My bike (2017 Roubaix Comp) is on a Wahoo Kickr and squeaks like a hyper mouse on every rotation. Every rotation! It got a tune up in December but the squeaking has gotten worse. It sounds like it;s coming from the crankset but I have my doubts.
The ball bearings in the crank are brand new. The squeaking preceded the new ceramic ball bearings. I remember it getting worse last summer outside.
It does NOT squeak when standing!
It does not squeak when I just turn the crank with my hand (no load).
The seat post has not moved and is exactly where it’s supposed to be after my fitting years ago.
It just feels like the frame or the way the seat post is interacting with something near the crank, if that makes sense.
I realize this is not something we can probably address on a forum – but – I’m going nuts. I’m desperate.
If it doesn’t do it while standing, maybe it’s your saddle rails and/or clamp or your seatpost could use a bit of carbon grip paste?
Totally a coincidence I’m sure…but I had a similar annoying noise when I bought my Roubaix in 2021 and thought the Future Shock was messed up. Turned out the seatpost needed carbon paste even though it didn’t appear to be slipping.
Left field one, but easy to test. Grease your bottle cage bolts. I had a mystery noise for about 8 months that turned out to be a corroded bottle cage bolt clicking in the frame when it flexed
Squeaks very often are not located where they sound like they are coming from. Don’t trust your ears and trust the evidence.
Logic says to focus on areas that are affected when you stand…seatpost and saddle being the obvious ones. Just because your saddle is in the same position doesn’t mean you don’t need some grease / carbon paste applied to the post, clamp, etc. It could be the saddle itself has just given up the ghost and needs to be replaced (rails loose in the saddle, etc).
If none of that works, start to look at other areas…it could be your headset needs to be adjusted / greased, or your HB, etc. The noise stops when you stand because the forces applied to it are coming from a different angle, which eliminates the noise.
Blockquote urned out the seatpost needed carbon paste even though it didn’t appear to be slipping.
@FrankTuna Thank you! At one point years ago we used carbon paste (I believe) because the post actually dropped during a ride! Maybe I need a new application.
Blockquote Take it to a bike mechanic and explain the symptoms.
@KevinKlaes I was afraid you were going to say that! Well, that someone would. I may need to do it if I want to stay sane.
Blockquote Grease your bottle cage bolts.
@pirnie Interesting. I have taken the bottles out, put only one in, etc. It made no difference but I’ll look at that as it’s easy. But, you say grease the bolts vs tighten them?
Good points! The headset was also replaced about a year ago so maybe but I doubt it. I’ll still look at it but think you’re on to something regarding the grease and saddle. I just don’t know where to start with the saddle.
Everywhere. Pull it out of the frame and grease / carbon paste it. Take the saddle off and grease the clamp and bolts. Don’t forget the seatpost clamp assembly. If the saddle is your original saddle from a 2017 bike, go ahead and swap it out. Saddles don’t have an infinite lifespan and 7 years is a long run.
In addition to the saddle ideas above, check where the saddle rails meet the upper part. Some of mine start creaking there after a while. A lubricating spray helps for a bit, but in the end, I just swapped the saddle.
I had to look up what those are! They were just taken removed and put back on when they installed ceramic ball bearings. I don’t know how to check them but will.
That may be part of it. I constantly forget that things need to be checked and maintained. Alas, I miss running when all I had to do was make sure I had shoes on.
I literally showed this to my wife because I agree, I “need” a new bike. But, with kids entering college it may never happen. So, thank you for bringing that up
This is another good idea. I once had a cleat fall off on a ride because I never checked them. That was years ago…the last time I checked. Okay, not really, but I’ll double check them today.
UPDATE: So, I lightly tightened the bolts on the under the seat, the ones on the seat post/tube(?), and the water bottle cages. I should have been more science about it and done one at a time to rule things out but I needed to get on the bike. Anyway, IT KIND OF WORKED! Almost no squeaking but there was a little. One of those adjustments did it. I may tighten a bit more. Next time I do maintenance I’ll still try some of the suggestions you all made.
Don’t just tighten the bolts / clamps. Add some grease to them…based on what you just posted, my guess is that the added grease (or carbon paste) will solve the issue.
This I will do. It is the original. It LOOKS like its in good shape but maybe not. Honestly, I NEVER thought about replacing the saddle. Hmmmm saddle or new kit?
I’ve had squeaking, creaking, and even popping from seat posts. Some fiber grip and all’s well. I’ve never had a saddle do that, and only one pedal set make noise, but they were Speedplays. If you are lucky, you might be able to hold the bike and pull the saddle to one side or the other and make it squeak/creak. You can also do the same thing with the crank arms, pull and push them looking for any lateral movement. Pedals are harder to diagnose, just put some silicone spray on the pedals and see if it goes away, after you’ve tried the above.
I did have a lose headset that I swore sounded like a crankset/BB issue before I found it. The frame apparently played the harmonics weirdly down the down tube. That was a surprise.
But not squeaking/creaking when standing seems to indicate seat post more likely.
One local rider had a creaking/squeaking sound he couldn’t get to stop, took it to the local bike shop, and they found out it was a non-drive side cracked chain stay! Ouch…
