Specialized Secteur - bottom bracket noise...suggestions?

[BenthamBloke]

Hi, bought a Specialized Secteur 2010 (entry level model) 2 weeks back. Great looking bike, and seems to ride nice enough for me. I am new to road riding, so I may not know the difference anyway!

My problem is this; have clocked about 250miles over mixed and hilly roads and there really seems to be a fairly loud clicking or knocking noise now coming from the bottom bracket area when I am pushing reasonably hard (hills or flat and quick).

It is once per revolution and seems worse on the right pedal downstroke, and not good on the upstroke using my SPD's either.

The specs say the bottom bracket is a BB-7420, if that means anything to anyone?

Obviously I am going to take it back to the store (Evans Cycles, Kendal - who were helpful) in the next few days to see what they say/do. But I would like to have a few ideas/suggestions to go in forearmed.

I am aware noises transfer around the frame, I have a hybrid as well which I was convinced had a failed BB only to realise the knocking noise was from the seatpost - which was an easy fix. But I am convinced it is the BB, and can also feel the knocking through my shoes.

Additionally, I am a big bloke of 6'4" and well over 100kg, so I guess I need to push the pedals a bit harder up the hills round here. Could anyone suggest an "upgrade" BB to look at that won't repeat the problem? If that is the problem ...

Any comments are gratefully received, many thanks in advance!

 

[TheDoctor]

Could well be a loose bolt on the BB - there's a bolt at either end of the BB axle that holds the crank on. Riding with this loose will knacker the crank in fairly short order. Pop the cover off the cranks (in the middle, opposite end to the pedals!) and tighten the bolts up - could be an 8mm Allen key you need, or a 14 mm socket.
It would be unusual for the BB itself to have keeled over in 250 miles.

This link shows you how to remove and refit cranks - you're just after the refitting / tightening part.

Oh, and

 

[Norm]

Wot he sed. Also, are you sure it's the BB rather than, say, the pedals or the cleats?

If it is worse when you are putting pressure on them, then it is probably the BB but it might be worth checking.

 

[Millhouse]

Might sound silly but have you checked your saddle is tight, I've had loads of folk say in the past its BB issues . Its worth ruling out.

 

[jpembroke]

In my experience, in order of frequency:

1) Saddle
2) Pedals
3) Bottom bracket
4) Other stuff (loose cranks, chainrings etc)

Having said that, new external BBs are creeping up that list to the No.1 spot.

 

[youngoldbloke]

First .... check the pedals are tight.

 

[BenthamBloke]

Thanks very much for all your responses, and so quick! Am just back from work, so will have a go at all the suggestions shortly.

Will post an update later this evening.

Thanks once again

 

[BenthamBloke]

Right. The bottom bracket is definitely goosed!!

Upended the bike and both hands on pedals, significant movement on crank shaft when moved side to side. Can even feel knocking and hear it by just moving it with hands!

Will take the bike back to the shop and see what they say. Would anyone be able to suggest what brand/price of BB I should look at swapping it to?

Once again, many thanks for your helps.

 

[jpembroke]

Right. The bottom bracket is definitely goosed!!

Upended the bike and both hands on pedals, significant movement on crank shaft when moved side to side. Can even feel knocking and hear it by just moving it with hands!

Will take the bike back to the shop and see what they say. Would anyone be able to suggest what brand/price of BB I should look at swapping it to?

Once again, many thanks for your helps.

Shimano UN53. No question. Best BB ever made. And don't let them charge you for it.

 

[BenthamBloke]

Thanks boss. Will update in a few days with the outcome.

 

[BenthamBloke]

Update:

Took the bike back to Evanscycles, Kendal and they took it straight in to their technician, who had it fixed in 2 hours.

I didn't receive a thorough explanation ... but what they said was that the BB wasn't fitted properly, the freewheel mechanism in the rear wasn't fitted properly and there were loose spokes in the rear wheel. The technician seems to have refitted and adjusted all that needed doing.

I went for a 45mile ride yesterday and everything seems to be tight so far. A couple more rides will tell for sure.

If anything, the bike feels tighter and smoother now ... not sure if that's my imagination?

Anyway, many thanks to you guys suggestions!

 

[Damaged Hero]

I bought the same bike from Evans a couple of weeks back,Hope mine don't suffer the same problems.Evans will do a Free check over after 4 to 6 weeks anyways,so i will be booking it in just in case.

Enjoy your bike !!

 

[fossyant]

Shimano UN53. No question. Best BB ever made. And don't let them charge you for it.

Nope..BB 7410 103mm is the best you'll have a job finding one though.....(fitted to my best bike).


Glad the OP got it sorted, as it's new it will be a warranty job....

 

[bad boy]

Ive got a secteur elite just got it, out of interest after the free service which is normally 6 weeks after purchase what re-course do we have after that with regards to mechanical failures etc ?.

Is it a case of after the 6 weeks you get charged for any problems ?.

 

[fossyant]

12 months on parts, unless wear and tear. Frames 2 years or more.

Maintenance will cost you unless you know how to fix a bike - they aren't complex to work on...I'd start learning.

Warranty will be on parts failing, poor maintenance will affect this.