Originally Posted by
Wilfred Laurier
Evil, dictatorial, rhetorical... and WRONG!!!!111
A smaller gear (in front) will increase tension in the chain and accelerate wear. Giant cogs in the rear will decrease wear, though.
Yes, using the smaller sprocket in front increases wear, and I could have been clearer in saying one who downshifts to a larger rear sprocket. Sometimes, I try to save words and stuff like this happens.