Freewheels

For years, freewheels were the standard way of fitting sprockets to a back wheel, but they have now been superseded by the cassette design. You only come across a freewheel type on an older bike or on a very basic new one. Axles on the freewheel type are more prone to bending and breaking, because the bearings that support the axle are much nearer to the centre of the wheel.

Notches, splines and dogs The most difficult thing here is choosing the correct tool. When freewheels were standard, there were a plethora of different designs, involving splines and dogs. Luckily, there are now fewer designs, and the only ones you’re likely to come across commonly are the Shimano splined freewheel and the SunTour 4dog freewheel. (A splined tool has ridges that fit into matching ridges in the component running along the tool. A dogged tool has pegs, called ’dogs’, that fit into matching notches on the component.) Additional advice on freewheels Fit the wheel back on the bike and change into the lowest gear (largest back sprocket, smallest front chainring). It’s important to make sure that the freewheel is firmly screwed on. With the bike on the ground, turn the…

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