I tried digging up an old but very comprehensive discussing the Speedhub, but to no avail. I'll be sure to post it later if I find it -- it's very interesting reading with input from various Speedhub owners.

In the meantime, take a gander at this: http://www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/Th...thARohloff.pdf

In a nutshell, the Rohloff Speedhub is 14-speed internally geared hub. It does away with multiple shifters, multiple chainrings, multi-speed cassette & derailleurs. I covers a wide gear range of 526%, about the equivalent of a 24-speed (8-speed cassette) drivetrain. It's about one gear shy of a typical 9-speed setup.

Depending on what level of components you're replacing, the Speedhub adds anywhere from 0 to 2 pounds. The disc brake, full-suspension version of the hub adds approximately 1 to 1.5 pounds over my normal mix of XTR & XT components I'm replacing. It also shifts displaces all that weight to the rear of the bike, centered in the hub, which of course is non-suspended weight.

But in return, it provides a stout zero-dish, symmetrical rear wheel build, it eliminates most external moving parts (all the gearing is sealed inside the hub in an oil bath), is internally indexed (no shifter adjustments), and so far has no history of mechanical failure. Plus I get to run a singlespeed-like straight chainline, can shift at a standstill or even riding backwards if I saw fit, and can shift from gear 1 to gear 14 as instantly as I can torque the shifter. My chain life expetancy has probably increased by 3x or 4x, and my rear cog and chainring can both be flipped over when they eventually wear out, for twice the already extended life. Annual maintenance involves changing the oil, which is a simple procedure and (wheee!) involves a ride after adding rinse oil to the hub to help clean everything out.

If you can get over the weight, the only real hiccup is the up-front price, but even that works out in my favor over a few years.