My Townie 21 has started making an intermittent, random, metallic clack from the rear hub after 600 miles. It's like a small hammer sticking and releasing and hitting metal. This happens peddling or coasting or back peddling. It is getting quite loud and is noticeable to other riders who have commented on it. Sometimes instead of being random it is periodic for a while. But, sometimes I can go on my 5-mile daily ride and it is totally absent. I have noticed that the sound seems to occur a bit more in a right turn than a left. I clean and lubricate the chain and sprockets regularly. The bike shop mechanic told me it happened to his bike even when he changed hubs and I shouldn't worry about it. The mechanic didn't recommend tearing into the bearings. After so many silent miles, this doesn't seem normal at all. I have a short MP3 of the sound if that would assist a long distance diagnosis.
Rule out the rediculous first. Its not a gear cable tail hitting the spokes in certain gears is it? Or something else dangling somewhere it shouldn't? Loosening spokes can cause strange noises too.
Do you have a metal chain cover or spoke protector?
Yep, I and several other riders have checked anything that could interfere. No chain cover or spoke protector. I'm thinking turning might put more pressure on one bearing?
stodd wrote:
Rule out the rediculous first. Its not a gear cable tail hitting the spokes in certain gears is it? Or something else dangling somewhere it shouldn't? Loosening spokes can cause strange noises too.
Do you have a metal chain cover or spoke protector?
What sort of hub? A broken pawl spring can cause a pawl to bind up and makes an odd noise. Hope hubs suffer from that occassionally. Fortunetly you can pull the axle and freehub by hand to replace the spring if you're not a procrastinator.
I'm assuming you have a loose bearing rear hub? Sounds like you could have a cracked / ovalised bearing in your rear hub, just have a hub service shouldn't cost to much.
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