Why do some high end component sets make a clicking sound when coasting?
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Why do some high end component sets make a clicking sound when coasting?
Hi ya'll! I was out on a ride today and passed a specialized s-works Tarmac sl3 while it was coasting, and I noticed (as I have in the past) that when coasting, the hub makes a drastically louder and distinctive clicking sound than most bikes. I have heard this on a variety of other high end cycles and I've always wondered why they do this? Is this an engineering side effect? Or perhaps it just distinguishes itself from other comp sets like an exhaust note on a ferarri... Im just wondering and was hoping someone could alleviate my curiosity. Thanks!
WIR
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If I could hazard a guess it's because the pawls in the freehub are attached to beefier springs for more reliable engagement, but I could be/probably am way off.
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Similar reasoning to Campy remaking record 11 click loudly I would guess. Mentally computing your equipment is working or did what you told it to.
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Someone used to make a near silent freehub (might actually have been back in yon freewheel days) Can't remember the name of it. Some kind of clutch mechanism, IIRC.
It was pretty fancy.
It was pretty fancy.
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some of it is the number of pawls.
shimano = 2
campagnolo = 3
hugi = 4 (i think)
volume goes up in the same order. all things equal, more pawls=stronger
then you also have hubs like chris king that have a buzzing "ratchet style" mechanism.
so yes, it is a side effect of a particular design. as a result, it also gives brands a distinguishable tone. campagnolo and chris king are both loud, but completely different tones.
cars are the same way. porsche flat 6s, ferrari v-12s, and small block v8s all have a distinguishable noise due to design. ford and chevy v8s even have distinguishable sounds due to firing order. it was not designed for this, it is just a natural side effect.
shimano = 2
campagnolo = 3
hugi = 4 (i think)
volume goes up in the same order. all things equal, more pawls=stronger
then you also have hubs like chris king that have a buzzing "ratchet style" mechanism.
so yes, it is a side effect of a particular design. as a result, it also gives brands a distinguishable tone. campagnolo and chris king are both loud, but completely different tones.
cars are the same way. porsche flat 6s, ferrari v-12s, and small block v8s all have a distinguishable noise due to design. ford and chevy v8s even have distinguishable sounds due to firing order. it was not designed for this, it is just a natural side effect.
Last edited by thirdgenbird; 01-08-11 at 11:39 PM.
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I few drops of 5w-30 will quiet down most freehubs.
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A nice side effect of my Chris King hub is mostly I don't have to yell "on your left" as I pass, they usually hear my hub first.
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My hub is extremely quiet...I want a louder one. But I really like that distinct sound, especially when in a Criterium or a large group of riders enters a corner.
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My Phil Wood hub was quite loud until I put a bit more than the recommended load of grease in it the last time I serviced it. I doubt that will harm it and I kind of like silent coasting. I suppose that could mean I have introduced more drag into the system, but no more than my famine insurance system (gut) causes.
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My Phil Wood hub was quite loud until I put a bit more than the recommended load of grease in it the last time I serviced it. I doubt that will harm it and I kind of like silent coasting. I suppose that could mean I have introduced more drag into the system, but no more than my famine insurance system (gut) causes.
You can quiet any hub this way.
Back in the day of 6 spd freewheels for my racing wheels I used sewing machine oil to get the lowest resistance possible. The freewheel was noticeable louder and the sound itself was different. In winter I'd load up my freewheels with grease (against road salt) and lo and behold, dead silent freewheels.
Rocket surgery it ain't.