'Clanking' noise from a new bike

cntl

I got myself a new bike: single speed Giant road bike. I fell in love in an instant.

The problem is that it is making clanking noises when pedalling at over 10mph, sounds like from the bottom bracket area. I went back to the LBS and they said it's the chain--it's new and needs to 'soften' or something like that. I find it hard to believe. I have two other bikes (much cheaper), my brother has another Giant road bike (geared) and I can not hear any noises when riding them. Any suggestions what that may be???

snooks

Have you been able to replicate the sound when the bike is either in a stand or upside down...or pedlin' backwards? (assuming it's not fixed)

Or is it just when you are riding it?

cntl

>>Have you been able to replicate the sound when the bike is either in a stand or upside >>down...or pedlin' backwards? (assuming it's not fixed)

>>Or is it just when you are riding it?

I haven't been able to replicate the noise on a stand, pedalling forwards or backwards (I have't tried upside-down yet). Seems to only kick in when I am cycling (even at a constant speed). Oh, and it is a free-wheel.

Greg T

I had an undiagosed rythmic squeak for ages - turned out to be the pedal.....

This might be your man if it only does it when you are putting some work on....

Could be the "fabled" stiff link on a new chain but you'd imagine it would always be there....

GT

cntl

>>Could be the "fabled" stiff link on a new chain

Oh yes, that's what the LBS said. Hmm... :?

meanwhile

cntl wrote:

I got myself a new bike: single speed Giant road bike. I fell in love in an instant.

The problem is that it is making clanking noises when pedalling at over 10mph, sounds like from the bottom bracket area. I went back to the LBS and they said it's the chain--it's new and needs to 'soften' or something like that. I find it hard to believe. I have two other bikes (much cheaper), my brother has another Giant road bike (geared) and I can not hear any noises when riding them. Any suggestions what that may be???

Either:

1. Get them to put their opinion in writing on headed note paper, so you're covered later.

2. Better, tell them "That's not good enough, I want a new chain. Chains aren't supposed to do that. Fix this *now*." Changing chains is easy and cheap. They obviously can't be bothered. It's important to make that the chain *is* the problem in case its something worse. Although if a chain breaks while you're riding (not saying that's likely) then you could be in a lot of trouble,

I'd start with 2. Any hassle, get the manager down, and point out that the other option is 1, which will make them liable for damages if the problem is more serious than they think and there's an accident. If they refuse 1, send a letter to them, copied to their head office and Trading Standards quoting the date and citing their refusal. Ideally take a friend along and have him/her sign the letter too. Oh, and if you paid for the bike on a credit card, phone the card company.

Greg T

Meanwhile's got a point - I've never had a clanky new chain - stiff link my arrse - get them to change it....

GT

DevUK

Out of interest, it isn't the saddle rails creaking is it? I had this problem on my MTB and I guess the sound travelled down the frame so it sounded like the bottom bracket. LBS rebuilt bottom bracket and all sorts and couldn't replicate the problem. Turns out, as I'm a smidge heavier than bike shop guy it was only making the noise when I was on it :oops:

Still, little squirt of oil and a bit of adjustment sorted it out.

cntl

Thanks guys. BTW. This is the bike:



(photo from web)

meanwhile

Extremely sexy bike! Make them change the chain.

cntl

>>Extremely sexy bike! Make them change the chain.

Hahaha, today I took my wife's Raleigh, as I didn't want the new bike to get soaked :oops:
It looks a bit like this:



no basked though. I surely made a few heads turn... :oops:

Greg T

cntl - do you play "The Game"?

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12575770&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

It looks to me that you are a bottom feeding bagger of scalps.........

"I'm only riding this whilst my fixie is "having its chain sorted" - don't mind me whilst I drop you....."

pst88

For those wondering it's a Giant Bowery, I have the same bike (plus a few modifications). Saw it in the shop window and just had to have it

cntl

>cntl - do you play "The Game"?

>http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?>t=12575770&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

>It looks to me that you are a bottom feeding bagger of scalps.........

>"I'm only riding this whilst my fixie is "having its chain sorted" - don't mind me whilst I >drop you....."

??? :shock:

Greg T

Briefly the "Game" involves finding and dropping bikes that "should" be faster than yours.

Roadies should be faster than (in this instance) shoppers...

If a dude (like you) on a shopper drops a guy on a road bike he takes a big respect hit and you have his scalp......

The thread will fill you in.

cntl

>>If a dude (like you) on a shopper drops a guy on a road bike he takes a big respect hit >>and you have his scalp......

>>The thread will fill you in.

Aaaa...I get it