Find HS Code and trade information for bicycle flywheel

Bicycle Flywheel

A bicycle flywheel, also known as a freewheel or cassette (depending on the bicycle type and mounting system), is a mechanical component crucial for propulsion. It transmits power from the pedals to the rear wheel, allowing the bicycle to move forward.

Material

Flywheels are typically constructed from steel alloys, offering a balance of strength, durability, and wear resistance. Higher-end models may utilize materials like titanium alloys or carbon fiber composites to reduce weight. The pawls and ratchet mechanism within the flywheel are often made of hardened steel.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a flywheel is to allow coasting. When the rider stops pedaling, the flywheel disengages from the rear wheel, allowing the wheel to continue spinning due to momentum. This enables the rider to glide without forcing the pedals to rotate. It also allows for efficient braking and gear changes.

Function

The flywheel functions via a ratchet and pawl mechanism.

• Driving: When the rider pedals forward, the pawls engage with the ratchet teeth, transferring power to the wheel.
• Coasting: When the rider stops pedaling or pedals backward, the pawls disengage, allowing the wheel to spin independently.
• Backpedaling: The disengagement mechanism also allows for braking by resisting rotation when pedaling backward.

Usage Scenarios

Flywheels are integral to most bicycles, including:

• Road Bikes: Typically utilize cassettes with multiple sprockets for varied gear ratios.
• Mountain Bikes: Employ cassettes designed for durability and wider gear ranges to handle challenging terrain.
• Hybrid Bikes: Use a variety of flywheel/cassette configurations based on intended use.
• Single-Speed Bikes: Utilize a single cog and a simpler freewheel mechanism.
• BMX Bikes: Often use a freewheel, sometimes with a smaller number of teeth for quicker acceleration.

Common Types

• Freewheel: An older design where the entire gear mechanism is a single unit that screws onto the rear wheel hub. Less common in modern bicycles.
• Cassette: The most common type today. It consists of multiple sprockets that slide onto a splined hub body. Cassettes require a specific freehub body compatible with the number of speeds (e.g., 8-speed, 9-speed, 10-speed, 11-speed, 12-speed).
• Single-Speed Freewheel: A simplified version with a single cog, often used on fixed-gear or single-speed bikes.
• Fixed-Gear Cog: While not a flywheel in the traditional sense, fixed-gear cogs are directly connected to the rear wheel, meaning the wheel and pedals always rotate together.

A bicycle flywheel is a component typically made of iron or steel, functioning as a rotating mass to maintain momentum and smooth out pedaling effort. It is used in bicycles to improve riding efficiency and is a rod-shaped component.

The following HS codes are relevant based on the provided information:

• 7326908688: Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Other: Other. This code covers a broad category of iron or steel articles. Given the flywheel’s material composition (iron or steel), this is a potential match. The total tax rate is 82.9%. Note that steel, aluminum products have an additional 25% tariff.
• 7326908605: Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Other: Other Rods for electrical grounding (While not a direct match, a flywheel is a rod-shaped component made of iron or steel). As the flywheel is described as a rod-shaped component made of iron or steel, this code may be applicable. The total tax rate is 82.9%. Note that steel, aluminum products have an additional 25% tariff.
• 8712004800: Bicycles and other cycles (including delivery tricycles), not motorized: Other bicycles. If the flywheel is being imported as part of a complete bicycle, this code would be relevant. The total tax rate is 66.0%.
• 8712005000: Bicycles and other cycles (including delivery tricycles), not motorized: Other cycles. Similar to 8712004800, this applies if the flywheel is part of a complete bicycle import. The total tax rate is 3.7% + 55.0%.

Regarding HS codes 7326908688 and 7326908605, please note the need to verify the material (steel or aluminum) as products made of steel or aluminum have an additional 25% tariff.