Mountain bikes, like most bicycles, have a system for connecting the pedals to the rear wheel and allowing the rider to propel the bike forward. This system is known as the drivetrain, and it consists of a number of components, including the pedals, crankset, chain, derailleurs, and the cogset (also known as the cassette) at the rear wheel.
There are two main types of cogsets that are used on mountain bikes: freehubs and freewheels. While both of these systems serve the same basic purpose – to allow the rider to pedal the bike – they differ in how they are designed and function.
A freehub is a type of cogset that is commonly used on mountain bikes with hub gears, which are located within the rear hub itself. The freehub consists of a splined body that is attached to the hub, and a series of cogs (also called sprockets or gears) that are mounted on the body. The cogs are held in place by a lockring, which is tightened down to prevent the cogs from moving.
One of the key features of a freehub is that it allows the rider to coast when they are not pedaling. When the rider stops pedaling, the chain will continue to rotate around the cogs, but the cogs themselves will not turn, thanks to the ratcheting mechanism inside the freehub. This allows the rider to rest their legs and coast, which can be especially useful on long descents or when navigating rough terrain.
A freewheel, on the other hand, is a type of cogset that is not integrated into the hub. Instead, it consists of a separate unit that is mounted onto the rear axle. The freewheel consists of a body with a series of cogs on one side, and threads on the other side. The freewheel is screwed onto the rear axle, with the cogs facing outwards.
Like a freehub, a freewheel allows the rider to coast when they are not pedaling. However, the mechanism that allows the freewheel to coast is different from that of a freehub. In a freewheel, the cogs are free to rotate independently of the body, which allows the rider to coast.
One of the main differences between a freehub and a freewheel is the way they are installed and removed. Freehubs are typically attached to the hub using a splined interface, which allows them to be easily installed and removed using a special tool. Freewheels, on the other hand, are typically installed using threads, which means they can be removed using a wrench or a freewheel remover tool.
Another difference between freehubs and freewheels is the way they are compatible with different types of cogs. Freehubs are typically designed to work with cassettes, which are sets of cogs that are mounted onto a carrier. Cassettes can be easily removed and replaced, which makes it easy to fine-tune the gear ratios on a bike. Freewheels, on the other hand, are typically designed to work with individual cogs, which are mounted directly onto the freewheel body. This means that if you want to change the cogs on a freewheel, you will need to remove the entire unit and install a new one.
In summary, freehubs and freewheels are two different types of cogsets that are used on mountain bikes to allow the rider to pedal the bike. Freehubs are integrated into the hub and use a ratcheting mechanism to allow the rider to coast, while freewheels are separate units that are mounted onto the rear axle and use a different mechanism to allow the rider to coast. The type of cogset that is used on a mountain bike will depend on the specific design of the bike and the preferences of the rider. Both freehubs and freewheels have their own unique features and benefits, and it is up to the rider to decide which system is best for their needs.
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