Originally Posted by
Joe Remi
Nobody in this thread is purchasing a mountain bike with a freewheel, so I think it's a moot point. Freewheels have worked fine for commuting for many decades, and will be fine on the OP's folder.
The point is a freewheel hub would quickly get the rear axle bent or snapped using such a bike off road. It's not that hard with a few potholes or dropping off a kerb to do the same with a normal bike especially when it lacks suspension and the rider is still sitting in the saddle when he/she hits the bump. Once freewheels were the only derailleur drivetrain type and there was a wide range of quality levels for freewheels now its purely entry level its not the same as the past.