If your bike clicks, creaks, squeaks or grinds, it’s trying to tell you something. Most serious bike problems don’t arrive suddenly — they build up quietly over time.

That faint ticking when you pedal. The soft rub when you brake. The creak when you climb a hill. These are early warning signs. Ignore them, and small fixes can turn into bigger, more expensive repairs.

Here’s what those noises usually mean — and why catching them early saves you time, money and stress.

A rhythmic click when you pedal is often linked to the drivetrain.

Common causes include:

• A dry or worn chain

• Loose chainring bolts

• Pedals that need tightening or lubrication

Left alone, a worn chain can quickly damage your cassette and chainrings, turning a simple replacement into a full drivetrain overhaul.

The fix is usually quick when caught early. Regular cleaning and lubrication go a long way.

Creaking noises under load often come from areas where parts meet and move slightly.

Typical culprits are:

• The bottom bracket

• The headset

• Seat post or saddle rails

Moisture, dirt and normal wear can cause these parts to dry out or loosen.

While creaks aren’t always dangerous, they’re rarely something to ignore. They usually signal parts that need tightening, cleaning or replacing before further damage sets in.

If you hear rubbing when the wheels spin, it’s usually one of three things:

• Brake pads out of alignment

• A wheel that’s slightly out of true

• A bent mudguard or loose accessory

This kind of issue can slow you down, wear components faster, and in some cases affect braking performance.

Again, quick adjustments can prevent longer-term problems.

Grinding or rough sensations when pedalling or steering often mean bearings are wearing out.

Bearings sit in:

• Wheel hubs

• Headsets

• Bottom brackets

They’re designed to spin smoothly. Once dirt and water get in, they degrade quickly.

Catching bearing wear early usually means cleaning or replacing individual parts. Leave it too long, and it can damage the surrounding components — increasing repair costs significantly.

City cycling is tough on bikes.

Potholes, rain, grit, stop-start traffic and heavy braking all speed up wear. Commuter bikes often rack up more miles in bad conditions than weekend bikes do in months.

That’s why everyday riders tend to notice these noises first — and why regular checks matter so much.

Most of the issues above start small.

A loose bolt.
A dry chain.
A slightly worn bearing.

When spotted early during a routine service, they’re quick and affordable to fix.

When ignored, they lead to worn drivetrains, damaged frames, and safety risks.

Regular servicing isn’t about perfection. It’s about prevention.

At Fettle, we see noisy bikes every day — and most of the time, the fix is simpler than riders expect.

Our technicians take the time to track down issues properly, explain what’s happening, and only recommend what your bike actually needs.

Whether it’s a quick adjustment or a full service, the goal is always the same: a bike that feels smooth, safe and ready to ride.

Pop into your local Fettle workshop or book online today.