As cassette technology evolves, brands like Shimano and SRAM are continually introducing higher-speed cassettes. However, with various freehub standards—such as Shimano’s 12-speed Micro Spline and SRAM’s XDR—choosing the correct freehub body can be confusing, especially for cyclists upgrading their wheels or newcomers to the sport.
This guide will help you navigate the compatibility between freehub bodies and different cassettes or drivetrains, ensuring you select the right setup for your bike.
What Is a Freehub Body?
The freehub body is a critical component that connects the rear bicycle hub to the cassette, allowing the wheel to spin freely when you’re not pedaling. Understanding which freehub body your cassette requires is essential for seamless performance and avoiding compatibility issues.
Different Freehub Standards in the Market
The most popular freehub body standards are established by major players such as Shimano and SRAM. Each brand has its own unique standards that work with specific drivetrains and cassettes.
Here are the most common freehub body types:
• Shimano Hyperglide (HG) – Standard for many Shimano cassettes from 7 to 11 speeds.
• Shimano Micro Spline – Required for Shimano’s 12-speed cassettes.
• SRAM XD – Designed for SRAM’s 11-speed and 12-speed mountain bike cassettes.
• SRAM XDR – The road version of XD, used for SRAM’s 12-speed road bike cassettes.
• Campagnolo – Exclusive to Campagnolo drivetrains and cassettes.
How to Choose the Right Freehub Body for Your Cassette
Mountain Bikes (MTB)
1. Shimano Drivetrains: If your bike has a Shimano drivetrain, the freehub body will typically be Shimano HG, which supports cassettes ranging from 7 to 11 speeds. If you’re upgrading to Shimano’s XTR 12-speed drivetrain, you’ll need the Shimano Micro Spline freehub body.
2. SRAM Drivetrains: For SRAM 11-speed or 12-speed groupsets, such as SRAM Eagle, you’ll need the SRAM XD freehub body. For 7 to 10-speed cassettes, the Shimano HG freehub body is compatible.
Road Bikes
1. Shimano Drivetrains: The Shimano HG freehub body works with all Shimano road bike cassettes, whether you’re using 9-speed, 10-speed, or 11-speed systems.
2. SRAM Drivetrains: If you’re using SRAM’s 9, 10, or 11-speed road cassettes, Shimano’s HG freehub will suffice. For SRAM’s 12-speed groupsets, such as the SRAM Red eTap, you’ll need the SRAM XDR freehub.
3. Campagnolo Drivetrains: If you’re using a Campagnolo drivetrain, you must use a Campagnolo-specific freehub body.
Interchangeability Between Freehub Bodies
Some freehub bodies offer compatibility with other brands, which can simplify the selection process:
• MTB Compatibility: Shimano HG freehubs are compatible with SRAM 7-speed to 10-speed cassettes.
• Road Compatibility: SRAM 9, 10, and 11-speed cassettes are compatible with Shimano 11-speed road freehubs.
Freehub Compatibility Charts
For more detailed information on which freehub body is compatible with your specific drivetrain and cassette, refer to the compatibility charts for both MTB and Road setups provided by Shimano and SRAM.
Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Freehub Body
The key to selecting the right freehub body lies in identifying your cassette’s brand first. Once you’ve determined the cassette and drivetrain, match it with the corresponding freehub body type. This ensures compatibility and optimal performance for your bike.
At Addictcycling, we stock popular freehubs, including Shimano HG, Micro Spline, SRAM XD, and XDR. If you’re unsure about which freehub body you need, feel free to contact us at info@addictcyc.com for expert assistance.
