Hi there, this is Nick here from Basingstoke in the UK. I have an old Raleigh Mountain bike (probably from the late 1990's, early 2000's) that the gears keeps slipping on when I cycle on road and especially when I go up hill when I try and change gears. The bike is pretty standard - just a 15 gear raleigh mountain bike with shimano gears (i think.) I have put new gear cables on it recently and the problem still persists.

Therefore, please could you answer some of my questions that I have - I would like some advice from people in the know - I have posted a picture with this thread for you to look at:

1. Is the condition of the freewheel anything to do with the gears slipping?
2. Have I got a freewheel or a cassette would you think?
3. What is the ring on the top with the two small holes and writing on it. How do I remove this (i.e. is there a special tool - I have tried hammer and screwdriver and it wont budge) and what is underneath? Sparks is the manufacturer.
4. How can you tell what freewheel removal tool I would need if it is a freewheel.
5. THE BIG QUESTION - Do I even need to think about taking the top part off or would the freewheel remover slit inside over the top of the axle between the axle and the freewheel body making it a much simpler job i.e. just doing the usual job with the chain whip and removal tool.

I would know how to remove a freewheel once I get down past this initial stage.

Many, many thanks for your help guys - it is appreciated,

All the best, Nick