Are you confused about the difference between a freewheel and a cassette on your bike? You’re not alone. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but it can lead to wasted time and money when trying to repair or upgrade your bike.
That’s why it’s important to understand the key differences between these two systems. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of freewheels and cassettes, and help you identify which one your bike is equipped with. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, read on to learn more about these essential bike components.
Explanation of freewheel and cassette
Essentially, a freewheel is a single-unit sprocket or collection of sprockets that has an internal ratcheting system. It screws directly onto the rear hub, and the act of pedaling tightens the freewheel to the hub. On the other hand, a cassette hub is a set of gears (cogs) that slides onto a cassette and is held in place by a lock ring.
Both systems perform the same function – allowing the bike to coast when you stop pedaling – but they have significant mechanical differences and are not interchangeable.
Importance of knowing the difference
It’s important to know the difference between a freewheel and a cassette because it can save you time and money in the long run. Using the wrong type of rear hub can result in costly repairs and replacements.
It also affects the performance of your bike, especially if you use it for challenging biking. Knowing the differences between the two attachments will allow you to make informed decisions when purchasing or upgrading your bike. Plus, it’s always good to understand the equipment you’re using and how it works!
Freewheel for Threaded Hubs
Traditional rear hubs and standardized set of threads
Traditional rear hubs came with a standardized set of threads, to which a standard freewheel could be screwed on. This allowed any brand of freewheel to be mounted on any brand of hub, providing great flexibility in terms of replacement or customization options.
However, bike technology has evolved over the years and newer bikes tend to use a type of hub called a cassette hub, which uses a freehub system that contains several cogs mounted on layered rings.
While the traditional rear hub may be a thing of the past, it remains an important part of cycling history and a reminder of the ingenuity of early bike designers.
Interchangeability of freewheel brands
One of the benefits of the traditional rear hub with a standardized set of threads was the ability to interchange different brands of freewheels on any hub. However, with the rise of cassette Freehubs, this brand interchangeability has diminished.
Now, to upgrade from a freewheel to a cassette, a new wheel or hub must be purchased. But, even within the freewheel system, there are some interchangeability concerns, such as the extractor splines and the inability to swap sprockets that are bolted together.
It’s important to understand these differences and limitations when considering upgrades or replacement parts for your bike.
Extractor splines
Extractor splines are an important factor in determining whether your bike’s rear hub has a freewheel or cassette system. With freewheels, the extractor splines remain in place when the sprockets are spun backwards.
On the other hand, with cassette systems, the lockring splines turn with the sprockets when spun backwards. This information is crucial when removing or installing the rear cogs.
By understanding the difference between freewheels and cassettes, you can make informed decisions when it comes to servicing or upgrading your bike.
Sprockets bolted together without possibility of swapping
One important difference between freewheels and cassettes is how the sprockets are attached. Freewheel sprockets are bolted together, making it impossible to swap out individual sprockets if one is worn or damaged.
With cassettes, each sprocket is individually held in place with spacers, allowing for easy replacement of individual sprockets if needed. This is a significant advantage for riders who want to fine-tune their gear ratios or replace worn sprockets without having to purchase an entirely new set.
It’s one of the many reasons why cassettes are a superior option to freewheels for most riders.
Cassette Freehubs
Replacement of the threaded rear hub
One of the significant differences between freewheel and cassette is their rear hub systems. Traditional rear hubs have a standardized set of threads that allow any brand of freewheel to be mounted on any brand of hub, making them interchangeable. However, the freewheel system is becoming less popular due to its relatively low reliability and frequent need for replacement.
The cassette Freehub, on the other hand, has largely replaced the threaded rear hub in modern bikes. Although the brand interchangeability is lost with this newer system, it is more reliable and easier to maintain. It incorporates the ratchet mechanism into the hub body, which allows for replaceable sprockets only.
Incorporation of ratchet mechanism into hub body
The incorporation of the ratchet mechanism into the hub body is a major difference between a freewheel and a cassette freehub. This mechanism allows the sprockets to be replaced individually rather than having to replace the entire ratchet mechanism.
Not only is this more cost-effective, but it also allows for greater customization of gear ratios. Additionally, the lockring splines turn with the sprockets when spun backwards, which is different from freewheels and traditional threaded hubs.
This feature is important to keep in mind when buying and changing sprockets to ensure that the right ones are used.
Replaceable sprockets only
One of the advantages of the cassette system is the ability to replace individual sprockets as needed. Instead of having to replace the entire freewheel when one sprocket wears out or needs to be changed, you can simply replace the specific sprocket in a cassette.
This can save money and reduce waste in the long run. Additionally, the loose sprockets in a cassette system can be easily swapped out for different sizes or ratios, allowing for a wider range of gears and customization options.
Overall, the replaceable sprocket feature is a convenient and cost-effective aspect of the cassette system.
Loose sprockets with spacing between them
One major difference between freewheels and cassettes is the way they hold their sprockets. Freewheels come with sprockets that are bolted together without the possibility of swapping them, while 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 and can be removed without affecting functionality, allowing individual sprockets to be swapped.
This interchangeability makes cassettes more versatile and allows cyclists to customize their gear ratios for different terrain and riding styles.
Distinctive bulge on right end of hub barrel
The distinctive bulge on the right end of the hub barrel is a key feature that distinguishes a cassette Freehub from a freewheel. This bulge is actually a spoke divider that helps to evenly distribute the tension of the spokes.
Not all Freehubs have this bulge, but whenever you see it you can be sure that it is in fact a cassette Freehub. It’s important to pay attention to this feature when buying or changing sprockets so that the right ones are used.
By knowing the difference between a freewheel and a cassette, you can avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions when it comes to servicing or upgrading your bike.
Individual sprockets availability
One of the benefits of the cassette system is the availability of individual sprockets. This means that if one particular sprocket wears out or needs to be replaced, you can purchase just that one without having to replace the entire set.
Some riders may prefer this option as it allows for more customization and flexibility in gear ratios.
Additionally, it can save money in the long run as you only need to replace the sprockets that are worn rather than replacing the entire cassette. It’s important to note that not all brands or models offer individual sprockets, so it’s always a good idea to check before making any purchases.
Lockring splines turning with sprockets when spun backwards
One important difference between freewheels and cassettes is how they operate when spinning backwards. With freewheels, the extractor splines do not turn when the sprockets are spun backwards. However, with cassettes, the lockring splines turn with the sprockets when spun backwards.
This means that when replacing individual sprockets on a cassette, it is important to make sure they are correctly aligned and tightened to prevent any slipping or shifting of the gears. So, whether you’re a casual rider or a professional cyclist, understanding the differences between these two systems can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Identification
Differences in appearance of freewheel axles and cassettes
The appearance of freewheel axles and cassettes can be a helpful indicator in distinguishing between the two systems. Freewheel axles are slightly recessed within the axle and may show some splines, but not as many as a cassette.
On the other hand, cassettes are typically visible with the face of the gears, and you can see numerous splines appearing as the rays of the sun around the perimeter.
While the differences in appearance may not be apparent to the casual cyclist when comparing Shimano systems, identifying and understanding these differences is crucial for proper maintenance and repair.
