freewheel

freewheel
[1] Usually refers to the action of a vehicle on a downgrade when the overdrive over-running clutch is slipping with a resultant loss of engine braking. This condition will occur only after the overdrive unit is engaged but before the balk ring has activated the planetary gearset.
[2] The removable cluster of gears at the hub of the rear wheel of a bicycle. Usually there are five or more gears. It also contains a ratcheting mechanism inside that allows the wheel to rotate forward while the pedals, chain, and gear sprockets remain still or move in reverse. The rear derailleur moves the chain from one gear to the other to change the gear ratio. The other end of the chain wraps around the chainwheel. The freewheel threads onto the hub while the newer style of gear cluster (cassette) slides onto the hub.

Dictionary of automotive terms. 2015.

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  • Freewheel — Free wheel , v. i. 1. (a) Of a freewheel cycle, to run on while the pedals are held still. (b) Of a person, to ride a cycle of this manner; to coast in a vehicle having a freewheel. To ride a freewheel cycle. [WordNet sense 2] [Webster 1913 Suppl …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Freewheel — Free wheel , n. (Mach.) A clutch fitted in the rear hub of a cycle, which engages the rear sprocket with the rear wheel when the pedals are rotated forwards, but permits the rear wheel to run on free from the rear sprocket when the pedals are… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • freewheel — ► NOUN ▪ a bicycle wheel which is able to revolve freely when no power is being applied to the pedals. ► VERB 1) coast on a bicycle without using the pedals. 2) (freewheeling) cheerily unconcerned. DERIVATIVES freewheeler noun …   English terms dictionary

  • freewheel — [frē′hwēl΄, frē′wēl΄] n. 1. in a bicycle, a device in the rear hub that permits the rear wheel to go on turning when the pedals are stopped 2. in some automobiles, helicopters, etc. a device that permits the speed of the drive shaft or rotor to… …   English World dictionary

  • Freewheel — For information about the bicycle component, see Cogset. Freewheel mechanism …   Wikipedia

  • freewheel — /ˈfriwil / (say freeweel) noun 1. an overrunning clutch device in connection with the transmission gearbox of a motor vehicle which automatically disengages the drive shaft whenever it tends to rotate more rapidly than the shaft driving it. 2. a… …  

  • freewheel — UK [ˌfriːˈwiːl] / US [ˌfrɪˈwɪl] verb [intransitive] Word forms freewheel : present tense I/you/we/they freewheel he/she/it freewheels present participle freewheeling past tense freewheeled past participle freewheeled to move on a bicycle without… …   English dictionary

  • freewheel — [[t]fri͟ː(h)wi͟ːl[/t]] freewheels, freewheeling, freewheeled also free wheel VERB If you freewheel, you travel, usually downhill, on a bicycle without using the pedals, or in a vehicle without using the engine. [V adv/prep] He freewheeled back… …   English dictionary

  • freewheel — n. mechanical device (in a bicycle, car, train) v. coast, move freely; coast by means of a freewheel …   English contemporary dictionary

  • freewheel — I noun a clutch (as on the rear wheel of a bicycle) that allows wheels to turn freely (as in coasting) • Hypernyms: ↑clutch II verb 1. live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely My son drifted around for years in California before going to law… …   Useful english dictionary

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