Noisy high-end bikes: because they're carbon frames?

I've noticed that high-end bikes (Cervelos are common around here)
make a loud buzzing when coasting. Even when being pedalled, the noise
of the chain on the sprockets is noticeable, and that's from me on my
bike also riding along.

My theory is that larger-diameter carbon-frame tubes transmit and
radiate sound a lot more efficiently than steel or aluminum frames. I
assume the bikes are more expensively maintained than my bike, and my
bike is quiet after a pretty basic overhaul.

On Apr 18, 2:10*pm, Ed Treijs wrote:
I've noticed that high-end bikes (Cervelos are common around here)
make a loud buzzing when coasting. Even when being pedalled, the noise
of the chain on the sprockets is noticeable, and that's from me on my
bike also riding along.

My theory is that larger-diameter carbon-frame tubes transmit and
radiate sound a lot more efficiently than steel or aluminum frames. I
assume the bikes are more expensively maintained than my bike, and my
bike is quiet after a pretty basic overhaul.

My Campagnolo 9 speed Veloce (2001) hub is noticeably noisier than the
Shimano ones on my other wheels. And that's on a steel Columbus SLX
frameset. Could it be that what you're hearing is from a Campagnolo
hub?

Cheers

Ed Treijs wrote:

I've noticed that high-end bikes (Cervelos are common around here)
make a loud buzzing when coasting. Even when being pedalled, the noise
of the chain on the sprockets is noticeable, and that's from me on my
bike also riding along.

My theory is that larger-diameter carbon-frame tubes transmit and
radiate sound a lot more efficiently than steel or aluminum frames. I
assume the bikes are more expensively maintained than my bike, and my
bike is quiet after a pretty basic overhaul.

The lighter and larger and more locally supple the structure of a
frame, the more it can resonate sound. But loud cassette ratchets are
currently in fashion for the overpriced wheels crowd.

Chalo

Chalo wrote on 18-4-2012 :
Ed Treijs wrote:

I've noticed that high-end bikes (Cervelos are common around here)
make a loud buzzing when coasting. Even when being pedalled, the noise
of the chain on the sprockets is noticeable, and that's from me on my
bike also riding along.

My theory is that larger-diameter carbon-frame tubes transmit and
radiate sound a lot more efficiently than steel or aluminum frames. I
assume the bikes are more expensively maintained than my bike, and my
bike is quiet after a pretty basic overhaul.

The lighter and larger and more locally supple the structure of a
frame, the more it can resonate sound. But loud cassette ratchets are
currently in fashion for the overpriced wheels crowd.

Chalo

;-)

Chalo wrote:
The lighter and larger and more locally supple the structure of a
frame, the more it can resonate sound.

I noticed when migrating all parts from an Aelle frame to a Zona one
with the thin walled large diameter downtube.

Won't call it noisy, but louder.

--
MfG/Best regards
helmut springer panta rhei

Ed Treijs wrote:
:I've noticed that high-end bikes (Cervelos are common around here)
:make a loud buzzing when coasting. Even when being pedalled, the noise
f the chain on the sprockets is noticeable, and that's from me on my
:bike also riding along.

:My theory is that larger-diameter carbon-frame tubes transmit and
:radiate sound a lot more efficiently than steel or aluminum frames. I
:assume the bikes are more expensively maintained than my bike, and my
:bike is quiet after a pretty basic overhaul.


Nope, just ****ty, loud, expensive, botique hubs. Or campy ones.

--
sig 59

On Apr 18, 2:10*pm, Ed Treijs wrote:
I've noticed that high-end bikes (Cervelos are common around here)
make a loud buzzing when coasting. Even when being pedalled, the noise
of the chain on the sprockets is noticeable, and that's from me on my
bike also riding along.

My theory is that larger-diameter carbon-frame tubes transmit and
radiate sound a lot more efficiently than steel or aluminum frames. I
assume the bikes are more expensively maintained than my bike, and my
bike is quiet after a pretty basic overhaul.

I've noticed this myself, but I ASSumed that the common theme was
Mavic wheels/hubs. What I've noticed was not chain noise but that the
ratchets are really, really loud, whereas my Shimano hubs are much
quieter.

nate

On Apr 18, 2:32 pm, Chalo wrote:
Ed Treijs wrote:

I've noticed that high-end bikes (Cervelos are common around here)
make a loud buzzing when coasting. Even when being pedalled, the noise
of the chain on the sprockets is noticeable, and that's from me on my
bike also riding along.

My theory is that larger-diameter carbon-frame tubes transmit and
radiate sound a lot more efficiently than steel or aluminum frames. I
assume the bikes are more expensively maintained than my bike, and my
bike is quiet after a pretty basic overhaul.

The lighter and larger and more locally supple the structure of a
frame, the more it can resonate sound. But loud cassette ratchets are
currently in fashion for the overpriced wheels crowd.

Huh. A lot further down on my list of possibilities was "The loud
freewheel buzzing makes me L33T!"

Certainly I'm a lot happeir now that various bearings aren't rumbling,
and my rear fender doesn't rattle on bumps due to some duct tape and a
zip tie or two. In fact, my bicycle coasting is quieter than High End
Bike riding along, it seems.

On 19/04/12 04:10, Ed Treijs wrote:
I've noticed that high-end bikes (Cervelos are common around here)
make a loud buzzing when coasting. Even when being pedalled, the noise
of the chain on the sprockets is noticeable, and that's from me on my
bike also riding along.

My theory is that larger-diameter carbon-frame tubes transmit and
radiate sound a lot more efficiently than steel or aluminum frames. I
assume the bikes are more expensively maintained than my bike, and my
bike is quiet after a pretty basic overhaul.

Deep carbon rims seem to amplify gear and road noise. They make good
drums I think.

--
JS.

On 04/18/2012 02:10 PM, Ed Treijs wrote:
I've noticed that high-end bikes (Cervelos are common around here)
make a loud buzzing when coasting. Even when being pedalled, the noise
of the chain on the sprockets is noticeable, and that's from me on my
bike also riding along.

My theory is that larger-diameter carbon-frame tubes transmit and
radiate sound a lot more efficiently than steel or aluminum frames. I
assume the bikes are more expensively maintained than my bike, and my
bike is quiet after a pretty basic overhaul.

I think it's probably the different cassettes.

My CF Tarmac with a Shimano 105 setup is quiet. The Cervelos that I
ride around are not. Most of the Cervelo riders I'm around also have
aero wheels so this tends to drown out the noise cassette spinning like
a casting reel.