Specialized Roubaix 2008 model

[139NI]

Just wanted to ask on behalf of a friend who rides a Spec. Roubaix 2008 full carbon model

She has noticed noises coming from either the (1) bottom bracket, (2) crank or (3) pedal.
She cannot determine the exact location and neither can i when i ride with her to observe.

The noise is of a low-pitch creaking/grinding sound, a bit like when you walk over floorboards at home. it isn't metallic.
The noises seem to become apparent when she pedals on inclines and some flat runs - never down hill.
She is 5ft 7 and slim build - so its probably not her weight.

She is concerned that it may be the bottom bracket cups working loose and causing irreparable damage to the carbon frame.

Just wondered if anyone has had a similar experience and how they got rid of the noises.

Thanks

w

 

[Fattman]

This is a great resource for sorting out strange & worrying noises.


Mrs Fattman has a Spec Roubaix too, it has made some strange noises in its time; knackered pedal bearings, and more weirdly there was a pedal-stroke-synchronised out-of-saddle groink that turned out to require a light film of grease on the front wheel mounting bits' faces. We could have sworn it was coming from the cranks!

IMHO, given the description of the noise it just sounds like the BB is on its way out - it is very unlikely to be problems with the cups, and I've had one go within 1000 miles (dodgy manufacture, prob.). That said it could be anything!

Good luck!

 

[Paulus]

The only real way to find out where the creak is coming from is to work systematically. Take the cranks off and the BB cups, remove the BB and clean all the threads and apply a little grease. Turn the BB with your hand and listen for any grinding/ creaking and make sure the BB turns freely, If it does not, replace, and then re-assemble. Take off the pedals and do the same to the threads. I had a similar problem earlier this year and it cured the problem. If the problem still exists then look for other causes, ie frame, wheel bearings etc. Good luck.

 

[Kestevan]

Mate of mine had a 2008 Roubaix which had a catostrophic failure of the BB. The carbon split and the threaded BB insert became unbonded. Basically the bottom bracket just spun round in the frame.

Specialized replaced the entire frame under warranty.

 

[139NI]

Mate of mine had a 2008 Roubaix which had a catostrophic failure of the BB. The carbon split and the threaded BB insert became unbonded. Basically the bottom bracket just spun round in the frame.

Specialized replaced the entire frame under warranty.

was there a time limit Specialized placed on replacing the frame?

 

[Kestevan]

TBH I haven't a clue. I know the bike was replaced fairly late last year, so it would have been at a guess 18 months old at the time.

I don't think he had any problems from specialized though, he seemed happy enough wth the service - in fact I think he ended up with a higher spec frame than he started with

 

[Howard]

Spesh does five year (alu/composite) or lifetime (steel) warranties for dodgy frame workmanship IIRC.

TBH I haven't a clue. I know the bike was replaced fairly late last year, so it would have been at a guess 18 months old at the time.

I don't think he had any problems from specialized though, he seemed happy enough wth the service - in fact I think he ended up with a higher spec frame than he started with

 

[139NI]

Just want to thank you for your contribution so far - i will convey your comments to my friend.

I will of course welcome anybody elses contributiions...


cheers

w

 

[Broadside]

I don't have a carbon frame but had a similar noise on inclines and thought it was the pedals or bottom bracket. Removing the seat, thoroughly cleaning and re-greasing cured it.

Turned out a few wet rides had thrown enough crud up and bits of grit had worked their way in to the seat tube. Noises travel around on a bike so you have to systematically try everything, it can take a great deal of patience.

 

[139NI]

I don't have a carbon frame but had a similar noise on inclines and thought it was the pedals or bottom bracket. Removing the seat, thoroughly cleaning and re-greasing cured it.

Turned out a few wet rides had thrown enough crud up and bits of grit had worked their way in to the seat tube. Noises travel around on a bike so you have to systematically try everything, it can take a great deal of patience.

Yes i had that myself, though it was very obvious at the time it was the seat post - yep it was dirt flick up from the rear. i liberally greased the post and there was no more.
Regarding Charlottes carbon frame in question, although i might put money on the BB/crank area, I will listen out on the seat post area -Thanks..

 

[ianrauk]

was there a time limit Specialized placed on replacing the frame?

Will, This from Specialized's website

Specialized warrants to the original owner for the lifetime of the original owner of each new Specialized bicycle or frameset that the bicycle frame or frameset when new is free of defective materials and workmanship. The lifetime Limited Warranty is conditioned upon the bicycle being operated under normal conditions and use, and properly maintained. This Limited Warranty does not apply to paint/finish or components attached to the bicycle/frameset such as front forks, wheels, drive train, brakes, seat post, handlebar and stem, or any suspension related parts or components. Paint/finish, components attached to the bicycle/frameset such as front forks, wheels, drive train, brakes, seat post, handlebar and stem, or any suspension related parts or components are covered under the limited one (1) year warranty. This Limited Warranty is void if the bicycle or frameset was not purchased new or not properly assembled by an authorized Specialized dealer.