A freewheel is a type of bicycle hub that allows the rider to coast, or ride without pedaling. A cassette is a type of bicycle hub that does not allow the rider to coast, and requires pedaling at all times. Some cyclists prefer to ride with a freewheel because it allows them to rest their legs on long descents.
Others prefer to ride with a cassette because it provides a more consistent pedaling feel and can be more durable. Some cyclists convert their freewheels to cassettes, and vice versa, in order to change the feel or performance of their bike.
- You will need a few tools to complete this task including: a chain whip, a lockring remover, a cassette remover, and an adjustable wrench
- Start by removing the rear wheel from the bicycle
- Use the chain whip to remove the lockring from the cassette
- Use the cassette remover to remove the cassette from the hub
- Remove theFreewheel from the hub
- Install the new cassette onto the hub
- Use the lockring remover to install the lockring onto the cassette
- Re-install the rear wheel onto the bicycle
How to Upgrade a Bicycle from Freewheel to Freehub and Cassette
Can I swap a freewheel for a cassette?
No, you cannot swap a freewheel for a cassette. A freewheel is a type of bicycle hub that allows the rider to coast, or ride without pedaling, while a cassette is a type of bicycle hub that does not allow the rider to coast.
Is cassette better than freewheel?
No definitive answer exists to this question as it depends on individual preferences. Some cyclists prefer cassettes because they offer more gearing options, while others find freewheels to be more durable and easier to maintain. Ultimately, it is up to the cyclist to decide which type of drivetrain is best for them.
How do you upgrade a freewheel?
If your bike has a freewheel, it’s important to know how to upgrade it. A freewheel is a ratcheting mechanism that attaches to the hub of your wheel and allows you to coast. Over time, freewheels can wear out and need to be replaced.
To upgrade a freewheel, you’ll need a few tools: a freewheel remover, a new freewheel, and a freewheel installation tool. You’ll also need some grease.
First, use the freewheel remover to remove the old freewheel from the hub.
Be sure to remove any grease or debris from the threads on the hub before installing the new freewheel.
Next, grease the threads on the new freewheel and install it onto the hub. Be sure to tighten it securely.
What is the difference between a freewheel and cassette hub?
A cassette hub is a type of bicycle hub that houses the sprockets of a bicycle’s cassette in a unit that attaches to the hub shell. A freewheel is a type of ratchet that allows the rider to coast while the pedals are not being turned.
The main difference between a freewheel and a cassette hub is that a cassette hub uses a freewheel mechanism to attach the sprockets to the hub, whereas a freewheel hub uses a threaded cog to attach the sprockets to the hub.
Cassette hubs are typically lighter weight than freewheel hubs. Cassette hubs also offer more precise shifting than freewheel hubs because the sprockets are mounted on an independent freehub body that rotates with the wheel, rather than being threaded onto the hub itself.
Credit: ilovebicycling.com
Freewheel conversion kit
A freehub is the modern standard for mountain and road bikes, but some older bikes come with a freewheel. A freehub uses a ratcheting mechanism to keep the pedals moving even when you’re not pedaling, while a freewheel allows the pedals to coast. If your bike has a freewheel, you can convert it to a freehub with a conversion kit.
The conversion process is fairly simple. You’ll need to remove the rear wheel from your bike and remove the freewheel from the hub. Then, you’ll install the freehub body onto the hub and put the wheel back on.
You may need to adjust the chain length, but other than that, your bike should be good to go!
If you’re not comfortable doing the conversion yourself, you can always take it to a bike shop. They should be able to do it for you fairly easily.
Conclusion
In short, yes you can convert a freewheel to a cassette. You will need to purchase a conversion kit and a new rear wheel. The conversion kit will include a new cassette body, spacers, and an adaptor to fit the new cassette onto your existing rear axle.
The process is not overly complicated but does require some basic bike maintenance skills. Once the conversion is complete, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of a cassette drivetrain, which include increased gearing options and easier maintenance.
