Creaking spokes on new bike

[otolith]

So, I've done almost 90 miles on my new Defy 1 since I picked it up the other week. I took it out today and noticed that it was making an annoying creaking noise. I couldn't work out what it was, so I turned round and came home. After a bit of fannying around, I've determined that it's the spokes on the rear wheel. So, I need to take it back to the shop and get it re-tensioned. Might be worth getting them to tweak the gears too, while they've got it. They're noticeably less slick than when I first got it, which they told me to expect, but I was going to leave that service a bit longer.

Anyway, creaking spokes - the mrs really wants to cycle in to work tomorrow on her new bike, and I would normally go in with her and then cycle back home (I work from home). It's about a 16 mile round trip. Would it be a really bad idea to ride it that distance?

[Magic919]

It'll be bad if you snap a spoke. Up to you.

[otolith]

Is that likely?

[Magic919]

It is possible, yes. If you are not fat and take it gently you might be fine.

Have you tried pinging the spokes? If none sound overly loose you should be ok.

[otolith]

None of them feel loose, they're just not as twangy as the other bike - lower pitched, less clean sounding.

[Magic919]

Ok. Just go easy then :-). Get it looked at as soon as possible afterwards.

[richardxjr]

As luck would have it, I also have a std 90-ish mile old Defy 1 in the garage at the mo. Rear wheels spokes are duller twang and less even than the front.

These std PR2 wheels do have noticeable flex given just 80kg and a hill, it might be that that you are experiencing.

[otolith]

I chickened out and took the mountain bike

I'll drop the Defy in at the shop today and get them to take a look at it - I can replicate the problem by putting my weight on the seat and rolling the bike.

[thetrash]

My new Cubes back wheel has just done the same after about 50 miles, I am a fatty though!

[Rocksteadyeddie]

Is it definitely the spokes? Twangs and bangs are notoriously difficult to identify. Try oiling the nipples as that can help.

[otolith]

I think it's the spokes - it's a noise, once per wheel revolution. It doesn't do it if you turn the bike upside down and spin the wheel, but it does if you put some weight on the seat and roll the bike along. I tried oiling the nipples last night, but it made no difference. It's in the bike shop now, no doubt they will get to the bottom of it.

[London424]

Same thing happened with my Defy 1. Took it back for them to do the 6 week free service and told them about it. Seems like those rear wheels didn't have much QA when they left the factory.

Love the bike though!

[otolith]

Sounds as if it is to be expected. I am also loving the bike, though, and was very miserable about having to use the old mountain bike this morning!

[tigger1]

otolith said:

Sounds as if it is to be expected. I am also loving the bike, though, and was very miserable about having to use the old mountain bike this morning!

Glad you added this - as am looking to be a Defy 1 next month.

[richardxjr]

O/T, but the Giant silver defy/rapid mudguards are brilliant

(save for a small bit of paint wear on the inside, top, of the rear one - both bikes fitted with 'em have this issue)

[otolith]

Just got it back, spokes tightened and I am assured noise fixed!

[otolith]

Been out on it, all sorted. Glad I bought from the local bike shop and not online - thumbs up to Swindon Cycles Superstore.

[thetrash]

otolith said:

Been out on it, all sorted. Glad I bought from the local bike shop and not online - thumbs up to Swindon Cycles Superstore.

Did the same with mine, Cycles UK in Norwich are great.