Why Your Cycling Shoes Rattle/Squeak (And How to Fix It)
 The Short Answer is: |
Cycling shoes can rattle or squeak if the cleat plate is loose, the cleat bolts are loose, or your cleats are worn out or dirty. Friction between the shoe and pedal can also cause noise. To fix it, you can tighten the cleat plate and bolts, clean or replace your cleats, and lubricate contact points between the shoe and pedal. |
If you’re an avid cyclist, you know how frustrating it can be when your cycling shoes start to rattle or squeak. Not only is it annoying, but it can also be a sign of a bigger problem.
In this article, we’ll explore why your cycling shoes rattle/squeak and provide some tips on how to fix the issue.
Table of Contents
Why do cycling shoes rattle/squeak?
Cycling shoes can rattle or squeak due to various reasons. The cleat plate or bolts may be loose, the cleats may be worn out or dirty, or there could be friction between the cleat and pedal due to dirt and grime.
Additionally, the SPD cleat/shoe interface design is inherently flawed in that there is a tiny gap and/or sideways movement between the cleat. A rattling sound could also come from a loose headset. If it’s not the cleats causing the noise, it could be an issue with the shoes themselves.
How to fix rattling/squeaking in cycling shoes
There are several ways to fix rattling or squeaking in cycling shoes. Some suggestions include:
- Lubricating the cleats with spray lubricant or dry chain lube
- Tightening the cleat to the manufacturer’s recommended torque value
- Greasing the pedal threads and cleat bolts
- Checking and tightening other parts of the bike, such as the headset
- Using silicone spray to stop squeaking on every pedal stroke
Tips to prevent rattling/squeaking in cycling shoes
To prevent rattling and squeaking in cycling shoes, you can try the following tips:
- Lubricate your cleats with spray lubricant or dry chain lube
- Use silicone spray to keep your cleats from squeaking
- Check that your cleats are tight and not worn out, and remove any mud or gravel stuck in them
- Lube a squeaky chain by placing the bike in a stand or leaning it against a wall with the drivetrain facing you so that the pedals can be turned backward
- Diagnose other common bike noises and fix them as needed
Frequently Asked Questions Related to the topic:
What is the best way to prevent cycling shoes from rattling/squeaking?
The best way to prevent cycling shoes from rattling/squeaking is to ensure that the cleat plate is tight and secure and that the cleat bolts are not loose. Additionally, you can check if your cleats are worn out or dirty and replace or clean them as necessary. Applying silicone spray can also help reduce squeaking in the short term.
How often should I clean and maintain my cycling shoes to prevent rattling/squeaking?
To prevent rattling or squeaking, it is recommended to clean and maintain your cycling shoes regularly. You can wipe them with a damp cloth after a ride if they are dusty and dirty. If they are grimy and crusted with mud, remove the insoles, loosen up straps and laces, and wash them with soap and water.
Check that your cleats are on tight and not terribly worn. Make sure there’s no mud or gravel stuck in the cleat plate or bolts. Silicone spray is also an effective fast fix for squeaky cleats.
Why do My Peloton Shoes Squeak?
Peloton shoes can squeak for a variety of reasons, including worn cleats, loose pedals, or a buildup of dirt and debris. The good news is that most of these issues can be easily fixed with some simple maintenance.
Conclusion: Why your cycling shoes rattle/squeak?
In conclusion, cycling shoes can rattle or squeak due to various reasons such as loose cleat plates, bolts, worn-out or dirty cleats, and friction. To fix the issue, one can try tightening the bolts and cleat plate, cleaning or replacing the cleats, and using silicone spray.
It is important to identify the root cause of the problem before attempting any fixes. Additionally, it is worth noting that other parts of a bike can also produce annoying creaks and squeaks such as crank wheel rubbing in Peloton bikes. Regular maintenance and inspection of your bike can help prevent these issues from occurring in the first place.
