Cassette vs Freecoaster vs Planetary: Which BMX Hub Is Right For You?

Your rear hub decides how your bike feels the second you stamp on the pedals, and whether you can roll backwards without your cranks spinning round.

There are three main options: the cassette, the freecoaster and the newer Planetary freecoaster. Here’s how each one works, what’s good, what’s not, and which BSD and Odyssey hubs to look at.

Cassette Hub

A cassette hub uses spring-loaded pawls in the driver that lock into a ratchet ring inside the shell. Pedal forward and it bites straight away. Roll backwards and the cranks roll back with the wheel.

Pros

• Instant engagement, so you get full drive from the first pedal stroke
• Lightest and simplest of the three, with the least to go wrong
• Some moves like brakeless tailtaps are easier

Cons

• Rolling fakie means your cranks spin backwards, so you have to time your pedals
• Not ideal if fakie tricks are a big part of your riding

Best for: park, dirt and street riders who want instant drive, and anyone on their first hub.

Our picks: the BSD Swerve runs a 150-tooth ratchet ring for an almost non-existent pedal gap. The BSD Back Street Pro is the bombproof everyday option, and the Odyssey Antigram v2 is light at 454g with guard and switches between RHD and LHD.

Freecoaster Hub

A freecoaster has a clutch inside the hub that disengages the driver when you roll backwards, so the wheel turns while your cranks stay still. When you pedal forward, the clutch slides across and engages. The bit of free pedal travel before it bites is called slack.

Pros

• Roll fakie as far and as fast as you like without the cranks moving
• No pedal timing on fakie tricks, and your feet stay put for half-cabs and crankflips
• Slack is adjustable on most hubs, so you can dial it in

Cons

• Slack means a short delay when you pedal forwards before your bike moves
• Heavier than a cassette, with more parts inside to maintain
• Can take some getting used to if you’re coming off a cassette

Best for: street and tech riders who spend a lot of time rolling backwards.

Our picks: the Odyssey Clutch Pro has a tool-free external slack adjuster, a grease port and a bearing-equipped drag mechanism for smooth crankflips. The BSD West Coaster is built for durability with a triple-bearing 9t driver and comes with Jersey Barrier guards.

Planetary Freecoaster Hub

A Planetary freecoaster swaps the traditional heavier cone-style clutch for a compact Planetary clutch. The driver uses cassette-style sprung pawls that stay disengaged until you pedal forward. You get freecoaster function with the feel, weight and click of a cassette.

Pros

• Roll fakie freely, like a freecoaster
• Practically no pedal gap when you pedal forward
• Around 30% lighter than a conventional freecoaster
• Sounds and feels like a cassette, with less load on the bearings

Cons

• Costs more than most cassette and standard freecoaster hubs
• Newer tech, so there are fewer models to choose from
• If you like riding with a set amount of slack, a traditional freecoaster gives you more control over it

Best for: riders who want to roll fakie but hate slack and extra weight.

Our pick: the BSD Revolution v1.5, developed with Tal Mazar of Freenight BMX. The upgraded spring-loaded clutch stops unwanted engagement on rollbacks, and Jersey Barrier guards come as standard.

At a Glance

So Which One?

If you want instant drive and the simplest setup, go cassette. If fakie tricks are your thing and you don’t mind a bit of slack and weight, go freecoaster. If you want the best of both and don’t mind paying for it, the Planetary freecoaster is where it’s at.

Still not sure? Drop us a message and we’ll help you pick the right hub for your riding. Or browse our full range of rear hubs.