You may have noticed that some mtb hubs are louder than others. This is not an isolated issue; some BMX riders remove grease from their hubs to make them louder. Regardless of your reasons, you can benefit from quieter hubs for a more pleasant ride.
BMX hubs are louder than mtb hubs
BMX hubs tend to be louder than mtb hubs for various reasons. A common cause is dirt buildup on the cassette hub. This can cause the bearings and springs to wear out very quickly. By periodically cleaning the cassette hub, you can help extend the lifespan of your hub.
The louder BMX hubs make other road users aware of your presence. Some people find the noise distracting, while others claim it helps them concentrate. The noise also makes passing difficult, especially in residential areas. But if you are in a residential area and you cannot escape the sound, you may not want to ride your BMX bike.
Moreover, many riders associate loud hubs with efficiency and quality. Most expensive BMX hubs are louder than the ones made of cheaper steel. This is because the higher-end models are precision-machined and are made from alloys like 7075 or 6061. Steel would muffle the click. But steel hubs are not made to the same standard as the aluminum hubs.
BMX riders remove grease from their hubs to make them louder
In order to make your BMX hubs louder, you need to remove the driver (part of the chainring) from the hub. Remove the driver to access the bearings, pawls, and springs of your hub. These components are all responsible for making your bike hub loud.
However, the process of removing grease can actually shorten the lifespan of your hub. This process also increases friction between the pawls and engagement points, which can cause noise while cycling. Moreover, degreasing your hubs will not add much functional benefit. Besides, some people may not like the fact that their hubs are louder than others, finding it distracting and irritating.
Ideally, you should use a thin grease or oil on the axle of your hub. Thin grease is better for noise, while thick grease is better for stealthy riding. While removing the grease, you should also inspect the axle for any wobbles or bends.
Loud hubs engage with just 3deg-12deg of crank rotation
Different MTB hubs engage at different angles, which can affect how much power you can transfer from your pedals to the wheels. Typically, road hubs engage at a high angle of rotation, while high-end MTB hubs engage at a lower angle. Different angle of engagement also affects the amount of backlash on the cranks.
The engagement angle of rear hubs depends on the number of teeth on the drive ring. The lower the angle, the higher the buzzing and ticking noise. The extra teeth in some ratchet-driven hubs may cause extra ticking or buzzing noise. However, this extra ticking noise may not be as loud as you think. Other factors that can affect the volume of your freehub include the materials used to manufacture the hub and the stiffness of the pawl springs.
Some mtb hubs engage with as little as threedeg of crank rotation. These types of hubs are particularly useful in technical terrain, where pedals must be moved back and forth to maintain power. A faster engagement allows you to use more of your pedal stroke, which is important when you’re trying to climb.
Quiet hubs offer a more pleasant ride
Quiet hubs are designed to produce a low, quiet noise. They are especially good for muddy, snowy, or sand conditions, where a loud noise can be an unpleasant distraction. These hubs generally offer a smoother ride than hubs with smaller teeth.
Some people prefer loud hubs, but there are many advantages to quiet hubs. The best part is that you can choose the level of noise. This means you don’t have to buy a loud hub just because it’s more popular with others. The most important thing is to pick the one that works for you.
Quiet hubs are made of various materials. Some are made from alloy, while others use steel or titanium. The materials used to manufacture them differ, so make sure to compare them before you buy a hub. Those made of steel are generally quieter than titanium.
Silent hubs offer a better connection with nature on the trail
If you want to experience silence while riding your mountain bike, you should consider switching to a silent rear hub. These hubs provide many benefits, including a more pleasant ride and better connection with nature. Silent hubs allow you to listen to the sounds of nature without the intrusion of noises that are not pleasant, such as tire noises, suspension noises, brakes rubbing, or cable rattles.
There are two main types of silent hubs: ratcheting hubs and Tairin Wheels. Both types of hubs have advantages and disadvantages. For example, ratcheting hubs are more common.
