W
Wayne T
Guest
http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/webalog/wheels/18033.html
The above web site is from Rivendell. Initially they are talking about Phil Wood Freewheel hubs, but
beginning on the 3rd paragraph it asks Why Freewheel? Though they admit that they have given up on
obtaining 5 and 6 speed freewheels, they still can get Sun Race for 7 speeds.
They like freewheels because 7 cogs are enough. The chain is stronger. They have heard a lot of
stories about 9 & 10 speed chains breaking. (Anyone have that experience?). You nee a special chain
tool to break the chain. You can build stronger wheels with a freewheel as opposed to a cassette
wheel which is more susceptible to failure. Freewheel hub is much cheaper than a cassette hub. Phil
Wood cassette hubs are very expensive. Cassette hubs have the pawls, springs, and other parts that
eventually wear out. When the freewheeling mechanism in a freewheel wears out, you just replace the
freewheel ($20). When the freewheeling mechanism wears out in a cassette hub (rare in a Phil Wood)
you have to replace the hub (or if it's a Phil you can get it serviced)
Needless to say that is distressing. Sound like cassette, though it does give more gears, is a step
down. Makes me think it would be better to get a bunch of Sun Race freewheels. Incidentally, do
these freewheels fit the old 125mm spacing? Also, are they decent freewheels? Sure would save a lot
of expensive getting new hubs, shifters, cranks and cassette. Comments?
The above web site is from Rivendell. Initially they are talking about Phil Wood Freewheel hubs, but
beginning on the 3rd paragraph it asks Why Freewheel? Though they admit that they have given up on
obtaining 5 and 6 speed freewheels, they still can get Sun Race for 7 speeds.
They like freewheels because 7 cogs are enough. The chain is stronger. They have heard a lot of
stories about 9 & 10 speed chains breaking. (Anyone have that experience?). You nee a special chain
tool to break the chain. You can build stronger wheels with a freewheel as opposed to a cassette
wheel which is more susceptible to failure. Freewheel hub is much cheaper than a cassette hub. Phil
Wood cassette hubs are very expensive. Cassette hubs have the pawls, springs, and other parts that
eventually wear out. When the freewheeling mechanism in a freewheel wears out, you just replace the
freewheel ($20). When the freewheeling mechanism wears out in a cassette hub (rare in a Phil Wood)
you have to replace the hub (or if it's a Phil you can get it serviced)
Needless to say that is distressing. Sound like cassette, though it does give more gears, is a step
down. Makes me think it would be better to get a bunch of Sun Race freewheels. Incidentally, do
these freewheels fit the old 125mm spacing? Also, are they decent freewheels? Sure would save a lot
of expensive getting new hubs, shifters, cranks and cassette. Comments?