Why are higher-end freewheels (cassettes) so much louder when coasting?
07-28-20, 07:57 PM
#1
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Why are higher-end freewheels (cassettes) so much louder when coasting?
Just curious on this. You'd think in a way you'd want it even quieter, the higher end you go.
07-28-20, 08:20 PM
#2
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It's marketing. You too can sound like ...
I used to race. I silenced my freewheels. I saw no advantage to telling my opposition that I was getting a free ride and not working.
I used to race. I silenced my freewheels. I saw no advantage to telling my opposition that I was getting a free ride and not working.
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07-28-20, 08:52 PM
#3
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Sorta the opposite for all of us non-racers.... my hub is almost silent and I often think it would be nice if I could just stop pedaling for 1-2sec as I approach someone to “give them the hint” to move to the right rather than have to constantly shout out “on your left!”
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07-28-20, 09:53 PM
#4
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Not much different from how some people like deep-section wheels that reverberate noise loudly, and especially disc wheels with a strong WOMP WOMP.
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07-28-20, 11:11 PM
#5
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I wouldn’t say the DT Swiss 240s is a low end hub, and it’s insanely quiet.
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07-29-20, 08:54 AM
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I don’t think there’s any strict correlation either way. The DT on my Rolfs is LOUD, Campagnolo are generally considered pretty loud, as have been those I have used (Chorus and Athena), yet the freehub on my current Zondas is whisper quiet. Every Shimano I’ve used (low-end road and mid-range MTB) has been super quiet All depends on design, number/shape of pawls, extent of lubrication, age of hub - too many factors to be able to draw firm conclusions
07-29-20, 09:15 AM
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It depends on which ring gear you use, and how much grease is used. With the 18t ring + a liberal application of DT grease, the hub is quiet. If you use the 54t ring gear, and a thin layer of the grease, the hub is LOUD.
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07-29-20, 09:53 AM
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I have White Industries hubs and the rear is annoyingly loud. While my wheel is being serviced for a pothole, I have asked the builder to use different grease to make the hub quieter.
07-29-20, 09:57 AM
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Sorta the opposite for all of us non-racers.... my hub is almost silent and I often think it would be nice if I could just stop pedaling for 1-2sec as I approach someone to “give them the hint” to move to the right rather than have to constantly shout out “on your left!”
07-29-20, 10:12 AM
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Sorta the opposite for all of us non-racers.... my hub is almost silent and I often think it would be nice if I could just stop pedaling for 1-2sec as I approach someone to “give them the hint” to move to the right rather than have to constantly shout out “on your left!”
07-29-20, 10:38 AM
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07-29-20, 10:42 AM
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DT makes both pawl-based and ratchet-based hubs
Not sure about their pawl hubs but the rear hub on my PRC 1400 wheelset it really quiet. Of course ratchets are available in 18,36, and 54 teeth, so maybe depends on which ratchet you have installed. My 18 tooth ratchet hub just right for nearly no noise.
07-29-20, 10:42 AM
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Get yourself one of these if you really need to be heard. 
07-29-20, 11:04 AM
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I think it started with the "immediate engagement" hubs for mountain bikes with more pawls, then the angry bees sound became trendy, then the roadies copied the mountain bikers (because they secretly wish they were mountain bikers).
07-29-20, 11:59 AM
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Get yourself one of these if you really need to be heard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkor-DErceM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkor-DErceM
I'm getting DuraAce decals for mine.
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07-29-20, 12:02 PM
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07-29-20, 01:24 PM
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One of my wheelsets has a super loud hub and it always seems really flashy to me. I roll up to a stoplight and feel like I am yelling "hey everybody, look at me! This bike is fancy!!".
Chris King has successfully associated loud hubs with high quality/expensive. Their hubs are awesome and definitely sound unique, but there are plenty of cheap hubs out there that are super loud too.
Chris King has successfully associated loud hubs with high quality/expensive. Their hubs are awesome and definitely sound unique, but there are plenty of cheap hubs out there that are super loud too.
07-29-20, 01:29 PM
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We used to have to stick hockey cards in our spokes to mimic that sound. Thank god we don't have to do that anymore.
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07-29-20, 01:40 PM
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It can be quite convenient to be unnoticed when gassed after bridging to a break Yeah, they will get you're there, but if you can have recovered your wind, you are now a lot harder to shed.
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07-29-20, 02:05 PM
#23
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Get yourself one of these if you really need to be heard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkor-DErceM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkor-DErceM
07-29-20, 02:59 PM
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Quite a thing to go through all the work of pulling apart a freehub so you can coast for a few seconds once or twice a season.
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