The Sound of Different Frame Materials

[Roy Davis]

I am now 78 but still riding. Cycling is the fastest growing sport in the World. If only more people realized what a wonderful sport it is for good health. You don't have to win races to benefit. Just a gentle ride in the country brings great health benefits.

I am an audio person although my ears are not what they used to be. I often recognize old acquaintances by their voices not looks. Has any else noticed how the different bikes of different frame materials sound so different when riding?

Just for interest, in my opinion, the old steel frame bikes were the most comfortable. I fell on hard times a few years ago. Had to sell my beloved Cervelo SLC SL. To keep riding I bought an ancient steel frame bike branded 'le tortoise'. Probably made by Giant. Has anyone else had one of these? It worked fine.

Fortunately I have worked my way back up to a TCR Advanced composite 11-speed. Just recovering

from surgery and then I will be back on my bike.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Hi Roy,
glad to hear you’re recovering....

enjoy the new bike!

[MORNE]

snip

 

I am an audio person although my ears are not what they used to be. I often recognize old acquaintances by their voices not looks. Has any else noticed how the different bikes of different frame materials sound so different when riding?

 

snip

 

I can almost always hear when roadies on carbon bikes approach me from the rear. That distinctive hollow, plastic sound 

 

PS: steel for life

Edited August 6, 2020 by morneS555

[gummibear]

Good luck with the recovery.

 

I love the sound of a carbon time trial bike flying along with a disc at the rear

[Veebee]

I can almost always hear when roadies on carbon bikes approach me from the rear. That distinctive hollow, plastic sound 

 

PS: steel for life

I love that sound of deep carbon wheels as you hammering it in a group

[RocknRolla]

Steel is real!! Mine has a distinctive ping on the seatpost that almost sounds like a cowbell..

 

If all goes well, and I am still alive, I would absolutely love it to still be riding at 78. 

And posting on the bikehub. You sir, have my respect!

[Hairy]

you will love the sound of a steel fixie .... silent...

 

Different tyre treads also give if their own identity RE sound, rather enjoy this. .... oh, my stupid Shimano rear der also gives off a slight squeak after a wash if I have not lubed up the pivots on her ... mind you, a good couple of bikes back (Been on SRAM for some time now) I had the same issue with a Shimano der too.