freewheel or cassette?

[d0ubledown]

is there a preference between the two? one better than the other? im looking to replace wheels for my boys bike and these are two options ive got. my daughters redline has cassette, would it be better to go cassette to keep things consistent and parts interchangability? is the cassette generally the lighter option?

what say ye?

[Monger]

Freewheels: Cheap to replace, may have wobble when mounted on threaded hub, special tools needed to remove, limit from 13t-18t or more, not easily rebuildable, power distribution not very even on bearings

Cassette hubs: hubs are expensive but lighter, all cogs are different and not always interchangeable, still need special tools, cogs are aluminum or steel, hubs are rebuildable (correct me if wrong), can go from 7t-18t or more, can adjust chain line on some hubs, better power distribution on bearings

Hope this helps. Warren

[Georges Kreuzkamp]

For little riders it's good to have a rear hub with the flip flop hub, which allows you to use the smaller gear combo. 13T or 14T as apposed to the bigger rear cogs. Little riders won't stress the chain anyway and it saves a tiny bit of weight.

If you have a complete bike in good working order, leave it alone and just make sure everything stays in good working order.