Best Cassettes & Freewheels for Bikes of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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For cycling enthusiasts, having the right equipment is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride. Cassettes and freewheels are crucial components of a bike's drivetrain, determining the number of gears available and the ease of changing between them. These products come in a variety of sizes and configurations to suit different types of bikes and riding styles. Upgrading to a high-quality cassette or freewheel can improve performance and make cycling more efficient. Whether you're a casual rider or a seasoned pro, investing in these products can enhance your cycling experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Shimano HG50 8-Speed Cassette with 11-32 Teeth Cover #TOP 1
Shimano HG50 8-Speed Cassette with 11-32 Teeth
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Shimano Alivio 9-Speed Cassette 11-34 Cover #TOP 2
Shimano Alivio 9-Speed Cassette 11-34
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Shimano HG31 8 Speed Cycling Cassette 11-32T Cover #TOP 3
Shimano HG31 8 Speed Cycling Cassette 11-32T
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Cassettes & Freewheels for Bikes

#TOP 1

Shimano HG50 8-Speed Cassette with 11-32 Teeth

CSHG508132
Silver
11-32 Teeth
Shimano HG50 8-Speed Cassette with 11-32 Teeth Cover
Shimano HG50 8 Speed Cassette - Silver, 11-32 Teeth

The Shimano HG50 Cassette is a high-quality 8-speed cassette that enhances your cycling experience. Its Hyper Glide sprockets feature a computer-designed tooth configuration, allowing for smooth and efficient gear changes. You will appreciate the close ratio gearing, which promotes better energy use and fine cadence control. Additionally, the sprockets are cleverly cut away to minimise weight without sacrificing rigidity, making your ride lighter and more responsive. The nickel-plated finish provides excellent resistance to corrosion, ensuring durability over time.

What We Like
High-quality construction
Smooth gear changes
Lightweight design
Corrosion-resistant finish
#TOP 2

Shimano Alivio 9-Speed Cassette 11-34

CSHG4009134
Multicolor
One Size
Shimano Alivio 9-Speed Cassette 11-34 Cover
Shimano CASSETTE HG400 9 speed 11-34, Silver

The Shimano Alivio Cassette offers a reliable 9-speed system, making it an excellent choice for cyclists seeking smooth gear transitions. With a gear range of 11-34, this cassette allows for easier climbing and better performance on various terrains, ensuring a more enjoyable ride. The durable design from Shimano guarantees longevity, meaning you can tackle many miles without worrying about wear and tear. Overall, this cassette enhances your biking experience by providing the versatility you need for different cycling challenges.

What We Like
Reliable 9-speed system
Wide gear range for climbing
Durable Shimano design
Smooth gear transitions
#TOP 3

Shimano HG31 8 Speed Cycling Cassette 11-32T

586422
Black/Brown
Plain
Shimano HG31 8 Speed Cycling Cassette 11-32T Cover
Shimano Cycling Cassette HG31 8 Speed, Black/Brown, 11-32T

The Shimano HG31 Cassette is designed for mountain biking, featuring an 8-speed setup with a range of 11-32 teeth. This gear ratio allows you to tackle a variety of terrains, providing you with the versatility needed for both steep climbs and swift descents. The black and brown colour scheme gives it a sleek appearance, ensuring it looks great on your bike. With its reliable performance, this cassette enhances your cycling experience by offering smooth gear shifts and improved control.

What We Like
Versatile gear range
Smooth gear shifts
Sleek design
Reliable performance
#TOP 4

SHIMANO Unisex Csr7000132 Bike Cassette 11-32 Teeth

CSR7000132
Standard
11 - 32 teeth
SHIMANO Unisex Csr7000132 Bike Cassette 11-32 Teeth Cover
SHIMANO Unisex Csr7000132 Bike Parts, Standard, 11 - 32 teeth UK

The SHIMANO Csr7000132 Cassette boasts a compact design with dimensions of 7.4 cm by 15.6 cm, making it an ideal choice for cyclists seeking efficiency. Weighing only 282g, it provides a lightweight option that won’t hinder your performance on the bike. Its construction ensures long-lasting durability, allowing you to enjoy many rides without frequent replacements. With a teeth configuration of 11-32, it offers a versatile gear range, enhancing your riding experience across various terrains.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Compact dimensions
Durable construction
Versatile gear range
#TOP 5

Shimano HG500 10-Speed Cassette 11-34 Teeth

CSHG50010134
Silver
Shimano HG500 10-Speed Cassette 11-34 Teeth Cover
Shimano CASSETTE CS-HG500 10 SPEED 11-34, Silver

The Shimano HG500 Cassette is a reliable choice for cyclists seeking performance and durability. With its lightweight design, the sprockets are cut away and drilled, ensuring you can ride with less effort while maintaining rigidity. The nickel-plated finish not only enhances its appearance but also provides excellent resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for various weather conditions. Additionally, the corrosion-resistant steel cassette lockring offers peace of mind, ensuring that your cassette remains secure during rides. This cassette is specifically designed for 10-speed road HG chains, making it a great fit for your bike.

What We Like
Lightweight construction
Corrosion-resistant finish
Secure lockring
Compatible with 10-speed chains
#TOP 6

Shimano MF-TZ500-7 7 Speed Freewheel 14-28T

Shimano MF-TZ500-7 7 Speed Freewheel 14-28T Cover
Shimano MF-TZ500-7 7 Speed Bike Screw-On Freewheel 14-28T FREEWHEEL

The Shimano MF-TZ500-7 Freewheel is a reliable choice for cyclists seeking to enhance their bike's performance. This 7-speed freewheel allows you to easily switch between gears, ensuring smooth rides on various terrains. With its screw-on design, installation is straightforward, making it convenient for users. The range of teeth sizes from 14 to 28 provides a versatile gearing option, allowing you to tackle both steep climbs and flat roads effortlessly. Weighing approximately 420 grams, it offers a lightweight yet durable solution for your biking needs.

What We Like
Easy installation
Smooth gear transitions
Versatile gearing options
Lightweight design
#TOP 7

SHIMANO 10-Speed Cassette CS-HG500 11-32

CSHG50010132
Silver
SHIMANO 10-Speed Cassette CS-HG500 11-32 Cover
SHIMANO CASSETTE CS-HG500 10 SPEED 11-32, Silver

The SHIMANO CS-HG500 Cassette is designed for 10-speed road HG chains, featuring 11 to 32 teeth for versatile gearing. Its sprockets are cut away and drilled, which significantly reduces weight while maintaining rigidity, allowing you to enjoy a more responsive ride. The nickel-plated finish provides excellent resistance to corrosion, enhancing durability and longevity. Additionally, the corrosion-resistant steel cassette lockring ensures that the cassette remains securely in place, providing peace of mind during your rides.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Corrosion-resistant finish
Durable lockring
Versatile gearing options
#TOP 8

Shimano HG400 9 Speed Cassette 11-32

CRR418
Silver
11-32
Shimano HG400 9 Speed Cassette 11-32 Cover
Shimano CASSETTE HG400 9 speed 11-32, Silver

The Shimano HG400 Cassette is designed for 9-speed bikes, offering a smooth and reliable shifting experience. With its Alivio HG50 construction, it enhances your bike's performance, allowing for easier gear changes when tackling varied terrains. The 11-32 gear range provides versatility, making it suitable for both climbs and flat roads. This cassette is a great choice for cyclists looking to improve their ride quality and efficiency.

What We Like
Reliable shifting performance
Versatile gear range
Durable construction
Easy installation
#TOP 9

SHIMANO HG200 7 Speed MTB Cassette 12-28T

CSHG2007228
Black
12-28T
SHIMANO HG200 7 Speed MTB Cassette 12-28T Cover
SHIMANO Men's Shimano Cassettes HG200 7 Speed MTB Cassette, Black, 12-28T UK

The SHIMANO HG200 Cassette is a reliable 7-speed option designed for mountain biking. With a gear ratio of 12-28, it provides an excellent balance between speed and control, allowing you to tackle various terrains with ease. This cassette is made by SHIMANO, a trusted brand known for quality bike components. By choosing this cassette, you can enjoy smoother gear shifts and improved performance on your rides, enhancing your overall cycling experience.

What We Like
Reliable brand quality
Smooth gear shifts
Excellent speed control
Suitable for various terrains
#TOP 10

Cervus Single Speed Fixie Cassette Conversion Kit

Black
Cervus Single Speed Fixie Cassette Conversion Kit Cover
Bike Single Speed Fixie Cassette Conversion Kit Compatable Shimano 16T Colors (Black)

The Cervus Fixie Conversion Kit is a versatile addition to your bike. It features a durable CR-MO steel sprocket with 16 teeth, providing reliable performance for your cycling needs. This kit is compatible with both 1/2" x 1/8" and 1/2" x 3/32" single speed chains, allowing you to easily customise your ride. Additionally, it includes various spacers and an alloy hub ring, ensuring a perfect fit for your setup. This compatibility with Shimano and Sram hubs offers you flexibility when upgrading your bike components.

What We Like
Durable CR-MO steel construction
Versatile chain compatibility
Includes spacers and hub ring
Fits Shimano and Sram hubs
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is my bike cassette or freewheel?

To determine if a sprocket is a freewheel or cassette system, remove the rear wheel from the bike. Find the tool fitting on the sprocket set. Spin the sprockets backwards. If the fittings spin with the cogs, it is a cassette system with a freehub.

2. Is freewheel the same as cassette?

What is the main difference between freewheel and cassette hub? The freewheel is a single-unit and the act of pedaling tightens the freewheel to the hub. Whereas the cassette hub is a set of gears (cogs) that slides onto a cassette and is held in place by a lock ring.

3. What is the freewheel on a bike?

The freewheel is a ratchet, a mechanism that allows motion in only one direction. In the case of a bicycle, it allows the chain to transfer power only from the pedals to the wheel, not in the other direction.

4. Can I replace a freewheel with a cassette?

You cannot convert a freewheel hub to cassette. You need a new rear hub. What he said. You'll have to either get a whole new rear wheel or buy a rear hub and spokes and have them re-laced to your current rim.

Editor's Notes

During our cassettes & freewheel for bikes research, we found 141 cassettes & freewheel for bikes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 34,113 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cassettes & freewheels for bikes list. We found that most customers choose cassettes & freewheels for bikes with an average price of £17.91.

The cassettes & freewheels for bikes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cassettes & freewheels for bikes, including Shimano, FAMEX RIDE, Cervus. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 852 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.