Every cyclist knows the feeling. You’re settling into a strong rhythm when it starts: a faint click, an intermittent creak, a persistent rub that wasn’t there yesterday. Maybe it disappears when you shift gears. Maybe it gets louder when you climb. Either way, it’s impossible to ignore once you hear it.
Strange bike noises are more than just annoying. Often, they’re early warning signs that something needs attention. Catch the issue early and the fix is typically simple and affordable. Wait too long, and a minor adjustment can quickly turn into a costly repair.
We asked Andrew, our head service mechanic, to break down the most common sounds riders report and what they usually mean, and when it’s time to bring your bike into the stand.
The Mysterious Creak
Creaking is one of the most misunderstood sounds in cycling because it travels. What seems like it’s coming from the bottom bracket may actually originate from the seatpost, pedals, chainrings, or even the saddle rails.
One of the most frequent culprits is a dry carbon seatpost. Carbon components require friction paste and precise torque settings. Without them, tiny movements under load create that telltale creak, especially when climbing out of the saddle.
Pedals are another common source. Threads can dry out over time, and cleats wear faster than many riders realize. A quick removal, cleaning and proper greasing often resolves the issue.
The key takeaway: don’t assume the worst. But don’t ignore it either. Persistent creaking always deserves investigation because it signals movement somewhere it shouldn’t be.
Clicking That Matches Your Pedal Stroke
If the sound appears once per pedal revolution, mechanics immediately begin looking at drivetrain components.
Chain wear is frequently to blame. As a chain elongates with use, it no longer meshes cleanly with the cassette and chainrings. That mismatch creates a rhythmic click and accelerates wear across the entire drivetrain.
The solution is straightforward — but timing matters. Replacing a worn chain is far less expensive than replacing a chain, cassette and chainrings together.
Loose chainring bolts can create a similar sound. So can worn pedal bearings. Both are easy fixes when addressed early.
If your bike is telling you something once every pedal stroke, listen.
The Constant Brake Rub
Few sounds are more irritating than the soft shhh of a rotor brushing against a brake pad. Disc brakes deliver outstanding stopping power, but they require precise alignment.
Rotor rub often develops after travel, wheel removal, or a quick bike wash that inadvertently shifts the caliper position. In many cases, a simple realignment solves the problem in minutes.
However, persistent rubbing can also indicate a slightly bent rotor. While rotors can sometimes be trued, repeated bending weakens the metal. When braking performance is at stake, replacement is often the safer choice.
Another factor riders overlook: heat. Long descents can warp a rotor just enough to create intermittent contact.
If your bike suddenly sounds slower than it feels, brake drag is worth checking.
The Tick You Hear While Coasting
Not all noises happen under power. If you notice ticking while coasting, your freehub may be asking for attention.
Freehubs contain internal pawls that engage when you pedal and disengage when you coast. Over time, dirt and old grease can interfere with that mechanism. Left unserviced, the engagement can become inconsistent — something no rider wants when putting power down out of a corner or into a climb.
Routine hub service keeps things running quietly and efficiently.
When Silence Suddenly Gets Loud
Sometimes the biggest warning sign is a noise that appears out of nowhere.
Modern bikes, especially high-performance carbon frames, are engineered to be remarkably quiet. A sudden change usually points to something that has loosened, worn out, or shifted.
This is particularly important for riders logging big miles or high power numbers. Greater forces move through the bike, and small issues escalate faster.
As one mechanic put it: “Your bike rarely surprises you without reason.”
What Riders Should Never Do
When a new sound appears, resist the urge to start tightening bolts at random. Over-torquing carbon components can cause serious damage.
Instead, do a quick visual check:
- Are your skewers or thru-axles secure?
- Is anything visibly rubbing?
- Did the noise begin after travel or a recent wash?
If the answer isn’t obvious, let a professional diagnose it. Mechanics are trained to trace sounds efficiently, which often saves riders both time and money.
The Quiet Advantage of Preventative Care
The smoothest, fastest bikes share one trait: they are regularly serviced.
Preventative maintenance not only extends the life of expensive components but also preserves ride quality. A well-maintained bike shifts crisply, brakes confidently and — perhaps most noticeably — rides in near silence.
Consider scheduling periodic inspections, especially ahead of major training blocks, destination rides, or race season. Think of it as protecting both your equipment and your experience on the bike.
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