[Bike Noise](https://soundcloud.com/andreas-kallipolitis/bike-clicking?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing)
SOLVED: It was the freewheel, I replaced it and the sound is gone.
I have a Fuji Feather for a year now. Soon after purchase, this sound came up. Before I figured out whats wrong, cold weather starts and the sound disappears. Now that winter is gone, I clean the chain and rear sprocket, and lubricate. Good as new, I thought. The sound comes up again. It comes and goes randomly, only when I pedal.
I already ruled out the pedals/crank/bottom bracket. It sounds like it comes from the rear and probably something to do with the chain itself or the freewheel sprocket.
I’m so confused, I’d appreciate a nudge towards the right direction!
by Petsaki
6 Comments
Check if all your chainring bolts are tight.
Could be pawls on free wheel? Is it only when free wheeling, or does it do it under load as well?
Is the sound always at the same tempo, no matter how fast you are going? If it happens only when pedalling, and you’re sure it isn’t cranks/bb then the only other moving parts due to pedalling are the chain and the freewheel. So either your chain is hitting on something, the freewheel needs to be replaced or you need to take it to a mechanic who can put it in the stand and identify the sound.
If you can get it in a stand yourself, or just flip it upside down and pedal the bike, you should be able to identify where the noise is coming from by changing the cadence of the cranks and just getting in close. Once you know pretty much where the sound is coming from, you’ll be able to have a better chance of fixing it.
No idea if this is applicable but I had a BMX bike that sounded like that. Turns out the cassette gear was really close to the hub so the chain would often rub the hub near the spokes. I solved it by getting a slightly less burly chain (one where the chain pins didn’t stick out so far).
Is your chain super tight?
I’m having the same noise with my bike under load.
Did you ever figure it out? My LBS thinks it’s likely the free wheel.