A Mysterious Click!

Scott Napier has what some of us get from our bikes from time to time; a mysterious click! He thinks it’s coming from around the chain set area, this is where most of us think our bikes have click, but it is usually from some where completely different

Question:

I have a click. It sounds like it’s coming from my bottom bracket (but I know not to trust that). I run a Campy square taper and checked the bolts with a torque wrench. I checked the chain for a stiff link, checked the derailleur gears, checked the lock-ring on the cassette. Nothing. It only seems to happen when I’m climbing or sprinting, and it’s driving me crazy! What else should I check?

Thanks, Scott.

Hi Scott.

Normally if you think there is a click coming from the bottom bracket it usually is coming from some where else. The main reason that you feel or hear a click from down there is because the frame flexes slightly and there will be movement some where, but you become convinced that it is coming from the chain set, gears or bottom bracket.

As it is happening when you are sprinting and climbing, which is when the frame is under the most pressure, I would say it will be coming from the head set. The frame flexes at the bottom bracket with the effort of your pedalling and this twists the frame at the head set. The best thing you can do is to strip down the head set making sure every thing is clean and grit free, then re-grease all the bearings and re-assemble the heats set checking that there is no movement or looseness.

The best way to check if it is the head set that is clicking because of the flexing of the frame is to hold the bike by the handle bars and saddle, then with the pedal at the bottom, put your foot on the pedal and push inwards. The frame will flex and you will hear the click, then turn the bike round and do the same from the other side and you will get the click again. This usually means it’s the head set that’s causing the mystery.

The other less obvious possibles are the saddle clamp, the front derailleur; if it is a clip on version. Check all the handle bar and stem bolts and put some grease on all of them plus the seat post where it fits into the frame, unless it’s a carbon frame then don’t.

Try the head set first Scott, from what you say that sounds like the cure for your problem.

TOP TIP: Mysterious clicks don’t always come from where you think!