Originally Posted by
snarkypup
I'm fairly certain our definitions are different, remembering the thigh thread and your picture there (I will never, ever forget that thread, for so many reasons). I just mean: can I haul groceries up the mile-long moderate grade near my house. Currently, I can easily pedal the Panasonic up it, but not the Raleigh. The Panasonic, however, does not DO groceries <insert snotty sniff from bike>. The Raleigh does not DO hills, at all. With lowered gearing, it would do that hill, if I stood up and pumped and nearly killed myself. I want a bike I don't have to stand up and pump.
But am I climbing over 3000 feet on Snoqualmie Pass? No. Will I ever do that, on any bike? No. So that's what I mean by substantial. Like, neighborhood-substantial.
I don't know what they are talking about in regards to IGH not good for hills. If you have the right gear ratio a 7 or 8 speed internal is just fine, even for the Snoqualmie pass! No you won't be racing Lance with it but you can do anything you want really. My b/f's touring bike has the Alfine and he has taken it up every grade you can imagine, loaded with 40 lbs of gear (I posted a pic on your other thread). I really think that unless you have a good friend around to help you just buy the Creme with a 7 speed nexus hub.