It ain't so. Loud or quiet, it's just a side effect of the design. They don't need to be serviced often, and you can replace the freehub body, but that's almost never necessary.
Why are bike hubs so loud?
The noise produced by a rear hub, cheap or luxurious model, comes from the so-called pawls – tiny, spring-loaded elements designed to bite to the ratchet of the hub when pedaling forward. When coasting or pedaling backward, the pawls disengage and slide over the engagement surface.
Are Shimano wheel hubs good?
Shimano hubs are very reliable and very good as the other posters have pointed out. But they do require extra maintenance for the bearings and grease (and all but the inner cones are replaceable).
Why is my freehub so loud?
Loudness in the freehub/freebody is usually due to the very light oil used to lubricate the inner parts. Thicker oil can be used to lessen the noise and even grease in some cases, but it's high viscosity is pointed at for not being so efficient.
Are Hope hubs loud?
Now the sound of the Hope Pro 4 hub is loud, no doubt about that. I actually like it. I normally ride with a bell to alert hikers and other riders on the trails that I'm around the corner. With the Hopes, they hear the buzzing of the rear hub and don't get spooked because we aren't sneaking upon them.
20 related questions foundWhich bicycle hub is best?
The best mountain bike hubs you can buy
- Industry Nine Hydra. So many points of engagement. ...
- DT Swiss DT350. Hubs that will outlast your wheels, and won't bankrupt you. ...
- Hope Pro 4. Ideal for mucky UK conditions. ...
- Chris King ISO. The buzzy bee gold standard. ...
- Shimano Saint M820. ...
- Onyx Racing. ...
- Project 321. ...
- White Industries XMR.
How long does a freehub last?
If it wears out completely you end up pedalling fast and going nowhere. Mine seem to last about 5,000 to 10,000 miles and the usual signs of wear are noises and play. Price depends on quality, but they're not bank-breakers.
Do hubs make your bike faster?
Hubs that are "louder" usually have more engagement points. This means your drivetrain picks up faster, so less energy is lost. Hubs that have sealed cartridge bearings or needle bearings usually never need to be replaced, they're far stronger and stay cleaner.
Why do people want loud hubs?
Riding with a loud hub ensures that you get the attention of people, like dog walkers and other riders on trails. Most people like this because it helps clear traffic in your way. People hear you coming and quickly make way for you making it easier for you to pass.
Why do expensive bikes click?
“First of all, the wheels on expensive bikes tend to be very light, sometimes hollow, so the noise of the freewheel is amplified as it vibrates down the spokes to the rims,” chimes in Andrew Laws, a cycle blogger and former editor of the bike news site VeloBalls.com.
Are Shimano hubs quiet?
Actually upgraded from the Shimano RS-500 rims that came with my Cannondale. They were quiet, but would not stay true after a couple of rides.
How can I make my freehub quieter?
How to Quiet a Noisy Freehub
- Remove the rear wheel from the bike.
- Remove the cassette from the wheel.
- Remove the quick release axle from the wheel, and insert hex keys into the two opposing axle end caps.
- Unscrew and remove the axle end cap on the cassette side.
- Slide the freehub body off the hub.
Are DT Swiss hubs noisy?
The Hope hub was really loud, which usually wouldn't be a deterrent. But, after a demo day at a LBS and riding a bike with the DT 350 hub and hearing how quiet it was, it quickly became a consideration. I went with the DT hub and after a few rides, this thing is almost silent.
How long should a MTB hub last?
Bike wheel bearings will last for 8,000 miles on average. This can vary to as high as 18,000 miles and as low as 5,000 miles depending on the surface on which they are ridden and the rider's weight. Notably, sealed cartridge bearings typically last longer than unsealed ball bearings due to separation from the elements.
Do freehub pawls wear out?
With enough use, the freehub will simply wear out. The pawls may begin to slip and the bearings may become rough. If cleaning and lubricating the freehub does not resolve issue of slipping, sticking or noise, replace the freehub unit with a new one.
How long do mountain bike hubs last?
Registered. Local custom built carbon wheelsets with rebuild-able hubs - 5+ years easy. Hand built by a big wheel shop like Stans or Velocity - 2-3 years, frequent bearing replacements and I usually pop a spoke once every 6 mo or so. Machine built / OEM wheels - 1-2 years max.
Are White Industry hubs loud?
The first, fairly noticeable thing about these hubs is that they're not quiet. I'd put them roughly on par with Industry 9's in terms of noise, although the guys at WI were quick to point out that I could grease up the pawls to make them quieter.
What makes a good bike hub?
Good-quality bearings, sealed and protected from dirt and water, are the key to long and healthy hubs. Older or less expensive hubs may use cup and cone bearings, which contain two rings of loose ball bearings that sit in 'cups' inside the hub body, and are secured in place by conical nuts known as 'cones'.
How do I choose a hub?
What to consider?
- Rim compatibility – Pay attention to the number of spokes you select on your hub and rim to make sure they match!
- Strength and durability – it goes without saying that making sure your hubs last through wear and tear is vital, particularly with them being susceptible to water and grime.
How do I make my hope Pro 4 hub louder?
Clean the grease out and switch to dumonde freehub oil, noise will increase slightly less drag also. Superlate79 wrote: Clean the grease out and switch to dumonde freehub oil, noise will increase slightly less drag also. Already removed a bunch of grease, slightly louder but not that noticeable.
Are Novatec hubs loud?
A few months later, they're noticeably louder. But nowhere near as loud as some other options. Personally, I hate loud hubs, and find them really annoying and distracting. But to each their own.
How many points of engagement does a Hope 4 Hub have?
With 44 points of engagement, ratcheting through technical sections and climbs is easy, and power application feels instant with almost no play in the cranks.
Are DT Swiss 240 hubs loud?
Yes. They get louder eventually untill you regrease them.