Shimano MX Single Freewheel

Cheap and disposable

Freewheels are mostly throwaway parts and these are no exception. I'm lucky if I can get a whole winter commuting on one before the bearings fail. These are nicer than most others, however, and run smooth and quiet initially.

Pros: -cheap
-quiet
-low runout (for a while)

Cons: -poor weather resistance


Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: November 26, 2012
Reviewed by: Austin E., Florida

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Hey, it's a standard BMX freewheel. Good for normal singlespeed usage.

Unfortunately, these freewheels have a tendency to seize if you race some cyclocross on them and get them filled up with mud and water. I've successfully reconditioned them after failure in the past though.

Pros: Cheap

Cons: not water resistant

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: No

Reviewed on: August 17, 2012
Reviewed by: Daniel E., Oregon

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I am a little disappointed.

I purchase this about 6 months ago. Already getting clunking, knocking sounds out of it. I did take it apart and cleaned/re-lubed all the parts. And it still is making noise. It also isn't sealed at all, you will need to service it every other time you ride in the rain. Water and dirt go right in the cracks and straight into the bearings. Making a greasy mud mix that will make a gritty/grinding sound. Also isn't perfectly round. but I guess I can't expect it to be at this price.
The best thing about this cog, is that it is very quiet. And it's made in Japan.

Pros: Very quiet, Made in Japan.

Cons: Not sealed, doesn't last long, isn't perfectly round, holds in dirt/water.

Would Buy Again: No
Would Recommend: No

Reviewed on: April 25, 2012
Reviewed by: Ben, Oregon

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The cream of the lesser crop. Nothing I have seen beats the White industries FW, but they also cost ~10x more! For the price pound for pound the Shimano MX is durable, long lasting, smooth & cheap. Everything you look for in a part that is designed to be worn down on every ride. Better than the others in it's class

Pros: Price
Durable
Smooth Function
Not White Industries Price

Cons: Not White Industries Serviceability & Function

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: March 16, 2012
Reviewed by: R. T., Manitoba

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Good bang for the buck

For the price, you can't go wrong. But I would not buy another - having been spoilt with the White Industry version. It's reasonably quiet but the WI one is quieter.

Requires a bit more maintenance since it does not use sealed bearings.

Pros: inexpensive

Cons: heavy
requires more frequent maintenance

Would Buy Again: No
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: November 23, 2011
Reviewed by: Team EARTHDREAMS, Washington

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Shimano freewheel

Have a few of these for different single speed gear options. Reliable and well built like most all Shimano.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: July 09, 2011
Reviewed by: Mike, California

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For the price, this freewheel is hard to beat. After a couple of rides in solid rain, I found the cogs stuck slightly, probably due to light rust. Adding oil between the gaps solved the problem and I have had no issues since then.

Pros: Cost, ease of use.

Cons: Minimal lubrication

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: June 12, 2011
Reviewed by: Alan H., Washington

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Nice Freewheel, surprisingly silent!

I use these on most of my single speed conversions. They're nice because they're extremely quiet opposed to the cheesy BMX style freewheels that click like crazy. I've been riding on these for a long time and haven't run into any problems yet.

Pros: super quiet! Looks good, easy to install

Cons: none

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: May 13, 2011
Reviewed by: Garren E.

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So far so good, freewheel seems to work just fine. It definitely has a lot better build than the competition.

Pros: solid, quiet

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: December 22, 2010


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A solid freewheel

Installed this on my cross bike. Generally these last about one season of cross before getting corroded and gunked up with enough mud & water to seize. It's not the best freewheel, but offers a better value IMO than the White Industries.

Pros: Spins well
Decent engagement

Cons: All steel construction is heavy
Not well sealed
Not easily rebuildable

Reviewed on: November 16, 2010
Reviewed by: johnny b., Oregon

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A good solid freewheel, but lacks the smooth feel of the more expensive brands.

Pros: Inexpensive

Cons: Rough

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: November 02, 2010
Reviewed by: Rob, Kentucky

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Economical and reliable.

I run these on my single speed mountain bike and am pleased with the performance. Freewheel engages every time and doesn't make much noise. After a couple of muddy rides it was making some crunchy sounds. The seals aren't the best, but a little oil dripped on the seams took care of it. Inexpensive enough that you won't cry when it does wear out.

Pros: Economical.
Reliable.
Fairly quiet.

Cons: Seals aren't the best.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: October 03, 2010
Reviewed by: Noel B., Oregon

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Shimano Freewheel

Decent, reliable, not too noisy... distant second to the White Ind. Eno, but certainly worth the cost.

Pros: Economical, durable.

Cons: Sometimes noisy.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: September 16, 2010
Reviewed by: Daniel G., California

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Good, reliable freewheel. Have it on my daily commuter. It's been there for years without issue. Not the best freewheel out there. But bang for the buck, it's great. Recommended.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: September 04, 2010
Reviewed by: Bryan L., Wisconsin

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