From: msw10@nepenthe.as (Michael S. Wong)
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles
Subject: Re: Freewheels vs. Cassettes
Date: 21 Aug 92 22:45:49 GMT
Reply-To: msw10@nepenthe.as
Organization: Sun Microsystems


In article 714229624@otto, newman@otto.ycc.yale.edu (Andrew Newman) writes:
>Greetings,
>
>After 12 years of happiness with my bicycle, I have recently emerged
>to shop for some new stuff.  The biggest confusion I have run across
>involves the freewheels vs. cassette issue.  It seems that Campy,
>Shimano and Suntour have all gone with cassette-based rear hubs.
>Campy's low-end gruppo appears to still be freewheel based.  Since
>Shimano and Suntour both make component sets that are too "low brow"
>at the bottom end to be sold as aftermarket parts in bicycle
>catalogs, I am left with some unanswered questions.  As such, I
>look to the wisdom of the net.
>
>Specifically:
>
>	1) Do either Suntour or Shimano make any new non-cassette
>	gruppos?  (Shimano 300LX, Suntour XC-LTD etc...i.e. the low
>	end stuff).
>

I believe XC-Comp, Pro, and Dura-Ace still come in freewheel. However, if you
desire freewheel hubs, a whole host of other companies make freewheel hubs that
are at least as good as Suntour or Shimano and some are better. Among these are
American Classic, BullsEye, Ringle, Sachs, Mavic, Kingsberry, NukeProof, Phil Wood,
Wilderness Trail Bikes, White Industries (Phantom), Specialized and Clark/Kent.
Among these, I know American Classic, Kingsberry, Ringle and Sachs will accept an
8-speed freewheel. Others might, I just don't know.

>	2) Is there any compatibility between manufacturers of
>	cassettes?  Can I use a Shimano cassette on a Suntour 
>	hub?

None of the manufacturers are compatible with each other as far as cassttes and
freehubs go. However, NukeProof makes a freehubs to accept Shimano Hyperglide
and Suntour Micro-Drive cassettes (one or the other). Edco and Hugi also make
hyperglide compatible hubs, and Hugi also makes a non-hyperglide (Uniglide) 
compatible freehub. Pulsar also makes a very interesting new freehub that whose
flanges eliminate bending the spokes at the flange. I'm not sure what cassette
type it is compatible with.

>
>	3) Both of these companys seem to be making chain specifically
>	designed for their "systems" (Shimano hyperglide and Suntour
>	micro-drive).  Do these chains work even on the company's
>	low-end stuff?  Also, are there non-propriatary alternatives.
>

I've used Shimano, Campy-Rohloff, and Sedis-Sport chains on my Shimano drivetrain,
and all work fine, though I prefer the Sedis-Sport.

>For what it's worth, I tend to wear out chains and freewheels somewhat
>frequently.  I have never "worn out" a hub or rim.  I am currently
>looking at MTN bikes and at least one currently under consideration
>uses Suntour XC-LTD componentry.  Since Suntour is considerably smaller
>than they seem to have been 12 years ago, I'm wondering if down the
>line, I won't have difficulty replacing the freewheel (oops...cassette)
>that will inevitably wear out in 2 years.  Comments?
>
>
>*  ===\  |===|  ===\  *========================================================
>*  |       |    |  |  *                 -Andrew Newman                        *
>*  |==|    |    |==/  *                  C&IS Systems Technology & Planning   *
>*     |    |    |     *                  Yale University                      *
>*  \===    |    |     *                  (newman-andy@yale.edu)               *
>*---------------------*========================================================

Michael Wong.
msw10@amdahl.com
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles