In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Of course, every child knows that a squeaking chain needs oil. However, finding the causes of noises on the bike is often not so easy. This is because they only occur under certain conditions while riding and are often difficult to locate while sitting in the saddle. The noise is rarely caused by a genuine material defect; it is usually caused by two or more components that deform minimally under load and rub against each other. If grease is missing or dirt has got into the joints, the connections tend to cause noise. Almost all parts on the bike are susceptible to micro-movements: frame, saddle, seat post, handlebars, gear levers, stem, cranks, pedals or even the quick-release skewers or thru axles.
Noise on the road bike: Systematic localisation of the source of interference
Even a slight shift in weight in the saddle can cause the noise - or silence it. The search for the cause is made more difficult by the fact that the sound spreads across the entire frame and the crack does not necessarily originate where you think you hear it. You should therefore undertake a systematic search in a quiet environment. With our tips, you can rule out certain components one by one and find the culprit based on the type of noise. For example, if the noise suddenly stops when you are riding hands-free, the source may be in the area of the stem and handlebars. If you have worked your way forward without success and locate the noise in the drivetrain or bottom bracket, then you have found the final enemy. But even this can be defeated with a systematic approach.
Antidotes: These agents bring calm when components rub against each other:
- Spray oil >> e.g. available here
- Chain oil >> e.g. available here
- Assembly grease >> e.g. available here
- Bearing grease >> e.g. available here
- Carbon assembly paste >> e.g. available here
- Wax >> e.g. available here
These components can be the cause of noise on a road bike
At creep speed: localising the sound
To exclude components one after the other
- Pedal at different intensities, in a seated position and in a cradle position, ride bold serpentine lines and let the bike roll in between.
- Shift the weight; load and unload the handlebars and stem, the saddle and the pedals one after the other. If you have a hunch, put weight on the component while standing, for example by tilting the saddle, leaning on the handlebars or putting weight on the side of the pedals.
- Find an uneven section of road and let the wheel roll over it to check whether loose components are the cause. With the bike stationary, drop the front and rear wheels onto the ground from a height of a few centimetres to localise the rattling.
Together with the type, the cause of the noise on the road bike can often be identified
- Rattling (on bumpy roads): Brake lines or cable housings rattle in the frame; brake lever is not pulled back hard enough by the brake; valve rattles in the rim. Loose bottle cage; tools rattling in the saddlebag.
- Knocking (on bumpy roads): Steering bearing loose.
- Cracking (only when seated): The seat post, post clamp or seat clamp require grease or assembly paste and the correct screw tightening torque.
- Cracking (only when pedalling): Handlebars and/or stem require grease or assembly paste and the correct screw tightening torque; bottom bracket, cranks, front derailleur on the frame, pedal axle or dropout require grease and the correct screw tightening torque; quick release or thru axles are not tight.
- Creaking: Pedal plate needs grease or is worn; cassette or derailleur need grease or the correct tightening torque; saddle frame creaks in the saddle cover.
- Scratching when pedalling: Chain grinds on the derailleur.
- Scratching when braking: Brake pads are worn.
- Squeaking in the drive: Chain or rear derailleur pulleys are running dry; when braking: disc and caliper bolts need the correct tightening torque; pads are dirty.
- Strumming: Spokes settle or require the correct spoke tension.
- Zing: Brake disc rubs against the pads
Jens Klötzer
Editor
