Trance E+2 knocking when pedaling - Solved

[Mat_Ron]

I just picked up my 2019 Trance E+2 yesterday and had the opportunity to take it out for a ride today. Of course I loved the ride, the power, and the suspension felt great. I have one complaint however and I just wonder if it's something that is normal or typical of this bike. When I am applying torque pedaling, I'm getting a clicking / knocking noise that I can also feel. I initially thought it might have been chain slip or something to do with the derailleur maybe needing an adjustment. I took it to my LBS and they adjusted the derailleur and took a look and the did acknowledge the knocking but were unable to diagnose it. Is anybody else experience the same thing? I took a short video of it and will try to upload it.

 

[Mat_Ron]

 

[ULEWZ]

That sounds bad. Neither of our trances make that sound. Sounds like play in the system or chain jumping a cog.

 

[DarkBlueSheep]

My E+1 has the same sound, i just assumed it was the motor kicking in when you turn the crank. I assume that because the bike can free wheel without the motor turning, then you engage the crank something has to lock into the motor, and hence the sound.

I am no expert so I cant say my theory is correct but it seemed to make sense in my head. My wife has a E+3 so if i get a chance i will take it out tonight and see if it does the same thing.
Interested in hearing other E+ owner experience with this.

 

[Mat_Ron]

That sounds bad. Neither of our trances make that sound. Sounds like play in the system or chain jumping a cog.

Yes, that is exactly how I would describe it. I was sure that it was the chain jumping but apparently not.

 

[Mat_Ron]

My E+1 has the same sound, i just assumed it was the motor kicking in when you turn the crank. I assume that because the bike can free wheel without the motor turning, then you engage the crank something has to lock into the motor, and hence the sound.

I am no expert so I cant say my theory is correct but it seemed to make sense in my head. My wife has a E+3 so if i get a chance i will take it out tonight and see if it does the same thing.
Interested in hearing other E+ owner experience with this.

I would appreciate that. I just don't think there is any way that this is normal.

 

[Mat_Ron]

My E+1 has the same sound, i just assumed it was the motor kicking in when you turn the crank. I assume that because the bike can free wheel without the motor turning, then you engage the crank something has to lock into the motor, and hence the sound.

I am no expert so I cant say my theory is correct but it seemed to make sense in my head. My wife has a E+3 so if i get a chance i will take it out tonight and see if it does the same thing.
Interested in hearing other E+ owner experience with this.

Does your E+1 do it on every pedal stroke? Mine is happening randomly. More so at lower speeds as I stop pedaling, and then start again.

 

[poppy]

Might be worth checking the pawls on rear hub.

 

[DarkBlueSheep]

Does your E+1 do it on every pedal stroke?

No, mine is very similar to yours whereby it only seems to do it when i reengage the pedal. If i keep an even cadence then i dont notice the clunk, but if i stop and start then it becomes noticeable.

 

[RobNevyn]

I just picked up my E+1 yesterday as well, I have only done about 14km so far but I do not have that knocking sound at all. It doesn't sound normal to me.

 

[StevenM]

In all gears ?

 

[DarkBlueSheep]

So testing things on my ride home tonight. I can consistently make it happen, after pedalling for a bit, if you do a half crank turn backwards, and then forward again I feel it knock. I don't really hear it too much though.

 

[MattyB]

Definitely does not sound right to me. I'd push harder with your LBS and have them get Giant to look at that video.

 

[Mat_Ron]

In all gears ?

Yes, in all gears.

 

[Mat_Ron]

Definitely does not sound right to me. I'd push harder with your LBS and have them get Giant to look at that video.

I certainly am. I don't feel that it is normal. I sure hope not.

 

[Mat_Ron]

So testing things on my ride home tonight. I can consistently make it happen, after pedalling for a bit, if you do a half crank turn backwards, and then forward again I feel it knock. I don't really hear it too much though.

It's hard to tell from the video, but with mine the noise sounds similar to when a chain jumps a tooth. It knocks and sort of pings and I can feel it through the cranks. Maybe a pawl in the hub? I will be returning to LBS today.

 

[Mat_Ron]

Might be worth checking the pawls on rear hub.

At this point that is what I am thinking.

 

[Mikey1984]

Take it back mate that doesnt sound right.

 

[Mat_Ron]

Well, I figured out the cause of the knocking noise and it was thankfully a ridiculously easy fix. After looking around online for a solution I came across someone that said they had a similar issue and it ended up that the derailleur clutch was turned off. I thought it couldn't possibly be this simple. I checked mine and sure enough my clutch was in the off position. I guess this was allowing slack in the drive line which was causing the noise. All I know is that I put the clutch in the on position and noise is gone. Thanks all for your input!

 

[ULEWZ]

Well, I figured out the cause of the knocking noise and it was thankfully a ridiculously easy fix. After looking around online for a solution I came across someone that said they had a similar issue and it ended up that the derailleur clutch was turned off. I thought it couldn't possibly be this simple. I checked mine and sure enough my clutch was in the off position. I guess this was allowing slack in the drive line which was causing the noise. All I know is that I put the clutch in the on position and noise is gone. Thanks all for your input!

Wow, a clutch aye? Just checked mine, both set down (loose!!). Just positioned them both up (tighter). Never really knew there was a position for riding. I just left it loose thinking that was better. Oh well, thanks for sharing.

 

[Mat_Ron]

Yes, I had no clue either. I was always curious what the function of the clutch was. Now I know, loose for removing the wheel.

 

[minty15389]

I just picked up my 2019 Trance E+2 yesterday and had the opportunity to take it out for a ride today. Of course I loved the ride, the power, and the suspension felt great. I have one complaint however and I just wonder if it's something that is normal or typical of this bike. When I am applying torque pedaling, I'm getting a clicking / knocking noise that I can also feel. I initially thought it might have been chain slip or something to do with the derailleur maybe needing an adjustment. I took it to my LBS and they adjusted the derailleur and took a look and the did acknowledge the knocking but were unable to diagnose it. Is anybody else experience the same thing? I took a short video of it and will try to upload it.

iv had my E+1 for 3 weeks now and havnt heard any noises from the pedals i would get it checked under warrenty