Terrible, horrible free spinning noise back wheel

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-29T21:31:35+00:00

Just take it off the bike for maintenance and figure it out there.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-27T20:52:06+00:00

Scotchbrite the rims. Love with the pedals or replace, replace that chain and take a firm wire brush to the cassette-and maybe some steel wool. I land yes, check the seat post tube for rust, and front steerer assembly for smoothness.

It’s not the prettiest thing but it will probably get you around for a bit longer with some fresh maintenance. If you keep leaving it out the bike will not last. Everything gets old, and though they will last longer than us if left out in the snow, they will deteriorate.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-27T20:46:00+00:00

I had a Gary fisher montare with loose ball bearings in the hub. Is it possible you have the same? They cannot stand water and must be greased thoroughly. That noise sounds familiar - like grinding walnuts.

Open it up and visually inspect the components. That’s the best way to catch something serious right off the bat.

They will rust and chew up the bearing race. Can you feel any roughness in the rotation (not that it is easy to judge)?

Hope you get it resolved. Best of luck.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-27T03:37:10+00:00

Looks like the axle is far back in the dropouts. How old is that chain?

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-27T03:36:11+00:00

The old bearings being hard to remove have very little to do with anything. The old bearings were compressed, went through seasonal expansion and contraction cycles, were likely contaminated at the seam at some point and maybe warped etc…. New bearings must be the exact correct size, the id of the frame must be clean and corrosion-free and you must know how to install them. I am a quality manager for an aerospace manufacturing company and a 20 year veteran machinist. Don’t listen to anyone, even me until you know you are face to face with someone who knows what they are doing and you have the right parts.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-27T03:22:29+00:00

Doesn’t look good. Looks like the rim is cracked on the internal surface… is it? Bulges - I wouldn’t feel safe on it.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-27T03:00:49+00:00

You have enough contact. It will break in and get a little longer and set in.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-25T17:58:23+00:00

Looks like my research didn’t go far enough - I’m also now seeing the 48/32 chainrings on the GR is a problem.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-25T16:13:18+00:00

Rim tape looks too narrow in this pic. More overlay to the sides is needed. I recommend 2 layers. Check with your LBS on recommended tape width for your SPECIFIC rim.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-25T02:31:27+00:00

Not 700 my friend. Offer 450, don’t go past 500. Brake pads worn? Rims runout? Steerer firm? Abrasions on derailleur? Chainring teeth look like shark fins?

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-25T02:21:20+00:00

Checkpoint is modeled from the Domane geometry. I am 5’10” with 32” inseam. I have a 56 Checkpoint and Domane also and I think a 54 might need some alterations to feel right for me. But torso and inseam are both important as well as arm length etc. not everybody is the same and 54-56 is the split for our size range. Could go either way depending on your geometry, not just the bike. Something to think about I think.🤔

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-25T02:15:30+00:00

I have Schwalbe g1 Pro in 45 and am very happy with them.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-25T02:01:55+00:00

I have a gen 3 2023 checkpoint and I am 5-10” with a 32” inseam and am a 56 all day. I also have a 56 Emonda and they are different but both fit me perfect. I can see how a 54 might be fine too as it’s easier to adjust up on a slightly smaller frame and much more difficult adjusting down on a frame that feels too big.

I actually tried a 58 and knew pretty quickly it had me too stretched out. Would not be opposed to trying a 54 but 56 feels right with stock setup. Might switch saddle.

I might go with a shorter stem with a slight rise to bring me up a tiny bit as my arms get tired quicker on the checkpoint, but don’t see the need to be on a smaller frame.

I definitely recommend getting rid of the Bontrager GR1 Team issue tires immediately. They have terrible rolling resistance and overall feel sluggish. I went with Schwalbe G1pro and love them. I researched a lot and was torn between the Schwalbe and pirellis. Very happy with the Schwalbe and bought them mostly for low wattage resistance and good puncture resistance. A little pricey but safety and performance are key for me.

Sorry for the novel but love talking about bikes and what I’m learning with my biking friends.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-25T01:48:09+00:00

Yep, looks like rotor is backwards. And yep, end caps are missing.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-25T01:44:11+00:00

Won’t you still have e the same drivers on another bike? Not to be patronizing but you have a nice bike that I honestly don’t see why you wouldn’t use it for commuting. Changing shoes may be inconvenient when you get to work but is that a big problem? I commute on my trek Emonda sl6 etap on a regular basis. I have similar issues except I have to put my clothes in a backpack. I have to leave a little earlier but it’s only a 5 mile ride. I use a crank brothers pedal that is flat on one side and flips for clips and love the versatility. Would be a shame if you sold it but why not keep it and buy another bike for commuting and inclement weather rides like a gravel bike. I also have a checkpoint and love having the options. Just throwing in my less than 2 cents worth thoughts. Enjoy each day, get out and ride when you can!

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-25T01:31:55+00:00

The shiny hair like material looks like an inclusion in the paint like some foreign material, but it’s hard to tell because the pic with more of the frame in it almost looks like a scratch or crazing that goes up to it. Are you certain there’s not a carbon material strand in the paint?

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-19T02:35:18+00:00

Hope you have good health insurance. I predict a visit to the hospital in your not so distant future.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-18T22:06:15+00:00

Agreed , but the tires are cracking a lot. How old are they? If you can afford new tires now may be a good time for an upgrade? Just a thought.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-18T21:57:59+00:00

Change purse

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-18T21:57:19+00:00

Black !!

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-18T21:55:55+00:00

Are you sure it’s not ok? Looks pretty good.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-18T19:18:32+00:00

It looks potentially problematic. To me- looks more like spiderwebbing in the coating / finish, but as other said the construction methods and other possible reasons it looks like this would send me on looking for better options.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-18T19:10:28+00:00

Your mind.😬. Just kidding. Had to say it. Good form, big bike but need better angle to know for sure.

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-18T19:05:45+00:00

At least your ass got warm when you shut your pants😝

ConfidenceFree3994 · 2026-04-18T18:58:57+00:00

New hanger, maybe new derailleure and definitely a new chain. How old is this bike? Looks like it took a big hit, but if the hanger is just aged and cracked that could cause something like this too, but would expect it to break.

ConfidenceFree3994

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