Originally Posted by Doug5150

I can see where one might want a bit of tubing on a commuter/general short-run utility bicycle, but for a recreational machine I prefer to do without if at all possible. They don't keep the chain from getting dirty, and don't make the whole thing any easier to clean either.
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I'd guess the tubing is pretty close to frictionless when it's brand-new and clean, but the problem is that it doesn't stay clean for long. And it's probably acceptable on the lower-run of chain that is not under much tension and the tube ends are lined up well with the chain. It's when it's used on the upper-run that it eats into the efficiency.
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