MTB saddle question

[WaynejG]

My Giant Anthem has developed a irritating creak when pedaling. I have so far ruled out my old knees 😅

If I stand and pedal, no creaking which rules out pivot joints and bearings (I think). Also if I stand on the pedals and bounce up and down no creaking. The minute I sit the noise starts.

I don't think the frame is cracked. So the question is can saddles develop creaks and noises? I am going to try and lend a saddle just to check my theory. Possibly something with the seat post?

[ChrisF]

18 minutes ago, WaynejG said:

My Giant Anthem has developed a irritating creak when pedaling. I have so far ruled out my old knees 😅

If I stand and pedal, no creaking which rules out pivot joints and bearings (I think). Also if I stand on the pedals and bounce up and down no creaking. The minute I sit the noise starts.

I don't think the frame is cracked. So the question is can saddles develop creaks and noises? I am going to try and lend a saddle just to check my theory. Possibly something with the seat post?

 

Step one .... take the seat post out, clean, slightest application of lube, refit.

 

Next would be to take the saddle mount mechanism appart, clean, slight lube, refit.

[RobertWhitehead]

Yes, the rails can creak

[WaynejG]

6 minutes ago, ChrisF said:

 

Step one .... take the seat post out, clean, slightest application of lube, refit.

 

Next would be to take the saddle mount mechanism appart, clean, slight lube, refit.

What lube would you advise?

[Barry]

6 minutes ago, WaynejG said:

What lube would you advise?

Assembly paste on the seat tube and normal multi purpose or copper grease on the bolts and fittings. 

Edited February 2 by Barry

[ChrisF]

49 minutes ago, WaynejG said:

What lube would you advise?

 

Normal aluminium bike, with metal seat tube I use grease.  I apply it, then wipe of until a very fine layer remains.

 

Carbon frame, or carbon seatpost, rather use a specific carbon lube.

[love2fly]

Don't rule out pivots if you're standing....can be a million things. I've had a BB cream that only manifested at the dead spot transition and not while standing.....I've chased creaks all over both my bikes. 

[Zebra]

3 hours ago, love2fly said:

Don't rule out pivots if you're standing....can be a million things. I've had a BB creak only manifested at the dead spot transition and not while standing.....I've chased creaks all over both my bikes. 

There. Fixed the creak, or rather, the cream.., 😉

[Murrob]

My process for eliminating creaks - start with seatpost, saddle rails into saddle and seatpost mount, headset, pedals, bb, and lastly through axels. Clean lube and reassemble with appropriate grease. 
 

Be careful with carbon assembly paste on a seatpost, I find it creates noise after a while, a good clean post with a bit of white ceramic grease in the frame area where seatpost goes in, careful to avoid actual clamping area works well. This tip came from a well know Campag guy. Works a treat. 

[michaelbiker]

Saddle rails definitely can creak. I have tried fixing my spez power saddle with some epoxy where the rails connect to the saddle. It was driving me crazy.

This worked for a few rides but it’s now returned. Try changing your saddle temporarily and see if the creak disappears. If it does, it’s the seat clamp or rails. A good clean should sort out the clamp but the rails I’ll get back to you on…

[ALLMTB]

Also don't rule out the connection between the saddle rails and the seat post. I recently had a creak as well where I thought it was the saddle rails but when I swapped seat posts the creak was gone. 

In your case take the saddle off, clean and lightly grease the saddle head bolts and where the rails make contact. It should help.