The lower idler isn't there to take up slack, it's to prevent the chain from dropping off the chainring (from the bottom first) on the rebound stroke of the suspension, when the chainstay length is dramatically decreasing a feeding "slack" chain back into the system via the derailleur. The lower guide also helps to ensure there's sufficient chain wrap around the chainring to reduce tooth wear while JRA.
See above, not so complicated
There’s a jockey. Haven’t had an issue with any clogging.
Bike is 19kg, 6kg of that is chain and another 2kg is springs.
Not quite as I understand it. Yes, a bottom jockey helps keep the chain on, but with this design, and the extreme rearward path, it also serves to free up more chain as ir lowers when the suspension compresses.
Because of where the chain is pivoting from, yes. But it doesn’t actually release/unspool anything as it’s not sprung.
Had forgotten there was a jockey in there it was a while ago I had mine. Also found the drag and noise hard to live with.
www.ceramicspeed.com
They do recommend running it like it is. I’ve chatted with someone who spoke to Hugh about it. I just don’t think I need quite as much as it comes stock, running the 42t cassette. I could be very wrong and visiting the confessional….again
Long as derailleur has enough travel to accommodate full compression, can't see there being any major drama.
I'm assuming the theory is the more wrap around the guide, the more pressure and friction there is on it
More tension on bigger cogs is how it seems, though exacerbated by the chain line I’m sure. It’s not there in the 9t, and chain line is centred, so it seems more to do with additional tension on larger gears.
Maybe you are the only one who actually pedals their ENR up hills and doesn't do their climbing from the comfort of a bus/shuttle wagon?
