Last time, I talked about the differences between freehubs.
Riding that momentum, today I would like to talk about freewheels.
What is a freewheel?
Regarding the freehub I discussed last time, please refer to our previous blog post, "[PIT TIPS] All About Freehubs." A freewheel is a mechanism incorporated into the cog (gear) that allows you to stop pedaling while using a single-speed bicycle.
This mechanism is almost certainly used on any single-speed bicycle other than fixed-gear bikes.
There are many types, ranging from "mamachari" (city bikes) to single-speed sports bikes, and prices range from just over a thousand yen to tens of thousands of yen.
Even though they are very simple components, where does such a large price difference come from?
What are the differences?
Of course, durability, materials, and weight vary greatly depending on the bicycle being used, but isn't it interesting to focus on the number of engagement points (notches)?
What is the number of notches?
When you spin a freewheel, it makes a clicking sound; the number of these clicks per full rotation of the freewheel is the number of notches.
This clicking sound is produced by the jagged parts you can see in the photo.
Internally, spring-loaded pawls move up and down, allowing you to pedal or coast depending on whether those pawls catch or slide based on the direction of rotation.
While you can't tell just by looking, this number of notches varies significantly depending on the manufacturer and model.
First, our beloved Shimano freewheel, the SF-1200.
【SHIMANO】
SF-1200 Single Free Wheel
PRICE : ¥4,175 - ¥4,281 (tax included)
The manufacturer does not officially publish this, but if I recall from when I took one apart a long time ago, it should be about 20 notches.
ACS, the standard freewheel from BMX to single-speed riders.
【ACS】
Crossfire Freewheel
PRICE : ¥2,640 (tax included)
【ACS】
Paws 3/32″
PRICE : ¥2,640 - ¥3,080 (tax included)
This is officially rated by the manufacturer at 30 notches.
ACS freewheels with 15t or fewer are available, but please note that these can only be used on specific BMX bikes.
And then there's the White Industries freewheel that I love to use.
【WHITE INDUSTRIES】
Dos Eno Free Cog
PRICE : ¥17,820 (tax included)
They come in 32-notch and 72-notch versions.
They are color-coded for easy identification: red and blue are 32 notches, and green suddenly jumps to 72 notches.
The reason I love them is that they can be disassembled, cleaned, and parts can be replaced. For more details, please read "[PIT TIPS] It's Wonderful to Be Able to Take Things Apart: Disassembling and Cleaning White Industries Freewheels" here.
Profile Racing's phenomenal 140 notches.
【PROFILE RACING】
Elite Freewheel
PRICE : ¥21,450 (tax included)
These companies are all competing fiercely, so I hope you enjoy the differences and choose one that fits your specific needs.
I focused on the number of notches this time, but as the notch count increases, you can begin to pedal and accelerate more instantly.
With fewer notches, there is more "play," so there is a slight time lag between when you start pedaling and when the power is transmitted.
It might be fun to include that as a criterion when making your selection.
Well, I've introduced you to freewheels today.
I hope this proves useful in some way.
