Originally Posted by
verktyg
I HATE noisy freewheels and cassette hubs. The Sachs ARIS freewheels came out in the late 80's early 90's. They're some of the smoothest, quietest ones I've used.
I recently picked up an almost NOS set of Campy Athena wheels with an 8 speed rear hub. I haven't ridden them yet but the freehub is so loud I fear I'll be able to feel the vibrations in the bars!
verktyg
They were quiet because Sachs pumped them full of grease, which eventually turns into a peanut butter consistency.
This is why so many NOS Sachs Aris seem so stiff and even frozen. However, I haven't met one which cannot be brought back to a stellar life!
I do agree that the Sachs Aris is about the best 7 speed freewheel out there. When I clean them I keep the new grease in the races and lightly oil the pawls and ratchets. This probably does not keep them as quiet as you'd like but I believe improves their performance.