am curious to see if TCS answers teh same as me, but while the actual "efficiency" is hard to put real numbers to, I have always instinctively tried to keep my chain straighter, and as you say, knowing that its better for a chain and cogs not to be on the 11 or 12 teeth cogs........is all of this an insignificant amount? who knows, I dont.
all I can say is that for the live of a chain and cogs, its got to make a slight diff by not "cross-chaining" and running alot on the smallest rear cogs--I mean you can hear the difference.
for me its just old habits, and my drivetrains tend to last a good long time, but then again, I tend to clean and lube my chain when it is looking dry, and/or after I ride in the rain. Lots dont. I prefer to know how my chain is doing lube wise and grungy junk stuck on it wise, as well as not riding with it crooked.
lots of people start their car at -10, -20 and drive off right away. Some bikers dont let up much when they shift. As you wish, its more long term a lot of it, but I will take any efficiency gain any day, any amount. Waste not want not.
umm. you replying to me replying to tcs?
hit the 'reply with quote button'. makes things easier to follow.
i'm confused by tcs' reply. nowhere does he / she mention chainline.