i have an alu bar/stem combo, make and model do not matter as this has been the second set-up that i have had problems with.

the problem is, after a few weeks of owning the new bar/stem combo, i start to hear popping and creaking coming from the area. this noise is amplified by the alu frame.

my theory: i love climbing, and tend to really pull on the bars at times, from the drops, from the hoods, wherever. i feel the noise may be coming from the area where the bar and stem meet, and is essentially aluminum rubbing against aluminum.

my proposed solution: electric tape around there bar where it is held by the stem.

again, this is the second set up this has happened on. anyone else have this issue and any remedies?
i weigh 175 if that matters.

I also have alu bar and stem and never had this problem. I feel like the tape is a bad idea, the glue might make the bars slip, just a feeling though

kinda why i have not done it yet.

Take it apart and put a thin layer of grease on the bars where they contact the stem.

Don't bother with the tape. Firstly, don't wrench so hard on your bars. If you climb out of the saddle, tip the bike side to side, yes, but don't twist and wrench at it. You are trying to put your energy into going uphill, not your own personal wrestling match with your bike. Secondly, if you are using a modern, four bolt stem, take the end cap off, and remove the bars. Next, put them back in, and tighten the bolts back down evenly, one turn on each, round and round until they are all evenly tightened. This should do the trick. If you are a massive barbarian of a cyclist, with biceps and stuff, consider going to oversize bars.

I also second the thin layer of grease idea. A really heavy grease like Finish Line would be ideal.

sounds good, thanks for the advice. i have to admit that i do go a bit overboard on the bars and do not even realize it till it is too late.

Ritchey Liquid Torque.

I'm also assuming you have a torque wrench.

oh yeah: and a cheap nylon brush from the craft store or hw store.

Mine started to tick and creak several weeks ago, after a wet ride. I pulled the headset out and noticed a little rust on the lower head bearing cartridge. Sanded off, greased, gone.

I've had the same problem, and the same solutio. I was going to suggesty such but feared the flames. Good on ya, GP.

update**** so i greased where the bar meets the stem, tightened bolts, and pop sound still remained. took apart stem where it meets the fork steerer, looked at everything, after deciding there is no chance in hell i am going to grease the bare alu on the steerer where it meets the stem i put everything back together, tightened bolts, and voila! sound is gone.....for now i will be light on the bars, we shall see how long this lasts.