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, cassette vs freewheel. The extractor splines do not turn when the sprockets are spun backwards.

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.

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.

They're NOT the same!

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.

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. The sprockets spin when you coast but lock and drive the bike when you resume pedaling. With freewheels, the ratcheting apparatus is built into the cluster, and the whole cluster attaches to the wheel by means of threads machined onto the hub.

Cassette vs freewheel

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. This mechanism locks when you pedal the bike frontward, forcing the drivetrain to drive the wheel. A typical bicycle cassette can have sprockets, albeit modern bike drivetrains use As I mentioned earlier, a cassette is an updated freewheel. So, expect the modern bikes to come with the cassette as opposed to a freewheel. In a cassette, the sprockets are bolted together, featuring three small bolts. The small bolts keep the sprockets in position when detached from the ratchet. In a freewheel, in contrast, the sprockets are slid into the splines and held into position with a lockring.

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Cassette Pros The cassette system often experiences fewer axle breaks. It is sad to lose the brand interchangeability that formerly existed, but these hubs work so well that they have come to represent the new "standard. Almost all bikes made through the late s used this system. A cassette hub is not threaded to the rear hub. Reports of the demise of this Web site are greatly exaggerated! 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. First, detach the bike's rear wheel and spin the gears backwards. Shimano Cassette Freehub, showing characteristic bulge on the right side of the body. Generally, you may replace this unit more frequently than with cassette systems. Share Your Story! Share Share. They're NOT the same!

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.

Related Post. Next, the freewheel system is affordable to purchase and fix. Remember, you'll have to spend a fair bit on a new rear wheel. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links. Freewheel vs Cassette: What is The Difference? Clear Close. Road Bike Cassette As for road bikes, you can have an 11, 12, or teeth small-size sprocket or a 21 and tooth large-size sprocket. The number of teeth on the largest cog determines the various sizes of cassettes that are available. If you wore out your sprockets, or wanted different gear ratios , you could unscrew the cluster and install a new one. Pros of Freewheels First, the freewheel system requires less maintenance.