free-huhb
Noun
A type of bicycle hub that allows instant engagement of the drivetrain.
Example usage: 'My bike has a freehub so I can instantly start pedaling.'
Most used in: Mountain biking, cyclocross and other off-road cycling.
Most used by: Mountain bikers, cyclocrossers and other off-road cyclists.
Popularity: 8
Comedy Value: 2
Also see: Cassette, Freewheel, Driver, Ratchet Hub,
What is a Freehub on a Bicycle?
A freehub is a device on a bicycle that enables the rider to coast without the pedals moving. It is the component of the rear wheel that contains the ratchet mechanism and the cassette, which are the components that allow the rider to coast and stop pedaling.
A freehub is connected to the rear wheel hub and is engaged when the rider pedals forward. The freehub works by providing a one-way ratcheting mechanism that allows the wheel to turn but prevents it from turning backwards. This allows the cassette, which is connected to the freehub, to move the chain and drive the bike forward.
Freehubs are popular components on modern bicycles. According to a survey conducted by Bicycle Retailer and Industry News in 2020, 90% of all bicycles sold in the US are equipped with a freehub. This makes freehubs one of the most common components on bicycles.
The freehub is an important component of any bicycle. Without it, the rider would not be able to coast and would have to constantly pedal to keep the bicycle moving. The freehub is an essential part of any bicycle and is an important component for any cyclist.
.The History of the Freehub in Cycling
The term “freehub” was first used in the early 1990s to describe a type of rear bicycle hub. The freehub was invented by Shimano, a Japanese bicycle component manufacturer, in 1991 and released in 1992. It was designed to replace the freewheel, which had been in use since the late 19th century.
The freehub was a revolutionary design that allowed cyclists to coast without pedaling, while still allowing the rider to pedal backwards to change gears. This was accomplished by incorporating a ratchet mechanism into the hub, which allowed the rider to coast without the need for a freewheel.
The freehub quickly became the industry standard and is now used on most modern bicycles. It has been credited with drastically improving the performance and reliability of bicycles, and has become an essential component of the modern cyclist’s arsenal.
