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Simple tips for reducing bike noise
As the saying goes, a quiet bike is a fast bike. Quiet means efficient, and efficient means fast. Whether you want to take advantage of a quiet ride to focus on technical riding or maximize your pedaling, or enjoy the tranquility of a country bike ride, having a quiet bike is the better choice.
A noisy bike sounds like a drum kit tumbling down the stairs, accompanied by the clatter of a chain, the creaking of harsh bearings, or the clatter of loose cables. When a noisy bike glides down the road, it can be distracting and even comical to bystanders.
There are many ways to reduce bike noise, from proper setup and maintenance to a few clever tricks, all of which contribute to a quieter and more enjoyable riding experience.
A bicycle’s hollow tubes further exacerbate the problem; sound can vibrate through the frame, amplifying the noise and making finding the bike as difficult as watching a ventriloquist performer.
Basic Setup
The first tip is simple, but essential regardless of your feelings about noise: properly set up and assemble your bike.
If your brake hoses or shift cables are too long, they’re more likely to wobble, hitting the frame tubes and causing noise.
When you replace a new brake hose or install a new shift cable, cut it to the proper length. The best way to do this is to find the maximum steering lock you need and cut the cable just enough to achieve that.
Loose parts (such as headsets) or loose bolts not only make noise but also pose a safety hazard. Checking your bike’s bolts can be time-consuming, but you’ll be glad you did if you discover any loose bolts during the inspection. Of course, tightening your headset or loose bottle cages can also improve the smoothness and quietness of your ride.
Brake squeal can be one of the loudest noises on a bike, and even a minor brake jam while coasting can disrupt a long solo ride.
Take the time to properly set up your disc or rim brakes: ensure the pads are perpendicular to the braking surface and remain clear when you release the brakes.
For a patient rider, this should be a simple task, and it will keep your brakes working properly and wearing evenly, ensuring a quiet riding experience.
Eliminating Squeaks and Rattles
Squeaks and creaks can be a major pain point for mechanics, who often struggle to pinpoint those elusive, intermittent noises that only occur during right-hand turns or at a specific cadence.
While there’s no magic bullet to eliminate squeaks, there are two ways to enjoy a quieter ride.
Grease mating surfaces: Apply anti-slip compound to carbon fiber parts and grease or anti-seize compound to metal parts that require it, such as crankshafts. Some parts, like saddle rails, don’t require any grease, but grit or dirt trapped between the two surfaces can cause many annoying squeaks.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts on your bike to the manufacturer’s recommended setting.
These steps, combined, are the best way to eliminate any squeaks and creaks.
Pay close attention to care and maintenance.
Routine maintenance may seem unnoticeable, but doing it right is one of the keys to a quiet bike.
Loose bearings, poor gear indexing, squeaking pedals, and worn pulleys are all telltale signs of a poorly maintained bike.
The solution is to thoroughly inspect your bike and ensure all components are properly adjusted and lubricated. Regreasing the headset or pedal bearings will not only eliminate the noise but also extend the life of the parts, making your bike more comfortable to ride.
During these inspections, you can identify worn or fatigued components that need replacement.
The drivetrain is another common culprit for excessive noise. Regularly check your chain for wear, as worn rollers can cause persistent noise. The same goes for pulleys or the bottom bracket; if they’re fatigued or even simply under-lubricated, they can also cause excessive noise.
Inspect your bike regularly and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals.
Improve Your Bike’s Performance
If your bike is set up and maintained correctly, there are steps you can take to make it even quieter, especially on bumpy roads.
Even if the length is right, cables can be a major source of annoying noise. Manufacturers like Jagwire offer clips for securing cables, but in a pinch, you can also use small cable ties.
If your bike has internal cable routing, consider wrapping the cables inside the frame with foam to reduce the noise caused by the cables dangling inside the tubes.
You can also check that the cables are properly secured in the frame: some frames have internal cable channels, but if your bike doesn’t, try securing the cables with cable ties—you can even tie them together if they’re tangled together.
Even a well-lubricated and lightly worn chain can still make a rattling noise. Modern clutches and derailleurs, when properly tensioned, are effective at preventing chain slippage, but they’re not foolproof in eliminating the noise.
Back in the 1990s, neoprene chainstay protectors were all the rage, but by 2025, many manufacturers were installing molded rubber chainstays on their cyclocross bikes. However, these chainstays can have gaps, causing the chain to rattle on harder (and therefore noisier) surfaces.
I’ve seen good results using loops of Velcro on the inside of the chainstay cage, where the chain often rubs. These loops are inexpensive and can be found at stationery or sewing supply stores.
Using sealing tape is a good way to provide additional protection for parts of the frame not covered by the factory chainstay protector. Sealing tape is expensive, but it’s flexible and waterproof, making it an effective way to prevent chain slippage.