Originally Posted by thdave
Also, it is just ridiculous to argue that you don't have to look at the chain on a derailer bike when shifting. I watch others and ride a lot (I still ride my derailer bike). No way do I switch gears in my big sprocket without looking. Most all look down to watch gears engage.
I’m a big vintage internal hub fan and ride bikes with S-A AW hubs frequently but this point has been mentioned a couple of times and I have to disagree when it is applied to modern derailleurs with indexed shifting. I will agree that when I ride the bike that I bought in 1972 with Huret derailleurs, I always look at the chain when I shift chainrings, though I rarely look when I shift the rear. But, this is absolutely not true of my 2005 bike with low-end Campy (triple chainring) components or my Shimano equipped 1989 mountain bike. I do not feel the need to watch these bikes shift. They both shift reliably.
This being said, I truly believe that most commuters and recreational riders would be much happier with internal hubs than derailleurs.
Regards,
Alan