SportsAugust 24, 2026

pawls

PAWLZ

Definition

Small, spring-loaded levers or catches in a bicycle hub that engage with teeth inside the hub shell to allow the wheel to turn freely in one direction while driving the wheel when pedaling forward.

Etymology

Originating in the mid-17th century, the word likely comes from the Middle Dutch 'pal,' meaning a peg or post used to stop a mechanism from moving in the wrong direction.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the V-200/V-250 hub system, which utilizes a 3-pawl design as an alternative to their more advanced ratchet-based systems.

How one carbon wheel platform meets different riders' needs

Read the full article ↗

Bike Europe

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