Building a quiet DH bike

[Hog_]

I like my bikes to be quiet. In fact, as good as Hope hubs are, the main reason why I don't use them any more is the noise. So while I'm redoing my Kalula, I'm looking for tips and pointers on how to make it as quiet as possible.

 

This article has some pointers: http://anybodysbikeblog.com/2011/04/04/chain-slap-solutions/

 

Which hacks do you guys use?

[nolipoli]

I may as well say it first - Clutch rear derailleur, and minimise your chain length.

 

(but you knew that already).

[Hog_]

Yes, the clutch and short chain are already in play.

 

I still need to figure out how to silence the BOS shock as well. It sounds like I'm molesting a squirrel every time I hit a rocky or rooty section.

[nigelhicks]

road bike tube on the chainstay, clutch derailleur, velcromesh stuck on seatstay = sorted

[Capricorn]

velcro on the inside faces of your chain device. stay away from hard rubber chainstay protectors. they make a noise. velcro or that mastik stuff works best.

 

almost forgot: earplugs.

Edited September 4, 2014 by Capricorn

[Hog_]

Earplugs would at least solve the issue with the BOS.

 

I have some mastik type stuff on order from Amazon, until it arrives the inner tube method will have to do though.

[Mada3400]

your approach is wrong

http://www.endo-bikes.de/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/z/izimu_2012_id_4715.jpg

thats where you want your chainstays

[Hog_]

your approach is wrong

 

thats where you want your chainstays

 

You actually make a pretty solid point. Not sure the wife would be happy with me buying yet another bike though.

[Peach.]

Ill take a picture of my slap stop design for the top, and I put some double sided tape on and put 0.5mm plastic on to protect the frame, made it quiet also.

[Psyrax]

Search for Sam Hill's Iron Horse downhill bike from a few years back . You could get some ideas. It was famous for being a very quiet bike - how he wanted it

[Spoke101]

EB14: The Amazing Frictionless Chosen Smart Hub Freehub Spins Freely in Both Directions

http://www.bikerumor.com/2014/09/06/eb14-the-amazing-frictionless-chosen-smart-hub-freehub-spins-freely-in-both-directions/

posted by Tyler Benedict - September 6, 2014 - 9pm EDT

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/chosen-smart-hub-frictionless-freehub-body01-600x399.jpg

[Hog_]

Gave the bike a proper test at Spicak on Sunday, and it's quite good at the moment. The BOS needs to go though! Can't hear the chain over the damn shock!