A disadvantage of Small Wheelers?
 

I was just pondering the other day and realized something. Smaller wheeled bikes get more dirt on the drivetrain and parts of the frame than larger wheeled bikes. The Splash, crud, etc. reach the bike easier as everything is lower to the ground. I cetainly have noticed this effect myself.

This isn't a big deal as such but it got me thinking that in a way it is odd that there are very few Small wheelers with a full chain cover.

Especially as some folder manufacturers are going to pretty big lenghts (Shaft Drives, modified Chain Drives, Double chaindisks) to ensure buyers do not get smeared with chain grease when they pick up and fold their bikes.

What do you guys think?
Do you know any aftermarket full chain covers that are suitable to the smaller drivetrains of small wheelers?

I have noticed it, too. It's one of the few actual disadvantages to small-wheelers I have experienced.

Also because of smaller wheels the mud/rain/crud flung upwards from the rear tyre is 'nearer' you than on a bike with bigger wheels so without mudguards or fenders as the yanks here would insist I think you have a slightly bigger chance of getting splots of mud on your coat. I see it on the chain as a fact of life and take it off semi-regularly for a nice bath. Seems the dutch have got it down when it comes to chainguards. Why they aren't more universal is a mystery. I 'get' that they make it hard for maintenence but some sort of neat quick-release is hardly rocket science is it?

That is one of the reasons why I went with an internal rear hub. It is tough to maintain the effficiency of a chain when it is covered in debris all the time. Having a hub gets the chain up off the ground more. That is whay the big rear sprocket derailleurs get so much gunk on them.

I "get" the idea of fenders/mudguards. Many Americans don't either that or they live in such perfect climates that they don't have to worry about it.

About those Dutch Chaincovers, some of the older ones were Heinous, a total hassle to take of or mount and prone to breakage/grinding against the chain. These days there are some extremely nice durable plastic ones with Quick release (they come off in under 10 seconds) that are light too, but i have yet to see these for shorter drive trains though i am sure they could be modded.

That is one of the reasons why I went with an internal rear hub. It is tough to maintain the effficiency of a chain when it is covered in debris all the time. Having a hub gets the chain up off the ground more. That is whay the big rear sprocket derailleurs get so much gunk on them.

I "get" the idea of fenders/mudguards. Many Americans don't either that or they live in such perfect climates that they don't have to worry about it.

Well, this American likes fenders/mudguards when included with the bicycle (2 of my bikes have these). My new Brompton does not as fenders/mudguards since it adds an additional $200 US dollars more for the M type (I have the C type). But I decided to go ahead and purchase the new plastic clip-on fender/mudguards anyway even though I tend to avoid rain by folding the bike up and turning to other transit options when a cloud passes over. I like to lessen the weight of the bike by not having alot of clutter on it (I carry it around alot). But all three have the same drivetrain-Sturmey Archer AW three speed hubs-2 made in England and one imported.