Hot answers tagged maintenance
4
I'd transform the comparison between single-speed vs. multi-speed(derailer) to SINGLE-CHAINLINE(single, fixed, or internal-geared-hub) vs derailed(assumed always multi-speed).
Then, there are ONLY advantages for the single-chainline bike:
Overall material is thicker. On the other hand, the need to pack a lot of gears in a cassette requires that the cogs ...
3
I can't really debate whether your drivetrain will have less wear. However, the symptoms of wear are much less pronounced on a single speed drivetrain (assuming you are not using a tensioner). You're just not going to get the same chain skipping / jumping issues you would on a derailleur system. The same thing is applicable to internally geared hubs.
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3
I am not sure if you fancy that, but with single speed setup, you can potentially better shield chain from dust and elements, which can prolong the life of drive train significantly.
Also, single speed sprockets and chain rings can potentially be made of more solid material than multispeed variants, which are now days mostly done out of Aluminium to make ...
2
I used to have single-speed commute bike. Then switched to 9-speed setup for commuting. I find no significant difference in lifespan of chains and chainrings.
The obvious advantage of single-speeder is constant nearly perfect chainline. This means your chain is never bent. But most of the times chains die by getting stretched. And equally good chains will ...
1
Sandpaper and/or a wire brush would probably be ok.
What would work better would be a bench grinder with a buffing wheel and some buffing compound. That'd get it shiny and new looking.
If you don't have access to that, you could probably do a decent job with a Dremel but it would take forever.
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