I’ve noticed on my last couple of rides - a constant creaking sound coming from the area of my Bottom Bracket. It’s an aluminum bike, about 3.5 years old - and I’ll have to admit, I haven’t given it a lot of regular maintenance, but I haven’t neglected it either. I’ve read that aluminum can sometimes form cracks - is that what I’m hearing? Also, I am a sort big guy. 6’2", 200 lbs. I’m hoping its not so serious, I dont have the $$ for a new bike now.
To answer this, it would help a lot to know what kind of bike exactly and what type of BB, cranks, seat post, seat, bars, and stem you have…
<<I’ve noticed on my last couple of rides - a constant creaking sound coming from the area of my Bottom Bracket. It’s an aluminum bike, about 3.5 years old - and I’ll have to admit, I haven’t given it a lot of regular maintenance, but I haven’t neglected it either. I’ve read that aluminum can sometimes form cracks - is that what I’m hearing? Also, I am a sort big guy. 6’2", 200 lbs. I’m hoping its not so serious, I dont have the $$ for a new bike now.>>
Is your front derailieur braze-on or clamp-on? If it’s clamp-on, make sure it hasn’t loosened up over time. Don’t go nutz and strip the damn thing out, but give it a good “bump” to be sure.
Chainring bolts. Check for tightness.
Crank arm bolts. same as above. Torque spec is more critical with Shimano Octalink, so do some research first.
HTH
Brett
You might need a new BB, but sometimes is hard to pinpoint exactly where the noise may be coming from. Could also be seat post or even seat. I had a squeaky seat one time that was mistaken for first the BB then the seat post before finally figuring it out. The LBS can replace the BB, if it’s a seat post then pull it out and give it some grease. If it’s the seat get a new one.
Could still be something else but check out these three areas first.
Check out the article on this site…
http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/techctr/maintenance/crank_noises.html
If it is a creak make sure it is not your pedal cleats… especially look. but even my speed paly cleats creak on hard efforts on hills.
I have found that metal tends to grind while plastic creaks…
good luck