Odd noise when riding in certain gears....

Question

After getting my bike tuned up last month, I noticed a rather odd noise that occurs only when riding in two particular "speeds". When I am in the middle chainring (it's a triple) and am on 3 or 4 in the back (out of 8), I hear this odd sort of creaky, groaning sound. It reminds me a bit of the sound of an old rear car spring, and only happens when in that particular gear combo. I'm not cross-chaining, so anyone have an idea as to what is causing this? The bike is only a year old and has maybe 300 miles on it, so nothing should be too worn out at this point.

Answer 1

It may sound a bit funny but try tightening your seat post and saddle mounting.  Alloy frames have a way of amplifying sounds and disguising where they are coming from.  I had a similar problem that in certain gear combinations there was a lot of squeaking and creaking from the bike and I thought the bottom bracket had gone.  It turned out that that was the combination I used for pushing hard up hill and the noise came from me rocking in the saddle, which was slightly loose.

Answer 2

You need to grab a tool and adjust youre derailler assembly front and rear and that should eliminate the sound.  If that isnt it it could also be your bearings or the gear assembly in the back hub assembly.

Answer 3

Check out the bearings in your crank and rear wheel hub. Easy to check by spraying with penatrating lube and then riding in those gears. If the noise goes away your bearing my be light on grease. A good bike shop can re-pack them for you.    

Answer 4

maybe its your pedals

Answer 5

wear ear plugs and turn uop your boom box

Answer 6

This is a strange one. I would take the bike back to the shop that performed the tune-up. Tell them the noise started after they tuned the bike. They ought to fix it (or at least diagnose it) for you for free.

Answer 7

Are you able to ascertain where the sound is coming from? That'll be the first step in fixing it.

I can't think why you would only get the creaking sound when in those 2 gears. I can't really picture a situation where the rear cassette would make a sound - unless the lockring isn't on tight enough.

It *might* have something to do with the rear derailleur cage. Spray some lubricant onto the derailleur's pivot points and jockey wheel axles.

Also, make sure your saddle fixing is tightened properly.