I used to be obsessive about noise from the drivetrain and took great delight in getting the freewheel (a Maillard - the kit kind with the interchangeable cogs) as silent as possible (Phil's Tenacious Oil). I also used to strip my one and only bike at the time down to the bearings on a regular basis - especially if the irritating ticks and grinds started to be heard. I haven't the time for that any longer, although I must admit that I enjoy riding up in silent mode behind someone on a modern, plastic bike with all of its clicks and whirs. The look of surprise is always fun.
Paul Williams, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Paul B. Williams, BAH (Laurier), MPhil (Cardiff, Wales), PhD (Queen's) Dept. of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, castell5@sympatico.ca paul_williams@carleton.ca