Clicking when pedaling on bike.

[mrich6347]

Hi guys! I have an issue where I am getting a cranking noise ONLY when I’m on the bike pedaling. Does not happen when I spin the wheel. It seems to be louder when the bike is under more load. For example, if I go from stationary to pedaling in the smallest cog. It sounds like it’s coming from the derailleur, cassette area. I will link pictures of that area. Thanks in advance!

Pics - https://imgur.com/a/mYBnnwj
Video of noise - https://streamable.com/pveskk

[CharleyFarley]

(05-28-2020, 09:31 PM)mrich6347 Wrote:  Hi guys! I have an issue where I am getting a cranking noise ONLY when I’m on the bike pedaling. Does not happen when I spin the wheel. It seems to be louder when the bike is under more load. For example, if I go from stationary to pedaling in the smallest cog. It sounds like it’s coming from the derailleur, cassette area. I will link pictures of that area. Thanks in advance!

Pics - https://imgur.com/a/mYBnnwj
Video of noise - https://streamable.com/pveskk

It sounds like a chain/cog problem, as though the derailleur isn't adjusted properly. Spinning the wheel so that the chain isn't moving, and the noise not being there, strongly suggests the problem is in the derailleur adjustment. Was it working okay and then the noise just suddenly started? Did you install a new derailleur? Did you put a new chain on, and it's not the right one for the cogs? (i.e. a 10 speed chain on a 7 speed cassette).

I take it that the noise only happens with the chain on the smallest cog. If so, then the high limit screw needs adjusting. But you really need to adjust the low limit screw, too, and index the derailleur.

Do you know how to adjust the derailleur, including indexing it on the intermediate cogs? Park Tool has a video to show you how to properly adjust a derailleur. You need to have the back wheel off the floor to adjust it. It's not a difficult job to do but if you never did one, before, it can be confusing. If you run into difficulties, a bike shop should be able to adjust it for you in just a few minutes.

[Joe_W]

Could be anything, really... in my experience it can be really difficult to pinpoint the source or even the area.

Apart from Charley's suggestions (do that first), check the pedals for play and the bottom bracket. Noise getting worse under load is typical for these. Heck, I've got a saddle that would fit your description (Fi:zik saddles are or at least were notorious for that).

Edit: check the older threads for more troubleshooting suggestions, e.g. by painkiller or Nigel Misso.