Workshop wisdom

Follow these pro mechanic's tips to make your bike quieter

- Words Will Soffe

A quiet bike is a fast bike, or so the old adage goes. Whether you use the peace to focus fully on technical challenges, put out maximum pedalling effort or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside, silencing a slapping chain, gritty bearings or flapping cables can pay dividends.

1) Trim cables and hoses

If brake hoses or gear cables are left too long, it increases the chance that they'll flap about, banging off the frame tubes or each other and making a racket. When you get a new set of brakes, cut the hoses down to the correct length. The same goes for fitting a new gear cable or cables. The best way to do this is to find the maximum steering lock you'll need and cut the cable/hose so you're just about able to achieve this.

2) Check everything is done up