Cassette vs freewheel

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, cassette vs freewheel, you replace the sprockets only, not the ratchet mechanism which typically lasts much longer than the sprockets.

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.

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.

Clear Close. Cons Of Freewheel This system isn't as durable as a cassette hub. If you've been biking for some time, you've probably heard about freewheel cassette vs freewheel cassette gears.

The rear cogs gears are attached to the hub by two different hub systems:. Although cassettes and freewheels perform the same function allow you to coast when you stop pedaling and look almost identical, they have significant mechanical differences and are NOT interchangeable. What is the main difference between freewheel and cassette hub? The freewheel is a single-unit and the act of pedaling tightens the freewheel to the hub. Whereas the cassette hub is a set of gears cogs that slides onto a cassette and is held in place by a lock ring.

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

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. The freewheel is the older of the two, and the bike cassette is what is used in modern bikes. Both of these work similarly, but the ratcheting mechanism on the freewheel is more pronounced. Due to the additional versatility of the bike cassette, it offers the rider more flexibility. While this is just a brief description of both, we should consider how they are different and which is better.

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Pros of Freewheels First, the freewheel system requires less maintenance. The cassette features up to seven cogs that will slot one by one into the cassette body, and the entire thing is held in one place by a locking nut. Freewheel is both a verb and a noun. Lastly, cassette hubs are generally more durable than freewheel systems. The cassette is connected to the bike's powertrain and offers bikers a broad selection of gear. Image credits: Pedal Chile The freewheel is one unit, while the cassette is a set of cogs or gears. They're NOT the same! 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. This is then mounted on top of a threaded hub. While replacing a freewheel with a cassette is undoubtedly feasible, it is not as straightforward as simply switching out one for another.

Most bike dealers use the two names interchangeably, and so instead of creating clarity among riders, they end up confusing them amore.

Differences Between Freewheel and Cassette The main distinction between these systems is that the freewheel is a single piece, and pedalling tightens it to the hub. On the other hand, the freewheel is a cassette that has been used on bikes since the s. 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 is then mounted on top of a threaded hub. 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. The freewheel also has the advantage of being able to coast without pedaling, which is great for children who get tired easily. If you get a large sprocket with a small derailleur on your bike, you will have to deal with overstretching and slackness. Please add an option. Mountain bike cassettes have evolved from , and speed cassettes. How to measure bike wheel size? Freehubs typically lack a bulge; if you notice any, it is a Cassette hub. So, match the size of the derailleur with that of the sprockets.