DJB, I have belt drives on some of my bikes so really don't worry about that too much. The Thorn has a Rohloff chain drive and I don't use that bike that much but may use it for this trip noted above.. While I do not currently use a chain cover, I would seriously consider one as I have met a few riders with them and they love them. The only issue I can think of and have not remembered to ask is what happen when you get a flat on the rear. I do not know how difficult they are to deal with then but other than that, yes I would.