As I conduct a bike fitting almost invariably bolts that are supposed to be tight are loose; especially on mountain bikes. This usually occurs at points where there is a lot of torque applied such as the headset, handlebars, cleats, and seat post. Water bottle cages frequently come loose as well. Derailer hangers also loosen over time affecting shifting. The implications are that your fit and equipment can move; often without your knowledge. This can create a potentially dangerous situation or at the least change your bike fit. Those creaks and clicks you keep hearing may be the result of loose parts moving against each other.
A part of your pre-ride check should ensure that all bolts are tight and secure. Carry a hex wrench in your bag and work from back to front. It is also a good idea to carry a few extra bolts in your flat kit. Be careful not to over tighten! An expensive frame can be ruined if you apply too much torque to a bolt. A good rule of thumb is �palm tight�. Tighten the bolt until you can feel pressure on your palm without grasping the wrench tightly to apply a lot of force. On some frames torque pressure is indicated a various points where over tightening can do damage. If you do not have a torque wrench it is best to leave these to your bike shop. If you have a part that frequently moves, such as a seat post, you may want to mark it with tape or nail polish.
Bolts often rust due to contact with corrosive sweat, or they may build up a layer of salt around them making them difficult to remove. If a bolt is rusted replace it with a new non-corrosive bolt and be sure to apply a bit of grease to the threads before tightening.
Matt Russ has coached and trained elite athletes from around the country and internationally for over ten years. He currently holds expert licenses from
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