Originally Posted by
macdonwald
+1. If you're not mechanically inclined (like me), this is a major drawback. I have an IGH on a Downtube mini and have definitely ridden it less because I don't want to risk having to deal with a flat. When I bought it, I was under the impression that the only difference was that you had to bring an extra wrench, but it's really more involved.
Depends on the hub IMO. SRAM and Rohloff hubs have excellent design quick release shifter cables. Shimano hubs less so. IMO a Rohloff rear wheel with a QR axle, external shift box and OEM or OEM2 torque connection is as easy to remove as any derailleur rear wheel. Any IGH wheel with a coaster brake will be more of a hassle. A lot depends on the ease of installing and removing the shift cable from the hub. Horizontal dropouts and a rear fender can also be a difficult combination.
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Gear Hubs Owned: Rohloff disc brake, SRAM iM9 disc brake, SRAM P5 freewheel, Sachs Torpedo 3 speed freewheel, NuVinci CVT, Shimano Alfine SG S-501, Sturmey Archer S5-2 Alloy. Other: 83 Colnago Super Record, Univega Via De Oro
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