Bike problems - DIY or not?

[NickF]

Right, a bit of an involved mail coming up as I desperately try to get issues fixed on my bike (Isaac Impulse - carbon frame).  There are 2 issues, I don' t think they are connected but who knows...Issue 1 - Clicking/noisy bottom bracketGot a little worse on last few rides, then raced in torrential rain and rode out/home again, bike completely soaked for 3 hrs+, and the noise was very noticeable (people commenting on it during rides).I did the following when I got home:Took seatpost out, left bike upside down to dry out overnightGave the bike an overall cleanRe-lubed seatpost and seat clamp, but post back inRemoved, relubed and replaced pedalsRemoved and cleaned, re-oiled chainChecked/lubed all connections on the bikeRemoved crank, removed bottom bracket, cleaned, relubed and reinstalled bothChecked/lubed the cablerun for shifter cables under the BBChecked and lubed all the chainring boltsI am 100% convinced the noise is from the bottom bracket.  It is a clicking/creaking noise that is in time with the crank revolutions.  Worst when climbing or pedalling hard.  Noise happens irrespective of pulling on the handlebars or not, in or out of the saddle.  Its like having an audible power meter, really annoying.Anyone think of anything I've missed that I should be checking?Issue 2 - Rear wheel misaligned in frameRear wheel is just touching/scraping on the rear seat stay (i.e. pretty badly misaligned).  This is also a complete mystery - bike hasn't been crashed or knocked.  I have checked with two different back wheels, and they both do the same thing.  Is this likely to be a problem with the dropouts?  It is a bit worrying.Summary LBS cannot service the bike until 29th May (they're generally helpful, always busy and have lost a mechanic recently, so no problem with them) but it is a long time to wait for any help.  I have a sportive and a few races over the intervening period, and would really like to get these issues fixed so I can use my 'nice' bike, especially now the weather has improved.Anyone any ideas a) how serious issue 2 seems, b) what I might have missed on issue 1, c) how to find a decent LBS in London without a massive waiting list for the above 2 issues?  I don't think the 2 issues are related, as the BB noises were starting well before the wheel mis-alignment problem.Like I said, a long involved post ... grateful for any advice !

[R3]

Sometimes a sound's source is not where you think it is. I have the same prob at the moment (since riding in the rain). First ports of call was bb, chainring bolts, seat clamp and pedals and chain. None successful so far. Am about to try the headset, then check the rear cassette is firmly secured, then check the wheel squewers. Hopefully one of these will yield a result.

[Tim Hart]

NickRegarding your first issue, have you looked at your cleats?  I had a noise which I traced (eventually) to my shoes.Tim 

[phil parker]

Nick,Creaking issue - you've been thorough, and should be complimented for your diligence, I bet it's something simple like your saddle rails!!!  Impossible to tell for me without seeing/hearing it.Rear wheel alignment?  First do a simple check of the alignment of your rear triangle. Use a straight edge (a new broom handle will work) place against the right-hand edge of the head tube, the right hand edge of the seat tube running past the inside of the right hand drop-out; accurately measure the distance between the straight edge and the drop-out. Complete the same on the left hand side (left hand edge of tubes etc.)Look for damage like twists in the dropouts, if the rear triangle is OK, and hold the wheel in place by the skewer and see if it can be slightly adjusted to become centralised - check there is nothing preventing this like the right hand dropout/rear derailleur hanger being slightly misaligned.And keep checking!!! I don't know what the problem is without seeing it, but I bet it wouldn't allude me!!!

[Col.]

Don't want to be sounding like a pessimist Nick but I'd have a very careful look at your frame, particularly the chain-stays and where they meet the bottom bracket shell. Take the back wheel out and flex the two sides of the rear triangle to see if there is any undue movement or noise. Hopefully that's not the cause of your problems but I think it would be best to make sure!