My Tarmac creaks...more specifically, it 'clicks'. It didn't do this when I first picked it up.

At first, I thought it was the crank as it is only obvious under load (particularly on hills)...but after the LBS couldn't find anything amiss...I think it's coming from the headset/stem/handlebar area.

I've seen a couple similar threads that discussed similar issues. (seems I can't ever find threads when I need them)

Any anyone have a similar problem? I seem to be able to replicate the sound by putting weight on the handle bars as if I were climbing (side to side...one 'click' per side)...the bars themselves don't seem to be slipping...

It's starting to drive me nuts.

I am having the same issue with my caad9. I thought it was the crank at first, but then i noticed it waas coming from the headset, but of course when i brought it to my lbs, it stopped making the noise.

1) loosen your stem bolts, loosen then retorque / tighten the headset, then retorque the stem bolts.

2) make sure your skewers are very tight.

3) make sure your wheels / bearings are torqued properly before installing the skewers.

Any of these can cause clicks that sound like the bottom bracket.

Thanks for the quick replies guys. I'll check that stuff out and report.

If none of that works, put some grease on the seat post. Use the correct grease for carbon though.

Oops. Nevermind.

should be on the stem like 5-8 nm

My tarmac made the same noise, when going uphill, load on the cranks. It turns out that my cassette was loose. I took it to the LBS and they tighten it and no more noise.

Good advice.

Also try this:

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/creaks.html

Try either loosening or tightening the headset top cap pre-load bolt so the top cap is either looser or tigher...I had a similar problem, and it was the top cap 'creaking' against the top of the stem.

Making sure the pre-load bolt is pretty snug, and adding just a bit of grease on the top of the stem/bottom of the top cap solved the noise.

Ok. I think I fixed it (I can't replicate the noise any more). Pretty certain it was the top cap. Going to do a quick test ride a little later.

Does anyone have a link to a clear / exploded view of what's going on up front. I would like to learn the terminology a little better.

Just to confirm. The bolt found in the center of the top cap doesn't need to be torqued to spec? I loosened it off a little (I think, still snug) and it stopped clicking. I've put the brake on and rocked the bike, there isn't any play.

I have a very long ride tomorrow with a mt decent. I don't want to have any mechanical problems...particularly on the decent.

Loosen top cap, loosen stem, then tighten as follows.

The top cap is supposed to be tightened FIRST, then the STEM tightened SECOND.

The STEM bolts are what holds it together, but the TOP CAP is what compresses the headset properly to eliminate play.

Both should stay torqued to spec post assembly.

My buddies tarmac used to click. It turned out it was a cable hitting the frame.

k thanks. I'll get my paws on a torque wrench.