[sinab]

On the topic of low-noise bikes, why do some riders insist on having a loud freewheel? The clicking noise is unbearable in my opinion.

Source: https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/4606/what-cause....

[digdugdirk]

It's not so much an insistence, more just where the industry is at. Those freewheel hubs are loud because that's generally the lightest, most efficient design - lots of teeth for immediate drive engagement, no extra grease that would lessen said engagement, no extra material for sound dampening.

Clutch mechanisms are available, but these are slightly less efficient and generally more expensive.

Basically... People love spending lots of money for the absolute highest quality components. How will other riders know how fancy your hubs are unless it broadcasts that fact to the world?

[NoPicklez]

In group rides with expensive bikes its often associated with higher quality wheels.

Friend of mine had Zipp wheels which had a distinctly louder freehub.

[gorgoiler]

It is just the fashion of our time. See also: gravel bike tyres with tan sidewalls, or if you’re old enough, bar ends.

[renewiltord]

I don't, but my Zipps are loud and I like them otherwise.