I just recently bought an 08 Schwinn Madison used and after riding for a bit I noticed a noise that sounds like the chain is rubbing, but the noise is actually coming from the rear wheel and the chain is not rubbing on anything. Does anyone know what this noise might be from? I've lubed up the chain and cogs and the noise is still here.

Secure the frame so the rear wheel can spin properly and check the chain tension as you pedal forward slowly. If the chain tension is binding somewhere/too tight it will show up.

In that case, you need to move your rear wheel forward a bit to slacken it. If that is indeed the problem. You could also just have a noisy chain/mismatched chain width components on your drivetrain.

I've got an 07' Madison, when I have it in the SS setup there is a slight metal on metal rubbing sound that comes from inside the freewheel when coasting, is this what you're talking about?

p.s. i have no idea what it is...

Did you check to see if the brake pads rubbing on the rear wheel? Make sure the rear wheel is mounted straight in the frame. Hope its something as simple as that

I know this sounds silly, but if you get a chance, pick up the frame, shake it, and see if you hear the noise. sometimes things like grit or sand get lodged inside the bike's tubes.

Ive had some unknown object rattling around inside my rear "SPIN" wheel for some years now I hear it from time to time when I clean the bike up.

I love the nipples in the rim joke!

If your using the freewheel right now, that's probably what it is. My 07 makes the same noise. I've gotten used to it, or my bottom bracket is drowning it out, either way, I'm not worrying about it.

+1, often times bikes come straight out of the factory with crap stuck in particularly the seat and chainstays. There are also often holes drilled as a release for welding that can pick up crap.

I'm using the fixed gear so it's not the freewheel problem. I took the rear brakes off so that's not the problem either. Chain tension seems ok as well. The noise is very consistent, almost like the noise the freewheel makes on a normal bike when you coast (the clicking sound), and it is louder when I use my feet to slow the bike down. At any rate, if it's not a big deal I'm pretty sure I can ignore it and continue riding. I was just afraid that it might be a problem with the hub or the way the wheel is built or something big that I might be concerned about.

I have no idea what the noise is but I am having the same problem on my new Capo. It is driving me nuts. I have pulled the rear brake, it is on a fixed gear and I have even gone so far to buy a better quality chain. The chainline is straight as well.

Forgot to mention, did you have the lockring and fixed Cog greased and tightened? They dont grease them at the factory. also, the crank arms need to be tightened as they do a piss poor job doing that too I went over the whole bike as my LBS guy gave me the "headsup" on this I found just about everything loose and in need of grease. But I do have to say that after the work was done its been a dream to ride