Shimano Cassette Tz510 Freewheel 7Spd 14-28T

Shimano TZ510 / MF-TZ500 7-Speed Freewheel (14–28T)

Shimano MF-TZ500-7 7-Speed Freewheel 14-28T

What it is

Despite being called a “cassette” in some listings, this is actually a:

• 7-speed screw-on freewheel (not a cassette)
• Shimano Tourney TZ / MF-TZ500 series
• Gear range: 14–28T
• Used on entry-level MTB, hybrid, and commuter bikes

Shimano calls it a “multiple freewheel” because the ratchet mechanism is built into the gear block itself, not the hub.

Key features

• ✔ 7-speed drivetrain compatibility
• ✔ Screw-on mounting (threads directly onto hub)
• ✔ Steel construction for durability
• ✔ Simple, low-cost drivetrain system
• ✔ Works with most Shimano 7-speed derailleurs and chains

Gear range (14–28T)

Typical sprocket steps:

• 14 – 16 – 18 – 20 – 22 – 24 – 28

$\text{Gear Range} = \frac{28}{14} = 2.0$

This means:

• 200% gear range
• Designed for basic riding, commuting, and light hills
• Not as wide as “MegaRange” 14–34T versions

Freewheel vs cassette (important)

• Freewheel (this part):
  • Ratchet mechanism is inside the gear cluster
  • Screws onto hub
• Cassette:
  • Hub contains ratchet body
  • Sprockets slide onto a freehub + lockring

So this part cannot be upgraded to a cassette system without changing the wheel/hub.

Ride feel

• Simple and predictable shifting
• Heavier and less refined than modern cassettes
• Slightly larger jumps between gears
• Very reliable for casual riding

Best suited for

• entry-level mountain bikes
• school / commuter bikes
• older 3x7 drivetrain setups
• budget repairs and replacements

Pros

• very cheap and widely available
• easy to install with basic tools
• durable steel sprockets
• compatible with many 7-speed systems

Trade-offs

• screw-on freewheel = lower upgrade ceiling
• heavier than cassette systems
• limited gear range (14–28T only)
• not ideal for serious MTB or fast road riding

Bottom line

The Shimano TZ510 / MF-TZ500 7-speed 14–28T is a basic screw-on freewheel for entry-level bikes, offering simple, reliable shifting but limited performance compared to modern cassette-based drivetrain systems.