Handlebar/Stem creaking

[Spinners]

I've recently gone back to using a skinny-tubed steel frame after a few years on aluminium. I've also gone back to using to a quill stem but when honking up a hill there is an annoying creak. The stem and bars appear to be sound so is it perhaps the (single) bolt on the stem that needs greasing? Any suggestions?

[tim-b]

Hi
EDIT: Try cleaning thoroughly with a good solvent first, and check for cracking. If that fails try a thin smear of anti-seize/grease between 'bars and stem and polish off, and anti-seize/grease stem to steerer
Regards
tim-b
EDIT to suggest cleaning as first option

[peetee]

Bars with a separate sleeve on the centre section can creak and sometimes there is little you can do to eradicate it. Cinelli had a bit of a reputation for it. I always looked out for GB bars when I needed another set and I never had a problem with that brand.

[Brucey]

creaks are occasionally a single-walled handlebar's way of letting you know there is a crack.

cheers

[eclipse]

....second that...I remember hearing a creaking sound whilst climbing a brute of a hill on my old Raleigh Scorpio; before I reached the top, the left bar decided it had had enough and came away in my hand. The creaking had started a couple of days before, with no obvious cause.