Originally Posted by kgibbs51
The 9speed Mini Capreo is also 1lb lighter than the 8speed. How is this achieved? I'm on the fence on this issue and really am waiting to see how the new Curve SL stacks up. Its a 5 speed but weighs 2lbs less than the Mini Capreo but $100 more.
Internal hub drivetrains are typically heavier than derailer drivetrains.
From a conversation with Peter Reich
weight(Nexus 8 speed hub) = weight(DUAL DRIVE) + 1 lb. = weight(8 sp derailer drivetrain) + 2 lbs.
Note, there was another recent thread that discussed internal hubs versus derailers.
EDIT: Here is the old thread
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=273185. Regarding the previous travel question, it might have to do with a derailer being messy and easily damaged during travel.