Originally Posted by
Leisesturm
This is an incorrect assumption. Except for the size of the rear wheel, both models are IDENTICAL. Same seat angle, same seat height. Both equipped with fenders, rack, etc. And your other assumption about the superiority of internal gear hubs also has to be challenged as long as I am in this text input field. IGH hubs are expensive, heavy, complex and most cannot withstand much abuse. Very few IGH are designed with more than a single chainring in mind. I believe the Rolhoff is stronger than most, but that isn't saying much. I don't know the exact numbers, but I am pretty certain that a 50/39/30 triple crank, plus 11/34 cassette, has a wider gear range than the Roloff with a single ring and in some situations you will void the Rolloff warranty if you have a triple setup up front.
IGH are more efficient in certain gears than others. Derailleurs are more or less equally efficient in all gears and that efficiency is rarely less than 94%. In more than 100 years of development there still isn't anything approaching that kind of efficiency, and yet the derailleur system is utterly simple. I don't do anything special for my drivetrains. I'm much too lazy. The regimen you describe that maintains your derailleur systems is overkill. Way too much work. That is what is turning you off. I fear you will be disappointed when/if you go over to IGH.
I'm sure I am overdoing it with cleaning, I trust you are correct in that regard, I guess I'm just anal that way
. Also, I never stopped to consider driveline efficiency when it comes to hubs, I always assumed direct contact gears would be more efficient, and that an internal hub bathed in oil would have fewer potential friction issues than a chain/cassette setup, but I am uneducated in that field. I would not want to switch to a hub unless I was able to have at least a 2 speed front hub/ring. I care less about the number of gears I have, and more about the gaps in the ratios. This will likely change over the months as my legs get stronger, and the ratios are purposeful in their spacing. If I had my way right NOW, getting back into the riding game after 11 years, I would have 2-tooth gaps through 6th gear as the long climbs kill me. I don't cruise at 35mph on flats, so I would rather have close ratios between cogs 1-6 and a bigger jump after, than how my current setup is. Luckily the Tiagra 4700 listed on the JC-70 spec sheet has closer ratios in the middle than my Acera 8 speed on the DF, so it should definitely be an improvement. My legs will be the biggest improvement I can make, no matter the ratios, so I just have to be patient for that.