The difference between a bicycle Freewheel (Cluster?) and a cassette?

Question

I just needed to know some details on this, is cluster another name for a freewheel? And what are the specific differences between a freewheel and a cassette, i know the basic jist of it: The cassette is just the sprockets and the dividers between the sprockets while the freewheel is a cassette and a hub? not too sure on the freewheel definition. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

A freewheel is a "cluster" of cogs mounted on a body that contains the drive mechanism. The whole unit is then threaded onto the hub

A cassette is the cogs- all by themselves- that mount on a freehub which is (more or less) permanently attached to the hub. The cogs can be removed from the freehub by removing a lockring.

Answer 2

A freewheel is a much simpler design that comes as one unit(sprocket and ratchet/pawls) and is threaded directly on the hub. A cassette has the hub and ratcheting mech as one piece and the cassette/sproket as another separate piece. This setup allows different cogs/ cassettes sizes to be changed where as the freewheel must be completely replaced to change sprocket size. Cassettes also allow for smaller sprocket sizes

Answer 3

A freewheel or cassette is sometimes called a cluster.  See the link for a detailed look at freewheels vs cassettes.

Answer 4

In the case of the freewheel, the mechanism that allows you to coast is separate from the hub.  The cogs are attached to the freewheel to make a unit.  That unit screws onto the hub.

In the case of a cassette, the hub is called a freehub because the unit that allows you to coast is built into the hub.  The cassette, as you've pointed out, slides onto the freehub.

Edit:  I see the thumbs-down fairy has come out to play again for no good reason.  Lots of good answers here.

Answer 5

The difference lies in the hub.  They both have the same function, but a freewheel includes the ratcheting body of the mechanism and screws onto a hub that is threaded to accept it.  This used to be the standard configuration.

Then came cassettes.  In this configuration the body, called a freehub, in integrated into the rear hub of the bicycle wheel.  Instead of s******g on a freewheel, you place a "cassette" of sprockets, which slip into place on a spline, on the freehub and lock them on with the smallest sprocket or a lock ring (depending on the brand) tightening everything in place.

Unless your bike, mountain or road, is an older model it will have a freehub and cassette setup.

A previous answerer referred you to Sheldon Brown, an excellent source.  I've provided a link below to his specific page illustrating the difference between a freewheel and a cassette.

Happy riding.

Ben