Originally Posted by
PaulRivers
If you're worried about gearing, a regular derailler is a far more flexible choice. If you don't want to do maintenance, an igh with a belt completely eliminates the source of regular maintenance by getting rid of the chain.
IGH with chain is nearly maintenance free. You barely have to oil/clean the chain....I rarely do....just ride it until the cog and ring are thrashed and then replace all 3. Without a derailleur the chain will keep going 'round happily for a very long time without much attention...especially if your cog and ring have even numbered teeth as Sheldon points out:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chain-life.html
With a Rohloff just flip the cog and ring and add new chain for a whole new lease on life with minimal cost - I run $16 SRAM 8 speed chains on my Rohloffs.