Originally Posted by
gregf83
I would use an IGH with belt drive on my winter bike when they come up with a reliable IGH that can be shifted with normal road shifters. My impression is the only reliable hub is a Rohloff and for that you need to add some type of rotary shifter to the tops of your bars.
I can understand your preference for sti but you're mistaken about reliability. SA 3 and 4 speed hubs have been astonishingly reliable for a long time. The Rohloff is probably more durable than the Shimano hubs, as well as having 14 speeds - but you'd expect that with the price differential.
I've got a Rohloff on a flat-bar heavy-duty tourer. It's an excellent bit of kit and seems absolutely bulletproof.