>>1426891I specifically got a Centertrack system for urban mud and snow conditions. An earlier version of this:
https://spotbrand.com/collections/bikes/products/acmeDoes what it says on the tin, but it's not really practical. Very sensitive to chainline alignment and tension, not nearly as forgiving as roller chain that way. Carbon fiber cords inside might not technically stretch, but the rubber teeth and aluminum sprocket do wear in requiring frequent adjustment, especially when new. Everything is usually silent, but an annoying squeak can start up anytime and be difficult to cure; I ended up 'lubricating' it with graphite powder! Finding the right pre-tension can be tricky, the 'cricket' tool and 'twang' phone app are of limited use: you just have to develop a feel for it. I suspect the pre-tension killed my bottom bracket bearings. It outlasted three or four chains but not even that really defrays the cost. My LBS says mud and snow reduce their lifespan, but that was the whole point! When it wore out I replaced it with 8-speed derailleur chain with hot wax lube and haven't looked back. If something ever happens to this bike I'll look into a Dutch style full chaincase but probably stick with plain chain.
It would fill two little niches fairly well: cool kids who want something different because different, and fancy fixies. I'm not a fixiefag myself but I imagine the zero backlash and slightly 'rubbery' feel would make for an even more intimate connection with the pavement. Would need to be a purpose-built fixie of course, not an "authentic" crust-punk 10-speed conversion, but they're out there.
>>1427011>anti-gripshift hateGripshift on deraillure is a staple of todays Walmart-tier BSOs because it's the cheapest way of doing it that's not a plastic friction shifter or something. They do suck in that application! I specifically downgraded the stock triggers to Nexus gripshift because they are way faster with a hub. Instant anytime shifting is half the point!
