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I'm not too familiar with the correct terminology for bike parts so please bear with me.
I recently bought a mountain bike and have started to notice a loud creaking sound coming from the pedal/bracket area. I have noticed that it makes noise when I put more pressure on the pedals from accelerating from a standstill. I also hear the noise when I am riding while standing up.
Any tips, suggestions, or knowledge on the matter would be greatly appreciated.
Assuming nothing is wrong with your frame, your bottom bracket probably needs to be properly greased up and re-tightened to the right torque specification.
Frankly, unless you're interested in rolling up your sleeves, buckling down and familiarizing yourself with bicycle mechanics and purchasing all the necessary tools, just take it to your local bicycle shop and have them tighten things up for you.
First thing to do:! Take your pedals off and put a new pair on. Make sure it's still creaking. I've been sure multiple times that something was wrong with my BB, switched the pedals, and the noise stopped.
If you do this and still get the noise, take apart the BB and re-grease. If it's loose bearing, inspect the races, clean, and regrease. If it's a sealed bearing BB, grease the non-drive-side cup outside and in. Make sure that the drive-side cup is flush with the frame.
