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Will higher teeth on freewheel (eg 22t) reduce rolling resistance as much as the lower tooth chainring?
Paint won't last long as you say but I don't mind
wqvm-
Will higher teeth on freewheel (eg 22t) reduce rolling resistance as much as the lower tooth chainring?
I don't think this is a relevant argument (for you and this bike), especially since budgeting is a (big) theme of this project (and not speed/efficiency). So I'd go for the cheaper solution.
I think you're correct in that less teeth cause less resistance, but firstly you won't be able to notice this and and secondly less teeth wear down the cogs/chainring faster.
If you're talking about the gear ratio then yes indeed, it doesn't matter if you use a smaller chainring or a bigger cog/freewheel; the ratio between the two changes in a way that the pedaling will become easier using both methods.
Tijs
Why not just get a higher tooth count freewheel? Cheaper, easier to find.
Paint doesn't look bad! Wonder how long it will hold without primer (and clear coat?) though.