Originally Posted by
kipibenkipod
Its odd. It should be very practical. The Dutch like this stuff. Maybe I'm missing something?
You're not. When Dutch people want a derailleur system city bike, they use something like what's on this Puch. Mostly a pant-saving measure.
Originally Posted by
kipibenkipod
~1200$ for rohloff is just insane!
Well, that's the top of the market, isn't it?
There are several good hubs from people like Sturmey Archer and Shimano available for far less.
A fully enclosed full derailleur system would need to be massive. Tall enough at the rear to enclose the derailleur, and wide enough to accomodate the full range of lateral movement.
Originally Posted by
zzyzx_xyzzy
Wasn't there a downhill MTB made with a gearbox in the frame, which, when opened, contained a regular derailleur system?
Yes, This Honda. That drivetrain box alone weighs many pounds.
