Originally Posted by
Gresp15C
If so, maybe 3 speeds might be enough. Granted, I'm not a super fast or athletic rider, but I've been quite satisfied with 3 speeds for my commutes.
Of course the pro's and con's are easy to guess, because the numbers don't lie. With less than a 2:1 overall gear range, you have to give something up, either ease of cranking up tall hills, or having useful power going downhill.
And, much as I love gear hubs, I have to agree with @
noglider that it's hard to make sense of IGH's from cost or weight standpoint. Adding one more gear to a cluster involves a simple piece of flat metal. Adding one more gear to an IGH is a whole new design. And it seems like modern derailer systems have gotten pretty darn reliable, even those of modest price.
I like my IGH a lot but if I never rode in real winter weather I probably wouldn't have one. But, in addition to working well in bad conditions, I also think they offer advantages to those less mechanically inclined. You don't worry about dropped chains and you don't need to lube or replace your chains as often. For those that like chain guards or cases an IGH make those a lot easier to fit.