Crunching sound from peddling

blatchcorn

About a week ago I started getting a squeaky/crunching sound when I pressed down hard when peddling on my Cannondale Caad 10. I got the bottom bracket greased, but the problem has only gotten worse. I now hear the sound when cycling with really high cadence and not being heavy on the peddles.

Any ideas on what the issue could be? I sometimes feel vibrations in my cleets too.

Lancslad

Check cleats are tight check all screws bolts on pedals. worked for me!

Monty Dog

Sounds like the bb bearings are shot. Unship the chain from the cranks and turn by hand to see how they feel. Unless they are smooth with no play or grittiness, then likely need replacing.

blatchcorn

Can they be worn out after only 500 miles?

woodywmb

Not the bearings - unless your 500 miles is on the Pavé. Could be flex on the big chainring, forcing the chain against the outer plate of the front derailleur cage when pushing the cranks hard.
Can't think of anything else, if all the usual suspects have been checked - crank bolt, chainring bolts, pedal axle, cleat mech, bottom bracket.

Monty Dog

Have you tried the bearings then?

blatchcorn

I took it to the bike shop today.

They said it definitely is not the bearings and thought they had fixed it when they found the rear wheel was missing a spacer. However, when I was cycling back home I still got the same sound.

I am starting to think that this might be something I just have to live with. Is it acceptable/normal for road bikes to make creaking sounds, am I just being too perfectionist? Does anyone have any ideas as to what I can do?

woodywmb

A good mechanic will find it. Get the shop staff to take it out for a ride. You won't enjoy cycling till this is sorted.

oldwelshman

Unless the remove the chain and try cranks I would not rule out BB but I also had this noise twice,once was the chain (it snapped about 3 weeks later after lots of searching) second was freewheel.

desweller

Could be loads of things. Loose chainring bolts, pedal bearings, loose BB, loose cranks, wheel rim failure (my own special :roll: experience in this area), rear wheel QR... The list goes on!

Ben6899

It does sound like BB bearings. Give Monty's suggestion a try, you have nothing to lose.

And now I'm off to bed - just noticed the time.