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Date: 14 May 1999
Time: 16:33:37
Remote Name: 38.26.2.236
Hi Everyone,
I hope that my advice for creaky b.b.'s helps. It can be one of many things that cause a newer or older bb to creak in a frame. The first culprit can a new bb that is not torqued to the right spec. If the bb works its way loose slightly it can start a creak. Other times lack of lubrication (grease, ti prep, etc) on the threads of the shell and cup of the b.b. leads to creaking. Heck, 2 years ago before the Pemi Valley Road race in Waterville, NH, I thought my bb was ticking and the frame and bb were less than 8 wks old. I took the bb apart, inspected it and reinstalled. It was perfect for a few more weeks and the tick came back. Rats... It turned out to be a dry front derailleur pivot. When I really cranked on the pedals and caused the bb too flex it in turn caused the cable under the b.b. to pull slightly on the front derailleur and make the noise. If you wash your bike weekly and use too much cleaner or water you run the risk of washing away any or all lubricant in the b.b. shell. I have noticed in all my years of working here at Merlin (7 years)that most creaks and pops that come from Merlins are those bikes that are overcleaned or never lubricated frequently. I also have noticed that the Shimano b.b.'s seemed to have a higher rate or "creakage" than Campy, but then there are more equipped Shimano bikes than Campy in the world too.
If anyone else would like to lend their advice that would help please do.
Lastly, some people will use teflon plumbers tape between the bb cups and the shell. I hear it works... I use lots of grease and a good torque wrench and seem to be fine.
Good riding everyone..
Matthew Bracken Merlin Sales Manager