Originally Posted by aokgk
The bike will have 700x35 wheels ...My Question is...Are these hubs the way to go, if you can afford them. And secondly, is having a 46t cog a good choice??
Grant.
My first comment is that I envy you your world trip!
Do I think the Rohloff is the way to go. Yes, my touring bike is at the LBS now undergoing a "make over" that includes the Rohloff. I too have 700X wheels and did a lot of Spreadsheet calculations to arrive at my chainring/sprocket selection. I will set it up now with a 48T chainring and 17T sprocket that will give my about the same range that I had with my derailleurs. IF I go to full loaded panniers I will change it out to a 38T chainring and 16T sprocket, the only thing lower than that would be a 40T chainring with a 17T sprocket. Both of these combinations will give you about 18 gear inches (the 40x17 is only fractionaly lower).
I have searched the web extensively and have yet to find anyone that said thay have broken one. There is always a first time but I would not hesitate to do the tour your contemplating on a Rohloff. Have your LBS show you how to get the hub into a gear IF you were to break a cable; that is the more liklely problem that you will have.
Good luck, and we want reports!