Freewheel problem
 

I just got my SS/FG build up completed a few days ago. Sorry for no pics, will put them up shorty. Anywhow, I had it on the freewheel right now and its making like a stretching, almost clunking sound when I start to really pedal hard, at any speed. For example if I coast and decide to get into it, thats usually when I hear it. I bought the wheelset from a local bicycle mechanic and he rode it and said its just a noisy freewheel. Not sure what brand it is but he said its like one of the better ones, more top of the line than the ACS I had on it before. It almost sounds like its coming from the cranks but he is the mechanic and said its the frewheel. Wondering if anyone has the same problem?

Thanks,
Freelander

put a fixed cog on it.

I totally have the same problem! Switched to a different free wheel, but the one they had in stock with the 19 teeth like I wanted did seem spin less easily and make more noise when I tried it with my hand. And then after it was mounted, the noise has been getting louder as I ride it and abuse it.

I'm sure it's the free wheel component, anyone know if it would help to somehow add grease or if it is able to be opened usually?

To answer the first question, I do have a fixed cog on the other side and plan to switch it over soon but I like the idea of coasting for the time being. So I dont know if I should switch the freewheel out to my cheaper one of keep the so called nicer one on it. The ACS I purchased was 20 bucks and has a loud ticking noise while coasting while the one on my bike now has almost no noise while coasting. He said it was a much nicer freewheel so I believe him. Yeah, what about re-greasing or lubing it? Possible, good idea or no?

First off, flip the wheel and run the fixed cog, even if you're not planning to stay that way, it'll soon tell you if it's the freewheel making the noise or not.

Spokes can produce a sort of creaking noise, so check to see if they are all evenly tensioned. Just grab 'parallel' pairs of spokes and squeeze them, you'll soon tell if they aren't evenly tensioned. The other method is to tap each spoke with a screwdriver and listen to the 'ping' - they should all sound the same.

Creaks can also come from cranks or bottom brackets that aren't tightened properly and I'm guessing the chainring can also make noise if a bolt is loose.

Finally, if you're running a Brooks, there's a creak that occurs between the nose and the leather - a shot of chain oil fixes that.

But first off, just flip the wheel and go for a ride up the street. If the noise is gone, it's the freewheel, if it's not, you're in for an interesting few weeks while you trace it.

Richard

Thank you very much for the advice I will definitely check it out!

If you determine that it is the freewheel, get your money back. Buy a new freewheel/and or wheelset.
This is why I like to buy from my LBS or performance (which has a shop here). 100% satisfaction guaranty.

Yeah but they guy I bought them from is legit and I doubt he would try to screw me. He said he would get me another freewheel if it was the case. Anyone know what brand the wheels on my bike are?

Bump sorry bout not posting pics...they are in my other posts.

Did you flip the wheel?

I tried to today but the cog is simply to wide for my chain. And I came to the conclusion that the chain is just a tid bit out of alignment, causing the it to just barely slip of the teeth of the freewheel. The mechanic said its not a big deal and I shouldnt worry about it. What do you guys think? I guess this would mean I should re-dish the rear hub?

You should avoid moving axle spacers and re-dishing a flip-flop hub since the other side will be out of alignment then. Look for other ways you can move the chainline. Can you move the chainring to the inside/outside of the spider? Does your bottom bracket have an asymmetric spindle that you could flip? If it's just a tiny bit, will a spacer between the freewheel and the hub help?

Quick question... how tight is your chain. If you run it too tight, it can make all sorts of funky noises, especially if your chainring isn't perfectly round.

Well, im not sure about the BB or anything. the mechanic told me not to worry about it. He rode it and he said its probably very sparatic, which it is. So I guess until something goes wrong, just ride it the way it is? I mean the chain looks almost perfect, not too tight or loose. The line is very close to being exact as well.