I am going to buy a different freewheel for my singlespeed. I saw the Shimano 18T on www.citygrounds.com for $30, but they also have a Dicta one for $12, and my LBS has an unbranded one for $10. Would I notice any difference spending a bit more for the Shimano, or are the cheaper ones just fine?
Thanks for any input!

El cheapo freewheels are often crap that doesn't last and Shimanos are a good solid product. I think the $30 price for the Shimano is high, however >>>> https://compare.ebay.com/like/2306138...=263602_309572

City Grounds prices are so high! As per TT's link, you should be able to get a Shimano freewheel for around $20. Certainly no more than $25 shipped.

if you are not in a hurry, ebay a used White Industries ENO. I picked up at 18t lightly used FW for $45.... there is no comparison between the White and anything else.

If you need it now. What others have said here is spot on.

Just get a Shimano SF-1200 (sic) freewheel. They are smooth, tough, quiet and well-finished.

You can get 'em for less than $30 online or at your lbs.

Crap freewheels make riding an awful experience.

For a single-speed, huh?

My mistake, I mistakenly thought the freewheel that we got for my girlfriend's bike was dura-ace.

The model number is SF-1200. It's good though

Thanks, ordered a Shimano on eBay for $25 including shipping.

I have used up almost every freewheel except a White which I have ridden but it's beyond my budget....

Dicta's Suck....don't use one ever when they blow up its always painful. you get what you pay for
ACS Claws are cheap and mostly reliable but annoying in a start and no two will ever feel the same (I have four 18T ones that I have switched between on my BMX cruiser)
Suntour, if you can find one, is nice,
Shimano's are annoying....I wanted to like mine but it just never performed predictably.
AC Racing I've had 3, 1 failed and was replaced gratis by the LBS that sold it to me. I sold one for twice what I paid for it Sold one on a bike I foolishly sold and I still have a 15T in my part bin. They are a little disconcerting because they are quiet and you can't feel the engagement like some of the other freewheels....requires a Shimano BB tool
Origin 8 made a really nice freewheel that can still be found on the web....probably second only to White in quality about $50 if I remember right
White Rolls Royce of freewheels, they are sweet if you run an 18t spend the extra $$ on a Trials
ACS Crossfire I've only tried one but to be honest I didn't notice a lot of difference compared to the Claws freewheel though they do look better and are supposedly made from cnc'd parts instead of stamped parts...plus there is the whole new tool required thing
Excess Components these guys are new they seem to be a bunch of disgruntled BMX racers who are displeased with Cassette hubs. I just put one on my Race Cruiser I haven't hit the track yet but I done a couple of mornings on my local trails...amazing engagement, good sound and cheap $25plus they have a cool looking tool but you don't need it stock 4 tooth freewheel tool works fine

I agree about dictas and claws.. never used the others, except Shimano. Super quiet and spins very well. Best I've ever used.

I dunno what the ACS Claws is made for, but it's a piece of junk imo.

It turns coarsely and loudly. I use mine as an outdoor doorstop

Claw = two pawls
Crossfire = three pawls

the Excess is also a 3 Pawls and it feels better, costs about the same and doesn't require a special tool

Where can you buy this Excess, I'm interested.

I got it from my LBS, any shop that gets parts through QBP should be able to get them.

Bikes online has them as well

Thanks! Bookmarked.

don't buy the ACS claw. it knocks when pedaling and it's one of the loudest freewheels (some people like that).

i have one on my SE Floval Flyer and hate it.