Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Freehub

A freehub is a mechanical component integrated into the rear of a , consisting of a splined cylindrical body that holds the cassette sprockets and incorporates a to transmit power from the pedals to the wheel while allowing the wheel to rotate freely () when coasting. This design contrasts with older threaded , where the and sprockets form a single removable unit; in a freehub system, the remains attached to the hub shell, enabling easier and with multi-speed cassettes. The freehub operates via an internal —typically pawls and rings or sprag es—that engages under forward pedaling to lock the cassette to the , driving the , but disengages during coasting to permit unidirectional with an audible clicking sound. Introduced in modern form by in 1978 as part of the Dura-Ace EX series, the freehub revolutionized multi-gear bicycles by supporting wider gear ranges (up to 12-speed or more) and smaller cogs (down to 10 teeth), improving shifting precision and durability for , , and . Contemporary freehubs adhere to manufacturer-specific standards for spline count and diameter to ensure cassette compatibility, including Shimano's Hyperglide (HG) for 8-11 speeds, Micro Spline for 12-speed mountain bikes, SRAM's /XDR for wide-range cassettes, and Campagnolo's 11/12-speed bodies, with some cross-compatibility but requiring precise matching to avoid slippage or incompatibility. These variations reflect ongoing innovations in engagement speed, noise reduction, and lightweight materials, making freehubs essential to high-performance drivetrains on most derailleur-equipped bicycles today.

Fundamentals

Definition and Purpose

A freehub is the rear in a that integrates the freewheeling mechanism for the cassette, enabling the to rotate freely forward during coasting while engaging the drive when pedaling resumes. This design positions the ratcheting system within the hub body itself, providing a splined for mounting multi-speed cassettes secured by a lockring. The primary purpose of a freehub is to facilitate coasting without resistance from the pedals, allowing riders to maintain while resting their legs, and to serve as a reliable mounting point for multi-speed cassettes in geared systems. It enhances overall durability by separating the wear-prone cassette from the hub's core structure, reducing the need for full hub disassembly during maintenance, and supports precise shifting through stable cassette alignment. At its core, the freehub employs a mechanism that disengages the sprockets from the shell during coasting, permitting free , and re-engages instantly under pedal to transmit power efficiently to the . This one-way action ensures seamless power transfer without backpedaling interference. Freehubs are primarily applied in derailleur-geared bicycles, including , , and models, where they accommodate cassettes ranging from 7 to 12 speeds for versatile gearing options across varied terrains.

Core Components

The hub shell forms the primary structural body of the rear assembly, providing a cylindrical that encloses the bearings and while offering mounting points for the spokes and attachment. It is typically constructed from lightweight materials such as aluminum or carbon composite to balance durability and weight, with flanges on both ends for spoke lacing. The serves as the central shaft that passes through the , enabling secure attachment of the to the via quick-release skewers or thru-s. It is designed to withstand torsional forces and is often hollow to reduce weight, with ends that interface with dropout slots on the . Bearings, either loose or sealed types, are positioned within the hub on both the inboard and outboard sides of the freehub to smooth rotation of the around the . These components minimize and are protected by to prevent contaminant ingress, ensuring reliable performance under load. The freehub body is a splined cylinder that attaches to the shell and provides the mounting for the cassette sprockets, the internal components. It slides onto the shell via a splined , secured by a retaining clip or bolt, allowing for easy and removal during . Springs and drivers are integral to the freehub body's internal assembly, with springs providing tension to position the drivers—such as pawls or ratchet elements—for engagement with the . These components are compactly arranged within the freehub body to facilitate the overall assembly's functionality.

Comparison to Freewheels

Structural Differences

A freehub integrates the ratcheting mechanism directly into the shell, forming a single unit where the freehub extends from the hub with an outer surface featuring a series of splines for mounting the cassette sprockets. This design positions the bearings within the main hub structure, supporting the rotating freehub body while the sprockets attach separately via the splines and are secured by a threaded lockring. In contrast, a consists of a separate, self-contained threaded unit that includes both the sprockets and the internal ratcheting mechanism, which screws onto external threads machined directly into the . The mounting process highlights these variances: in a freehub system, individual cassette sprockets slide onto the splined freehub body and are held in place by the lockring, enabling easier replacement of worn cogs without disturbing the hub's core components. , however, mount as a complete , with the entire cluster threading onto the hub in a right-hand direction, where forward pedaling action tightens the unit against the threads. This threaded attachment incorporates the within the freewheel body itself, separate from the hub's primary bearings. Regarding durability, the freehub's integrated construction minimizes potential wear points by embedding the mechanism within the robust hub shell, reducing exposure to independent stresses on separate components. Conversely, the freewheel's reliance on threading can lead to loosening or stripping over time, particularly on aluminum hubs, as the repeated from pedaling and coasting exerts ongoing pressure on the .

Performance Advantages

Freehubs offer significant weight savings over freewheels due to their , which incorporates the directly into the hub body rather than housing it within a separate threaded component. This construction reduces the overall mass of the rear wheel, improving rotational inertia and contributing to enhanced pedaling efficiency and responsiveness during rides. The direct splined mounting of cassettes on freehubs ensures superior alignment compared to the threaded attachment of freewheels, enabling more precise and smoother shifting. This setup minimizes rub and hesitation, particularly in multi-gear systems where technologies like Hyperglide allow the to engage the new before fully disengaging the previous one, resulting in quieter and faster gear changes. In terms of durability, freehubs are far less prone to thread stripping or excessive tightening, issues that plague freewheels where pedaling action screws the unit onto the threads, often damaging soft aluminum under high from strong riders or multi-speed setups. By positioning bearings closer to the dropouts and using a robust lockring system, freehubs better withstand the elevated loads of modern drivetrains with 8 or more speeds, significantly reducing bending and extending component longevity. Maintenance with freehubs is notably easier, as swapping the cassette involves simply removing the lockring and sliding off the sprockets, without the need to unscrew and potentially struggle with a seized unit. This allows for quicker servicing of worn gears while leaving the durable ratchet mechanism undisturbed, streamlining upkeep for cyclists and mechanics alike.

Historical Development

Early Precursors

The development of freehub mechanisms drew from 19th-century innovations in hubs that integrated freewheeling and gearing functions to enhance rider control and efficiency. Coaster brakes, first introduced in the late 1890s, represented an early conceptual forerunner by incorporating a within the rear , allowing the rider to coast without pedaling while enabling braking via backward pedal pressure. Similarly, early gears emerged in the late 19th century, with epicyclic designs patented as early as the mid-1880s for tricycles and adapted for by the 1890s, demonstrating the feasibility of housing multiple mechanical functions inside the hub shell. A pivotal advancement came in 1869 when William Van Anden of Poughkeepsie, New York, patented the first bicycle freewheel mechanism (US Patent 88,238), which used a ratchet device in the hub to permit coasting while maintaining forward drive under pedaling. This invention addressed the limitations of fixed-gear velocipedes by decoupling the pedals from the wheel during coasting, though it remained largely experimental until commercialization efforts in the late 1890s, notably by Ernst Sachs in Germany around 1898, which popularized threaded freewheels on standard hubs. By the 1930s, these concepts evolved toward integrated multi-sprocket systems. In 1938, the British firm introduced the unit hub, an early cassette-style design featuring internal freewheeling with multiple sprockets mounted directly onto the hub body, which earned the Cyclists' Touring Club award for innovative technology that year. This hub represented a step toward more compact drivetrains by eliminating external threading vulnerabilities. However, early threaded freewheels suffered from notable limitations, including susceptibility to thread wear and stripping, particularly on softer aluminum shells, which often required frequent replacement and highlighted the need for more robust, integrated designs. These shortcomings in durability and maintenance set the stage for later hub integrations that prioritized and ease of use.

Modern Innovations

In 1969, introduced the Unit-Hub, recognized as the first modern freehub design incorporating a splined for cassette mounting, though its adoption remained limited primarily to small-wheel bicycles due to challenges with and components. This separated the freewheeling from the cassette, allowing for lighter and more precise gear clusters, but it did not gain widespread traction until subsequent refinements by competitors. Shimano popularized the freehub concept with the release of its 6-speed system in the Dura-Ace EX 7200 series in , which included an 11-tooth top sprocket and integrated system engineering for improved performance. The company trademarked the term "Freehub" for this design, marking a shift from threaded freewheels to splined cassettes that enhanced durability and ease of replacement. By the early , this system achieved widespread use among and touring cyclists, supplanting freewheels on high-end derailleur-equipped bikes due to its reliability and with emerging indexed shifting technologies. During the 1980s, advancements focused on serviceability, with introducing replaceable freehub bodies secured by threads and splines starting in the mid-decade, allowing mechanics to swap bodies without disassembling the entire hub. This design reduced maintenance time and costs, particularly for multi-speed setups, and became a standard feature across 's Dura-Ace and 600 series groupsets. In the , freehub integration expanded to support 7- through 9-speed cassettes, aligning with the growth of and wider gear ranges on derailleur systems. This period solidified the freehub as the industry standard for non-fixed-gear bicycles, enabling finer gear spacing and lighter components while maintaining backward compatibility with earlier splined designs.

Mechanisms and Operation

Pawl Systems

Pawl systems in freehub mechanisms utilize a series of 3 to 6 spring-loaded metal fingers, known as pawls, mounted on the freehub body to engage with a toothed driver ring inside the shell. These pawls, typically constructed from durable or lightweight , are angled and pivoted to allow one-way motion, where they mesh with the teeth under applied to transmit pedaling power from the cassette to the wheel. During operation, the pawls are pushed outward by leaf springs or similar mechanisms, enabling them to "click" into the cogs of the driver when is applied during pedaling, thereby locking the freehub to drive the wheel forward. When coasting, the freewheeling motion causes the pawls to slip or skip across the angled teeth without fully engaging, allowing the wheel to rotate independently of the pedals due to the design. This engagement typically occurs at fewer points compared to advanced systems, resulting in a noticeable delay before full , which suits moderate riding demands. Pawl systems produce a distinctive audible clicking or ticking noise as the pawls repeatedly skip over the teeth during coasting, providing riders with tactile and auditory feedback on freewheeling. This sound and the simpler mechanical feel make pawl-based freehubs prevalent in entry-level and mid-range hubs, where cost-effectiveness and reliability outweigh the need for instantaneous engagement. Examples of pawl systems include those found in many Shimano road and mountain bike hubs, such as the 6-pawl designs in their HG freehub bodies, and basic SRAM models that employ similar 3- to 6-pawl configurations for standard drivetrains.

Ratchet Systems

Ratchet systems in freehub designs employ two interlocking rings featuring angled teeth that enable selective engagement between the freehub body and the hub shell. One ring is typically fixed to the hub shell, while the other is attached to the freehub body; these rings are held apart by springs during coasting, with grease providing lubrication, allowing the freehub to rotate freely without transmitting torque to the pedals. Under pedaling load, the applied torque forces the rings together, causing the angled teeth to mesh at multiple points simultaneously, thereby locking the components and transferring power to the wheel. This mechanism provides numerous engagement points—commonly ranging from 36 to 90—resulting in a small engagement angle (e.g., 4° to 10°) for rapid response. The operation relies on the precise geometry of the teeth, which are designed to slide past each other unidirectionally during freewheeling while resisting backward rotation when engaged. Grease between the rings not only lubricates the contact surfaces for smooth, quiet coasting but also helps maintain separation under no-load conditions. Higher numbers of engagement points distribute the load across more teeth, reducing wear on individual contact areas and minimizing engagement lag, which is particularly beneficial in demanding applications like mountain biking where instantaneous power delivery enhances control. These systems are favored in premium hubs for their robustness and consistent performance over time. Prominent examples include the DT Swiss Star Ratchet, which utilizes 54 points of engagement in its standard configuration for reliable transmission, with options up to 90 points in the Ratchet DEG variant for even quicker pickup. The Chris King RingDrive system features 72 points of simultaneous engagement, achieving a 5° angle and emphasizing durability with heat-treated rings capable of handling loads exceeding 800 ft-lbs. Mavic's ID360 employs dual 40-tooth ratchets (or 24-tooth for MTB) with a single spring for lightweight operation and minimal drag, ensuring instant power transfer in road and off-road setups.

Sprag Clutch Systems

Sprag clutch systems use a series of asymmetric sprags—small wedge-shaped elements—housed between an inner and outer race within the freehub. These sprags are designed to wedge and lock the races together under forward torque, transmitting power instantly without ratcheting, while allowing free rotation in the opposite direction via a cage that positions the sprags to slip without engaging. Unlike pawl or ratchet systems, sprag clutches provide 0° engagement angle for immediate response and operate silently, as there is no skipping or clicking during coasting, making them ideal for riders preferring quiet performance. They are typically more compact and lightweight but can be more expensive due to precision manufacturing, and they excel in applications requiring high torque capacity and low maintenance. Examples include the Racing Products hubs, which incorporate sprag clutches for silent, instantaneous engagement in and setups, offering durability under high loads without the wear associated with pawls or ratchets.

Standards and Compatibility

Freehub Body Types

The standard freehub body consists of a cylindrical extension protruding from the rear , featuring internal splines that allow for of the cassette sprockets. This design integrates directly with the , providing a rigid connection while accommodating the ratcheting mechanism within. The length of these bodies varies to suit different gear configurations; for instance, bodies for lower-speed setups, such as 8-speed systems, are typically shorter to match the spacing of fewer sprockets, optimizing weight and . Replaceable freehub bodies, introduced in the mid-1980s and widely adopted thereafter, are designed to thread onto the hub shell via external threads and often aligning splines, enabling straightforward swapping without disassembling the entire hub. This modular approach facilitates customization and repairs, as the body can be removed using basic tools like an Allen wrench. Such bodies maintain the cylindrical form but allow for quick adaptation to evolving designs. Material choices for freehub bodies balance weight, strength, and longevity. Aluminum bodies are prevalent due to their lightweight properties, reducing overall rotating for improved in applications, though they may develop notches under high from steel sprockets. Steel bodies offer superior durability for heavy-duty use, such as in , resisting wear better but adding weight. variants provide a compromise, combining low with high robustness for premium setups. Specialized freehub body forms address niche demands in modern bicycles. Compact bodies, such as Shimano's Micro Spline for 12-speed configurations, shorten the cylindrical structure (approximately 26 mm spline length) to support smaller top cogs like 10 teeth and wider-range cassettes up to 51 teeth, enhancing gear progression and handling increased loads from aggressive . Compact bodies are also tailored for hubs, minimizing protrusion to integrate seamlessly with rotor mounting and maintain a low profile for aerodynamic or clearance-constrained frames.

Cassette Mounting Standards

The cassette mounting standards define the spline between the freehub body and the cassette, ensuring and proper for multi-speed systems. These standards vary by manufacturer to accommodate different gear ranges and sizes, with Shimano's Hyperglide () serving as the most widely adopted benchmark for 8- to 11-speed cassettes. The interface features 9 splines arranged in a pattern with one wider spline for orientation, measuring approximately in across the splines, which supports broad compatibility across , , and applications. A variant, HG L2, uses 18 splines for premium 12-speed cassettes like Dura-Ace R9200, offering enhanced rigidity while maintaining with standard . SRAM's XD and XDR standards, introduced for 11- to 12-speed cassettes, enable wider gear ranges by allowing a smaller 10-tooth top cog through a reduced spline compared to . The variant, optimized for , uses 11 splines, while the XDR for road applications employs 12 splines and extends 1.85 mm longer to maintain hub spacing consistency with prior 11-speed designs; XD cassettes can mount on XDR bodies with an added 1.85 mm spacer. This design prioritizes durability and load distribution in high-torque scenarios. Shimano's Micro Spline addresses limitations in 12-speed cassettes by incorporating 23 finer splines, enabling a compact with a smaller to fit a 10-tooth top cog while distributing forces more evenly across the cassette stack. This configuration requires a dedicated freehub body and supports cassettes up to 51 teeth, enhancing gear progression without increasing overall width. Campagnolo's mounting for 11- to 13-speed cassettes features a unique spline pattern with 8 deeper splines, distinct from and designs to optimize engagement and prevent cross-compatibility without adapters. This maintains a similar overall length to but uses asymmetrical grooves for precise timing, ensuring reliable performance in high-end and systems.

Installation and Maintenance

Fitting Procedures

Installing a freehub body and cassette involves verifying compatibility, preparing tools and materials, and following manufacturer-specific procedures to ensure and optimal performance. Begin by removing the rear from the . Detailed steps for installing the freehub body (if needed) and the cassette are provided in the following subsections. Always consult the and cassette manuals for model-specific instructions.

Tools Required

Installing a freehub body and cassette requires specific tools to ensure proper fit and security. Essential tools include a cassette lockring compatible with the system (such as FR-5.2 for / or BBT-5 for ), a to hold the cassette during tightening, a for precise application of force, and grease for threads. Optionally, a freehub body removal and installation (such as a hex wrench sized for the fixing bolt, typically 10 mm for ) may be needed if replacing the freehub body on the .

Installing the Freehub Body

Before fitting a cassette, confirm the freehub body is correctly installed on the rear if it is being replaced or newly assembled. Slide the freehub body onto the splines (dry, without grease on the splines to ensure secure fit) and apply grease only to the threads of any associated fixing bolt. For systems, thread the fixing bolt into the end of the freehub body and tighten to 35-50 using a and appropriate wrench. Ensure the body seats fully against the without play, verifying compatibility with the model (e.g., matching spline count).

Installing the Cassette

To install the cassette, first remove the rear from the for safe access. Verify by checking that the freehub type matches the cassette, such as a Hyperglide () for 8- to 11-speed cassettes, ensuring the spline patterns align without forcing. Apply a thin layer of grease to the splines and threads of the freehub . Align the cassette's largest with the wide spline groove on the freehub , then the entire cassette onto the splines until fully seated, maintaining proper of spacers and cogs as per the manufacturer's . the lockring onto the freehub by hand clockwise (right-hand thread for most systems). Using the cassette lockring tool inserted into the lockring notches and secured in the wheel's quick-release or for , tighten the lockring with a while holding the cassette steady with a . Apply 30-50 Nm for systems or 40 Nm for , ensuring even pressure to avoid stripping threads. Confirm alignment by rotating the cassette; it should sit flush without wobbling. Reinstall the wheel, checking indexing if necessary.

Safety Considerations

Always use a calibrated to prevent over- or under-tightening, which can lead to component failure or slippage under load. Inspect tools for wear before use, and work in a stable environment to maintain control during torquing. These procedures align with standard cassette mounting practices, such as those for and XD systems.

Servicing and Troubleshooting

Routine maintenance for a freehub involves periodic and to prevent dirt buildup and ensure smooth operation. It is recommended to the freehub with a degreaser or every 500-1000 miles, depending on riding conditions, by removing the cassette, flushing the mechanism, and drying thoroughly to remove grime from pawls or . Following , apply a light oil or specific grease to the pawls or ratchet teeth—such as a thin bicycle-specific for systems or marine-grade grease for pawl-based mechanisms—to reduce and noise, while avoiding over-lubrication that can attract dirt. Bearings in the should be inspected during this , with repacking using a high-quality grease like Polylube 1000 if is evident. Common issues with freehubs often stem from or , leading to noticeable performance degradation. A lack of engagement, where the freehub slips under load, typically results from worn pawls, teeth, or weakened springs in pawl or systems; initial troubleshooting involves thorough and relubrication, but of the pawls, springs, or entire freehub is usually required if the problem persists. Grinding or rattling noises during coasting indicate dirty or worn bearings; these can be addressed by flushing the hub with , repacking the bearings, and adjusting tension to eliminate play. A loose freehub , often due to failed threads or a loose lockring, causes wobbling and poor shifting; fixes include checking and tightening the lockring, inspecting spline , or rebuilding the with new rings if threads are damaged. With proper care, a freehub can last 5-10 years or 5,000-10,000 miles, though lifespan varies by usage, environmental exposure, and mechanism type—pawl systems may wear faster in muddy conditions compared to systems. Regular inspection of splines for wear and prompt addressing of noises or slippage are key factors in extending durability, as neglected contamination accelerates bearing and engagement component failure.

References

  1. [1]
    Determining Cassette / Freewheel Type | Park Tool
    Nov 16, 2017 · Newer bikes tend to use type hub called a “cassette hub.” The cassette hub uses a “freehub” sytem, which is a type of clutch mounted to the body ...
  2. [2]
    Freehubs explained: standards, compatibility and how a freehub works
    Aug 4, 2023 · A freehub is an extension of the rear wheel's hub that transmits pedal power and allows the wheel to turn when not pedaling.
  3. [3]
    Freewheel Removal and Installation - Park Tool
    Nov 16, 2017 · The cassette hub uses a freehub sytem, which is a type of clutch mounted to the body of the hub. This cylindrical mechanism ratchets ...
  4. [4]
    Freehub Service - Park Tool
    Aug 24, 2015 · Inside the freehub mechanism will be bearings and a clutch system, usually ratcheting teeth and pawls. The cassette cogs have no moving parts.
  5. [5]
    Road and gravel bike freehubs explained - Cyclist
    May 28, 2024 · It's the interface between your cassette (ie, your rear gears) and the hub of your rear wheel. Freehubs are mechanically quite simple objects, ...What Is A Freehub? Freehub... · Shimano Freehubs Explained · Campagnolo Freehubs...<|control11|><|separator|>
  6. [6]
    100 PRODUCTS HISTORY - DURA-ACE | SHIMANO
    ### Summary of Freehub History in Shimano DURA-ACE Products
  7. [7]
    A Guide to Shimano's 12-Speed Freehubs and Compatibility
    Each freehub system offers unique features and compatibility options that are suited for different riding styles and rider needs.North america english · United kingdom english · Switzerland deutsch · 한국 한글
  8. [8]
    Shimano Cassettes & Freehubs - Sheldon Brown
    Shimano Freehubs dating from the mid 1980s onward have replaceable bodies, held onto the hub shell by screw threads and, usually, splines.Freewheel or Cassette? · Harris Cyclery · Information on 7-speed...
  9. [9]
    Bicycle rear hub explained | Bike Gremlin US
    Jul 1, 2015 · Rear bicycle hub has one main role, that is allowing the wheel to turn freely, while keeping it attached to the frame at the same time.
  10. [10]
    Traditional Thread-on Freewheels - Sheldon Brown
    A standard freewheel attaches to a hub by screwing on to external threads that are part of the hub. Pedaling tightens the freewheel down on the threads.
  11. [11]
    Bike freehub: definition, types, compatibility and maintenance
    Sep 12, 2024 · Bike freehubs are mechanisms integrated into the rear hub of a bicycle that allow the wheel to rotate freely when the rider is not pedaling.<|control11|><|separator|>
  12. [12]
    Freewheel or Cassette? - Sheldon Brown
    Freewheels and Cassette Freehubs. They're NOT the same! This particular page is intended to help you determine which type your bike is equipped with.Freewheels For Threaded Hubs · Cassette Freehubs · This Site Also Contains Much...
  13. [13]
    Bicycle Coaster Brake, 1930-1950 - The Henry Ford
    The coaster brake, first used in the late 1890s, allowed riders to stop pedaling and coast safely -- and, by applying backward pressure on the pedal, engage ...
  14. [14]
    https://www.bricsys.com/en-EU/blog/the-first-bicycles
  15. [15]
    Van Anden Dexter Velocipede, 1869
    William Van Anden of Poughkeepsie, New York was granted patent no. 88238 on March 23, 1869, covering "improvement in velocipedes." This improvement ...Missing: 1898 | Show results with:1898
  16. [16]
    Bicycle History - Jim Langley
    freewheel, 1898, Germany, First major commercialization of the freewheel by Ernst Sachs. William Van Anden had obtained the first freewheel patent in 1869.
  17. [17]
    Bayliss Wiley Free-wheel unit hub. - The Utah Randonneur
    Jul 5, 2018 · Many people believe that the freehub was invented by Suntour in 1969 (failed) or Shimano in 1978 (successful). While Shimano certainly did a ...
  18. [18]
    [PDF] Sunset for SunTour
    This was a decade before Shimano offered indexed shifting or freehubs. SunTour did not follow through on either of these innovations. In 1968, Junzo Kawai made ...
  19. [19]
    Shimano Dura-Ace 7400/7401/7402/7403/7410 (1984 - 1996)
    Dec 1, 2017 · In the spring of 1978, Shimano advanced things further with the introduction of more new technologies including the Freehub, and the launch of ...
  20. [20]
    Dura Ace 6 speed freehub | Road Bike, Cycling Forums
    Apr 15, 2005 · I have what I believe is a Shimano Dura Ace 6 speed freehub, from 1978 or 1979. This was the Dura Ace EX group. Can anyone advice how to get ...
  21. [21]
    Please explain why 9-speed cassettes were invented
    Jan 4, 2018 · 9 speeds were an improvement over 8 speeds. Back in the day my 3x8 had an 11-28 cassette. I upgraded to a 3x9 drivetrain (Shimano Mega 9) and it had 11-34.
  22. [22]
    Road bike hubs: Pawl vs ratchet | Cyclingnews
    Jun 9, 2021 · Road bike hubs that use this drive system rely on a selection of pawls that engage a drive ring surrounding them inside the freehub. The pawls ( ...
  23. [23]
    https://www.pinkbike.com/news/lauf-are-working-on-a-wild-freehub-with-stretchy-leaf-sprung-pawls-for-ramped-engagement.html
  24. [24]
    Lauf's Freehub Concept Uses Stretchy Leaf Sprung Pawls ... - Pinkbike
    Nov 14, 2024 · Also, titanium, while a great spring due to it's MOE, is very galling and does not suit applications where fretting or galling are present.
  25. [25]
    Tech Talk: Freehub design and function explained - Road Bike Review
    Jul 7, 2015 · The freehub mounts onto the main hub shell and contains a ratcheting mechanism that engages and disengages under pedaling and coasting scenarios.
  26. [26]
    DIRECT ENGAGEMENT - shimano bike
    A direct engagement system was developed to increase drive rigidity. Compared to the conventional Pawl Ratchet structure, the contact area is increased.
  27. [27]
    https://www.dtswiss.com/en/wheels/wheels-technology/ratchet-technology
  28. [28]
    Ratchet Technology | DT Swiss
    The patented freewheel system, which features high-precision star ratchets, guarantees top performance and reliability.
  29. [29]
    90-Tooth DT Swiss Hub! All-New 240 Ratchet DEG Revealed and ...
    Apr 18, 2024 · Swiss inventor William Hügi developed a new, ratcheting freehub design during the early '90s, by abandoning the common pawl system in favor of ...
  30. [30]
    Ratchet Technologies Overview - DT Swiss
    The freehub bodies for Ratchet System hubs have a gloss finish and don't have a seal, as this is fixed on the hub shell.
  31. [31]
    https://support.enve.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040405091-ENVE-ID360-Alloy-Hub-Explained
  32. [32]
    ENVE ID360 Alloy Hub Explained
    Jan 5, 2024 · While some ratchet systems require two springs, ID360 uses only one. Fewer small and moving parts ultimately mean that the hub can be lighter ...
  33. [33]
    Bicycle freehub body: function, compatibilities & conversion
    The narrow freehub allows for wider hub flanges, enabling the construction of symmetrical and stiffer wheels.Shimano Mtb (hg) · Shimano Road 12-Speed (hg+) · Sram XdMissing: core anatomy<|control11|><|separator|>
  34. [34]
    SRAM XD and XDR Driver Body Explained
    XD and XDR rear hub driver bodies establish universal mounting systems for cassettes that incorporate cogs with fewer than 11 teeth for more versatile ...
  35. [35]
    MICRO SPLINE | SHIMANO BIKE-EU
    MICRO SPLINE delivers lightweight aluminum FREEHUB body to reduce weight and 10 teeth top gear. Use combination with MICRO SPLINE cassette and FREEHUB.Missing: standard specifications
  36. [36]
    A guide to freehub body and cassette compatibility - Velo
    Aug 1, 2022 · This freehub fits 7, 8 and 9-speed Shimano and SRAM cassettes, regardless of whether the cassettes are for road or mountain biking. Shimano 10, ...
  37. [37]
    Cassette Removal and Installation | Park Tool
    Nov 16, 2017 · Newer bikes tend to use a cassette-style hub. The cassette hub uses a freehub sytem, which is a type of clutch mounted to the body of the hub.
  38. [38]
    [PDF] ROAD Front hub / Freehub11-speed - Shimano
    Do not disassemble the seal. Freewheel body washer. Freewheel body. Tightening torque: 35 - 50 N·m.
  39. [39]
    [PDF] Torque Chart - Shimano
    This content has been compiled for the higher-end models in each series. Although every effort has been made to keep the content as up-to-date as possible, ...
  40. [40]
    Torque Specifications and Concepts - Park Tool
    Aug 25, 2015 · Torque is a twisting motion around a thread's axis, measured in units like Newton meters (Nm) or inch-pounds (in-lb), related to tension.
  41. [41]
    [PDF] Cassette Sprocket - Shimano
    If installing CS-HG800-11/CS-HG700-11 to a ROAD 11-speed wheel/freehub, install a 1.85 mm spacer first. (A 1.85 mm spacer is not required if installing to an ...
  42. [42]
    Cassette - TORQUE | Manuals & Technical Documents
    Lock ring, All, 30 - 50 ... © SHIMANO INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Wheel Set (Disc Brake). Crankset.
  43. [43]
    [PDF] 2010 SRAM technical manual
    ï Screw the lockring in to the cassette body and tighten it to 40 Nïm (350 inVlb) by using a cassette tool (1, Figure 2) like the. Park Tool® FRV5 or Shimano® ...
  44. [44]
    [PDF] Dealer's Manual - Cassette Sprocket
    The following tools are needed for installation/removal, adjustment, and maintenance ... Remove the cassette sprocket from the freehub body. Page 10. 10.Missing: steps | Show results with:steps
  45. [45]
    Freehub Maintenance - Bike Forums
    Aug 18, 2020 · I don't do it nearly as often but I overhaul (clean, new balls, grease, adjust the bearing clearances and oil the freehub body) my Shimano and ...
  46. [46]
    Bicycle maintenance service intervals | BikeGremlin US
    Jan 17, 2024 · 2.1. Right away or when mounting/replacing parts · 2.2. Before every ride · 2.3. Fortnight (or about 200 km) · 2.4. Monthly (about 500 km) · 2.5.<|control11|><|separator|>
  47. [47]
    How long do freehubs last? | CycleChat Cycling Forum
    Oct 8, 2012 · Mine seem to last about 5,000 to 10,000 miles and the usual signs of wear are noises and play. Price depends on quality, but they're not bank- ...Rear hub freewheel life expectancy - CycleChat Cycling ForumHow long should an XT hub last? - CycleChat Cycling ForumMore results from www.cyclechat.net