Silence your return idler.

[BlackPanther]

I think I read somewhere (although I may have dreamt it) that a thick elastic band on your return idler will silence it. T'other day, rather than remove the idler, I tried a quick bodge of just wrapping some insulating tape round it. Worked quite well, though I had doubts about its longevity. Anyway, yesterday I did the job proper, removed it, cut and stretched some old innertube, and the difference is quite remarkable. Silent, smooth, easy, and most importantly, cheap! So the Rapto's done, next for the silent treatment is the Trice.

 

[arallsopp]

That's worth a try. Thanks.

Of course, you can achieve much the same effect with small foam cylinders. Just roll each between finger and thumb until a compressed tapered end is observed, then push gently into your ear canal.

 

[starhawk]

Do the return idler have a sound?? I have never heard it (and I have not used arallsopps advice)

 

[Scoosh]

I thought the idlers have slots in them to 'catch' the chain and help keep it running through properly.

Presumably, by inserting a rubber band, one is doing away with this 'feature' - though I guess it doesn't make much odds on the return one.

 

[arallsopp]

Lots of

I thought the idlers have slots in them to 'catch' the chain and help keep it running through properly.

Presumably, by inserting a rubber band, one is doing away with this 'feature' - though I guess it doesn't make much odds on the return one.

I imagine the band runs around the barrel of the return idler, and not on the flange. There's been a lot of discussion about whether return idlers are better with teeth for smooth power transfer, or do better with something that's smooth and compresses.

Terracycle are generally considered leaders in the field, and their over/under kits show the two different schools of thought. http://t-cycle.com/idlers-chain-management-c-41/idlers-c-41_9/elite-overunder-idler-p-138.html

 

[Scoosh]

OK - I guess I've only really looked at the Drive/Power one ...

 

[andytheflyer]

Mine's a Terracycle and it's dead quiet! Drive side runs over the top.

 

[BlackPanther]

I have a Terracycle power idler, but the return one is a standard Raptobike one, and it's the noisiest part of the bike. Well, was. Now it's the chain.