Found this interesting. Makes some sense, IMO. Thinking it’s probably more prone to mud and dirt ingress in that position, but not many disadvantages otherwise.

https://nsmb.com/articles/reinventing-and-moving-freewheel/

Thinking more about it – the chain would be moving while you freewheel, that could be messy.

It moves when I’m pedalling as well. Might also be a better place to use a sprag clutch for silent running. Perhaps even introduce some float on the mounting splines to help with chain line issues.

Coasting over rocky stuff at speed + muddy chain + in high gear (so low chain tension, non-straight chainline) = risk of chain derailment. Just like with the conventional set-up, except the chain is moving and there would be a real risk of a horrible snarl up. You would need a bomb-proof chain retention system at the front and back.

Not for me thank you. I ride trials and would not want this one a normal bike.
Only positive is engagement points and light back wheel.

Conventionally, a sticky freewheeling pushes against the chain, against a stationary chain ring and causes droop.

In this scenario, the cassette keeps turning and pulling the chain taught.

Onzadog – Member

In this scenario, the cassette keeps turning and pulling the chain taught.

I think there’s potentially the same issue, when you backpedal the chainring is pulling the chain taut in theory, but it can still derail

>>>OnzadogConventionally, a sticky freewheeling pushes against the chain, against a stationary chain ring and causes droop.

In this scenario, the cassette keeps turning and pulling the chain taught.
The link from the OP envisages using this with conventional derailleur gears (unless I have completely misread it). So with a sticky freewheel the rear cogs will be pulling the bottom run of chain against a reluctant front freewheel. This will wind up the derailleur chain tensioner but result in a slack top run of chain to flap about. It is the same situation as if you try to back-pedal when your jockey wheels are seized, only the chain is travelling in the other direction.

Onzadog – Member

It moves when I’m pedalling as well. Might also be a better place to use a sprag clutch for silent running. Perhaps even introduce some float on the mounting splines to help with chain line issues

Like the movement on the splines idea. Perfect chainline across the whole cassette.
Still out though.

I was looking at this last week as I’m after a new crankset but I’d just bought a new rear wheel. In stock at crc.