Originally Posted by
tomtomtom123
Internal gear hubs have a max torque/gear ratio recommendation. I don't know what it would be for your hub but the inter8 manual says:
TO ENSURE SAFETY
For Installation to the Bicycle, and Maintenance:
• The cassette joint should only be used with sprockets with 16T to 23T.
• The gear ratio of the front chainring to the rear is about 2.1-to-1.
Example) For 26 inch wheels
Front 36T 38T 46T
Rear 16T 18T 22T
I’m aware of that. But barring further rebuilding, he has a 48T chainring. So one step up on the sprocket will not put him hugely out-of-bounds.