The Rohloff's gears are about twice as far apart as my preferred 6 to 7 percent ratiometric progression, but one could solve that with a derailleur and either two cogs in back (if a longer axle is available or if two cogs will fit the stock axle) or two chainrings up front. Yes, I like hybrid transmissions, which some folks say have the worst of both worlds, but others claim they offer the best of both worlds.

Historically, weather had everything to do with IGH development, with IGH having been immensely popular in the UK, versus derailleurs on the continent.