Clicking Noise

Brian2011

Hi,

I get a clicking noise when pedalling out of saddle when standing up climbing hills for example. It only happens then and not while sitting down on saddle.

It's like the added stress on the bike is causing this but what could it be? It was serviced only 2 weeks ago by bike shop and new bottom bracket installed by bike shop. They could not sort it.

Alanstrainor

Have you tried greasing the saddle post? I had similar before and that sorted it.

Brian2011

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Have you tried greasing the saddle post? I had similar before and that sorted it.

But how would that be causing it when it only happens out of saddle? Thanks for your input though.

cython

Assuming that the bike installed the BB correctly, and the same for refitting the cranks, it could still be any of headset, pedals, cleats or the stem-handlebar interface from your description. Sometimes noises can come from the seatpost area, but out of saddle pretty much rules that out. It could also be that out of the saddle is causing the frame to flex more and the chain is hitting off something (mech, frame, whatever).

Worst case scenario, of course, there could be a crack in the frame that only shifts under load, which may eventually lead to failure. Random clicks on a bike can be maddening to diagnose!

Brian2011

cython wrote: »

Assuming that the bike installed the BB correctly, and the same for refitting the cranks, it could still be any of headset, pedals, cleats or the stem-handlebar interface from your description. Sometimes noises can come from the seatpost area, but out of saddle pretty much rules that out. It could also be that out of the saddle is causing the frame to flex more and the chain is hitting off something (mech, frame, whatever).

Worst case scenario, of course, there could be a crack in the frame that only shifts under load, which may eventually lead to failure. Random clicks on a bike can be maddening to diagnose!

Thanks. Headset was greased and BB was fitted correctly along with cranks. I only have normal pedals as am beginner. I can't see any crack in the frame.

jon1981

Have you greased your knees

EDIT: Think you need a new bike.

mrcheez

Brian2011 wrote: »

Hi,

I get a clicking noise when pedalling out of saddle when standing up climbing hills for example. It only happens then and not while sitting down on saddle.

It's like the added stress on the bike is causing this but what could it be? It was serviced only 2 weeks ago by bike shop and new bottom bracket installed by bike shop. They could not sort it.

This is quite common and in my experience the problem is all in the pedals or pedal crank. It could be un-oiled ball-bearings, or even a broken pedal crank (as it was in one case for me).

You could try oiling the pedals and the inner crank and see if that improves, alternatively you might need to take the pedal apart or replace the lot.

custom_build

Is it a push fit bottom bracket? I've had nothing but trouble with mine, fitted refitted, greased etc. It's still creaking and a very common problem.

-K2-

Rear-wheel skewer?

iwillhtfu

This has happened to me twice and it can be very annoying.

The first time it was the shifters as I was putting pressure on the hoods while out of the saddle. I just tightened them up a bit and problem solved.

Second time it was the locking nut on the rear cassette wasn't fully tightened down so the cassette was moving on the free hub although this noise was more constant than specifically when climbing.

Good luck with your search.

Wackoy2k

Brian2011 wrote: »

Hi,

I get a clicking noise when pedalling out of saddle when standing up climbing hills for example. It only happens then and not while sitting down on saddle.

It's like the added stress on the bike is causing this but what could it be? It was serviced only 2 weeks ago by bike shop and new bottom bracket installed by bike shop. They could not sort it.

I had the same issue with a Trek Madone. It was a full carbon frame so the sound was resonating. We replaced the BB, pedals everything but the noise was still there.

The Bike shop finally changed the wheels and the noise was gone. It turned out to be the front wheel (Cosmic).

Try changing the wheels and see if it helps.

jogger

Try getting a friend to cycle alongside you when it is clicking, and ask them to pin point the area the clicking is coming from (they may have to lean over to get ear closer to your bike etc). After a few go's you might have a better idea and can then investigate.

Clicks can be difficult to find - especially for a bike shop who cannot road test it properly - sometimes they replace the most likely parts which is often not the best approach.

Brian2011

jogger wrote: »

Try getting a friend to cycle alongside you when it is clicking, and ask them to pin point the area the clicking is coming from (they may have to lean over to get ear closer to your bike etc). After a few go's you might have a better idea and can then investigate.

Clicks can be difficult to find - especially for a bike shop who cannot road test it properly - sometimes they replace the most likely parts which is often not the best approach.

I am leaning towards it being a problem with the pedals having isolated a lot of things. I will change the pedals, but if that doesn't fix it its something I will just have to live with.

Brian2011

mrcheez wrote: »

This is quite common and in my experience the problem is all in the pedals or pedal crank. It could be un-oiled ball-bearings, or even a broken pedal crank (as it was in one case for me).

You could try oiling the pedals and the inner crank and see if that improves, alternatively you might need to take the pedal apart or replace the lot.

Would checking the ball bearings not be part of a bike service anyway? I presume it would be. I have oiled pretty much everything. I will change the pedals and see if that fixes it. Thanks for your help.

Wishbone Ash

Before doing anything difficult, lightly lubricate the drop-outs on the front wheel.

imurdaddy

I had an incredibly irritating noise like that before! Checked everything oiled everything, turned out it was the spd cleat on my shoe creaking I put a tiny bit of grease under the cleat and problems disappeared!

Brian2011

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Before doing anything difficult, lightly lubricate the drop-outs on the front wheel.

Done that

Brian2011

Got it sorted, It was just the stem that needed adjustment :eek:

mrcheez

Brian2011 wrote: »

Got it sorted, It was just the stem that needed adjustment :eek:

Wow, but the noise was coming from around your pedals?

Hmm might have to investigate that myself the next time I get the clicks

Colonel Panic

I had what I thought was a stem creak that was actually a slightly loose headset!

I've had noises from cranks that was the seat post and other noises that was the saddle itself!

It's maddening.