bearings will start rub (unlubricated) against the inside of the headtube and not only does this cause premature wear, but i'm sure you could hear the occasional creak from there if left unchecked too.

Alphonso

Stupider?

Now think about it!