"I'm having the same problem: a creaking sound that seems to be related to the rotation of the crank. Sometimes it sounds like a wet sneaker squishing and sometimes it sounds like a little mouse: ""eeek"".

I think this can be caused by various things and is hard to diagnose. One person suggested it could come from the free wheels in the back of the bike, and that the sound is transmitted down the frame and so it seems to come from the front. How old is your bike? Mine is about 1500 miles old and my bike shop said it's unlikely that the bottom bracket is worn. This one will probably be hard to track down, but please keep us posted if you find the solution. My advice would be to find a good bike shop and ask them and expect to pay some money for the repair. Two bike shops I can recommend: Sid's at 34th and 2nd and Bicycle Habitat on Lafeyette south of Houston. There was another thread recently on high quality bike shops in the City. Good luck!
PS I tend to doubt that this will require a complete overhaul. I'd be suspicious of that suggestion."

Some bikes are more prone to this than others. I've noticed that many Cannondales have noisy bottom brackets. I've heard many people say that they tried having it worked on to no avail. They just live with it. I don't like that way, since their noise disturbs me.

If the left and right sides of the bottom bracket are not milled parallel it can cause a bad fit with the bottom bracket cups and a squeek could result.

It could also be the crank bolts are loose. This can destroy the crank arms if you keep riding with the squeek.

It could also be that the pedal is not screwed into the crank properly or there is something wrong with the pedal bearings or your cleat might have some gravel or sand embedded in it.

Clean the cleats and pedals. If you know how, and have the right tools, tighten the crank arm bolts and make sure the pedals are screwed in properly.

Check the bottom bracket axel for sideplay/binding, (slip the chain off the chain rings). There should be no or minimal sideplay and the axel should spin freely.

Check to see if the fixed cup, (right), is seated against the bottom bracket shell and that the lockring on the left cup is tight.

If everything checks out and it still squeeks, you may have to have a good shop look at it. They may have to take apart the bottom bracket assembly and reface the bottom bracket shell. I'd only have a good shop do this since it can't be un-done and if it's not done right you might need a new frame.

"Squeaks can often be hard to isolate. If the squeak/pop occurs in synch with each pedal revolution, it probably involves either the pedals, cranks, or bottom bracket.

First, grab each crank arm and push them sideways to see if there is any play. Second, lift the chain off the front rings, and turn the cranks. They should turn smoothly and quietly. If not, the problem is in the BB. Finally, make sure the squeak isn't coming from your shoes or cleats.

Sometimes the cause of noises / squeaks can be far removed from the apparent source. They could be related to the chain, cassette, or even the saddle rails. A liitle grease can do wonders once you find the source!

How old is the bike. How many miles on the chain?

""Chainwheel"""

Try to isolate the squeak one step at a time. It could in fact be the bottom bracket or crank bolts, but I would start by checking the chainring bolts, which I've found usually work themselves slightly loose over the first 1000 miles on a new bike.

I'd tighten the chainring bolts (5mm allen) and ride around. Then I'd tighten the crank bolts (6mm allen or 8mm allen).

If the noise still appears, then I'd have a look at the bb. Of course, if it's a cartridge type, no chance to clean or overhaul. Just replace. But that seems unlikely, given the low miles.

Cheers,
- Christian