Cassette vs freewheel

The terms "freewheel" and "cassette" are often used interchangeably, an error that causes a lot of wasted time and money.

We use cookies and similar technologies to provide the best experience on our website. Refer to our Privacy Policy for more information. Jan 2, If you've been biking for some time, you've probably heard about freewheel and cassette gears. Every bike has rear cogs or gears fastened to the hub for proper function. The freewheel and cassette systems are found in the hub of a bike.

Cassette vs freewheel

With the release of our new inch Pro kids bike , we have received a few questions about some of the upgrades we put in place for the Pro version. We could mention the upgraded Gates belt-drive system or the thicker aluminum frame that adds less than half a pound compared to our original inch sports version , but the most exciting upgrade we made is the switch from a freewheel hub to an integrated freehub cassette. On the rear of your bike, there are multiple sprockets that attach to the rear wheel. When you pedal, the chain or rubber belts on Belsize bikes rotate and catch the sprockets. Since the sprockets are attached to the rear wheel, this drives your bike forward and moves the bicycle. Most adult bikes have multiple gear options, where each gear is attached to a separate sprocket. Although they perform the same function, the cassette and freewheel operate a little bit differently and have some differences that are useful in different riding experiences. Cassettes are typically used on off-road or mountain bikes as they are more durable under stress and bumps while freewheel hubs are typically used for road or urban bikes where you are not riding on such rough, shocking terrain. A freewheel either contains a set of sprockets or a single sprocket with an internal ratcheting system that is mounted on a threaded hub. The freewheel screws directly onto the rear wheel of your bike, but it requires a longer axle than a cassette hub.

Cassette Freehubs Over the last few years the Shimano " Freehub " has largely replaced the conventional threaded rear hub. Freewheel and cassette vs freewheel systems have varying pros and cons that set them apart.

Traditional rear hubs have a standardized set of threads that a freewheel or sprocket cluster can be screwed onto. This meant any brand of freewheel could be mounted on any brand of hub. The extractor splines do not turn when the sprockets are spun backwards. Freewheels come with sprockets bolted together, without possibility of swapping them. Pretty much all bikes made through the late 80s used this system. Over the past few decades, the cassette replaced the conventional threaded rear hub. This newer style hub works so well that they have replaced the traditional freewheel and have become the new standard for contemporary road bikes.

This article will help determine whether your bike has a cassette or freewheel system, and what tool is needed to remove and install the rear cogs. The rear cogs are attached to the hub in one of two ways. This cylindrical mechanism ratchets counter-clockwise for coasting, and locks clockwise for driving the bike when pedaled. The freehub body has a series of splines on the outer shell. A lockring threads into the freehub and holds the sprockets, or cogs, in place. When the cogs are removed, the ratcheting freehub remains on the hub body.

Cassette vs freewheel

If you have ever jumped on your new bike and you feel something is not right, you might have an issue with the gearing of the bike. Many people compare the bike cassette to the freewheel, which could be frustrating. You will need to understand both basics if you want to get the best results from cycling. Bike cassette vs. The freewheel and bike cassettes look very similar and operate similarly.

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In this system, the chain drives a cassette, and the ratchet locks as the cassette drives the wheel. Freewheel Hubs Explained A freewheel either contains a set of sprockets or a single sprocket with an internal ratcheting system that is mounted on a threaded hub. They are available on expensive and affordable bikes, and you can find them on different derailleur bicycles. For the love of mountain biking! The cassette contains cogs and is not threaded onto the bike's rear wheel. Then, it allows you to cruise without pedaling or rolling backward. Share Share. Freewheels come with sprockets bolted together, without possibility of swapping them. February 26, As the cyclist pedals, the freewheel is continuously kept tight due to the chain torque. UK Warehouse Free shipping in business days. Derailleurs, used to change gears, are typically found on cassette bikes.

Most bike dealers use the two names interchangeably, and so instead of creating clarity among riders, they end up confusing them amore. Generally, modern bikes come with a cassette system, which is an updated version of the freewheel. We will look at what these two systems are, their differences, and pro and cons.

Does the Southern Hemisphere Get Snow. Additionally, many freehubs will have a distinctive bulge on the right end of the hub barrel. Over the past few decades, the cassette replaced the conventional threaded rear hub. February 19, Video Gallery. The extractor splines do not turn when the sprockets are spun backwards. In addition, the bike will drift forward once the rider stops pedalling and the gears start spinning smoothly. Removing the freewheel is one of the main drawbacks of this system as the high torque from pedaling tightens the freewheel to the hub The bearings are closer together, which equates to lessened leverage compared to the cassette the cassette is stronger. Remember, you'll have to spend a fair bit on a new rear wheel. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting upgrade! Please add an option. The number of teeth on the largest cog determines the various sizes of cassettes that are available. Not all Freehubs have this bulge, but whenever you see it, you can be sure that it is, in fact, a cassette Freehub. Freewheel is both a verb and a noun. Cassettes are lighter than freewheels.