This video will help you determine which type of cassette or freewheel you have,
and what tool you will need to remove it.
Hello, Calvin Jones here with the Park Tool Company.
We're going take a look at the differences between the freewheels and the cassette systems,
as well as many variations of each.
We'll also help you determine which tool you'll need for removal and installation.
Once you have the information you need,
we'll guide you to the correct instructional video for your system.
If you already know you have a freewheel system and simply need to figure out what tool to use,
skip to the time shown.
Otherwise, we'll start with the differences between freewheels and cassettes.
On a bike, it can be difficult to determine if you have a cassette or freewheel,
but this is the simplest way.
After you remove the rear wheel from the bike, spin the sprockets backwards.
With a cassette, the tool fitting will rotate with the sprockets.
With a freewheel, the tool fitting does not rotate as the sprockets spin counter-clockwise.
Simple enough, but only if you know which tool fittings to look for.
We're looking for the innermost tool fittings.
Axles and locknuts are not part of the cassette or freewheel.
The innermost tool fitting is the fitting closest to these.
This ring has multiple tool fittings, but the innermost is these twelve splines.
This tool fitting does not move when we spin the sprockets, making this a freewheel system.
The innermost tool fitting here has four notches.
It does not move when the sprockets spin backwards, so again we have a freewheel.
Here our innermost tool fitting is on this lockring.
As we spin the sprockets, the tool fitting spins, making this a cassette system.
On these rear sprockets there is not a visible lockring -
but look close to the axle and you will see the tool fittings.
The fitting spins which makes this a cassette.
So now that you know what you've got, let's take a look at how cassettes and freewheel systems work,
as well as selecting appropriate tools for each system.
The cassette systems separate the sprockets, sometimes called the cassette stack,
from the ratcheting mechanism, called the "freehub".
The freehub is built into the hub body.
Freehubs permit for driving the wheel and coasting when you stop pedaling.
The outside of the freehub has a pattern of splines that match the pattern of the cassette cogs.
The most common freehub pattern is shared by many manufacturers
including Shimano, SRAM, Sun Race and others.
Campagnolo freehubs have eight splines,
and feature a unique spline pattern that is not compatible with other brands.
The cassette stack is secured with a lockring.
Most lockrings have 12 internal splines, but there are exceptions.
There are two commonly seen lockring fittings:
one is found on Campagnolo systems, and the other is found on most other brands.
The fittings and tools look similar, but they are not interchangeable.
Here's a simple way to choose the correct locking tool:
look at the brand of the rear derailleur.
It can be safely assumed that if the derailleur is branded Campagnolo, you'll need the BBT-5/FR-11.
If a derailleur is any other brand including Shimano, SRAM, Sun Race or others,
you'll need one of the FR-5 series of tools including the FR-5.2, FR-5.2G, and others.
There is also a unique freehub system called an XD Driver
used by some SRAM 11 and 12 speed cassette stacks with a wide gear range.
Similar to other cassettes, there are 12 internal splines at the smallest cog.
The freehub has shortened splines with external threads.
A threaded sleeve in the cassette acts as the lockring.
This cassette is tightened using one of the Park Tool FR-5 series of lockring tools.
There are also some single sprocket bikes that use a freehub system.
Most use an external notched lockring.
Use a lockring spanner such as the Park Tool HCW-17 for installation and removal.
Older freehubs may lack a separate lockring.
These require two chain whips to remove the cassette cogs.
The first cog acts as a lock for the other cogs.
For cassette removal and installation, see this video.
Compared to the cassette system, the freewheel is older technology.
The freewheel is a self contained system of cogs together with a ratcheting mechanism.
This allows for driving the wheel forward and coasting.
Freewheel bodies have internal threads that tighten onto a threaded rear hub.
Freewheels are seen mostly on older bikes,
on newer entry-level bikes,
and on single speed and BMX bikes.
Freewheels will unthread with a removal tool that engages machined fittings on the innermost freewheel body.
Manufacturers have different tool fit designs, and Park Tool offers tools for most freewheels.
However, there will be some older models where no Park Tool is available.
Here's how to tell what tool you'll need:
Look for the innermost tool fitting on the freewheel.
There is either a spline type or notch type tool fitting.
If you have the spline type, count the number of splines.
If there are 20 splines, use the FR-4.
If there are 12 splines, check the brand of the freewheel.
If is a Falcon brand freewheel, use the FR-7.
If it's not a Falcon brand freewheel, measure in the outside diameter of the tool fitting.
If it measures approximately 23mm, use the FR-1.3.
There is an older Shimano standard that is approximately 20mm.
Park Tool does not offer a tool for this freewheel.
If you have a notch-type tool fitting,
count the number of notches and measure the diameter from outer edge to outer edge.
If there are two notches and the tool fitting is approximately 25mm in diameter, use the FR-2.
If there are four notches and the tool fitting measures approximately 24mm in diameter, use the FR-3.
If there are four notches and the tool fitting measures approximately 40mm in diameter, use the FR-6.
If there are four notches and the tool fitting is approximately 32mm in diameter, use the FR-8.
For the procedure to remove and install freewheels, see this video.
Hopefully this video helped you gain a better understanding of the cassette and freewheel systems.
If you still have questions, leave them in the comments below.
For more information on each cassette & freewheel tool, including up-to-date compatibility information,
visit Parktool.com.
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