Why do my spokes creak?

[lazlo]

My rear wheel makes creaking noises only when the weather is warm, or when I 've ridden several miles. I'm guessing my spokes are flexing a bit and rubbing on each other. Is this something I should be concerned about, or is it just annoying?

[Jeff Wills]

Originally Posted by lazlo

My rear wheel makes creaking noises only when the weather is warm, or when I 've ridden several miles. I'm guessing my spokes are flexing a bit and rubbing on each other. Is this something I should be concerned about, or is it just annoying?

If the spokes are truly creaking, then you should be very concerned. Loose spokes allow the bends of the spokes to flex, which fatigues the metal, which will cause them to break.

Sometimes, though, creaks can travel through the bike. What happens in one part of the bike can *sound* like it comes from another part of the bike.

You should have the wheel ( and the rest of the bike) checked by a good mechanic. At very least, you should have the wheel trued and tensioned by someone who knows bike wheels.

Jeff

[nuovorecord]

It could be the spoke nipples and rim eyelets rubbing together. Mavic Open Pro rims are notorious for this. One thing you could try is cleaning out the eyelets and putting a shot of lube in each eyelet to see if that quiets things down for you.