[Dajianshan]

My bike was riding pretty quietly when I first got it, but had some re-work done to my wheels due to builder error. After I got my bike back I noticed a little clicking coming from the front. The noise seems to be coming from the headset...but it may be an illusion. It clicks when I change bar position or hit bumps. I was thinking a loose headset, but it seems plenty tight. The bars are tight. I took it in to the builder to see if he could find anything... and it took him 10 days to get back to me with, "I think the headset was a little loose and it may be noise from the chain." The noise is still here. I don't want to give up my ride for 10 days for a 2min. solution. I don't think it's the chain, because I hear the noise when I put force on the front end or when I back off to the saddle. Could it be the hoods? Should I just live with it and move on? Any ideas?

Headset: King
Bars: Deda Newton
Gruppo: Ultegra
Wheels: DT R1.1
Hubs: King
Brakes: Shimano BR505-R (disc)

 

[MWPDX]

Ear plugs?? Probably cheaper than having people work on the bike... not the safest bet though =-/

 

[Dajianshan]

Luckily wrenching is free here. I'll do it myself if I know where to start. I just hope it's not a wheel issue.

 

[PeanutButterBreath]

Really doesn't sound like a wheel problem to me, FWIW.

More likely a headset or stem issue. Make sure that the stem bolts are greased and properly torqued. Hopefully, the headset cups were also greased before installation. Either of these areas can be the source of "tick" sounds, and sometimes they are real bastards to eliminate.

Also, check the frame for cracks (I know it is new).

 

[PeanutButterBreath]

Also, if you have been riding on dirt in very dry, dusty conditions or wet, muddy conditions, grit can work its way into places and cause all kinds of noises.

 

[Dajianshan]

PBB

Thanks! I'll deconstruct and make sure. I just don't need anything to fail on me at the wrong time.
Oh... and I did get a taste of mud last Saturday. Good times.

 

[PeanutButterBreath]

I used to live in a place where the trails would become very dry and leave a layer of fine dust on everything which would cause all kinds of crazy noises including squeaks form the BB cable guide and clicks from the spoke crossing points. The later is something else you might want to check. . .

Sometimes these noises are hard to get rid of permanently, but once you figure out the cause they they are easier to ignore.

Never hurts to go over everything on a regular basis though. . .

 

[FatTireFred]

nipple? I know someone that had an intermittent click/creak under load, that we swore was coming from the bars/headset... did everything suggested and it continued. changed front wheel, gone. changed back, click/creak. lubed nips, gone. give it a try if all else fails

 

[Dajianshan]

I'm going to lube all the potential trouble spots now. My bike may look like Burt Reynols in Strip Tease by the time I'm done, but we'll see. Thanks!

 

[Dajianshan]

Well...after using enough lube to make Elvis' hair jealous... it appears the stem was the culprit. I just really had to lube the screws and torque it down just beyond my comfort zone. A little oil where the bar meets the stem. All gone! Thank 'ya very much...thank 'ya.!