The Singlespeed Freewheel Thread

[fruitcake]

Compared with derailleur, free has many of the advantages of fixed, including component longevity. The advantage of free over fixed is you can fit a smaller gear, all else being equal. With a smaller gear, you spend less energy to ascend, and the gear size does not affect your descent.

[mcshroom]

You can also coast round corners and avoid pedal strike