Originally Posted by
aaronjunited
Bike shop sounds like the best option here instead of me playing around with parts and not knowing what i'm doing.
In terms of upgrading i would like to go with a freehub but im sure i can pick up a new freehub within £40?
Part of the problem of trying to go to a Freehub is the fact you have a 6 speed & disc brake. I didn't know they even made "that" combination, since disc brakes are typically found on higher end models.
I don't know where you would find a 6 speed cassette. Else, you'd have to go to 7 or more speeds which means you'd also have to change the rear shifter (assuming it's indexed) + the cost of the cassette and new wheel (or pay the labor of taking your old rim and re-lacing it to a new hub, which might also require new spokes)
Here's a link to the differences between hubs and you can see why yours is more prone to bending axles because of the design.
http://sheldonbrown.com/free-k7.html
IF you are heavy, you really have to learn to "ride light" and if not, you still have to avoid pot holes etc.