Symptoms
- Regular click once per pedal rotation
- Noise changes or disappears when standing versus sitting
- Click seems to come from one side of the bike more than the other
- Noise is worse under harder pedaling effort
Likely causes
- CommonLoose pedal or worn pedal bearingsA pedal working loose in the crank arm threads clicks with each rotation.
- CommonWorn or dry chainA dry or worn chain can click as it passes over the chainring or cassette.
- PossibleLoose crank arm or bottom bracketPlay in these components creates a clicking or knocking sound under load.
- PossibleLoose seat post, saddle rails, or bottle cage boltSmall loose parts anywhere on the bike can create rhythmic noise while riding.
What to do
- Check each pedal for looseness by trying to wiggle it side to side and front to back at the crank arm.
- Tighten pedals to the correct torque with a pedal wrench if loose, applying anti-seize or grease to the threads.
- Clean and lubricate the chain if it looks dry or dirty.
- Check crank arm bolts are torqued to specification, since these can loosen over time.
- Check the bottom bracket for play by grabbing the crank arm and trying to rock it side to side with the chain off.
- Inspect the seat post, saddle bolts, and any accessory mounts like bottle cages or racks for looseness.
- If the click persists after these checks, a bike shop can isolate it using process of elimination, since bike clicks can be notoriously hard to trace.
Tools and parts
- Pedal wrench
- Allen key set
- Chain lubricant
When to call a pro
A bike shop technician can often isolate a persistent click faster with experience, since many bike parts can be the source.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.