Do I use a Freewheel or Cassette for Rear Wheel?

Question

I have a 26" X 1.5 / 559 6 speed Mountain bike that need a custom rear wheel.

Do I get a freewheel or cassette for my rear wheel?

Answer 1

6 Speed is going to be freewheel.

Make sure you have the right hub when the wheel is built.

Needs to be threaded to a freewheel, not have a free hub body for a cassette.

Answer 2

Yes, it is a freewheel unless you have a Helicomatic hub from the early 70s- which I doubt.

You should take cost into consideration because a custom built 6 speed rear wheel will likely cost more than the bike did when new... and building one yourself is not a viable option.

Answer 3

I'm going to assume it's a freewheel.