I just started riding single-speed, and still have my 4-speed Atom freewheel on my C&V. I am using the 14T cog in conjunction with the 40T inner chainring (I took the 46T off). I want to select a proper single-speed freewheel.
What I was unaware of, was that most (all?) single-speed riders ride with both a lower-geared freewheel and a higher-geared chainring.
I know that switching to a single-speed freewheel will reduce weight, which is good.
I've read the single-speed advice article over at Surly, and have taken note of the important factors in efficiency; chain line, chain tension, chain selection and lubrication etc, but have yet to have-explained why a relatively high-geared freewheel, in combination with a lower-geared chainring, such as mine, is undesirable.
I love the gearing of my bike as it is, and don't want to change it at all.
Do freewheel gears larger than what I am using now translate into easier pedaling and/or less wear and tear on the drivetrain?
I found a high-quality freewheel (White Industries Eno) that is 16T, and if I use that and put the 46T back on the crank and take the 40T off, is that inherently better? How would 46/16 feel as compared to 40/14?