SS XC Freewheel vs cassette = Reliability?

Bozabyka

I am building up a bike which at present has a singlespeed freewheel.
I ride xc.
Would a Surly cog be more reliable?
Is mud going to kill the freewheel?

jimothy78

I think a good quality freewheel should outlast a freehub conversion. Less access points for dirt and stuff to get in and do damage.

I believe freehubs suceeded freewheels primarily because the former allow the main wheel axle bearings to be placed on the outside, whereas with a freewheel they have to be inside. This limits freewheel hubs in terms of the number of gears that can be crammed on before the bearings are too far inboard to maintain a strong, rigid build. But if you have a wheel/hub built to take a singlespeed freewheel, this can be still be built pretty stiff as the bearings don't have to be pushed so far inboard to make way for multiple gears.

Bozabyka

Thanks
I originally planned to go back to the cog.
I now wonder if I should just ride and replace freewheels if need be.

cycleclinic

Use what you have. Freewheels are pretty cheap even good ones are.