How do cassette hubs work?

Question

i have a cassette hub, im just wondering how they work, what is the difference between a normal free wheel? why how???

please enlighten me

Answer 1

The difference between the two is:

Freewheel - the freewheel mech. is in the assembly.

Cassette - The freewheel mech ins in the hub. The cassette is just the gears.

Both work the same way: an inner pawl mech. that runs on the inside of a notched cyclinder. The sping loaded pawls catch in one direction and slip in the other.

Answer 2

The difference between the two are pretty minimal to the end user.  The cassette hub gives the gears a longer axle at which to rest on to provide some better durability.  Check Sheldon Brown's article on freewheels/freehubs for a better explanation.