Originally Posted by
JeffS
Thanks for assuming my ignorance. It was a typo, as referenced by my subsequent post.
Anyway, it still annoys me as I consider the simpler chainline to be a plus of IGH bikes. I understand that this makes it easier for manufacturers to implement it on more models, but I personally wouldn't buy an Alfine bike that used the tensioner.
The chain tensioner is there so you can use multiple front chain rings - not because they got lazy with the design. For a lot of people the gear range on an Alfine is not enough so the front chainrings give you a better range of gears while still keeping most of the benefits of an IGH. It would also make removing that rear wheel w/ disc rotor a whole lot easier.