Gravel bike purchase

[Help.Me.]

Maybe time for a new bike?🤣

[michaelbiker]

Sounds like saddle rails. This is quite common. I have had issues with Spez Power saddles doing this and a friend of mine has had issues on his saddle - can't remember the model. It was so loud, it sounded like he was farting constantly. Needless to say I spent a lot of time riding on the front.

You can often replicate the issue by manipulating the saddle up and down. I fixed the issue by pouring epoxy into the gaps where the saddle rails enter the shell. I had to do this twice to fully solve it. Been fine since. My friend tried grease and silicone spray into the same area but it only worked temporarily or he really has bad gas. Note: if you use lube in the rails, the epoxy trick is less likely to work.

[Super Sywurm]

Bike is now at the LBS for some carbon paste.

[Captain Underpants]

Just to muddy the water! I recommend the Trek Checkpoint SL6. 50mm of tyre clearance, ISO shock dampner, Wireless sram shifting and al the mounting point you could want. 

[Super Sywurm]

On 2/3/2026 at 12:31 PM, Super Sywurm said:

A question about the Revolt and the D-Fuse seat post, how do I stop the cracking noise?  I have been to Dr Google without any success.  Next stop at some stage will be my LBS.

It seems that the carbon paste did the trick.  I'll go for a lekker ride this weekend.

[Super Sywurm]

On 2/6/2026 at 12:29 PM, Super Sywurm said:

It seems that the carbon paste did the trick.  I'll go for a lekker ride this weekend.

The problem came back on my first proper ride.🙈

[BuffsVintageBikes]

So we determined it's not the seatpost then because they sorted that part out right?

Edited February 11 by BuffsVintageBikes

[Super Sywurm]

16 hours ago, BuffsVintageBikes said:

So we determined it's not the seatpost then because they sorted that part out right?

We are still at the seatpost. I will be swapping the D-fuse seat post with a round one.  It might be the one adaptor behind the seatpost that may be the culprit.  It adapts the D shaped post to fit into a round seat tube.

When I stand, the noise is gone, sitting is the problem.

 

 

 

 

[BuffsVintageBikes]

And you're 100% sure it's not the saddle rails moving in the saddle housing? Have you maybe tried a different saddle yet?

[Super Sywurm]

1 hour ago, BuffsVintageBikes said:

And you're 100% sure it's not the saddle rails moving in the saddle housing? Have you maybe tried a different saddle yet?

I am going to replace the seatpost with another saddle on.  We will see.

[W@nted]

Again, speaking from experience on creak hunting on my revolt. As a quick check, loosen and tighten the rear through axle. Check if this removes the noise. It helped me to narrow it down to the flip chip...

I tried: round seatpost, replaced BB, carbon paste on the seatpost and clamp. Noise still present.

In the end, I solved the creak by applying insulation tape on the contact surface between the frame and the flip chip. The creak is very sensitive to the torque applied to the through axle. 

Sitting vs standing, might just be the angle at which force is applied on the rear axle. Mine was also quiet when standing...

[Super Sywurm]

18 hours ago, W@nted said:

Again, speaking from experience on creak hunting on my revolt. As a quick check, loosen and tighten the rear through axle. Check if this removes the noise. It helped me to narrow it down to the flip chip...

I tried: round seatpost, replaced BB, carbon paste on the seatpost and clamp. Noise still present.

In the end, I solved the creak by applying insulation tape on the contact surface between the frame and the flip chip. The creak is very sensitive to the torque applied to the through axle. 

Sitting vs standing, might just be the angle at which force is applied on the rear axle. Mine was also quiet when standing...

I tried different seats and posts.  The round seatpost fixed the problem.

I put a round seatpost in and the noise went away.  As soon as I put the D-Fuse back, the noise was back.  I asume it is the D-Fuse post and the wedge thing at the back.

I still need to go for a proper ride.

[Super Sywurm]

18 hours ago, W@nted said:

Again, speaking from experience on creak hunting on my revolt. As a quick check, loosen and tighten the rear through axle. Check if this removes the noise. It helped me to narrow it down to the flip chip...

I tried: round seatpost, replaced BB, carbon paste on the seatpost and clamp. Noise still present.

In the end, I solved the creak by applying insulation tape on the contact surface between the frame and the flip chip. The creak is very sensitive to the torque applied to the through axle. 

Sitting vs standing, might just be the angle at which force is applied on the rear axle. Mine was also quiet when standing...

Oh, and I stripped my little flip chip bolt.🫣

[W@nted]

I really wish that they would just remove the whole flip chip idea. Go UDH and get it done with.

[betaboy]

Sometimes it is the seatpost area, overlooked is the actual clamping bolts on the seat rail. I’d completely take the post apart, spay some Motul Ezee, leave it over night. Reassemble and use some decent waterproof grease. Go and ride and see if the ghost creek surfaces again. Hope you get sorted.✅

[Super Sywurm]

I have contacted Dragon Sports regarding a warranty claim on the seatpost.  Thus far, via email,  they are willing to assist.  Will see when the actual warranty is logged.