Bike Maintenance question - Powacycle Windsor

[nin26]

I'm hoping someone can help me with this one (and that it's not too serious!)

For the last couple of days, I've heard (and felt) a clacking noise when I'm pedalling - different to chain noise, more like it is coming from the crank. It is loudest and most noticible when I'm pedalling hard or when I stand on one pedal to dismount (I can't reach the ground from the saddle). There's a slight give as I stand on the pedal too.

Does something need tightening? Or have I worn something out already?! I've done about 700 miles on it.

Thank you for all your help!

Nin

 

[flecc]

It's almost certain that the crank is loose on it's tapered square on the pedal shaft. It's not unusual for this to happen as a new bike runs in.

Have a look at the first two photos on this link, ignore the text and you'll see the nut that needs tightening arrowed on the right hand photo. If you don't have a socket that fits, a dealer can tighten it for you easily in seconds.

Don't carry on riding like that for long as the crank could fall right off.
.

 

[nin26]

Thanks! I got my better half to have a look, but he was fighting with a dodgy socket wrench and couldn't tighten it any more than it already was. It certainly doesn't feel as if the cranks are going to fall off just yet - so I'll run it into the bike shop within the next couple of days and see if they can get it any tighter.

 

[WiltshirePete]

Hi Nin,

Did you have any luck solving the clacking noise?

My Salisbury suffers from the same problem and I have checked the crank nuts, both are tight. As soon as you free wheel the sound stops.

I think it's more annoying than threatening.

Pete.

 

[robert44]

It's worth checking your pedals, especially if the problem occurs once per pedal revolution.
Does a pedal bearing feel rough when you rotate the pedal by hand?
I experienced a similar clunking sound/feel which was cured when I oiled the offending pedal bearing.

This web address Creaks, Clicks & Clunks is worth a visit.