Cogs, Drivers, Cassettes, Clusters, Chainrings, Sprockets, & Freewheels! Learn the difference.

PB Forum :: Tutorials
Cogs, Drivers, Cassettes, Clusters, Chainrings, Sprockets, & Freewheels! Learn the difference.
  • Previous Page
Author Message
flag Hombre3000
O+
Posted: Dec 31, 2008 at 18:04 Quote
Someone wanted me to post this in here, so here it is!
Enjoy. I might be wrong about some of this, so I'm happy to edit it. Let me know!

fireman- wrote:
i think somebody should post pics of drivers,cogs,casstets, and freewheels, and expain the diffrences!!! that way this will all be over!

Can do.

A singlespeed cog is splined and not threaded, and goes onto a hub with a cassette body (most standard MTB/road hubs, Pro2, King).
Here's a singlespeed cog:

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.wtb.com/img/wheels/ssc/singlespeedcog.jpg



A track cog is threaded, and threads onto a track-specific hub with two different thread sizes. The larger threads take the track cog, and the smaller threads take the lockring, which screws on backwards. This means that when the track cog tries to unscrew, it tightens the lockring.
Here's a track cog:

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.excelsports.com/image200/Shimano%20Dura-Ace%20Track%20Cog.jpg
And here's a track hub:

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.evanscycles.com/product_image/image/436/3c1/53b/28422/product_page/system-ex-fixed-freewheel-track-hub.jpg



A cassette is a unit with several (up to 11, most recently) cogs put together. Modern cassettes are splined and go onto a hub with a cassette body (most standard MTB/road hubs, Pro2, King).
Here's a cassette:

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.fullcycles.com/images/shimano-dura-ace-10sp-cassette.jpg



A cluster is a threaded unit with several cogs put together and has an internal pawl and ratchet system. Clusters thread onto threaded hubs, dished correctly to accept a freewheel.
Here's a cluster and a cassette, image from Sheldon Brown:

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/images/freewheel-vs-k7.jpg



A freehub is the ratchet/pawl system in a traditional standard hub. Most times, it is replaceable. The freehub holds the cogs or cassette. It is the right part of the hub, and it houses bearings inside that run on the axle.
Here's a freehub:

photo
Freehub




A driver is a unit that includes pawls and is part of a BMX-style cassette hub. The pawls go into the hub, and the driver is connected to the pawls. Only compatible with BMX-style cassette hubs.
Here's a driver:

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.jensonusa.com/product/cs/CS308Z07_____9T.jpg



A freecoaster is a type of hub that allows totally free coasting, forward and backward. The driver is attached to a screw mechanism, and when the driver is turned (pedaled forward), it screws a "shoe" (contact plate) towards the hub shell and presses against the hub shell. This connects the driver to the hub and pulls the wheel forward when you pedal. However, when you pedal backwards, the contact plate or "shoe" is screwed away from the hub shell, and the hub is not connected to the driver, which allows it to rotate freely in any direction.
Here are the internals of a naked freecoaster:

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.wtlw.net/ff/suntour/hub3.jpg
Here's a popular MTB freecoaster hub:
Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.terrabike.com/foro/uploads/monthly_12_2008/post-12748-1229198649.jpg



Freewheels are threaded, and the pawls and ratchet mechanism is completely inside it. Freewheels thread onto singlespeed hubs, and are only compatible with threaded hubs.
Here's a freewheel:

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.jensonusa.com/product/cs/CS409C04METR_14T__18.jpg



Sprockets, although technically are any gear in the drive system, are usually front BMX-style chainrings that mount to the crank. These are often referred to as chainwheels. Most mount by either a post (technical word?) from the crank, or splines on the crank assembly. These are usually designated as a single-front setup.
Here's a front sprocket:

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.downcycles.com/store/images/Deity%20Sprocket.jpg



Chainrings are MTB-style front sprockets, and are usually bolted onto the crank's spider (smaller arms). Chainrings are often found in 1-, 2-, or 3-ring configurations.
Here's a chainring:

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product_images/Medium/RRDH104X;Warehouse;Warehouse.jpg
flag happysumo
Posted: Dec 31, 2008 at 18:07 Quote
Hombre3000 wrote:

A cog is splined and not threaded,


Track cogs are threaded...

Nice work though- Should clear alot of confusion

Salute
flag Hombre3000
O+
Posted: Dec 31, 2008 at 18:38 Quote
Fatass-of-oz wrote:
Hombre3000 wrote:
A cog is splined and not threaded,

Track cogs are threaded...

Nice work though- Should clear alot of confusion

Salute

Dealt with.
Thanks.
flag crazygeorge
Posted: Jan 2, 2009 at 12:18 Quote
Could you put a freewheel on a track hub therefore?
flag ezekiel
Posted: Jan 2, 2009 at 12:23 Quote
Thank you for posting this now lets hope people actually look at it. I hate to see people interchanging words and getting everyone confused.

I know that they're all technically sprockets, but I would suggest adding the proper cycling definition of a sprocket as well.
flag konarock
Posted: Jan 2, 2009 at 12:32 Quote
crazygeorge wrote:
Could you put a freewheel on a track hub therefore?
nope.
flag Hombre3000
O+
Posted: Jan 2, 2009 at 13:41 Quote
konarock wrote:
crazygeorge wrote:
Could you put a freewheel on a track hub therefore?
nope.

Yes.
flag Hombre3000
O+
Posted: Jan 2, 2009 at 13:41 Quote
ezekiel wrote:
Thank you for posting this now lets hope people actually look at it. I hate to see people interchanging words and getting everyone confused.

I know that they're all technically sprockets, but I would suggest adding the proper cycling definition of a sprocket as well.

Isn't that just any gear in the drive system?
flag ezekiel
Posted: Jan 2, 2009 at 13:45 Quote
Hombre3000 wrote:
ezekiel wrote:
Thank you for posting this now lets hope people actually look at it. I hate to see people interchanging words and getting everyone confused.

I know that they're all technically sprockets, but I would suggest adding the proper cycling definition of a sprocket as well.

Isn't that just any gear in the drive system?

Technically it is, however the chainwheel is also commonly referred to as the sprocket.
flag Hombre3000
O+
Posted: Jan 2, 2009 at 13:59 Quote
ezekiel wrote:
Hombre3000 wrote:
ezekiel wrote:
Thank you for posting this now lets hope people actually look at it. I hate to see people interchanging words and getting everyone confused.

I know that they're all technically sprockets, but I would suggest adding the proper cycling definition of a sprocket as well.

Isn't that just any gear in the drive system?

Technically it is, however the chainwheel is also commonly referred to as the sprocket.

Done. Sticky status?
flag jakal44444
Posted: Jan 2, 2009 at 14:08 Quote
thx now i know what a freewheel is lol
flag S1L3NTR4GE
Posted: Jan 2, 2009 at 14:23 Quote
Hombre3000 wrote:
konarock wrote:
crazygeorge wrote:
Could you put a freewheel on a track hub therefore?
nope.

Yes.
as in yes its possible?
flag Hombre3000
O+
Posted: Jan 2, 2009 at 14:36 Quote
Yeah. The threading is the same size, as far as I know.
flag S1L3NTR4GE
Posted: Jan 2, 2009 at 14:38 Quote
Hombre3000 wrote:
Yeah. The threading is the same size, as far as I know.
ok that that i thought i just didnt wanna get crucified for it if i was wrong lol
  • Previous Page

 


Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.011821
Mobile Version of Website