Author Topic: Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax  (Read 1187 times)

Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax
« on: 29 December, 2023, 10:24:17 pm »
I'm shopping for hand built wheels for the audax bikes to replace entry level jobbies (rim and disk - 700x28 tyres).

One thing that vexes me is loud hubs: I really hate them.

Other than Shimano and Miche, are there other audax worthy hubs I should consider that are quiet?

I've ruled out DT Swiss, Hope (obviously!), and even Bitex.

quixoticgeek

  • Mostly Harmless
Re: Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax
« Reply #1 on: 30 December, 2023, 12:45:13 am »


Yay, someone else who values quiet hubs.

I can't help with recommendations tho. I have Shimano MTB hubs which are considerably quieter than many I have the misfortune to come across.

J
--
Beer, bikes, and backpacking
http://b.42q.eu/

Re: Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax
« Reply #2 on: 30 December, 2023, 07:31:54 am »
Perhaps give these folks a call and discuss your specific requirements?.

https://www.spacycles.co.uk

https://thecycleclinic.co.uk

Good luck

A

Re: Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax
« Reply #3 on: 30 December, 2023, 07:43:35 am »
I would recommend Shimano 105 hubs and Ambrosio Excellence rims. Why?
Because that's what I use and I'm very happy with them. :thumbsup:

Re: Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax
« Reply #4 on: 30 December, 2023, 08:08:53 am »
Fixed.

Re: Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax
« Reply #5 on: 30 December, 2023, 08:35:44 am »
Onyx hubs. As silent as it gets.

rogerzilla

  • When n+1 gets out of hand
Re: Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax
« Reply #6 on: 30 December, 2023, 08:59:25 am »
Shimano hubs are all pretty quiet.  Not blingy, but nor is audax  ;D
Hard work sometimes pays off in the end, but laziness ALWAYS pays off NOW.

Re: Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax
« Reply #7 on: 30 December, 2023, 09:13:11 am »
Fixed.

Already have this and love it - although I would say the hub noise moves to human noise as I huff and puff every minor incline ;D

Re: Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax
« Reply #8 on: 30 December, 2023, 09:18:20 am »
Onyx hubs. As silent as it gets.

Oooh - those look smashing. I can't afford them - but that's an excellent rabbit hole to disappear into.  :thumbsup:

vorsprung

  • Opposites Attract
    • Audaxing
Re: Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax
« Reply #9 on: 30 December, 2023, 01:16:55 pm »
Alfine hub gears are quiet

Re: Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax
« Reply #10 on: 30 December, 2023, 07:09:54 pm »
Mapdec over on YouTube had some spend Corima wheels recently. And those hubs were silent.

Re: Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax
« Reply #11 on: 03 January, 2024, 10:05:12 am »
Hard to see beyond Miche with this requirement unless you want something expensive, flashy, lightweight and generally non-audax-like. The cycleclinic guy's discussion of their hubs is pretty glowing.

Worth mentioning though that the type and amount of grease packed in the freehub has a dramatic affect on the volume and quality of freehub noise. My hope hubs are reasonably quiet as they're packed with thickish grease for weatherproof longevity rather than the minimal spread of the thinnest stuff that'd be best for performance.

Re: Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax
« Reply #12 on: 03 January, 2024, 05:15:31 pm »
I had some made by https://dcrwheels.co.uk with their own hub and I love them, they've drifted into service on my gravel bike and have been bomb-proof, definitely worth an email to David to see what he suggests.  Relatively quiet too, unlike my Hunt wheels which are awful.

valkyrie

  • Look at the state of your face!
    • West Lothian Clarion
Re: Custom wheels - quiet hubs for audax
« Reply #13 on: 03 January, 2024, 07:20:17 pm »
My Canyon came with DT Swiss Endurance LN wheels. The rear hub is smooth and virtually silent. That wheelset is OEM only but the hub is apparently a 370LN Ratchet Drive. With DT Swiss ratchet hubs if you find them too noisy you just add a bit more grease.
World Class Excuses for Piss-Poor Performances