Originally Posted by
old's'cool
I've never been interested in owning/riding a planetary hub since for me the limited range/large steps and loss of efficiency compared to derailleurs are not acceptable compromises.
The SA AW is considered to be one of the most efficient drives of any type with a 97% efficiency... because of cross chaining and their susceptibility to contamination a derailer system can lose efficiency very quickly.
This only speaks to the drive's efficiency... a wider gearing range can make a rider more efficient even if the drive is not.