Originally Posted by
tatfiend
I would note that the weight difference Paul Rivers mentions is dependent on how an IGH bike is equipped versus the road bike.
The Civia Hyland includes a hub dynamo, fenders, rear rack, dynamo headlight and chain guard that are not found on road bikes. Also wider and likelier heavier tires than on most road bikes. This does affect weight comparisons. I would expect that the weight differential between identical frames set up with a 8, 9 or 14 speed IGH and a derailleur road bike would be in the neighborhood of 2 pounds more for the IGH bike. I posted asking about this some time ago, asking if anyone had actual measured differences, with no replies.
The road bike also typically places the rider in a more aerodynamic riding position. As aero drag is one of the largest influences on bicycle speed this can have a major effect on cruising speed.
While comparing the weight of my high end road bike to the weight of my IGH bike with an aluminum frame on all the stuff on it certainly isn't fair, I have found fairer comparisons. I've just never found a bike with an IGH that was light. The Trek Soho, the Giant Trans Send, the Specialized Globe - the versions with the IGH always seem to be heavier. My mother test rode a Specialized Globe with and without an IGH and felt faster on the one without it (she's not in very good shape for biking).
I think it's the weight - according to hubstripping.com the Alfine weighs 1590 grams, which is about 3.5 pounds. For comparison, my high end racing wheels - BOTH of them, weight around 1500 grams together. A 2,000 gram pair of Mavic Open Pro's cost $250-$400 - not a high end wheelset. So those wheels + internal hub weighs like 3500 grams together. People say that a derailler + cassette weighs something to, which it does, but they weigh less and they aren't rotational weight on the wheel that you have to spin up every time you start and stop.
I'm not saying IGH's are bad, not by a long shot. I was just trying to provide info from my experience.
If you want to do the absolute least maintenance possible an IGH makes sense. You trade a little speed and weight for less maintenance. Or if your riding conditions are like mine in the winter and involve salt, slush and sand being thrown up onto the derailler and chain it makes a lot of sense to get an IGH which simply won't require as much maintenance (some people say they clean their chain every time they go out riding in the winter, or at least every week - there's no way I'm spending that kind of time on bike maintenance).
If it wasn't for issues I've been having with my disc brakes rubbing, I'd say an IGH is wonderfully low maintenance. But an IGH is slightly less efficient, somewhat heavier, and for the reasonable priced versions the gaps between the gears is much larger than with a traditional derailler - not big enough to make biking difficult, but big enough to sometimes not have an "optimal" gear.
I vastly prefer an IGH for my winter bike, but personally (and this is just my opinion) I'd prefer to stick with a traditional derailler for all my other bikes that aren't subjected to as much grime, salt and sand. It's not any sort of *huge* difference, but having some experience that is my preference.
Just trying to be helpful.