# Which brands produce the quietest mountain bikes? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

Which brands produce the quietest mountain bikes?

## Products

### Trek Slash+ (TQ motor)
```yaml
product: trek-slash-tq-motor
brand: Trek
price_gbp: 8964.34
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 20.8 kg
wheel_size: mixed 29 in front 27.5 in rear
gear_number: 12
braking_system: SRAM hydraulic disc brakes
frame_material: OCLV carbon fiber
suspension_type: high pivot 170 mm front and rear
```

- **Price:** £8964.34 [^1]
- **Summary:** The Trek Slash+ is a carbon-frame, mixed-wheel (mullet) high-pivot eMTB with 170 mm of travel front and rear and a quiet TQ HPR50 drive system paired to a 580 Wh internal battery. It's built for aggressive enduro riding and long descents while retaining sufficient range and a relatively low weight for an eMTB. The bike comes in two full-build specs emphasizing high-end suspension and drivetrain components.
- **Ideal For:** This bike suits riders seeking one of the quietest mountain e-bikes because it uses the TQ HPR50 motor (noted for low noise) plus a carbon OCLV frame and high-pivot suspension that reduce drivetrain and impact noise.

### Project 321 Sprag Clutch Rear Hub
```yaml
product: project-321-sprag-clutch-rear-hub
brand: Project 321
price_gbp: 328.72
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 292 g
braking_system: 6-Bolt or Centerlock
```

- **Price:** £328.72 [^2]
- **Summary:** The Project321 G3 rear hub uses the M-Pulse magnetic pawl drive with 288 points of engagement and a patent-pending 6-Lock rotor mounting that accepts six-bolt rotors or centerlock. It features anodized 7075 aluminum axles, dual double-row bearings, improved sealing, and is made in Canada, aimed at high-engagement, low-drag performance. The hub suits riders who want fast engagement and tunable hub sound.
- **Ideal For:** Suitable for riders seeking the quietest mountain-bike hubs because its magnetic pawl M-Pulse drive and improved sealing deliver very low drag and notably quiet engagement (288 points of engagement, magnetic pawls).

### Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX AXS Gen 6
```yaml
product: trek-fuel-ex-9-8-gx-axs-gen-6
brand: Trek
price_gbp: 5752.6
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 20.8 kg
wheel_size: 29 in
gear_number: 12
braking_system: Shimano XT M8220 hydraulic disc
frame_material: OMR Carbon
suspension_type: Concentric Boost linkage-driven single-pivot
```

- **Price:** £5752.6 [^3]
- **Summary:** The Orbea Rise LT is a lightweight long-travel eMTB with 150mm rear and 160mm front travel, built on an OMR carbon frame and driven by the Shimano EP801 RS motor with internal battery options. It pairs 29 in wheels, a Concentric Boost suspension platform, and high-end components (Shimano 12-speed drivetrain and XT brakes) for capable trail descending and efficient climbing. The LT suits riders who want more aggressive geometry and travel than the SL while keeping overall weight low.
- **Ideal For:** Suited for riders seeking a quiet-feeling mountain e-bike because its sealed pivot bearings, internal battery, and OMR carbon frame reduce rattles and vibration compared with open-frame designs.

### Chris King R45 Rear Hub
```yaml
product: chris-king-r45-rear-hub
brand: Chris King
price_gbp: 439.29
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 265g
braking_system: Disc or Rim (options depend on model)
```

- **Price:** £439.29 [^4]
- **Summary:** The Chris King R45 Rear Hub is a high-precision road/cyclocross hub featuring the proprietary RingDrive engagement (45 points) and serviceable sealed angular-contact bearings available in steel or ceramic. It's lightweight and narrow-bodied for aerodynamic wheel builds, made and assembled in the USA and offered in multiple axle, hole-count, and driveshell options. Suited for performance road and cyclocross wheel builds seeking durable, serviceable hubs.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for quiet road/cyclocross builds because the R45's 45-point RingDrive engagement and precision sealed bearings produce smooth, low-noise engagement compared with higher-count or pawl-based systems.

### DT Swiss DT Swiss 350 18t Ratchet Rear Hub
```yaml
product: dt-swiss-dt-swiss-350-18t-ratchet-rear-hub
brand: DT Swiss
price_gbp: 212.85
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 243 g
braking_system: Disc Center Lock
```

- **Price:** £212.85 [^5]
- **Summary:** The DT Swiss 350 is a durable, serviceable hub available with DT's Ratchet freehub (options include 18t, 24t, 36t, 54t or high-engagement DEG 72). It's built for MTB use with multiple axle and cassette interfaces and a focus on reliability and easy maintenance. Suited to riders who want robust performance and upgradeable engagement without a premium weight penalty.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for brands aiming for quiet mountain bikes because the 350's Ratchet freehub (18t option) and solid bearing setup produce predictable, low-vibration engagement that minimizes drivetrain noise.

### Industry Nine Hydra Rear Hub (i9 Hydra)
```yaml
product: industry-nine-hydra-rear-hub-i9-hydra
brand: Industry Nine
price_gbp: null
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 270 g
```

- **Price:** £None [^6]
- **Summary:** The Industry Nine Hydra rear hub is a high-engagement MTB hub featuring a 690-point drive with a six-pawl leaf-spring actuation, sealed bearings, and multiple axle standards for Boost/QR compatibility. It's serviceable, made in the USA, offered in multiple colors, and designed for off-road use and quick power transfer.
- **Ideal For:** Suitable for riders seeking quiet, high-engagement hubs because the Hydra's leaf-spring pawl system and factory use of Dumonde Tech freehub grease reduce audible ringing compared with earlier loud Torch-style freehubs.

### Onyx Racing Products Classic Rear Hub
```yaml
product: onyx-racing-products-classic-rear-hub
brand: Onyx Racing Products
price_gbp: 392.22
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 420 g
```

- **Price:** £392.22 [^7]
- **Summary:** The Onyx Classic Rear Hub uses a patented sprag clutch to provide instant engagement and near-silent operation, built for heavier use like e-bikes, bikepacking, tandems, and larger riders. It is a serviceable, build-to-order hub offered in multiple axle standards and spoke counts and prioritizes durability over minimal weight.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for riders seeking the quietest mountain-bike hubs because the sprag clutch eliminates pawl ratchet noise, providing near-silent engagement (sprag clutch design) and robust construction.

### Onyx Racing Products Vesper Rear Hub
```yaml
product: onyx-racing-products-vesper-rear-hub
brand: Onyx Racing Products
price_gbp: 392.22
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 371 g
braking_system: Shimano Center Lock
```

- **Price:** £392.22 [^8]
- **Summary:** The Onyx Vesper Rear Hub is a lightweight, sprag-clutch rear hub designed for cross-country and trail use with a quiet, pawl-free engagement. It features multiple axle standards, J-bend flange, and XDR or Micro Spline driver options for modern drivetrains. Suited for riders wanting low-noise, durable hubs for custom wheel builds.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for riders seeking the quietest mountain-bike setups because its sprag clutch eliminates pawl ratchet noise and the Vesper line is explicitly designed for low weight (371 g) and high engagement stiffness.

### Orbea Rise LT
```yaml
product: orbea-rise-lt
brand: Orbea
price_gbp: 8941.89
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 20.8 kg
wheel_size: 29 in
gear_number: 12
braking_system: Shimano XT M8220 hydraulic disc
frame_material: OMR Carbon
suspension_type: Concentric Boost linkage-driven single-pivot
```

- **Price:** £8941.89 [^9]
- **Summary:** The Orbea Rise LT is a lightweight long-travel eMTB with 150mm rear and 160mm front travel, built on an OMR carbon frame and driven by the Shimano EP801 RS motor with internal battery options. It pairs 29 in wheels, a Concentric Boost suspension platform, and high-end components (Shimano 12-speed drivetrain and XT brakes) for capable trail descending and efficient climbing. The LT suits riders who want more aggressive geometry and travel than the SL while keeping overall weight low.
- **Ideal For:** Suited for riders seeking a quiet-feeling mountain e-bike because its sealed pivot bearings, internal battery, and OMR carbon frame reduce rattles and vibration compared with open-frame designs.

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Pinkbike (retailer listing review references Trek shop price), accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.pinkbike.com/news/review-trek-slash-99.html
[^2]: BikeParts (Peak Cycles), accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.bikeparts.com/BPC210883/project-321-g3-6-lock-disc-rear-hub-xdr-28h-12x148-black
[^3]: Singletracks (affiliate listing), accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/2023-trek-fuel-ex-trail-bike-review/
[^4]: Wheelbuilder, accessed 2026-06-14. https://wheelbuilder.com/chris-king-r45-disc-centerlock-rear-hub/
[^5]: Fair Wheel Bikes, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.fairwheelbikes.com/dt-swiss-350-road-rear-hub.html
[^6]: Worldwide Cyclery, accessed 2026-06-14. https://worldwidecyclery.com/blogs/worldwide-cyclery-blog/new-industry-nine-hydra-hubs
[^7]: The Lost Co., accessed 2026-06-14. https://thelostco.com/collections/onyx-racing-products
[^8]: Onyx Racing Products Store, accessed 2026-06-14. https://onyxrp.com/store/mtb-hubs/onyx-vesper-mtb-cl-ms-135-qr-rear-hub/
[^9]: Electric Bike Attack, accessed 2026-06-14. https://electricbikeattack.com/orbea-rise-lt-m-team-2026/