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I recently got my single speed frame and forks powder coated and at the same time had a number of parts replaced - bottom bracket, chain ring, chain and freewheel cassette. Really please with everything I took it for a ride and almost immediately heard a rat a tat noise coming from the bottom bracket. Can be felt through the pedals and saddle. The noise came and went so I returned it to the bike shop who checked and regreased everything. They put their pedals on and stated the noise disappeared. I've taken it out again and happily found the noise had gone until 3 miles in when I freewheeled for a bit and when I started pedalling the noise was back with a vengeance. The volume varies and comes and goes but only ever appears after I stop pedalling for a bit and restart. I'm convinced it is not my pedals as never been an issue and the noise just doesn't fit.

Any ideas before I go back to the shop to protest?

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  • Yes try another set of pedals.
    – paparazzo
    Commented Jul 27, 2014 at 20:44
  • Yeah, might as well try different pedals. I've definitely had trouble with pedals going bad roughly the way you describe. Beyond that I'd check the chainline and make sure it's not the chain trying to crawl off the sprocket.
    – Daniel R Hicks
    Commented Jul 27, 2014 at 21:10
  • Does it persist when you coast? Is it perfectly in rhythm with your pedaling, or does it happen at different points in the rotation? Does it only happen when you're pedaling under load, or can you get it to happen when you're spinning with little pressure and most of your weight in the saddle?
    – stranger
    Commented Jul 28, 2014 at 16:21

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I think it's the single speed freewheel.

I've just been through almost exactly the same thing with a brand new Cross Check SS. From day one I had a fast, regular clicking when pedalling, about 4-5 noises per pedal revolution. I could sometimes get it to calm down by pedalling backwards a bit. I was convinced it was the bottom bracket too, until I got the whole crank section rebuilt and it didn't help.

Eventually found some forum posts that described a problem with some SS freewheels, e.g.:

My bike came with a 17 tooth Shimano freewheel. I got a White Industries freewheel instead and it's been a dream (although the normal ratchet noise when freewheeling is louder now).

Could you try a fixed cog or another rear wheel to eliminate the freewheel?

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