Loud hubs
11-11-08, 08:49 PM
#1
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Loud hubs
I just got some Velocity Fusion wheels and I cant believe how loud the hubs are ratcheting. Is that normal or do I have a bad one, thanks.
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11-11-08, 08:55 PM
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The rims have nothing to do with the hubs. You need to tell us what hubs you have. Loud hubs are supposedly a sign of high quality. Re: Campy/Chris king hubs.
11-11-08, 09:05 PM
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I have a Campy wheelset that is ridiculously loud. I figured it'd get quieter after riding it for a while. Nope, it's louder.
11-11-08, 09:15 PM
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11-11-08, 09:17 PM
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11-11-08, 09:26 PM
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11-11-08, 09:31 PM
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11-11-08, 09:41 PM
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11-11-08, 10:01 PM
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Sealed is not very descriptive and deceiving to many. Just means they have a sealed cartridge bearing usually, even cone/cup bearings need some sort of seals, it's just that on a cartridge bearing they're just not as service-friendly. Your freehub might not be very serviceable, either, but not familiar with the Formula hubs.
11-12-08, 01:57 AM
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11-12-08, 06:46 AM
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My take is that a loud freehub is part "bling" factor designed to draw attention to your nice expensive hub. But it's not that expensive hubs (see: Shimano Dura-Ace) need to be loud.
However, noise level is mostly about the hub's design. You're not going to make it much quieter, and if you can by sticking lots of extra grease in there to make the pawls quieter, you'll probably have a detrimental effect on the freehub's mechanical function - like not engaging when grease thickens in cold weather.
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"c" is not a unit that measures tire width
"c" is not a unit that measures tire width
11-12-08, 07:45 AM
#15
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Thanks for all the help guys. I'll call Velocity today and find out how and why these things are like that and I'll give you an update.
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11-12-08, 07:54 AM
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Leave it loud, its really intimidating to the person you are drafting off of!
Vroom vroom!
jim
Vroom vroom!
jim
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11-12-08, 08:19 AM
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As timcupery said, some high quality hubs are very quiet (Shimano) and some are loud (Campy, DT, King et. al.) I have both types and the difference in noise is very noticeable but the difference in function and durability is about non-existent. For example, I have a completely silent Dura Ace 9-speed hub with over 45,000 miles.
During an overhaul I packed my Campy Chorus freehub's ratchet with Phil Grease which reduced but by no means eliminated the noise. Heavier grease might silence it but would probably interfere with the function, particularly in cold weather.
Conclusion: learn to live with the noise and either revel in it or ignore it.
During an overhaul I packed my Campy Chorus freehub's ratchet with Phil Grease which reduced but by no means eliminated the noise. Heavier grease might silence it but would probably interfere with the function, particularly in cold weather.
Conclusion: learn to live with the noise and either revel in it or ignore it.
11-12-08, 08:28 AM
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Exactly. Sorry my bike is so loud, but it really is a safety consideration.
Plus, then even if you do not notice my King headset, at least you will notice my King hubs. And know that I am super cool. Ever notice that if you get your ear right down next to a King hub it sounds like "bling, bling, bling..."
jim
Plus, then even if you do not notice my King headset, at least you will notice my King hubs. And know that I am super cool. Ever notice that if you get your ear right down next to a King hub it sounds like "bling, bling, bling..."
jim
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11-12-08, 08:35 AM
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11-12-08, 10:52 AM
#21
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LOL, you know I didn't even hear it until I put my hearing aids in. I guess I just wont wear them.
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George
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11-12-08, 11:51 AM
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I called Velocity up and they said that that's the way they are. So nothing is wrong, but I wanted to make sure. Thanks again for all the replies.
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George
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11-12-08, 11:56 AM
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My Fulcrums (Campy) are loud like that as well, I actually like it because on the MUP people hear me coming and just move out of the way. hehe...
11-12-08, 12:07 PM
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"c" is not a unit that measures tire width
"c" is not a unit that measures tire width
Last edited by TallRider; 11-12-08 at 04:34 PM.