Freewheel vs Freehub: Which is Better?
When choosing a bicycle, understanding the differences between Freewheel vs Freehub is crucial, as these two drivetrain systems offer distinct performance characteristics. While both systems allow for free rotation, their mechanisms, efficiency, and ideal applications vary significantly. With advancements in bicycle technology, the Freehub has become the standard for modern high-performance bicycles, while the Freewheel is still commonly found in older models and casual rides.
In addition to these two common drivetrain systems, the Cassette is often compared to the Freehub. A Cassette not only offers more gear combinations but also significantly improves transmission efficiency, making it the go-to choice for competitive and long-distance cyclists.
This article will dive into the definitions, working principles, pros and cons, and appropriate use cases of Freewheel, Freehub, and Cassette, helping you make the best drivetrain choice based on your riding needs, budget, and maintenance preferences.
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Definition and Working Principle of Freewheel
Freewheel is a commonly used bicycle drivetrain component, often found on older or entry-level bicycles. It is an independent assembly that integrates a gear system and a ratchet mechanism. The key function of a Freewheel is to allow the rear wheel to rotate freely when the rider stops pedaling, ensuring a smooth cycling experience. This feature makes the Freewheel popular in urban commuting, leisure riding, and other non-intensive cycling scenarios.

1. Structure of the Freewheel
The basic structure of a Freewheel consists of the following parts:
- Outer Gears: The Freewheel typically consists of multiple gears, with the number of gears ranging from 1 to 7 depending on the model and transmission needs.
- Ratchet Mechanism: The internal ratchet mechanism is the core component of the Freewheel. The ratchet uses a set of pawls and springs to allow the Freewheel to transmit power in only one direction, while it can rotate freely in the reverse direction.
- Threaded Connection: The Freewheel is usually mounted on the rear hub via a threaded connection. This design makes the installation and removal of the Freewheel relatively simple.
2. Working Principle of the Freewheel
The Freewheel operates based on its internal ratchet mechanism. When the rider pedals, the Freewheel transfers the pedaling force to the rear wheel via the chain, causing the bicycle to move forward. During this process, the pawls engage with the teeth of the ratchet, locking the Freewheel in place so that the gears and rear wheel rotate together.
When the rider stops pedaling or during coasting, the pawls disengage from the ratchet, allowing the Freewheel and gears to rotate freely while the rear wheel continues to spin. The key benefit of this design is that the rear wheel keeps moving due to inertia, even when the rider is not pedaling. This is the reason the Freewheel is named—”free” refers to its ability to rotate freely when the rider is not actively pedaling.
Definition and Working Principle of Freehub
Freehub, by contrast, is a more common drivetrain for modern bikes. Unlike the Freewheel, Freehub’s one-way ratchet mechanism is built into the drum itself, while the flywheel tooth piece (called Cassette, the cassette flywheel) is mounted on Freehub via a lock ring.
Freehub’s design is more advanced, it allows the use of a multi-blade system and provides more choice of tooth ratio so that riders can more easily adjust the tooth ratio on different terrain, improving riding efficiency. Freehub systems are commonly used on road bikes, mountain bikes, and high-performance bikes for racing and long-distance riding.
Because Freehub separates the ratchet mechanism from the flywheel teeth, the drive is more flexible and efficient, while also increasing the complexity of maintenance.

1. Structure of Freehub
The core feature of the Freehub is its integrated design with the rear wheel hub. The structure includes:
- Rear Hub (Hub): The Freehub is integrated into the rear wheel hub, which makes the entire drivetrain more compact and efficient. The hub houses the ratchet mechanism, which is typically designed with greater precision.
- Ratchet Mechanism: Inside the Freehub, a ratchet mechanism is integrated, but unlike the Freewheel design, the Freehub uses internal pawls and springs to disengage the flywheel when not in use. This design allows the flywheel to spin freely when not pedaling, improving efficiency.
- Cassette and Lockring: The Freehub is typically used with a cassette, where the cogs are fixed to the Freehub using a lockring. The number of cogs and gear ratios is very flexible, often supporting more cogs (such as 10 to 12-speed systems) to meet different riding needs.
2. Working Principle of Freehub
The working principle of a Freehub is similar to that of a Freewheel, but it is designed to be more efficient and precise. Essentially, the Freehub allows the rider to transfer power to the rear wheel when pedaling, and it lets the rear wheel spin freely when not pedaling.
When you pedal, the power from your legs is transmitted through the chain to the Freehub. Inside the Freehub, there are small pawls that engage with the ratchet mechanism, which connects the cassette (the set of gears) to the rear wheel. This engagement ensures that the rear wheel turns along with the cassette, allowing you to move forward as you pedal.
However, when you stop pedaling or are coasting downhill, the pawls inside the Freehub disengage from the ratchet mechanism. This allows the cassette to rotate freely without affecting the rear wheel. As a result, the rear wheel keeps spinning without resistance, enabling smooth coasting without the need for continuous pedaling. This system provides a more efficient and seamless riding experience, especially when moving at high speeds or downhill.
Freewheel vs Freehub Difference
This table offers a more comprehensive comparison, highlighting the key differences and benefits of Freewheel and Freehub based on their structure, performance, and suitability for different types of cycling.
Difference | Freewheel | Freehub |
---|---|---|
Design Structure | Freewheel is a standalone gear assembly with an integrated ratchet mechanism. | Freehub integrates the ratchet mechanism into the hub, and the cassette gear is separately mounted. |
Number of Gears | Typically offers 5 to 7 gear levels. | Can accommodate more gears, usually ranging from 8 to 12 speeds. |
Maintenance & Replacement | Maintenance and removal are more complex due to the integrated gear and ratchet system. | Cassette system is easier to remove and replace. |
Transmission Efficiency | Due to the integrated gear and ratchet, transmission efficiency is lower. | Freehub offers higher transmission efficiency, especially suitable for high-performance cycling. |
Usage Scenarios | Ideal for casual commuting and leisure cycling, typically found on lower-end bikes. | Best suited for mountain bikes, road bikes, and racing bikes, designed for demanding cycling conditions. |
Pros and Cons of Freewheel VS Freehub
Advantages of Freewheel:
- Simple and Cost-Effective: Easy to produce, commonly used in entry-level bikes.
- Low Maintenance: Requires only cleaning and lubrication.
- Good for Light Riding: Suitable for commuting or casual rides with basic gear options.
Disadvantages of Freewheel:
- Limited Gears: Typically supports 1 to 7 gears, lacking flexibility for varied terrains.
- Lower Efficiency: Less efficient, especially in high-speed or uphill riding.
- Complex Maintenance: If the ratchet fails, the entire unit needs replacement.
Advantages of Freehub:
- Efficient Transmission: More refined mechanism, reducing energy loss.
- More Gear Options: Supports 9-12 speeds for varied terrains.
- Compact and Reliable: Easier maintenance and longer lifespan due to integrated design.
- Versatile: Suitable for various biking styles like road, mountain, and racing.
Disadvantages of Freehub:
- Higher Cost: More expensive due to complex design.
- Complex Maintenance: Requires specialized tools and skills for repairs.
- Compatibility Issues: Only works with cassette cogs, not traditional freewheels.
How to Identify Whether You Have a Freewheel or Freehub?
The rear gears are connected to the hub in one of two ways. Modern bicycles typically use a system known as the Freehub, which features a Cassette mechanism. The Freehub works with a clutch system that is mounted directly onto the hub body. This cylindrical mechanism allows the gears to freewheel when rotating counterclockwise and locks when rotating clockwise to drive the bicycle forward.
The outer shell of the Freehub has a series of splines, onto which the Cassette (gear cluster) slides. A lockring is then tightened to secure the gears in place. When the gears are removed, the ratchet mechanism of the Freehub remains attached to the hub body. This system is commonly found on most modern bicycles.
On the other hand, older bikes may use a Freewheel system, where the hub features larger external threads. The gear and ratchet assembly (referred to as the “Freewheel”) is screwed onto the hub. When the Freewheel is unscrewed and removed, the ratchet mechanism comes off with the gears as well.
To identify whether you have a Freewheel or Cassette system, follow these steps:
- Remove the Rear Wheel from the bike.
- Find the tool fitting on the gear cluster.
- Turn the Gears Counterclockwise.
- If the tool fitting rotates along with the gears, you have a Cassette system with a Freehub.
- If the tool fitting does not rotate with the gears, you have a Freewheel system.
Freehub and Freewheel rotation renderings are as follows:

Cassette system

Freewheel system
Which is Better for Your Bike: Freewheel VS Freehub?
Choosing a flywheel or a tower depends on your type of bike and riding needs. If you ride an older bike or only need a basic commuter shift, a flywheel may be sufficient. If you have higher requirements for variable speed performance or need more detailed gear adjustment, Taki is a better choice. High-end mountain bikes and road bikes are almost all equipped with a tagging system to accommodate the demands of multi-speed riding.
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Definition and Working Principle of Cassette
A cassette is a set of multiple cogs (also called chainrings) that make up a bicycle gear system, typically used in combination with a freehub system. Unlike traditional freewheels, the cassette is not directly attached to the hub but is instead secured onto the freehub’s splined interface using a lockring. The ratchet mechanism inside the freehub interacts with the cogs in the cassette to transfer power.
A cassette usually consists of several cogs, and the number and gear ratios can be chosen according to the rider’s needs. Common cassettes come in 9-speed, 10-speed, 11-speed, and even 12-speed variations, offering more precise gear adjustments for different terrains and riding demands.
Working Principle
The cassette works in conjunction with the freehub system to transfer power. The specific working process is as follows:
- Power Transfer: When the rider pedals, the chain transfers power through the cogs of the cassette. The pawls inside the Freehub engage with the cassette cogs, driving the rear wheel. At this point, the pawls and the cassette cogs are tightly connected, ensuring the rider’s power is efficiently transmitted to the rear wheel.
- Free Rotation: When the rider stops pedaling or is coasting downhill, the pawls inside the freehub disengage from the cassette. This allows the cassette to rotate freely, while the rear wheel continues to spin without being driven by the pedals. This mechanism helps reduce energy loss and improves efficiency.
- More Gear Options: Because the freehub system uses the cassette, it supports a wider range of cogs, providing more gear combinations. A cassette offers more gear ratio options than traditional freewheels, enabling the rider to adjust the gearing more precisely based on different terrains.
The combination of the cassette and freehub system provides more shifting options and makes the drivetrain more compact and efficient. Since the individual cogs can be replaced, maintenance and upgrades are easier as well.
Freewheel vs Freehub vs Cassette
To differentiate between Freewheel, Freehub, and Cassette, it’s essential to understand their structure and how they are mounted.

Freewheel is an integrated unit that combines the gear set and ratchet mechanism. It screws directly onto the hub of the rear wheel. When you remove the gear set, the ratchet mechanism is part of the entire freewheel assembly. So, if you see a single piece that holds both the gears and the mechanism, it’s a Freewheel.
Freehub, on the other hand, has a ratchet mechanism built inside the hub itself. The gears (or Cassette) are mounted externally onto the Freehub body using a lockring. When you remove the gear set, the ratchet mechanism stays inside the hub, and you can remove the cassette separately. So, if you find that the ratchet mechanism remains inside and the gears are individual cogs, it’s a Freehub system.
Cassette refers to a set of individual cogs that are mounted on the Freehub. They are secured by a lockring and can be replaced separately. If the gears are not a single unit but rather a set of cogs stacked together and attached to the hub, then it’s a Cassette, which works in conjunction with a Freehub.
In summary, Freewheel is an all-in-one unit, while Freehub contains the mechanism inside the hub with a separate Cassette of gears mounted externally.
FAQ
Which is better, Freewheel or Freehub?
Choosing between a Freewheel and a Freehub depends on your needs and riding environment. A Freewheel is suitable for entry-level or everyday riding, with a simple structure, lower cost, and easier maintenance. However, it offers fewer gears and less precise gear ratio options. On the other hand, a Freehub is ideal for mid-to-high-end bikes, supporting more gear combinations and providing a more efficient drivetrain system, making it better for riders who need more shifting options and higher performance.
What is better, a Freewheel or a Cassette?
Freewheel and Cassette each have their advantages. The Freewheel is inexpensive and suitable for light riders and those on a budget. Meanwhile, the Cassette, used with a Freehub, supports more gears, offers better-shifting choices, and is more suitable for high-performance cycling and complex terrain.
Can a Freewheel Replace a Cassette?
No, a Freewheel cannot directly replace a Cassette. Freewheel and Cassette require different types of rear hubs. The Freewheel screws directly onto the hub, while a Cassette requires a Freehub. To switch to a Cassette system, you’d need to replace the rear hub with a free hub.