22/08/2018
Bikes make a noise.
Let's face it, some we understand why and can ignore, some due to wear and tear and some we like the rhythm of (just a select few then!). However, they should not make a noise if set up and maintained correctly.
But, when there is a creak, it can take a while to work out what's going on. Recent case in point was a customers creaky, newish, bike when pedalling. Swapped the pedals to see if they were the cause (no) so took the bottom bracket apart. Fairly basic open bearing affair and found swarf in the grease. Looks like it's from when the thread was cut in the frame. Anyway, no long term guarantee with cleaning and repacking the bearings so replaced with a VP sealed unit. Result: quiet as a mouse pedalling.
Definitely was not, as one LBS suggested, the way the customer was pedalling. Also new expensive pedals with toe clips wouldn't have solved the problem.
Soz for the picture quality but you get the idea
