freewheel vs cassete

[young Ed]

i realise free wheels are on the cheaper wheels but what are the pros and cons for both systems?
Cheers Ed

 

[Smurfy]

The free-hub (cassette) system is stronger, as the wheel bearings are closer to the end of the axle on the drive side.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

^^^ What YellowTim said, but to expand it means less chance of axle breakage even with a large number of gears fitted. The more gears you add to a freewheel system the further inboard the drive side bearings have to be and the more likely it is that you'll overstress the axle.

Screw-on freewheels exist for up to 9 speeds but reliability is only assured with up to 7 speeds.