ILTB - I think that if you are going to be critical about fixed gear bikes then you need to get out and ride one... have that zen like experience (or not)... and then get back to me.

I don't think have ever said geared bikes are inefficient as if they were I would not own seven of them and as far as freewheel hubs freezing up... it happens here a fair deal as we deal with some extremely cold weather.

I'm down at our bike shop where the work of the day for many is freeing up a number of frozen and crudded up front derailleurs... that's something that I don't have to deal with unless I ride my geared winter bike but it only comes out when things are drier and cleaner.