so i got this old specialized tri spoke off ebay.

been running it for a while now, just lately it's been starting to creak after what seems like each rotation.

i can't feel any flex in it or see any noticeable damage, is the wheel fubar or am i just being a pansy?

It most likely is the hub; have your LBS check it out and rebuild it before you ride it again.

The hub seems fine, i mean theres nothing in there but an axle and 2 bearings. Maybe the bearings need replacing?

check along the metal braking area, the rim could be separating from the carbon?

also there could be a hairline crack. they're pretty hard to find, but a local shop showed me that if you tap it with a penny you'll hear a pitch difference between cracked and solid carbon. so lightly tap with a coin along the spokes and everywhere. if you hear one spoke is making a different sound from another spoke, then i'd be suspicious and bring it someplace where they can get a better look at it.


also, are you sure it's every wheel rotation, or crank rotation? try throwing your old wheel on (assuming you still have it) and see if it goes away. many times i thought i had a creaking bb or crankset only to find out my saddle had loosened a tiny bit and was creaking in the clamp.