Originally Posted by
Andrew R Stewart
The laws of ratios pretty much control these questions. With the same gear size the differences of a multy speed system in the same ratio as a single speed are far smaller then one thinks. Portions of a % point of efficiencies, depending on pulley friction and chain lines. The differences are far more perceived then real. Of course when your in the final sprint for the gold medal any minor difference counts. Are you doing this? The chain tension of your single speed set up will have a larger influence then the der tension/pulley wheels. BTW you say that the frame is made for single speed set up. The vast majority of forward facing drop out bikes I've seen/sold/worked on were not thought as a conversion possibility, back in the day. Can you explain more? Andy.
So my current 61.5 gear-inches is probably going to feel very similar on a SS drivetrain? That makes it easier.
Maybe I used the wrong terminology. The seller of my frame uses the term "forward facing dropouts" and Surly calls the same dropouts "semi-horizontal" and both indicate they accomodate SS drivetrains. I seem to have mixed "semi" from "semi-vertical" with "forward facing". If you are familiar with a Cross Check, that's the type of dropouts I have.