Fuji_3.0

I recently purchased a used Fuji road bike for upcoming triathlons and I plan to replace the wheelset.

Do I need to install my old freewheel (the rear set of gear cogs) on my new rear wheel? Should I take this chance to upgrade to a new freewheel? Does the rear freewheel depend on which derailleurs I use? I have a Shimano Sora rear derailleur (which I plan to replace ASAP) and a Shimano front derailleur.

chaadster

What you're imcorrectly calling a freewheel is a cassette. You'll move it over to the new wheels; cassettes are not typically supplied with wheels. I doubt there's a good reason to replace it; as you ride more, you may find you want a different gear spread, but that's down the road. Generally cogsets will work with different models of the same brand derailleur provided they're the same number of gears, so you can upgrade from 10spd Sora to, say, 10 spd Ultegra derailleur if you like. You can change brand derailleurs in some cases, but that's more complicated a question and probably better addressed when you know better what you want and need.

jaguiler

" Shimano Sora rear derailleur (which I plan to replace ASAP)"

Is the old derailleur broken ? Why would you change it ?

hueyhoolihan

depending on the type of hub on the old rear wheel you may or may not have a freewheel on there. it may be a cassette (see wiki for def).

depending on which one it is you may have no choice in the matter regarding replacement. whether or not your current RD and others you may have will work with a new wheel and the type of cogs you eventually put on there involves a lot of variables. i would first address the rear wheel cog issue if any and then look at any necessary or voluntary replacements as regards the RD and shifters.

Homebrew01

Make sure you buy a Shimano compatible wheel, not Campagnolo. 2 different standards.

datlas 

How old is the bike and how many speeds/cogs are there??

There may be compatibility problems. Also, it's possible you really do have a freewheel and not a cassette, depends on the age of your original wheel.

chaadster

There's no way Sora is freewheel; it's certainly cassette.

datlas 

Ok I will accept that, I was thinking this could be a very old Fuji from the 1980's but I suppose they did not have Sora back then.

Homebrew01

Still a valid question. Could be an old bike, with a replaced derailleur.
OP, It would be a good idea to verify what you have on the wheel itself. How many cogs currently ?

chaadster

Not valid. It's extremely unlikely that someone training for a triathlon would be running a 6spd freewheel with an 8spd or more derailleur.

Bunyanderman

No need to help him, if he wanted help he would of replied to the forum by now.

Homebrew01

It's valid in that all kinds of bikes and people are out there. Some are noobs with old bikes who have no idea what they have. So, taking a few seconds to verify is worth it.

Spend some time in the mechanics forum to see how much time gets wasted trying to get accurate info from posters so that useful advice can be given.

chaadster

It wouldn't even shift properly...oh wait, downtube friction shifters? Jesus.

Yeah, you're right it is possible-- and I do see some "what-kind-of-freakball-nutjob-would-do-that" bikes out there-- but I'd still put my money on "extremely unlikely". But, I do have to concede the point to you.

cderalow

first time I've ever seen a pissing match settled in less than 10 posts and with some civility.

re: the original poster and several questions

odds are it's a cassette, 8 or 9 speeds and can be moved to a new wheel.

the better question is, why replace the wheels in the first place if they're just getting into triathlons.

milkbaby

Because many triathletes are into buying upgrades over upgrading the engine. A sentiment shared by many on this forum too. LOL

hueyhoolihan

shocking! and worthy of admiration on both parties part. kudos.

i'm not sure i would even be capable of it...