I just got a new bike and it is making slight clicking noises per spin on the back wheel. Very methodical, like a ticking clock. I haven't had time to inspect it yet, but I've ridden bikes in the past with the same slight clicking noise. Is this normal, and how should the wheels normally sound like? Super silent except for when the rubber meets the road?
When you're coasting, there is usually a ticking sound from the rear wheel's freewheel/cassette. but when you're pedaling, there shouldn't be clicking.
A big question is does the click you're hearing happen:
- just when pedaling, just when coasting, or anytime the wheel rotates?
- does it click once per revolution of the wheel, or the pedals, or at some other pace unrelated to the speed you're going?
- is it different when your standing/sitting, pedaling hard or lightly, etc.
It's actually the same sound as coasting, or just wheeling the bike around while walking. I hear it less as I start to move faster, and if I shift to a higher/harder gear, it softens considerably. My friend's bike does the same clicking sound, but only when coasting/walking with it. When riding, no clicking sound.
I had my first fall yesterday. YAY! The bike has been christened. I'm not sure but I think the bike pedals are looser now. Is there a way to make them more rigid and less spinny?