Crunching sensation

Marwood Hill

Esteemed Pedelecer
Mar 28, 2016
345
155
North Devon
I seem to notice this on all my bikes. A crunching sensation through the pedals. Coming from the crank, chain or gears. Is this normal?
 

Gadfly

Pedelecer
Mar 30, 2018
53
33
Lincolnshire
I have this phomenon on my Cube Touring EXC with Bosch Performance CX. I put it down to the small front sprocket, which in my case is 16T. Keep the chain well lubed and it almost disapperas. However I find it no problem and put it down to a characteristic.
 
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Not bearings. They are all new bikes. It must be caused by the chain slack being taken up as each cog enters a link.
There isn't slack - it's under tension. Depending where you are you could have dirt or wear. Recently I bought a new bike in North Holland and I had a crunchy feeling within a few days. That area is exposed to wind and has very sandy soil. It was better after a lube. Most likely in your case it's a worn chain or dirty chain. Check for wear with a chain tool. Lube and wipe of excess with a rag.
 
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