# Exercise bike knocking or clicking noise

Source: https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/exercise-bike-knocking-noise
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Row and Spin

**In short:** A click once per pedal turn usually comes from a loose pedal, crank arm or cleat, so tighten those first. A knock you can feel through the cranks often points to a worn bottom bracket. Squeaks tend to come from the saddle, seat post or frame bolts, while a rubbing or ticking sound inside the guard can be the belt or a magnet touching the flywheel.

Home exercise and spin bikes are usually quiet, so a new knock or click is easy to notice. Most noises come from a handful of parts: pedals, crank arms, the bottom bracket (the bearing the cranks turn on), the saddle and seat post, frame bolts and the drive belt inside the guard. The trick is to work out when the noise happens. A sound once per pedal revolution points to the cranks or pedals; one that changes with resistance points to the brake or flywheel. This guide shows how to narrow it down and which fixes are simple home jobs.

## Work out when the noise happens

Pedal slowly and listen. Then stand up on the pedals, then sit and pedal without holding the bars, then pedal backwards. Each test rules parts in or out. A noise that only appears when seated points to the saddle or seat post. One that appears with each pedal stroke, whether seated or standing, points to the pedals, cranks or bottom bracket. A noise that changes with the resistance level points to the brake and flywheel area.

Write down what you find, because it makes a call to the maker's support much quicker if you need help.

| When it happens | Likely cause | First thing to try |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Once per pedal turn | Loose pedal or crank arm | Tighten pedal and crank bolts |
| Knock felt through the feet | Worn or loose bottom bracket | Check for play by rocking the cranks |
| Only when seated | Saddle clamp or seat post | Tighten clamp, clean and lightly grease post |
| Constant rub or tick | Belt rubbing or magnet touching flywheel | Check guard and belt alignment |
| Creak when standing | Frame or handlebar bolts | Tighten bolts to the manual's guidance |

Match the noise to the likely cause

## Pedals and crank arms

Pedals work loose more often than any other part. Use a 15 mm pedal spanner or the correct hex key. Remember that the left pedal has a reverse thread: it tightens anticlockwise when viewed from the left side, and the right pedal tightens clockwise. Tighten firmly, but do not force them beyond what the manual says.

Next, check the crank arm bolts at the centre. If a crank arm has any wobble on its axle, tighten the bolt. Riding with a loose crank can damage the interface for good, so stop and fix it straight away. If you ride with cleats, check the cleat bolts on your shoes too, as a loose cleat can click on every stroke. Our [spin bike shoes and pedals guide](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/spin-bike-shoes-and-pedals) explains pedal threads and cleats.

1. Tighten the right pedal clockwise.
2. Tighten the left pedal anticlockwise.
3. Check each crank arm bolt for tightness.
4. Check shoe cleat bolts if you use clip-in pedals.
5. Pedal slowly and listen again.

## Bottom bracket and bearings

Hold both crank arms and try to rock them sideways, towards and away from the frame. If you feel play or a clunk with the bolts tight, the bottom bracket bearing may be worn. Grinding or roughness when you turn the cranks slowly by hand is another sign.

Replacing a bottom bracket usually needs special tools and the right part for your bike, so this is often a job for the maker's support or a fitness equipment technician. If the bike is still under warranty, contact the seller before taking anything apart.

Note: Unplug the bike before removing guards, and keep fingers away from the belt and flywheel. If a repair needs the bike tipped over or partly dismantled, get help lifting it, and stop and contact the maker if you are not sure.

## Saddle, seat post and frame bolts

Squeaks and creaks when seated usually come from the saddle clamp or the seat post moving in the frame. Tighten the clamp under the saddle. Pull the seat post out, wipe it clean, and if your manual allows, add a thin film of grease before refitting. Make sure the pop-pin locks fully into its hole.

Frame bolts can settle after the first few weeks of use, especially where the stabiliser feet meet the frame and where the handlebar stem joins. Go round each one with the tool supplied. Make sure the stabiliser feet are level so the frame does not rock, which can sound like a knock. A mat can help on uneven floors; see [do you need a mat](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/rowing-machine-and-bike-mats).

## Belt, flywheel and when to call support

A steady rub or tick inside the guard can mean the belt is out of line or a magnet is touching the flywheel. Look through any gaps in the guard with a torch while turning the cranks slowly by hand. If you can see contact, do not try to bend parts back. Belt tension and alignment are adjusted differently on each model, so follow the manual or ask the maker.

If the noise remains after the checks above, contact the maker's support with your notes. If you are replacing an older bike, belt drive and magnetic resistance are the quieter combination; our [best spin bikes guide](https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-spin-bike-uk) and [exercise bike guide](https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-exercise-bike-uk) note the drive and resistance type for each model.

## Frequently asked questions

**Why does my exercise bike click every pedal stroke?** The most common causes are a loose pedal, a loose crank arm or a loose shoe cleat. Tighten all three before looking further.

**Which way do exercise bike pedals tighten?** The right pedal tightens clockwise and the left pedal tightens anticlockwise, because the left side has a reverse thread.

**Can I spray lubricant on a squeaking bike?** Only on parts the manual says to lubricate. Never spray the flywheel or a friction brake pad, as it can stop the brake working.

**Is a knocking noise dangerous?** A loose crank or pedal can come off, so stop riding until you have found and fixed the cause.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-exercise-bike-uk
- https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-spin-bike-uk