when I put power through my cranksI get a creaking noise, usually starts after about 3 miles of riding. VERY irritating, and now quite loud. can't figure out where it's coming from though.

What should I be oiling/greasing/remving/cleaning?

HT2 LX cranks and BB. XT cassette, Pro2 wheels (recently serviced freebhub and new bearings, QR), M520 pedals, Whyte901 frame.

Help me before I go mad!

Oh dear – Needle in a haysatck time….. 😉 Try every thing that is a join or a moving part IME 🙂

yup. I've got this. Tightened the cranks and that helped but it returns pretty soon; i think as they loosen

chainring bolts?

definitely check your chainring bolts – try removing, cleaning, greasing and reinstalling, all with equal torque

your seat?

pedals

Knees.

knees

knees – not too far from the truth to be honest!

chainring bolts – didn't think of that one – spanner time for lunch today!

if it wasn't ride time related then I'd suggest something like cables rubbing on a tube/in a guide somewhere or seatpost.

Possibly chainrind bolts. I recently fitted Ultegra cranks to my road bike and had major squeakage, took the chainring bolts off and they had been fitted 'dry'. Careful removing them though as they are made of very, very soft alloy.

worn bottom bracket?

Quick releases?

I thought i'd ruined another bottom bracket, but turned out was actually the QR's. with the creak transmitting down the tubes! Worth a try. Apparently Hopes are known for it.

Tiny bit of grease fixed it for me.

nath – Member
Quick releases?

I thought i'd ruined another bottom bracket, but turned out was actually the QR's. with the creak transmitting down the tubes! Worth a try. Apparently Hopes are known for it.

Tiny bit of grease fixed it for me.

bingo! I now have a stealth bike again. (apart from the hope freehub)