Originally Posted by
PaulRivers
I have not experienced any difference in this regard between a decent derailler (like Tiagra) and my IGH bike. Both required adjustment after 100-300 miles for optimal shifting. Neither really "requires" constant cleaning of the chain, they seem to work fine without it, and I can just run them until the chain or cogs wear out, though I have no doubt there's a certain number of people who feel the chain should be cleaned regularly - I try to do it once a year, but in the past I've gone years without cleaning a chain on a derailler setup. A rear cassette seems to be slightly more expensive than a rear single ring. As I mentioned - there's not much of a difference for regular road riding.
My most abused IGH bike was setup once 14 months ago...has been ridden on the beach [sand & splashed saltwater], in the desert, winter biking on road [salt/slush/sand, etc...], burning man [corrosive dust], dirt road touring, mtn biking, and more....I've lubed the chain twice and never adjusted the IGH.
My derailleur road bike has seen several adjustments and had the drivetrain cleaned twice in the same period even though it has seen less than 50% the kms and all on road.