I just picked up a new Redline 925 yesterday and took it out for a breakin ride last night and then rode in to work this morning. I am getting a couple odd noises. It's a sibgle speed and it's setup freewheel.

First, when I am pedling I get this knocking noise. It's kind of intermittent but is there probably 75% of the time. When i stop peddling the noise stops.

The second is just a general rubbing noise that seems to be coming from the rear hub. I've also noticed that when just walking the bike the rear hub seems to engage a little and the pedals will rotate.

If anyone has thoughts on these I would love to hear some advice. I'll probably swing by the shop tonight after work and have them take a look.

Good choice. I like the look of the 925.

Just for reference - this is the noise a new singlespeed should make - or even an old one that's properly set and maintained. Ready? Here goes, ................................................................... That's it. The wind in your hair should be the loudest thing.

Stock bikes, assembled with air-driven tools on an Asian production line at high speed, are normally very good, but will lack the finesse of hand-assembly. It's the careful detail in putting a bike together that results in a sweet ride. I'd suggest a total strip and careful re-assembly of any new stock bike, just to be sure that everything is properly lubed, torqued, adjusted and seated. This is a doddle with a singlespeed, and shouldn't take more than an hour. This way the bike will run silent and smooth, just like an expensive one-off custom build, and you'll have the peace of mind that it's all set correctly and running with maximum efficiency.

---

"Gears are like eyes or testicles. Having more than one is an unnecessary luxury." Elvis A. Presley

Good choice - I love my 925

As the op said, there should be no noise. Many bike shops don't have the time to go through the bike before they sell it so you're reliant on the factory people on the build.

I'd recommend a tear down, lube and reassembly of the crank at the very least

This thread needs pictures.....

That seems to be the consensus.  I think I'll take it over to the shop I use regularly and have them give it a good once over.  It is probably the most beautiful bike i've ever owned.  Haven't had time to snap a photo of mine but here's the stock photo.

 

The 925 is a great bike - and a perfect example of the concept that a well thought out, high quality, distinctive and good looking machine need not be expensive. However, that's not how the bike industry normally operates. They want you to buy complex bikes, packed with the latest gizmos, that will be horribly out of fashion (or worn to the point of uselessness) within a couple of seasons. It's not in the industry's interest to market singlespeeds heavily, as simple and reliable bikes that last for many years, and are timelessly elegant, do little to fuel the senseless consumerism that the cycle industry (and consumer commerce in general) now depends upon for survival.

That was a party political broadcst on behalf of the Singlespeed party.

---

"Gears are like eyes or testicles. Having more than one is an unnecessary luxury." Elvis A. Presley

devoid_punk:

I'd suggest a total strip and careful re-assembly of any new stock bike, just to be sure that everything is properly lubed, torqued, adjusted and seated.

Mine is also making some funky noises. I'm going to do a strip down and rebuild this weekend. The fun part, is that I've never totally stripped a bike down before. The cassette and crankshaft has me the most worried. I assume the process is the same as doing a conversion (i.e. this). That said, can anyone direct me toward any (other) good sites that can illuminate the process for me? Thanks in advance. 

 

the bottom bracket area of a bike contains the highest number of specialist tools and arsey-versey threads on a bike... go careful!

Park tools website has lots of good info - I like the bikemap

 

HTH

---

She who succeeds in gaining the mastery of the bicycle will gain the mastery of life.
– Frances E. Willard, How I Learned To Ride The Bicycle, 1895


The follower of singlespeeding
is at one with his bike.

adamx:

I like the bikemap

Ok, that is really neat. Thanks for the link. 

 

sedition:

Mine is also making some funky noises. I'm going to do a strip down and rebuild this weekend. The fun part, is that I've never totally stripped a bike down before. The cassette and crankshaft has me the most worried. I assume the process is the same as doing a conversion (i.e. this). That said, can anyone direct me toward any (other) good sites that can illuminate the process for me? Thanks in advance. 

 

---

"Gears are like eyes or testicles. Having more than one is an unnecessary luxury." Elvis A. Presley

While you're about it check the chainline. Stock bike often have imperfect chainline.

Stripping a bike is like undressing a woman - and almost as satisfying. Think of the bottom bracket and other tricky bits as the underwear. Take the advice of others first, and don't rush. Use only the correct tools and techniques. Then you won't cause damage or get into a sticky mess.

Have a look at the photo of Victoria pendleton in the Track Cycling thread for inspiration.

---

"Gears are like eyes or testicles. Having more than one is an unnecessary luxury." Elvis A. Presley