Why Is It Still Grinding?
Sometimes a clean bike still sounds awful. The chain may be spotless, but if the cassette, jockey wheels, or chainring are gunked up—or slightly worn—noise persists.
Checklist to Silence the Grind (25 Min)
- Inspect cassette – buildup in the valleys? Clean with brush & degreaser.
- Check chainring bolts – loose bolts cause vibration noise.
- Rear derailleur pulley wheels – spin them. If gritty or squeaky, clean & lube.
- Bottom bracket play – if crank arms move sideways, you may have internal wear.
When It’s Not the Chain
This kind of noise is often confused with clicking while pedaling or chain skipping. Be sure to isolate the grind from the click.
Grinding noises can also mask gear tuning problems or even subtle brake rub.
Want Smooth, Silent Rides?
Bookmark our Bicycle Maintenance category and silence every squeak, skip, or grind—before it ruins your ride.