My bike makes a creaky/squeaky noise. How can I rectify this?

Generally, noise while riding can have many causes. Because of the big tube diameters it can be difficult to locate its source. We suggest the following procedure in order to locate the reason for the noise:

- Ride out-of-saddle in a difficult gear. If the noise is gone now, the cause is located in the area of seat clamp / seat post. In this case please check the bolt joints in this area and lubricate the clamp joints if necessary.

- If the noise gets louder, the cause is probably located in the drivetrain or in the handlebar/stem/headset area. Position yourself above the upper tube and bend the handlebar downwards strongly in both directions. If you do this on your MTB, you should lock the suspension fork first. Alternatively, stand next to the bike and push from the side against the stearing tube with your knee. If now you hear the noise, the cause is probably located in the headset or in the handlebar/stem/head tube-clamping area. Dismount the respective components, check for possible damage, clean and lubricate this area. Please do not lubricate carbon components, see also hints for the handling of carbon parts, and put everything together again. Please observe the correct torque indications.

- If the cause is located in the bottom bracket/drivetrain area, check the bolt joints of the chainrings, crank arms and pedals; if you are using platform-pedals pay attention to the joints of pedal body and pedal cage.

- A common cause for creaking noises is the bottom bracket body. This should be cleaned and lubricated regularly, but a creaking bottom bracket is not necessarily defective. We recommend having the necessary tools for mounting and dismounting available at hand. Information and tips for dismounting/mounting can be obtained by phone at +49-2225-8888-222.

- For fully suspended bikes, the bearings, especially the so-called „Horst Link", the joint in the chain stay, can be a further potential source for creaking noises. The bearings, like every movable part, are subject to a certain wear and point out at themselves in case of damage by too much play in the links as well as by creaking noise. They can easily be exchanged. For new bikes (however unusual) a loosened bearing can be the cause for creaking noise.