Ask Adam LZ: Freecoasters Vs. Cassettes

Should you make the switch to a coaster? What tricks will be easier? Will it make some things harder? I answer all this in addition to telling some of the general benefits and negatives I've noticed after riding mine for the past 3 months!
I make shirts and stickers :) Check em out! - LZBMX.com
I've been wanting to make this video since the day I got my coaster! There were a lot of suprises, good and bad, when I made the switch and I've been wanting to tell you guys some way! I thought it was only right to wait until I had been riding it for a few months so I could give a more accurate review. I really like making these videos because it gives me an opportunity to talk about a subject and offer my insight where I really can't in other videos. I have a few more ideas for these, including my opinion on Street vs. Park, but feel free to give some more suggestions below! Once I get another GoPro (I had to send mine back for glitches) I'm hoping to get to a 2 video per week schedule with one riding video and one "Ask Adam LZ" or weekly update. I really value your opinion so please give me suggestions and input in the comments section. Also feel free to answer other people's questions, I think it's awesome when the comments section looks like a helpful forum. Thanks guys for watching :)
SOCIAL MEDIA
TWITTER:
/ adam_lz
FACEBOOK:
/ adam.lz.1
INSTAGRAM:
/ adam_lz
Snapchat
Adam_LZ

[@TopFloorEricc]

The cassette sound is one of the most satisfying sounds

[@JiNX_11311]

FAX

[@theronquiett7251]

I hate that sound

[@kawpoy]

@Lincoln Ransford does it work

[@slurp1729]

@@kawpoy those are bot accounts

[@AdamLZ]

Also, having a coaster is like having a 6speed car. Your girlfriend won't ever want to ride it! (Or at least that's the case with Nicole).

[@redgaming2431]

Can you do a vid on brakes vs no brakes, or a vid on what to look for when you're buying new parts? That would be awesome! Keep up to good work you're videos are awesome!

[@bffvsbvvx3975]

I don't know how it is for you but my girlfriend's is not going to be like that .because i have cassette.and i'd expect my woman to like riding free coaster because i feel woman can't not like the same things i like in my opinon(Nothing against woman who don't like free coasters Especially Adam's Girl with all do respect! in case if you guys got the wrong impression of what i said). With All Do Respect. I Mean No Disrespect To Anybody

[@AdamLZ]

OBSESSIONBMX in english?

[@bffvsbvvx3975]

.

[@notsofairisit]

What are you saying

[@itsCONTROVERSY]

a loud cassette lets people walking know to get the fuck out the way. I need that

[@UnKnown-cg1fo]

I do that. But I paddle backwards so it is louder and faster

[@JustWrightHD]

Wes R so if I'm going forward on a cassette, I can still pedal backwards?

[@itsCONTROVERSY]

yes of course

[@JustWrightHD]

itsCONTROVERSY oh great, I ride enough fixed so that's a relief. Looking to pick up a kink liberty

[@itsCONTROVERSY]

nah, look at Fit or Cult. the brandon begin or dak frame. any cult bike is dope

[@blixdunn6304]

I've been using the same cassette hub since 2001. Recently bought a free coaster and within an hour went back to my cassette hub.

[@kezo_fps]

Blix Dunn that must be an amazing cassette hub damn what kind is it haha

[@blixdunn6304]

Odyssey Hazard cassette LHD 48H

[@nashgiesemann6963]

Blix Dunn i have the same cassette for my bike i love it

[@jacobdaniel3702]

Lol

[@blixdunn6304]

matt vanbeekveld maintained it after every ride. I no longer ride it due to a taxi hitting me.

[@AdamLZ]

Feel free to have conversations in the comments section and answer other peoples questions! I think it's sick when you guys do it.

[@caulinleach9693]

What camera do you use, I've been looking at a camera but idk what I should get?

[@AdamLZ]

rusty spoon 60d

[@relexious6560]

#NotChoseBMX

[@lconthebeat]

can u pedal backwards with a freecoaster

[@markwhiston7004]

Bmx Markwhiston me looks bmx

[@alexbaker2996]

"Weight weenie" "Don't usually care but, I notice a huge difference when it's in my back end" ;)

[@TM-tz9wh]

Wow

[@rcgfilms1411]

dude he was contradicting himself the whole video

[@rcgfilms1411]

i couldn't even watch half of it but then again this is the young lz

[@TheScotThomas]

I like how RCG FILMS didn't get the joke. still reacted twice.

[@its_me_dave]

Hey RCG FILMS, I’m guessing you don’t notice a huge difference when it’s in your back end??

[@MaitreSpader]

I'm from Europe and really, thanks for speaking a good and well articulated english. Very useful video, thanks brah !

[@AdamLZ]

Sarcasm?

[@MaitreSpader]

LZ BMX nope !

[@andrewmassie2874]

If you did a backwards manual with a cassette hub wouldn't it make it a backwards wheelie?

[@dennyf2390]

The Pudding Bandit I think so.

[@ijabwegouibnabrg]

No, instead of using preasure to keep the wheel up the wheel is already being kept up, so it's just some movement forced by the already balanced wheel.

[@ijabwegouibnabrg]

Idk if that makes sense

[@marionnejake8680]

no its just a realy long back lash if your in a cassette

[@cheetootb2970]

Oh shit

[@samrecio2313]

I actually have a credit card taped to my frame that hits my spokes so I can gave EVEN MORE sound, you have no idea how much that sound amuses me.

[@Sam-cq2bh]

also with contactless i can pay with my bike

[@jacktwomey8076]

I rather no sound

[@SilkySilv]

Back in the day we used a baseball card

[@mordecai3014]

Adam just saved you from spending 200$ + on a freecoaster

[@voltagerider94]

man youre talking so fast :D im from germany and this was 12 minutes of pure concentration for me to understand this :D but fuck off, thats better english lesson, than 5 hours at the school, so thanks for this too :D and yea cassettes are the best, keep it real! Whys everybody is riding coasters: hype!

[@AdamLZ]

Kevin Sick :D

[@lolopeni]

Naa was geht? :D

[@mort7987]

für mich auch lol :D

[@mrbungle710]

Das ist Meine spitzer

[@sentom866]

ich fand es war ok

[@seanmadeup22]

Highly impressed with your vivid and detailed advice. I completely support you and all of your vids. Crazy thanks fam!

[@maricelbonto3479]

It tried a cheap freecoaster AKA: chainless...and i cant tell you how many times i smashed my knee on the stem😣

[@lorenzo6619]

Ohhh damn i hate that it feels like I shatter my knee every time

[@yeetem_feet1983]

U got to get used to it it took me 5mins to get used to

[@XxBuggy4LifexX]

Adam when he thought he’d never get a mustache

[@keananconnor4221]

Iv been watching you since 2015 and tomorrow I finally get my first freecoaster and your an inspiration Adam 👌🏻

[@shane95kirk]

dont know how i started watching your old videos but.... this is the video that lead me to your youtuybe and have been a sub since. its crazy to see how far you have come dude all on a bike and videos!!! keep ridin my dude

[@Bored00m]

had to check if my video playback speed was set to normal

[@DonoldMcPeterson]

I had to slow it down. Not hard to follow, just hard to listen to one tone that fast.

[@danieldowty4910]

Do you have a video on no brakes vs brakes? If not, you should consider making one cause I'm curious on which one you think is better and what the pros and cons are of brakes and no brakes.

[@nugenki]

Makes me happy to know you will probably switch back. Cassettes made your videos so much fun to watch

[@basedbilly2711]

Thanks for this I've been thinking about switching for some time now and a 2nd opinion always helps.

[@rolandmendez6158]

you inspired me to ride and learn ima going to continue practicing everyday to be my best

[@gitaarmovies2003]

I had that problem with my knee hitting the stem when I had my freecoaster! It hurts. But then the axle broke and now I got a cassette

[@Dragzzy0]

Hey Adam love watching your vids they make me laugh so hard I just got a new bike built it myself it's amazing since im new to riding I can't really do any tricks that's why I watch you SEND IT

[@garethfoster9961]

Dude this is a brilliant explanation of the differences between the two. And how differences affect riding..👍👍

[@Xdckev]

The time ADAM LZ was cool

[@lukemariano7504]

He’s even cooler now, wym

[@MagmaTrevor]

Freecoaster is the stick of BMX, not everyone can ride/drive one. I enjoyed the blow off valve of chain slack haha.

[@spencerlindaman4582]

Yahhh boi

[@AnnaUfer]

your videos are hilarious - in a good way.. also the old ones on adam lzbmx channel. so much fun! i started an hour ago and i just cant stop. cheers from Berlin. btw: cassette is the best

[@ayrienbmx_1953]

I love videos like this Adam! I am suggesting that in the next video like this explain like what lauren, froth, Gregg and that means. thanks for the tips!

[@Benny46drift]

I think I need a free coaster as peddling doesn't help my balance personally but then I am a beginner and just uploaded my first bunny hop video... go me!!!

[@zunru]

you dont need one... u might want one but should never need one

[@DalllasJoshua1010]

Nicole vs Adam Game of BIKE

[@staurosntourakis159]

JoshuaLeeFilms that wold be hilarious

[@musicmann8795]

Ah man. Those were the days. Bmx 24/7, Adam lz and the come up on my KZbin 25/7

[@ang895223]

awesome video man!! thanks a lot really helped me make my mind up on what im going to run on my new setup!! I had talkes to alot of people and watched alot of videos on both but this finally helped me make my mind up!!

[@CannonGamesV1]

Another pro for freecoasters is if you hit a street spot, your hub won't alert the rent-a-cops. But this is subjective. You could just go for a quieter hub, but if you have no sound at all, it just eliminates the sound factor of the possibility of getting caught.

[@hellboy7466]

If you put really new grease in a cassette it will be silent if thats what you fancy.

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

+Harry G Bofinger doesnt always work itll make it quieter but to make it silent like dead silent certain hubs slip if you put that much grease in them

[@benscoltock4886]

What about dirt riding? Im just starting and you don't do fakies on dirt jumps and I don't usually hear cassettes on them either. I've been back and forth the whole video. Any advice?

[@coledarman7862]

Coaster are really fun u will fine out how the hubs works and geg good at it

[@damonamos9677]

if you want to see a good dirt rider that uses a coaster watch pat caseys monster dream backyard edits

[@DeluxFuzion]

Hey Adam i bought 2 duo tan wall tires, 2 tubes, a gift bag, chain kit, and i also got a shadow conspiracy seat post combo. + Keep up bmxing!!

[@jackwhyte5943]

keep up the good work Adam I love your videos

[@texasbevolonghorns]

I have the colony free coaster after 3 years of riding cassette they are weird not gonna lie. One thing Adam didn't say but probably knew is that if you ride brakeless you can't control how fast you go backwards on a free coaster on a cassette you have pedal pressure and can use that to slow you down. Another thing it gets a little time getting used to. Like Adam said 3 weeks and then make a choice. But before you go spending 100+$ if you know someone ask if you can try their free coaster

[@AdamLZ]

Very true! Thanks for the input, I knew I would forget something

[@sonicsanti]

yup.... but i think its more work

[@sonicsanti]

then there you have another idea!

[@nano3719]

i really dont know much but, is a cassettes similar to a fixed gear bicycle?

[@AdamLZ]

Julio Garcia Naa, cassette is just a normal bicycle hub that can coast

[@calebbarke2915]

+LZ BMX I just got a hype. CO and going to skate park

[@bendrexel1499]

I've ridden a freecoaster now for about 6 months, and I decided to throw my cassette wheel back on. Completely changes the way I ride, but I'm really enjoying it! I'm probably just gonna switch back and forth between coaster and cassette

[@DEVUNK88]

I've seen people riding both, its been awhile since I've been around guys streetriding and when I first saw a video of dudes riding fakie for 10-20 feet without backpedaling I knew that the tech had evolved since I had been away.... lol it blew my mind, looks revolutionary, but I hear your points comparing the two. learned a lot thanks

[@rightlegproduction1]

can you do front load vs bottom load stem?

[@mrbungle710]

There's not that much of a difference, most top loads are higher than front load stems but you can easily flip them. Stems come in all shapes and sizes so meaning that it's really just for looks or preference

[@mhdasri1117]

Now you driffter..give me your rim cassette 😅😅😅

[@aprilruiz9528]

Thanks for telling me all the things about freecoaster adam lz :) :)

[@joelsittler6997]

Watching this video after riding a friends coaster made me understand them so much more. Shane Weston said that freecoasters make everything look beautiful, and I completely agree. I do think though, that it is easier to ride a cassette. Coasters feel more clunky and jerky, and cassettes feel much smoother. Anyway, just something to keep in mind.

[@coledarman7862]

I have the primo freemix pro freecoaster

[@tudorelu-artist5623]

+Cole Darman I have the Dartmoor RIOT one

[@k-art-L]

back then when this chanel used to be good!

[@jackwhyte5943]

Thanks Adam this was exactly the video I was looking for because I'm a beginner rider and my friends keep on telling me to get a freecoaster but I wasn't sure if that was the right thing to do

[@bobbyreay3742]

Adam, like you i prefer the sound of a casset cause it makes me go faster! Free coasters are cool but i love cassets for the simple fact that it looks cooler in videos, edits, and that like you the pedaling back helps me balance keep up the great work!

[@texasbevolonghorns]

Every rider is ugly except you tho

[@AdamLZ]

awwww

[@jaydalton]

:'(

[@Jam_cliffe]

Jay Dalton BMX and jay

[@jaydalton]

Hedheyhinch

[@Noahkleptachbmx]

Jay Dalton BMX jays a qt(;

[@JDBaseBallKid14]

honestly free coasters make fakieing wayyyy easier

[@finleythegolden2909]

JDBaseBallKid14 not imo. I like having to pedal when doing fakies

[@cozmics1191]

Its opinion based I fined it easier but my friend can’t use it for shit 😂

[@Zyras]

I have a freecoaster from my flatland bike i built like 5 years ago. Still works like a charm.

[@maxdreyar4037]

i was tempted to switch to coaster but mainly for 180 downwhips for how i catch cranks, but thanks for clearing that up! cassette is one for me! :D cause i doubt id like the feel of a free coaster :) thanks Adam!

[@paulstoneHumanbasic]

"Back in the day" we used to ride with coaster brakes, Skyway Tuff II's mostly, all the benifits of a freecoaster, no crank rotation in fakie, silent running and made some tricks a sinch, like no handed cherrypickers n stuff. Downside? you couldn't pedal backwards (made footplants sketchy as hell). I don't remember them having a gap as big as you (Adam) descibed in your vid, a small gap sure but not as much a 1/4 crank. Love the vids/edits, yours and boqer123, they've inspired me to get back up the park........ and then the hospital..... probably )))

[@renevaldez5121]

Thanks Adam , this video really helps me a lot , awesome video 😆😆😆😃😃😃

[@hardinggoJohnGreen]

I’m new in bmx but I have been riding free coaster ever since I have been able to ride a bike, but thank you for your opinions on the hubs

[@Noahkleptachbmx]

Adam LZ: great choice once you go back to a cassette, and you should defiantly make a video for tips on filming wepisodes and such!!

[@MrHeroinoman]

Thanks for sharing your opinion !

[@survivealiveofficial4056]

Thanks for the comment on learning fackie. I had to relearn fackie to a certain extent when I put on a free coaster wheel.

[@STREETPRODZBMX]

Thanks fam. Was debating about getting a free coaster.

[@lukasstipp_bmx]

this morning i was in the process of putting on a new chain, and figured i would try riding my bike chainless for a day. i gotta say, i kinda liked it and have now ordered an odyssey clutch

[@charliecripps88]

Helped me a lot dude ! Thank you !

[@aaronregan5061]

Just what I was looking for thank you

[@aurteekay6339]

Broski got the chrome freecoaster. I have one odyssey hazard lite and I know they have no plans of restocking soon so I’m hanging onto it like my life depends on it 😂 soooo dope I love the chrome.

[@brianbrandemihl5838]

You help me out a lot man!!!!

[@brandoncosbey2757]

You should do a video on what are the advantages and disadvantages of riding street , park , dirt

[@robertbrowning3850]

I love your vids I have done all your tricks on my bike there awesome

[@alexmccoy2418]

Adam.. to be honest i liked your style a lot better when you had a cassette. Cant wait to see you switch back.

[@Mxgarage33]

Thanks I really wanted to know about free coasters thank you thumbs up

[@72DaltonM]

I've thought a out getting into like, designing and selling my own shirts and what not like you and boqer, but don't know where to start. I think a video talking about that would be awesome. And showing your setup for making your stickers and stuff also. Because, even if I don't get into the clothing aspect, making my own stickers would be cool. I was looking at vinyl sticker printers or whatever they are called and had no idea what I needed or the kind of quality the machines were. So yeah, that'd be sweet. Thank you!

[@jakebell4402]

I love watching Adam lz

[@christoferholt231]

I admire your out put

[@sphynxgaming708]

Adam u were the one i looked up to for a while and i just started and need tips on 180s

[@latrellsmith4687]

Thanks for the video i have been riding a coaster for about 5 months and ive ridden cassettes for a like 5 years and had the same things that you are talking about in this video and yes fullcabs are harder on coaster

[@St3fWavii]

I most definitely made that mistake of switching to a freecoaster hoping that it would make fakies easier, but eventually I got used to it. It actually made me ride a cassette even better, idk if that's weird or not lol

[@ashleycutain]

Thanks adam for making this vid its helped me loads, as well as all your other entertaining vids keep up the good work bru

[@MeatSauce718]

i switched to a coaster about maybe 5 months ago they are really fun and I do agree don't get one if you're a beginner I got mine because I like the style ledge tricks like 180 smiths are easier because you don't have to worry about the cranks going back on you also techy tricks are easier for me at least I don't think id ever go back to cassette but its all opinion based everyone rides different great video!!!

[@DosMusketeers1]

I love how he adds tiny car jokes in his videos

[@Jordanmarsh12301]

Adam I have a scooter and the freecoaster hub is eactly like the scooter wheel it makes some tricks harder and some easier! +LZ BMX

[@nickvansteenoven4656]

Make more this kind of videos adam its very interresting

[@Vgk36]

excellent and honest review.

[@pretzelrules11]

I may be getting a freecoaster soon (i need lhd) and what i did was take the chain off on my cassette hub and try fakies and halfcabs on that and it felt really weird not having peddle pressure (since ur chain is off you have no peddle pressure and it kinda helps simulate a freecoaster) in my opinion this is a good way to test if a freecoaster is good for you

[@yuzetrent1813]

I love the sound but also the pump

[@ejhodges403]

One thing i noticed is that i could sometimes do pedal pressure tricks when i never move my feet backwards. So there is no slack

[@hermannleitmann8864]

I look up to u, Brandon begin and Stevie Churchill Keep doing what u doing bro :D

[@MrLandform]

Great video.

[@alanott-lecoutre1904]

Hey dude, i really like you videos and everything that you do. in about a month i'm getting a bike for my birthday, i would like to make it the best i can with what I've got and i want to now what choices i have for the different parts for it, i'm just saying that i really like this kind of video and i wish you did more. Alan

[@mr.d1598]

the cassete hub sound is music for me :D

[@wesleysept6536]

So from what I'm hearing is that a " freecoaster" is only beneficial to pull off certain tricks. My 22 inch BMX is a cassette, and I've ridden a freecoaster, and can adapt to that bit of slack, but it just isn't worth it for me. I'm an older rider, and if I was starting out brand new I would change to freecoaster. Thanks for the great video dude, I look forward to watching more. Wes Sept

[@jamesgamer9271]

cool vid man

[@localdude2979]

I love the Cult v2 Match Casseeeettteee. I own one in rasta color scheme

[@NURDS]

no spacers demo rotator things a tank, i love that slack and speed isnt an issue around a month for me atleast.

[@chandlerpace9117]

Ur vids are dope adam lz

[@maesoemmanuel6096]

So finally Adam, is the free coaster the ultimate invention or is it a temporary fashion that's gonna fade over the years??

[@SLZYPZY]

100% get the BSD Revolution hub!

[@treytwiford1]

Sick review!! Kind of random but I just want to complement you on you video and how appropriate they are . No offense to boqer but I like watching you videos way more because they swear a lot in his. Keep up the good work!

[@Cityslickerr_]

The sound of the cassette is so cool

[@Jorgie000]

I love the cassette sound.

[@akilla4reala669]

Did you speed this video up, or do you really talk that fast? If this is natural, I’m impressed!

[@stefangracher6823]

Thanks so much this helped a lot

[@vieribiky]

Keep up the good work Adam. I am pro cassette (just my personal preference), but riders like Bruno Hoffman are made for coasters :)). P.S. do more how to's, I learned hang 5s watching your how to. Keep on riding, a fellow bmx rider from Romania

[@AdamLZ]

:) will do!