Originally Posted by
staehpj1
I consider that a bit of a stretch. Dérailleur gearing is lighter, cheaper, sufficiently reliable, and field reparable.
I am not knocking internal gearing for those who prefer it, but I certainly don't see dérailleur gearing as inadequate or internal gearing as a panacea. So my preference is still for dérailleur gearing.
I think part of the issue is that people have gotten used to dérailleur gearing, because it has been the only real option for the last 30 years. Now that internal hubs have enough speeds and range, it becomes more interesting. Internal hubs are or can be pretty much sealed to the weather, so while it can't be field repairable it shouldn't be affected by dirt and water like dérailleur gearing can. You don't have pieces hanging down where they can be damaged by objects on the ground. Chains can be wider and heavier duty, meaning that you don't end up spending half your time, on tour dealing with chain maintenance.
Other interesting options, are sealed chain cases, where chain maintenance could be done, once or twice a year, although there are also other options like shaft drives, hydraulic drives, belt drives, none of which are possible with dérailleur gearing.