Cassette vs freewheel

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The terms "freewheel" and "cassette" are often used interchangeably, an error that causes a lot of wasted time and money. The cassette Freehub incorporates the ratchet mechanism into the hub body although the ratchet mechanism is still replaceable. When you wear out the sprockets on a Freehub, you replace the sprockets only, not the ratchet mechanism which typically lasts much longer than the sprockets. The sprockets are commonly sold as a set, called a " cassette ". The sprockets in a cassette are usually held together by three small bolts or rivets for ease of installation.

Cassette vs freewheel

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. One of the major differences between a freewheel and a freehub is the location of the coasting mechanism. It incorporates the ratchet mechanism into the hub body, so you can replace the sprockets only, rather than the ratchet mechanism. Unlike the freewheel and threaded hub system, the lockring splines will turn with sprockets when spun backwards. Additionally, many freehubs will have a distinctive bulge on the right end of the hub barrel. Whereas freewheels come with sprockets bolted together, without possibility of swapping them, cassettes come with loose sprockets that have spacing between them. 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. Freewheel axles are typically recessed slightly into the axle.

In addition, you can find two bearings in it, and changing them is not difficult. Which One Do I Have? Com2 Aug.

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. These systems act as a bike's clutch, enabling bikers to change gears while riding.

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. Both bikes were loaded for self-supported touring and both did the job without a problem. The big difference between freewheels and cassettes is where the ratcheting mechanism is located. That mechanism is what allows you to coast.

Cassette vs freewheel

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. One of the major differences between a freewheel and a freehub is the location of the coasting mechanism.

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Pretty much all bikes made through the late 80s used this system. Bike Fit. In reality, they are two different systems. Most adult bikes have multiple gear options, where each gear is attached to a separate sprocket. 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. Search for:. Join Our Community. Your cart is empty Continue shopping. Here, we'll outline the advantages and disadvantages of freewheel and cassette hub systems. How often should a bike be serviced? Additionally, it works well to fix the bent axle issue.

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.

Additionally, many freehubs will have a distinctive bulge on the right end of the hub barrel. It incorporates the ratchet mechanism into the hub body, so you can replace the sprockets only, rather than the ratchet mechanism. It is easier to replace the cassette system than it is for the freewheel. Single-speed bikes come with a single-gear ratio. When you pedal forward, the mechanism locks and makes the train drive the wheel. Visit our blog for more info on electric bicycles and their systems. Lastly, this system is widespread; you can find them on vintage bikes. When you pedal, the chain or rubber belts on Belsize bikes rotate and catch the sprockets. Shimano Cassette Freehub, showing characteristic bulge on the right side of the body. While freewheels and cassettes have the same function and look alike, they have mechanical differences. Respond In 48 Hours. Next, the freewheel system is affordable to purchase and fix. Now that you know the differences between a freewheel and a cassette, it's time to answer which system is the best for you. You need to compare two or more bicycles.