What’s That Creak Coming From My Bike?
If your bike groans every time you push hard on the pedals, identifying the cause can be surprisingly tricky.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
If your bike groans every time you push hard on the pedals, identifying the cause can be surprisingly tricky. Try these fixes if a persistent creaking sound is driving you crazy.
Seat post: If you have a metal frame and post, apply a thin layer of metal grease to the post. If your frame or post is carbon, use an assembly compound.
Saddle rails: Remove the saddle, coat the rails with grease, wipe it off, then re-tighten the clamp.
Pedals: If the threads connecting your pedals to the crank are dry, they can creak with every stroke. Pull them out and apply metal grease to the threads.
Stem and handlebars: Apply a layer of fresh assembly compound to both clamping portions of your stem and use a torque wrench to re-tighten the bolts.
Rear dropouts: Take the wheel off, clean the dropouts and quick release, then put the wheel back on the bike.
Bottom bracket: If nothing else works, remove your crank and bottom bracket and apply a generous coat of metal grease to every metal-on-metal connection point.
Two products to help keep things running smooth:
Tacx Carbon Assembly Compound ($25) prevents carbon parts from slipping and silences squeaks.
Park Polylube 1000 ($5) eliminates creaks and blocks corrosion of metal parts.