00:38 Clicking while coasting but NOT while pedaling
02:00 Clicking while coasting AND pedaling
02:26 Rubbing noise
04:04 Creaking sounds: seatpost/saddle/pedals/cleats/bottom bracket
Half the battle in eliminating bike clicks, bike clunks, bike creaking and rubbing is finding out where it's coming from. It takes time and patience and I usually suggest starting with some of the easier repairs first. If that doesn't solve it, move on to another component. We'll link to our playlist on bike noise at the end of the video. Lets continue our observations.
1. Clicking or clunking while coasting but NOT while pedaling
The only thing turning while coasting but not while pedaling in your freehub The freehub is made up of pawls that engage the spines of the freehub as you pedal. But when coasting, the pawls are pushed down to allow the wheel to turn independent of the pedal and chain movement (i.e. coasting). Clucking or clicking when coasting but not pedaling may indicate that dirt or grime is preventing the pawls from being pushed down when coasting or there may be internal damage to the freehub. We suggest taking your bike to your local bike mechanic to overhaul the freehub and eliminate the noise.
2. Clicking while pedaling: See our video in the upper right. Also consider problems with pedal bearings. And check your cleats for wear, especially Look style cleats.
3. Clicking while coasting AND pedaling
a. Look for embedded particles in your tires such as glass or small stones which will click against the road pavement
b. Also check the bikes brake pads for embedded particles which may intermittent be clicking against the wheel rim
c. If you have a magnetic sensor attached to a spoke, check it is not hitting the odometer pickup
d. Make sure the wheel quick release is closed and tight
e. A loose spoke may sometimes give a pinging sound as the wheel rotates
4. Rubbing sound as the wheel rotates coasting AND pedaling
a. Check that the wheel is properly installed and centered between the brake pads. The rim brakes themselves may need to be centered (CARD)
b. Carefully look over the tire for defects that may be causing the tire to bulge and hit the brake pad as the wheel rotates. If so, replace the tire immediately or you may have a sudden blow out and flat.
c. If you have disc brake noise, make sure the disc is not bent and is centered between the brake pads. If the disc is aligned properly between the pads but you still here an intermittent rubbing sound, clean the disc with some rubbing alcohol to remove any grit or grime that may be the culprit.
5. Creaking
a. Creaking seatpost: Remove and clean to seatpost and seatpost clamp. Clean and apply Fiber Grip (prevents slippage even if you're not dealing with carbon fiber).
b. Creaking saddle: Remove and clean. Apply grease or Fiber Grip to the saddle rails. Make sure the saddle clamp is tight (torque to specs, don't over tighten or the bolt(s) may break while cycling.
c. Check the pedal are tight. You can also remove the pedals, grease the pedal spindles and re-tighten the pedals.
d. Worn pedal, worn cleats or old bicycle shoes can creak (the latter due to some flex that occurs in the hard shoe sole over time).
e. Finally, you may need to overhaul your bike's bottom bracket. GCN has an excellent review on how to do this. The link is in the upper right. It may involve just removing, cleaning, and re-greasing the bottom bracket. But some bikes, even fairly new will have a creaking bottom bracket. Using plumbers' tape, anti-seize, or other methods will decrease BB movement, flex and noise.
Remember that all bike noise can represent a mechanical problem and should be investigated. Much can be prevented by good maintenance of components and replacement of worn parts.
