Freecoaster Rear Wheels

Q: What types are there?

The drive side is crucial here too: RHD / LHD Choose the side opposite your grinds to protect the hub. Male / Female Axle Modern street coasters often use stable 14mm hollow CrMo axles.

Q: What materials are used?

4130 CrMo (Heat Treated) Since freecoasters have to withstand high torque when "engaging", the axle and driver are made of hardened steel. Nylon / Plastic Often these wheels are delivered directly with matching plastic hubguards.

Freecoaster Rear Wheels FAQ

What is a freecoaster and what is its main purpose?

Unlike a cassette hub, the freecoaster disengages the drivetrain when rolling backward. This means: The pedals do not turn when you ride fakie (backward). This makes balancing much easier and is standard for modern street riders.

How does a freecoaster wheel work?

The internal mechanism is fundamentally different from a cassette:

Clutch: A mechanism (usually cone system) that separates the driver from the hub as soon as you stop pedaling.
Slack: The "dead zone" you have to pedal before the drive engages again. More slack means you can move your feet when landing tricks without the drive blocking immediately ("engaging").
Planetary Coaster: A newer design (e.g., from BSD or Alienation) that sounds and engages like a cassette but still doesn't turn when riding backward.

What types are there?

The drive side is crucial here too:

RHD / LHD: Choose the side opposite your grinds to protect the hub.
Male / Female Axle: Modern street coasters often use stable 14mm hollow CrMo axles.

What materials are used?

4130 CrMo (Heat Treated): Since freecoasters have to withstand high torque when "engaging", the axle and driver are made of hardened steel.
Nylon / Plastic: Often these wheels are delivered directly with matching plastic hubguards.

Which freecoaster wheel is right for me?

Consider the following points when choosing:

Criterion	Recommendation
Riding Style	Do you ride a lot of fakie and technical tricks? -> Freecoaster. Do you want maximum thrust for gaps? -> Probably Cassette.
Adjustability	Many of our freecoasters allow you to adjust the slack using washers. Check if accessories are included.
Maintenance	A cone freecoaster requires a bit more care (grease) than a cassette to run reliably.

How do I maintain a freecoaster?

Freecoasters (especially KHE systems) require special grease, no oil!
If the hub "drags" when riding backward, there is often too little grease or a bearing is defective.
Regularly check the bearing play, as freecoaster bearings dislike side loads.