Knocking Noise When Pedaling Exercise Bike

You can’t deny that exercise bikes are the perfect way to remain in tiptop health and remain fit while being indoors. However, after a while, you may notice a knocking or clicking noise when pedaling exercise bike. While the noise shouldn’t stop you from getting in your daily cardio, it can be annoying.

Fortunately, this issue is a breeze to fix in less than an hour. Once you grab a set of Allen wrenches and tighten a few nuts and bolts, you’re good to go.

In this guide, we’ll explore what causes the knocking noise when cycling and an easy step-by-step process on how to resolve the issue the right way. Read on!

What Causes a Knocking Noise When Pedaling Exercise Bike?

Although you may think that the knocking noise when cycling is normal, that couldn’t be further from the truth. It indicates a problem that needs fixing. Contrarily, the clicking sound of a bike pedal can be annoying and puts a damper on an otherwise amazing workout session. The noise may stem from a loose belt or chain slipping on the sprockets, loose bolts in the rear wheel hub, or uneven tire wear.

Diagnosing bike noises can be an uphill battle because they can be cumbersome to handle without investing in a pricey toolkit. Nevertheless, there’s no need to rope in a professional. With a few items lying around your home, you can effectively resolve the issue.

How Do You Get Rid of the Knocking Sound On an Exercise Bike?

The noise typically implies an issue with your chaining or crank arm as it’s the bike’s main component that links the wheel to the pedals. The bike squeaking can happen and click as you’re cycling.

Although the noise stems from the left pedal, it only occurs with the right foot. The opposite may also happen whereby the noise originates from the right pedal but happens with the left foot.

The good news is that fixing these components is a walk in the park. However, it will require fundamental knowledge and tools. We’ve categorized the various knocking sounds and the viable solution to each for easier understanding.

1. Peloton Noise

A few reasons cause this clicking sound. For instance, the interaction between the cleats and the pedals. When the bolts are loose, they trigger a noise when connected to the pedals. The pedal cleat emits a sound due to its overly low tension or when the bolts in the crank arm and pedals are loose.

Besides the crank arm becoming loose and emitting noise, the transport wheels and stabilizers of Peloton bikes can generate a clunking sound when cycling.

If the issue results from loose bolts and nuts, frequent maintenance is necessary. It entails checking each bolt and nut every 6 to 8 weeks and tightening each joint. Additionally, confirm that the cleats and cycling pedals are well-connected.

Furthermore, you might notice short pedal tension that causes a knocking sound. Therefore, the solution is to tighten the pedal joints and cleats to eliminate the noise.

2. Bottom Bracket Noise

Typically, a knocking sound coming from your bike’s bottom bracket is a common issue. If ignored, it gets louder each time you pedal. The cause of this is an oversize crank arm. The bottom bracket begins making dry creaky noises when it spins due to the axle oscillation. Furthermore, it might result from the grease being washed off the bottom bracket contracting points.

If you’re certain that your bike has an issue with the bottom bracket, the solution is to silence it. To get started, oil the joints. Next, remove the crank and smooth the bearing. That should be all it takes to get rid of the knocking noise. In the meantime, add a small converter of 24mm to 30mm in the bracket to eliminate the sound.

Source: Shutterstock

3. Schwinn IC3 Knocking Sound

If you have an IC3 pedaling exercise bike and you begin noticing a clicking or knocking sound when you cycle vigorously, your first thought is that the inner parts have malfunctioned.

However, that’s not the case. Instead, the noise is likely due to the loose pedal straps. It’s a common issue that Schwinn IC3 owners experience after a while and is easily resolved by tightening the pedals and straps.

If there are other problems, we recommend reaching out to the manufacturer’s professional team and asking for their support. Don’t overly tighten the bike’s components, as you might damage it further.

4. Yosuda Knocking Sound

The affordable price point coupled with the straightforward set up of Yosuda bikes makes it a popular choice among many people. You may notice a knocking sound originating from the seat, pedals, and flywheel. Although the noise issues may not crop up concurrently, they can get in the way of your fitness journey if you neglect regular maintenance.

For starters, assess the condition of the chain and flywheel. The noise occurs if the flywheel isn’t in the ideal position and the screws become loose. Alter the wheel by tightening it.

Additionally, confirm whether or not the crank screws and pedal are loose or broken. If so, replace the broken creak and tighten the joints.

5. Magnetic Resistance Bike Making Knocking Noise

Although these types of bikes are quieter, a clicking or knocking sound from the left pedal may crop up. You may experience an issue of loose bolts and screws or poor resistance. As one of the pricier options on the market, bike repair on a magnetic exercise bike can be costly, so we recommend tightening all the components before roping in a professional.

The issue may stem from the pedals, which is why it’s worth confirming that they are screwed on properly. If the noise doesn’t go away, tighten up any loose bolts or screws you stumble upon.

As a last resort, check for debris buildup between the crank arm and flywheel. If so, a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment will come in handy in sucking out the accumulated dirt and debris.

FAQ

Let’s discuss the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the noise that stems from pedaling exercise bikes.

1. Why does your exercise make a tapping noise?

Loose pedals usually produce a ticking noise at the bottom of the pedal stroke. A worn-out bearing or pedal may cause noise.

2. Are all stationary bikes noisy?

No! An exercise bike is noisy due to poor or little maintenance, resulting in rattling or squeaking sounds when used. Depending on the resistance system, your bike may produce a sound when you ride it.

3. What causes the clunking of your stationary bike when you pedal?

A clunking noise at the base of your bike when pedaling stems from the bottom bracket. If a loose pedal doesn’t cause the issue, then it might be a loose bottom bracket to which the solution is to tighten it by removing the crank arms.

4. What should I do if my brand new bike is making noise?

If you’ve just purchased a new bike and it’s already making noises while peddling, the first thing you should do is check the warranty and call the manufacturer. New bikes may have a few squeaking noises when first using them, which could be solved by applying some lube to the peddles or brake pads. But if this continues, call the manufacturer right away.

Conclusion

If your fitness equipment is making bizarre sounds, it’s worth a diagnosis because the last thing you need is your bike suddenly giving out during your workout session. Now that you know the solution to the knocking noise when pedaling your upright exercise bike, you can maintain it properly to avoid future mishaps.