What was that cracking sound?

[li10up]

Wed after work I went for a ride and was approaching this set of RR tracks that is pretty rough. So, like usual, I tried to jump the tracks. I got the front wheel quite a bit higher off the ground than I intended and when I landed I heard this sickening cracking sound. I looked immediately at my front wheel. I was certain that I broke it. So I stopped as quickly as I could and got off the bike. The wheel looked fine. Then I felt that sickening feeling in my stomach. The fork or frame had to have cracked. I looked...nothing. I checked the spokes...nothing. Got back on and started riding. Bike handled okay. Then I noticed that my computer was measuring distance in .03 increments and my speed which is normally about 16-18 in that area was like 24mph. I checked it out after I got home. The computer was fully seated into the mount. Anyone have any ideas what that terrible sound was? Is there a better way to check my frame for cracks? Something caused that noise... I just can't figure out what it was. I don't think I'll be able to go flying down hills now - I'll be scared that my frame or wheel will fall apart.

[DebW]

I don't think you should ride that bike again until you've pulled out the fork and inspected the steering column. It could have cracked inside the head tube.

[mimitabby]

Wed after work I went for a ride and was approaching this set of RR tracks that is pretty rough. So, like usual, I tried to jump the tracks. I got the front wheel quite a bit higher off the ground than I intended and when I landed I heard this sickening cracking sound. I looked immediately at my front wheel. I was certain that I broke it. So I stopped as quickly as I could and got off the bike. The wheel looked fine. Then I felt that sickening feeling in my stomach. The fork or frame had to have cracked. I looked...nothing. I checked the spokes...nothing. Got back on and started riding. Bike handled okay. Then I noticed that my computer was measuring distance in .03 increments and my speed which is normally about 16-18 in that area was like 24mph. I checked it out after I got home. The computer was fully seated into the mount. Anyone have any ideas what that terrible sound was? Is there a better way to check my frame for cracks? Something caused that noise... I just can't figure out what it was. I don't think I'll be able to go flying down hills now - I'll be scared that my frame or wheel will fall apart.

my husband's bike has done that a number of times, he says it's his carbon fork, which hasn't broken, but makes that awful noise when stretched (like over a bump)!!!!!

[DebW]

Headset damage is also possible from a hard landing like that. It probably wouldn't be a loud cracking sound, but damage to the bearings or bearing cartridge and crown race would be possible. If the headset feels rough or like there are notches in the steering, you should check it out.

[spokewench]

Take it to your LBS - tell them what happened, and have them check the bike over

[Squeaky]

my husband's bike has done that a number of times, he says it's his carbon fork, which hasn't broken, but makes that awful noise when stretched (like over a bump)!!!!!

Speaking of this, for carbon and/or titanium, how much is normal for creaking and cracking type sounds? Or is it? This usually happens going over small bumps, but I think I've heard it when I crank down hard on the pedals.

[li10up]

I know I should take it to my LBS but I HATE having to go there for everything. I wish I were more knowledgeable. But I guess knowledge comes with experience and until I experience all of these things I won't know. Ahhh...a metaphor for the circle of life.

[mimitabby]

Although DH is confident that his bike is sound after more than one of those large cracking noises, his new bike will have a steel fork.

[Eden]

My carbon frame has some minor BB creak. LBS reassured me that the noise is harmless and that I only need to pursue it if it is driving me crazy. It scared me at first, since if the BB was loose it could ruin my frame.

[bikerchick68]

not sure what you ride, but PLEASE get it checked at your LBS! If it CF you may not SEE the crack... I had a friend how had a minor crash... checked the bike and didn't see anything... continued riding.... and the seatpost BROKE OFF... her saddle just fell off the bike while she was still rolling... I don't know HOW she kept from getting cut up! We were doing the CoolBreeze Century and were 58 miles in...

[velogirl]

My carbon bikes don't creak at all. However, my titanium cyclocross bike drives me nuts! It's a breakaway, and I can't figure out if it's that or something else but it creaks like crazy under load (climbing on a mtn bike trail).

I hate creaks!

[SouthernBelle]

Just to mention, when I can, I try to take my bike to the LBS when I can stay and watch what they do. Fortunately, they don't care if I sit and watch and ask dumb questions. They even let me behind the counter.

[Geonz]

Maybe it was something in the computer set up, and not structural?

[li10up]

Maybe it was something in the computer set up, and not structural?

You are absolutely right. The computer was set for wheel#2. I noticed it when I went to change the odometer back to the correct distance. I don't know if the jump somehow moved it to the 2nd wheel setting or if I just didn't notice during the first part of the ride. I still don't know what the LOUD crack was. I've ridden several times since then and did some hills yesterday and it's handling just fine. Maybe the sensor hit a spoke when I landed...but it didn't really sound like that. Thanks for the input ladies.