Originally Posted by
Rowan
A long-distance rider (as in Audax) whom I have known for 20-plus years, has a bike similarly equipped with the multi-geared hub that used to be on a two-wheel recumbent that he ended up disliking.
The hub is now used on a bike built frame and all by another friend we have both known for decades, and the distance rider loves the set-up. Two rings on the crank because there is a lot of climbing around here, and despite being in his 60s, he still does Audax rides regularly with distances up to 600km.
This bike had the three rings but no way to switch between them. It had no chain tensioner and no way to slide the wheel to compensate for chain slack. It was a pretty big hub so I'm guessing at least 7 speeds, maybe even 14.
If I see him again I will ask about the hub. I told one of the women on the ride if he keeps passing me on hills I will challenge him to a Greco-Roman wrestling match. I'm 68 and he's probably in that neighborhood.