A normal freehub will allow for growth in the lower chain as well. It's the upper run of chain that is under tension and applying the forces that cause pedal kickback (and anti-squat). The one-way freewheel still pulls on the chain in the same way, no matter where is it located, because the whole system is still turning the same way to transmit power. Besides, lower-run-chaingrowth is already accounted for by the derailleur or stand-alone tensioner (for gearboxes) no matter where the freewheeling part is.
I'm not sure where this idea that moving the freewheel forward removes the effect of chain growth, but it's been spread by both gearbox, e-bike, and CentreHub-alike proponents, and I'm pretty sure they're all wrong.
March 20, 2023, 9:11 a.m. - Justin White
A normal freehub will allow for growth in the lower chain as well. It's the upper run of chain that is under tension and applying the forces that cause pedal kickback (and anti-squat). The one-way freewheel still pulls on the chain in the same way, no matter where is it located, because the whole system is still turning the same way to transmit power. Besides, lower-run-chaingrowth is already accounted for by the derailleur or stand-alone tensioner (for gearboxes) no matter where the freewheeling part is. I'm not sure where this idea that moving the freewheel forward removes the effect of chain growth, but it's been spread by both gearbox, e-bike, and CentreHub-alike proponents, and I'm pretty sure they're all wrong.