Cassette vs freewheel

With the release of our new inch Pro kids bikewe have received a few questions about some of the upgrades we put in place for the Pro version.

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

Robert Gibbons. February 19, Decline Magazine is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links. If your bike is not riding right for your style, this might be because of the freewheels or cassettes. These are the gears at the back of your bike and are generally called a cluster. In reality, they are two different systems. Bikers are usually confused about the difference between freewheel vs cassette because both cogs are similar in appearance and perform the same function. On the other hand, the cassette hub consists of gears that slide into a cassette while you pedal, and this is held in place by a lock ring. While freewheels and cassettes have the same function and look alike, they have mechanical differences. A freewheel is also called a block and is made up of one sprocket or a set of sprockets that are placed on a body that has an internal ratcheting mechanism. This is then mounted on top of a threaded hub. The freewheel is directly screwed to the back wheel of the bike. When you pedal forward, the mechanism locks and makes the train drive the wheel. Then, it allows you to cruise without pedaling or rolling backward.

Freehub Cassettes Explained A cassette is similar to a freewheel in that it has a set of sprockets that are attached one after the other, but instead of an internal ratcheting system, there is a series of straight splines that form cassette vs freewheel connection between the sprockets and the hub. Unlike the freewheel and threaded hub system, the lockring splines will turn with sprockets when spun backwards. However, if you press the pedals too hard and the wheel spins faster than the gear, cassette vs freewheel, the system will lock up like the cassette hub.

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.

They both function the same in that they mesh with the chain to turn the rear wheel and thus propel the bike forward when you pedal. But freewheels and cassettes are different in design and construction. Cassette clusters are the newer technology, and most modern multi-gear bikes come with cassettes rather than freewheels. The bicycle I rode across the United States back in had a freewheel with six cogs in the cluster. The bike I rode five years later on US Rt.

Cassette vs freewheel

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. Most modern bicycles use the freehub system.

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Unlike the freewheel and threaded hub system, the lockring splines will turn with sprockets when spun backwards. Individual sprockets are also available. A cassette is similar to a freewheel in that it has a set of sprockets that are attached one after the other, but instead of an internal ratcheting system, there is a series of straight splines that form the connection between the sprockets and the hub. Cassettes Commonly 7-, 8-, 9- or speeds Lockring splines turn with sprockets when spun backwards Many cassette Freehubs have a distinctive bulge on the right end of the hub barrel. February 19, So Which Is Better? There are different types of cassettes that you can see on your bike, unlike the freewheel, which has only one type. They are available on expensive and affordable bikes, and you can find them on different derailleur bicycles. Dec 30, On the other hand, the cassette hub consists of gears that slide into a cassette while you pedal, and this is held in place by a lock ring. 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. Freewheel and Cassette Pros and Cons Freewheel and cassette systems have varying pros and cons that set them apart. Park Tool.

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.

We use cookies and similar technologies to provide the best experience on our website. What is a Freewheel? The freewheel is a single-unit and the act of pedaling tightens the freewheel to the hub. Jan 3, It is a hub located on the rear bike wheel, and the cassette sprockets slide into it when you ride. Today, we'll highlight the differences between freewheel and cassette and answer which is best for your bike! Some cassettes do come with sprockets held together with bolts or rivets, but these are just for easier mounting — they can be removed without affecting functionality, so that individual sprockets can be swapped. Can They Be Used Interchangeably? First, detach the bike's rear wheel and spin the gears backwards. Search I Love Bicycling. Mountain bikes are required to tackle different kinds of terrains and challenges off the road, which is why you need special cassettes. How to Identify a Freewheel or Cassette Fortunately, freewheel and cassette are easy to tell apart.